S outhern
R iders
Perfect For The Harley Adventurer
Jaclyn Riley-Smith
W
hat better way to tour the natural surrounds
of Tasmania, than exposed to the elements,
full throttle, breathing in the most pure air on
the planet and cruising through spectacular
scenery?
The mountains! The rugged coast lines! The
islands off the island! The world heritage rainforests!
The waterfalls! So many exclamation mark things to see!
Combine that with some fascinating heritage, wildlife and
history, top notch local produce, cheese, wine, whisky,
and pretty friendly locals – and really - what more could
you want out of a motorbike adventure?
The natural beauty of Tasmania is well known. But
Tassie has also been keeping a few secrets from the rest of
Australia. As recent Hobartians (rhymes with Martians)
we have spent the last year exploring this island, and have
discovered a few things you may not know about this ‘lit-
tle’ island down under, the land down under.
It’s cold … but it’s not that cold
Really! It’s just not. Sure, whiz up to the top of Mt Wel-
lington in the middle of winter and it’s not exactly balmy
but the way most Australians carry on about freezing old
Tassie, you would think it was Antarctica. It is true that
it is closer to icebergs, than say – Kakadu … but it’s not
that close. Even at the southern most point of Tassie, at
the 43rd parallel – you are still – marginally - closer to the
equator than to the south pole.
It’s colder in the Blue Mountains and Southern High-
lands ( just out of Sydney) and Canberra than it is most
places in Tasmania. Plus – it’s also colder in lots of North
America, Europe, Asia (ie. a pretty large chunk of the pop-
ulated world).
What you do get in Tasmania, is a crisp (mostly clear)
and cosy winter, and a lovely mild summer. Far from be-
ing an icy wasteland, it is actually great weather for get-
ting outdoors – and riding.
And even when it does get a little bit chilly … well, en-
TRAVERSE 55