Wild, Weird & Wonderful: Tasmania – Australia’s Best Kept Secret

Kody Block is the Content Creator for the 2024 Trans-Oceania Cycling Tour. 

Back in 2019, Lonely Planet described Tasmania as “wild, weird, and wonderful” – a landmass of 68,401 square kilometers off the southeastern coast of mainland Australia. They called it “Australia’s best-kept secret, a natural haven for adventurers, artists, and lovers of the unexplored.”

As we dropped anchor in Devonport, Tasmania, it seemed that those words suddenly came to life. We were greeted by a distinct chill in the air and surrounded by dark, hilly forests – it felt like a world of its own. In the two weeks since then we’ve cycled 911 km from east to west, immersing ourselves in Tasmania’s history, and landscape. Reflecting on these weeks, I struggled to pinpoint exactly what makes Tasmania so unique – a major draw for many riders on our Trans-Oceania journey. To help, I asked some fellow cyclists for their thoughts.

Kristen on the road

One of our riders, Kristen Mueller, said, “It feels more remote than the previous section. The roads are less busy, the towns are fewer and smaller. There is nothing flashy or overtly modern about Tasmania – you could easily imagine turning the clock back 20+ years and I am not sure it would be much different.” Kristen’s reflections resonate deeply with me. Every day here feels like stepping back in time. The buildings stand on their original foundations, and the towns remain largely untouched. It reminds me of a quote from one of my favourite movies, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, where Sean Penn’s character says, “Beautiful things don’t ask for attention.” That’s Tasmania: a place that remains beautifully original, with no rush to conform to modernity.

Tristan smiling

The people here embrace this timeless essence. Many relocate from mainland Australia to Tasmania’s remote wilderness, seeking refuge from the daily demands of life. Our tour mechanic, Tristin Walker, once lived in Derby (/ˈdɑːr.bi/), a town in Tasmania famous for its mountain biking trails. He said, “Tasmania has captured my heart, even as an Australian, every time I come here I am inspired, humbled, and blown away. It will take your breath away multiple times a day, with varying landscapes, animals, and people. From craggy mountains to pristine beaches, it has so much to offer nature lovers. With boundless outdoors to escape into, it keeps you wanting to come back for more.”

In such a short time, we’ve seen beaches, mountains, rolling green fields, wildflowers, craggy peaks, rain, sunshine – and lots of wind! The headwinds have been challenging lately and I’m confident our strong, determined group of cyclists would agree. One cyclist, Helen Smith, shared that, “Cycling has enabled me to stop and admire the beautiful scenery — the mountains, blue lakes, forests, and wildlife. Where else can I stop halfway up a hill to watch an echidna wander across the road in front of me? The hills and weather have been a challenge. It’s easy to forget that you’re actually in a rainforest until it gives you a rather wet reminder!”

Perhaps American poet Ernest Hemingway said it best, “Tasmania is an island of surprises — of dark forests and rushing rivers, of mountain ranges craggy and sheer, of sun-soaked valleys and secluded beaches. It is a place where the world slows down, and nature is ever-present.” Tasmania has certainly slowed life down for me and when we depart from Devonport to the mainland in 3 days time, remembering to slow down and appreciate the world around me is what I’m taking with me. If you’re feeling keen, maybe that’s a lesson you can take with you, too.

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