Hi my name is Yoga, this is my first-ever bikepacking trip, and interestingly I was doing it with my electric Bullitt! It was September 2024, and I set out on an epic fun 3-day, 2-night journey. The experience was a blend of beautiful landscapes, challenging terrain, and plenty of firsts—some tricky moments, but also a lot of fun.
The Journey Begins: Melbourne to Devonport
The trip started with me hopping on the V/Line train to Geelong, where I would catch the ferry to Tasmania. Now, bringing a cargo bike onto the V/Line carrier? Let’s just say it was a bit of a challenge! It took a bit of maneuvering, but I made it without too much hassle. Once I arrived at Geelong, I joined the queue alongside cars to board the ferry. Here’s where things got interesting: when the gate opened, I was directed to the passenger side, separated from the vehicles, and checked in just like any regular passenger (minus the vehicle sticker).
With about 15kg of cargo—tents, stove, clothes, food, and my trusty 413WH battery—I boarded the ferry with my Bullitt parked conveniently near the entry. It was smooth sailing from there, literally. The ferry set sail at 6:45 PM on the 25th of September, and by 5:30 AM the next morning, I arrived in Devonport, ready to hit the road.
Day 1: Devonport to Crayfish Creek
My first ride in Tasmania was a 107km stretch from Devonport to Crayfish Creek, with 998m of elevation gain. The weather was perfect—clear skies and a gentle breeze. My Bullitt was fully charged and, in eco mode, had a range of about 114km. The route was a mix of bike trails and shared roads, including the Bass Highway.
I’ll be honest, sharing the road with big trucks had me a bit nervous, but the drivers were very accustomed to cyclists, making the experience feel much safer. The ride along the coast from Devonport to Wynyard was stunning, with the ocean as a constant companion on my right. After Wynyard, the route shifted to farmland and some challenging climbs. There were moments I had to push the bike, but nothing too unbearable. After about 5 hours and 20 minutes of riding, I arrived at Crayfish Creek with just one bar of battery left (about 19km on eco mode).
Setting up my tent was easy enough, but then came an unexpected visitor—a sneaky hedgehog decided to wriggle under my tent, forcing me to move it. After some minor tent drama, I settled in and treated myself to a hearty chicken burrito and two packs of Indomie with eggs (hey, it's all about energy, right?).
Day 2: Crayfish Creek to Smithton
I woke up early to catch the sunrise at Crayfish Creek—a beautiful, quiet beach with still waters. After a quick walk around, I was back on the bike, heading for Smithton. The route was a short 25km, mostly on the Bass Highway, but it was scenic and safe, with mostly empty roads. Once I reached Stanley, I couldn’t resist taking in the views before pushing on to Smithton, where I checked into the Bridge Hotel for the night.
I spent the evening exploring the town, picking up some snacks, fruits, and bread for the ride back the next day.
Day 3: Smithton to Devonport
The final leg of the trip was going to be a big one: 157km back to Devonport with 1,568m of elevation. I decided to take a detour along a 35km gravel road section. Riding on gravel with a cargo bike was an adventure in itself—some steep climbs, sketchy descents, and no cars to worry about! The whole day was a mix of cycling, taking photos, and stopping at beaches.
After nearly 11 hours on the bike (with 9 hours of moving time), I was more than ready for a proper meal. As I neared Devonport, I spotted a noodle bar, and couldn't resist grabbing a large fried rice and a can of Coke. I grabbed it to go, planning to eat once I was on the ferry. But, once I got cleaned up, that fried rice was devoured within minutes—nutritionally questionable, but it hit the spot!
The Ferry Home
After all that pedaling, the 157km ride back felt like an accomplishment. I wheeled my Bullitt onto the ferry, and after 45 minutes of waiting, we set sail back to Melbourne.
That’s a wrap on my first bikepacking adventure in Tasmania! It was a challenging, rewarding, and truly unforgettable experience. If you’re thinking about doing a similar trip, I can’t recommend Tasmania enough—it’s a beautiful place to explore by bike, and the mix of trails, coastal views, and quiet country roads make it a fun and interesting destination.
