Tasmania’s first motorcycle friendly region, the Freycinet Maria Coast, was proclaimed recently by the Mayor, Bertrand Cadart.
Riding to the official launch event, held at the Motorcycle Museum Bicheno, was the Lord Mayor of Hobart, Rob Valentine.
The Lord Mayor and Mayor are both enthusiastic motorcyclists.
M. Cadart’s choice of the motor scooter for his official transport made world-wide news, the first of a torrent of publicity for the region the Mayor has generated during his term of office.
The winding, scenic roads of East Coast Tasmania attract motorcyclists from far and wide.
A survey of visiting motorcyclists by the Freycinet Coast Tourism Board sought to find out what they look for when travelling.
President of the Board, Margaret Morgan, has distributed a check list indicating to businesses what being ‘motorcycle friendly’meant. The list stipulates:
Accommodation
• Safe under cover parking for motor cycles.
• Beach towels available for loan free of charge (no room for these in panniers).
• Washing done free of charge or use of a washing machine and dryer.
• Somewhere to dry wet gear, other than in guests’ bedrooms.
• Evening meals available in house; or accommodation with cooking facilities; or guests driven to a local restaurant and pick up arranged for return trip;
or establishment within walking distance of hotel/restaurant.
• Provision of a compendium co-ntaining relevant information for bikers/cyclists.
Activities (e.g. cruise, sea kayaking, glass bottomed boat, fishing trips, diving, ferry, flights, quad biking, tinny hire)
• Safe parking within sight of a manned office or bike locked away out of sight.
• Helmet and panniers put away out of sight, such as in a back office.
Restaurant or Coffee Shop
• Safe parking where an eye can be kept on motorcycles/bikes while eating.
• Space where jacket, helmet and possibly panniers can be left if required, without tripping up other customers.

The Freycinet Coast is a perfect destination for touring and what better way to explore, indulge and enjoy than on a motorcycle. With its spectacular coastline, warm sunny days, sweeping roads and limited traffic the Freycinet Coast is the perfect destination for motorcycles touring either as an individual or as part of a group.

In what could be an Australian first the Glamorgan Spring Bay Council in 2006 declared the Municipality which incorporates the Freycinet Coast motorcycle friendly! The council is currently developing a strategy to support this declaration and initiatives under consideration include regular audit checks of the road, pull off bays for motorcyclists, secure parking and storage in key locations for motorcyclists, sign posting of hazards and specific locations where motorcyclists can clean their visors and check tyre pressure.

The Freycinet Coast locals also love responsible motorcyclists and each year the destination hosts Tasmania’s biggest Motorcycle Show and Shine at Bicheno. The event is held the weekend after Easter and visiting motorcyclists are encouraged to join in with the celebrations. Best of all however, businesses within the Freycinet Coast region welcome motorcyclist individuals and groups. On the Freycinet Coast everyone from the petrol station through to the accommodation and tour operator will make you feel welcome.  Between the weather, the roads, the locals and the sheer beauty of the vistas, you will want to ride up and down the Freycinet Coast several times and you’ll never be bored; you will also wear the sides of your tyres before the centre of them because 90% of the time you’ll be leaning and leaning and leaning… and leaning. Morcyclists of the world! Give us a try bring your motorcycle or hire one locally and you’ll come back for more.