Accommodation

As we all adapt to the challenges of COVID-19, we’ll be as flexible as possible and allow you to choose the accommodation option that’s is right for you whilst meeting COVID Safe requirements. Many riders won’t have a vehicle and support crew and will choose to stay in the campgrounds along the way. Each of these campgrounds has COVID safe plans and facilities. Don’t have a tent and camping gear? We can assist – see our deluxe camping equipment packages.

If you have a vehicle, and someone to drive it each day, you might choose accommodation further from the start/end of the riding stages. All the stage locations are close to various holiday properties and Airbnb’s of all budgets and styles. If you are bringing a camper trailer or RV there are many campgrounds close to the race to suit your preference.

Pre-race – Branxholm

Branxholm is a cute little country town with a small supermarket, Airbnb’s, and various Campgrounds managed by Dorset Council with toilets and showers. The Branxholm Recreation Ground is the location of Event HQ/ Registration, the pre-race Social Hub, and the start of Stage 1. (see map for further details).

If you are arriving on a transfer from the Launceston Airport, you will most likely choose to stay in the Council Campground close to the event HQ and Social Hub. There is no camping fee for riders – check-in and tent site allocation on arrival.

Approximately 5 minutes drive (9km) is nearby Derby which has a free council campground at Derby Park with toilets/ showers and many Airbnb’s. Take a look at https://www.dorset.tas.gov.au/caravan-parks or check out their conditions of stay by clicking here.

End Day1/ Start Day 2 – Weldborough

The first day of riding finishes in the small village of Weldborough. The entire Weldborough Hotel campground has been booked by the race organisers and there is no fee for riders who choose there. Check in and tent site allocation on arrival and additional space has been allocated to allow for greater physical distancing.

The Social Hub and Event HQ are located at the Hotel – see map for further information. Stage 2 begins from the Hotel the following morning.

If you get in quick, you might be lucky enough to book one of the limited Airbnb’s a short walk from the Weldborough Hotel. If you have a vehicle then another option is camping at the fabulous Pyengana Recreational Ground a 25-minute drive away. The expansive campground works on an honesty system and last we looked was $5 per night. More information here.

Alternately you could drive back to Branxholm/ Derby for this night (30 mins drive) or move forward to St Helens (45 mins drive).

End Day2/ Start & Finish Day 3 – St Helens

St Helens is a much larger town and has many options for holiday accommodation as well as camping. Stage 2 finishes at the Bay of Fires not far from the St Helens town. Stage 3 starts and finishes from the Trailhead in St Helens.

The campground at the St Helens Recreation Ground has been booked by the race organisers and there is no fee for riders staying here. Ample space is available for physical distancing and tent sites are allocated on arrival. The Social Hub and Event HQ are also located there – see map for further information.

There’s lots to do in and around St Helens, take a look here for ideas and more fixed accommodation options.

If you’re after an alternate camping location, there is the Big 4 St Helens which is in the heart of St Helens with all the expected facilities. You could also try the St Helens Waterfront which is right near the start line of Stage 3. If you don’t mind being a bit out of town, there are beautiful beachfront campsites managed by National Parks located in the Bay of Fires (and at the actual finish line of Stage 2).

Supporter Vehicles

If your supporters are coming to cheer you on while you race they will be able to collect a map from the race with designated viewing points marked. The start and end of each day are accessible by sealed roads. The event does traverse the Tasmania wilderness and some of the mid-stage viewing points are on unsealed forestry roads and parking may be tight.

Some of the campgrounds have designated areas for Support vehicles, including campers, caravans, trailers, etc are these can be found on the site maps.

On your way to St Helens, it is worth a stop at Pyengana, take a look at Discover Tasmania’s page here It is close to the famous Pyengana Dairy which has daily cheese tastings and the famous Pub in the Paddock. You can walk off the extra calories by heading out to St Columbus falls, which is also located nearby.

Holiday Rental Recommendations

Check out the following links for ideas on where to stay.

https://www.ridebluederby.com.au/where-to-stay

https://www.discovertasmania.com.au/about/regions-of-tasmania/east-coast/st-helens

Tasmania

“Tasmania’s East Coast is many different things. Yes, it’s picture-perfect, white sand beaches and open, endless blue horizons. It’s a place that makes you feel like you’re the first person to leave a footprint. It’s national parks filled with wonders, and seaside towns filled with welcome. It’s a gourmet food bowl bursting with the best local fare. But it’s also much more than that….” Discover Tasmania