Welcome to GRVL Coast: Your Guide to Tasmania's East Coast Gravel Adventures

Welcome to GRVL Coast – your comprehensive guide to gravel cycling adventures along Tasmania's spectacular East Coast. Whether you're a seasoned gravel rider or new to the world of mixed-surface cycling, this platform is designed to connect you with the incredible riding opportunities that Tasmania's East Coast has to offer.

Our Vision: Ride Wild

The concept behind GRVL Coast was born from a simple yet powerful idea: Tasmania's East Coast deserves to be recognised as one of the world's premier gravel cycling destinations. With its dramatic coastline, pristine wilderness, and extensive network of gravel roads, this region offers the perfect blend of challenge, beauty, and adventure that gravel cyclists seek.

Our tagline "Ride Wild" captures the essence of what we're about - encouraging riders to embrace the untamed, unpredictable nature of gravel cycling while respecting the wild places we're privileged to explore.

What Makes Tasmania's East Coast Special

Unparalleled Scenery

From the iconic Bay of Fires with its orange-lichen-covered granite boulders to the rolling hills of the Fingal Valley, Tasmania's East Coast provides a constantly changing backdrop that makes every kilometre memorable. The region's unique geology, diverse ecosystems, and pristine coastline create a riding experience unlike anywhere else in Australia.

Extensive Gravel Network

The East Coast boasts hundreds of kilometres of well-maintained gravel roads, forestry tracks, and coastal trails. These routes connect charming coastal towns like St Helens and Scamander with remote wilderness areas, offering everything from gentle coastal cruises to challenging mountain adventures.

Perfect Climate

Tasmania's temperate climate makes it ideal for year-round gravel riding. While the rest of Australia swelters in summer heat, the East Coast offers comfortable riding temperatures, and the cooler months provide crisp, clear days perfect for longer adventures.

Our Mission: Community-Driven Development

GRVL Coast isn't just about showcasing existing routes – we're actively working to promote Tasmania's East Coast as a world-class gravel cycling destination. Our mission encompasses several key areas:

Route Development and Documentation

We're systematically mapping, documenting, and grading gravel routes throughout the region. Each route includes detailed GPX files, difficulty ratings, and essential information about amenities and services along the way.

Supporting Local Communities

We believe that gravel tourism should benefit the entire region. That's why we work closely with local businesses, accommodation providers, bike shops, and tourism operators to ensure that visitors have everything they need for a successful trip.

Environmental Stewardship

Preserving the natural beauty of Tasmania's East Coast is fundamental to our mission. We promote responsible riding practices, work with land managers to maintain access, and educate riders about minimising their environmental impact.

Building Community

GRVL Coast is more than just a website – it's a community of like-minded riders who share a passion for adventure, exploration, and the unique experience that gravel cycling provides.

What You'll Find Here

Comprehensive Route Database

Our growing collection of gravel routes covers everything from beginner-friendly coastal loops to epic multi-day adventures. Each route is carefully researched, ridden, and documented with:

Detailed descriptions of terrain, scenery, and challenges
Difficulty ratings based on distance, elevation, and surface conditions
GPX files for GPS navigation
Essential information about water sources, food stops, and accommodation
Seasonal considerations and weather-dependent factors

Planning Resources

We've curated comprehensive guides to help you plan the perfect gravel cycling trip:

Accommodation recommendations from camping to luxury stays
Local bike services and repair facilities
Food and dining options throughout the region
Transportation information for getting to and around the East Coast
Essential gear recommendations for Tasmanian conditions

Events and Community

Stay connected with the gravel cycling community through our events calendar, featuring:

Organised group rides for all ability levels
Skills workshops covering navigation, bike maintenance, and riding technique
Social events that bring the community together
Racing opportunities for those seeking competition

Journal and Stories

Our journal section features stories from the trail, gear reviews, technique guides, and insights from local riders. These articles help you prepare for your adventures and connect with the broader gravel cycling community.

Our Grading System: Choose Your Adventure

Understanding that every rider has different experience levels and fitness, we've developed a clear, consistent grading system:

🟢 Green (Easy): Up to 40km, under 400m climbing – perfect for beginners
🔵 Blue (Moderate): 40-80km, 400-1000m climbing – ideal for regular riders
🔴 Red (Challenging): 80-120km, 1000-2000m climbing – for fit, experienced riders
⚫ Black (Epic): 120km+, 2000m+ climbing – ultimate adventures for seasoned riders

This system helps you choose routes that match your experience and fitness level, ensuring every ride is enjoyable and appropriately challenging.

Getting Started

For New Gravel Riders

If you're new to gravel cycling, start with our Green-rated routes and work your way up. We recommend:

Choose the right bike – most gravel bikes or mountain bikes work well
Start with shorter distances to build confidence and fitness
Learn basic bike maintenance – punctures happen more often on gravel
Pack appropriately – weather can change quickly in Tasmania
Ride with others when possible, especially on longer or more remote routes

For Experienced Riders

If you're already comfortable on gravel, dive into our Blue and Red routes. Consider:

Multi-day adventures combining several routes
Seasonal challenges – some routes are best ridden in specific seasons
Bikepacking opportunities – many routes connect to form longer tours
Event participation – join our organised rides and meet fellow adventurers

The Future of Gravel Cycling in Tasmania

GRVL Coast represents just the beginning of Tasmania's emergence as a gravel cycling destination. We're working on:

New route development in previously unexplored areas
Partnerships with tourism operators to create comprehensive cycling packages
Infrastructure improvements to enhance the riding experience
International recognition as a must-visit gravel destination

Join the Community

GRVL Coast is built by riders, for riders. We encourage you to:

Share your experiences and photos from the trail
Provide feedback on routes and resources
Suggest new routes or improvements to existing ones
Connect with other riders through our events and social media
Support local businesses when visiting the region

Ready to Ride?

Whether you're planning your first gravel adventure or looking for your next epic challenge, GRVL Coast has everything you need to explore Tasmania's East Coast on two wheels. Start by browsing our route collection, checking out our planning resources, or joining one of our upcoming events.

The wild beauty of Tasmania's East Coast awaits. It's time to Ride Wild.

Have questions about getting started with gravel cycling on Tasmania's East Coast? Check out our contact page or join our community discussions. We're here to help you discover the adventure that awaits.