Let’s be honest. Many of us are here because watching Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman explore the world in Long Way Round inspired us to get an adventure bike and make our own adventures. We know that Charley’s thirst for adventure never stops, and this time, you can be a part of it. One of the most famous adventure riders in the world and occasional actor (at least, that’s how we think of him), Charley has teamed up with Compass Expeditions to lead an 11-day tour of the Australian island of Tasmania.
Image: Compass Expeditions
The journey begins in Melbourne, then immediately hops a ferry over to Devonport, Tasmania. The trip heads over Weldborough Pass and through Freycinet National Park to historic Port Arthur. After a short ride to Hobart, riders get a day off to take in museums, scenery, and great local roads. The group then continues to Mt. Field National Park, including the famous fern-covered Russell Falls. After a night in Strahan, ride the Murchison Highway and take a side trip to Cradle Mountain before returning to Devonport. An overnight ferry brings you back to Melbourne, where excellent riding on the mainland begins with the Black Spur and through Lake Eildon National Park. Through the King River Valley and the Great Alpine Road, enter New South Wales to explore Kosciusko National Park, then take the Brown Mountain Pass to South East Forests National Park, followed by the Princess Highway to Batemans Bay. The ride concludes with a coastal ride through Royal National Park all the way to Sydney.
Such an epic adventure isn’t cheap, but well worth it for what you get. Prices begin at $6,660 US if you bring your own bike. More likely, North American readers would want to add the rental of a BMW F750 GS or F850 GS for $8,900 or $9,035, respectively, or maybe a Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage 10 for $9,180. The route is entirely paved, so the Softail is definitely an option, though dirt lovers do have the option to attack some dirt sections as well. The cost includes Charley Boorman leading the ride, his manager Billy Ward riding sweep, the ferry trips, park entry, hotels, breakfast and ten dinners, a support vehicle with medic services, and the use of a satellite phone (pay by the minute). You’ll have to arrange your own international flights, visas, fuel, lunches, and tips.
This is likely a bucket list item for many of us, not only the trip itself but riding with such an accomplished adventurer as Charley Boorman. No doubt he has many entertaining stories to share, and what better setting for it than Tasmania and the back roads from Melbourne to Sydney?
