Accommodation

The mountain bike stage race will take you on a journey across the North East of Tasmania. The easiest logistical option is to camp at rider campsites at the end of each day. The race can support you with bags and camping equipment transferred between each camp.  Alternately you can bring a car or motorhome and also stay at the campsites.

We know camping isn’t for everyone, or you might want to bring your family and need fixed accommodation. The roads in the area are long and winding which makes staying in the same accommodation all week difficult in terms of driving. For maximum comfort, we would recommend you spend the Wednesday and Thursday nights in the vicinity of Derby / Branxholm and the Friday / Saturday nights in the vicinity of St Helens.

Branxholm is a cute little country town with a small supermarket, Airbnb, cafe, pizza restaurant, pub, and various campgrounds. 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). Branxholm is 8km from the town of Derby.

Rider Camping: A rider campsite is set up at the Branxholm Oval. Showers, toilets, camp kitchen, USB charging outlets, and limited 240v powerpoints in the kitchen. Don’t have a tent and camping gear?  We can assist – see our camping equipment packages.

Supporter / Motorhome / Car Camping: There is very basic vehicle camping with toilets and showers available at the rider campsite for motorhomes and campers. You have access to showers/ toilets/ water but no 240v plug-in available at this campsite.  There is also free camping again with toilets and showers close by at Branxholm Park. Take a look at https://www.dorset.tas.gov.au/caravan-parks. Branxholm Park is approximately 1km from where riders are staying at Camp 1 at the Branxholm Recreation Center. Alternatively, supporters can camp (or book other accommodation) at nearby Derby which is only 7kms away. Details are also available at https://www.dorset.tas.gov.au/caravan-parks with conditions of stay here.

The nights at the end of Days 2 and 3 are spent in St Helens. This is a much larger town and has many options for accommodation. There are also 2 large IGA supermarkets, many restaurants, bike shops, and a laundromat.

Day 2 finishes at Swimcart Beach which is 15km from St Helens town (free shuttles to the campsite for riders).  Day 3 starts and finishes from the Flagstaff Trailhead which is 5km from the town. The Rider Camp, Event HQ, and Social Hub are located at the St Helens Recreation Ground in St Helens.

Rider Camping: There is a rider camp set up at the St Helens Recreation Ground. Showers, toilets, camp kitchen, USB charging outlets, and limited 240v powerpoints in the kitchen.

Supporter / Motorhome / Car Camping: There is free motor home parking for the public at the rider campsite.  You have access to showers/ toilets/ water but no 240v plug-in available at this campsite.  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. There is also the St Helens RV Park and a small council RV area next to the recreation ground. 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 Day 2).

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