NORTH WEST COASTAL PATHWAY

Together we can create a world class coastal trail in Tasmania’s north west.

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The problem

Tasmania’s North West Coastal Pathway could be one of the state’s key off road trails, and while parts have been built, gaps still remain. 

Identified for a decade as one of Australia’s great coastal rides, when finished the North West Coastal Pathway will be a 110km off-road trail that links Latrobe to Devonport and on to Wynard.

While sections of the pathway exist, gaps within the trail remain, like the historic, disused rail bridge in Forth which the state government has committed $450,000 to transform into a shared path.

The pathway has the enormous potential to revitalise tourism in the area and provide locals with a safe, separated cycleway. But without consistent sources of funding and ongoing council support, progress to fill the gaps has been slow.

This project dates back to 1997, with the full proposal fleshed out by the Cradle Coast Authority in 2010. We’re keen to see it fully funded and completed.

Other news

NORTH WEST COASTAL PATHWAY

Federal government stumps up for coastal pathway

The Australian Government has pledged $4.8 million for the unfinished sections of the North West Coastal Pathway between Sulphur Creek and Latrobe, joining local government...

Tassie Bike News Bites

Coastal pathway erosion bill up to $11m, Dragon Trail MTB race looks for help, and Tasmanian woman's death results in new NY protected bike lane.

The solution

Councils and the state government must continue to work together to extend the pathway and fill the gaps. 

For the pathway to be a success it needs to be fully funded and marketed to attract Australian and international tourists. 

There is also the need to ensure the path is fully separated the whole way so that people of all ages and abilities can ride it with confidence. 

We want the Coastal Pathway to be on people’s bucket lists so they arrive on the Spirit of Tasmania and jump on their bikes and head to Wynyard. 

Eventually the path could extend to Stanley via the disused rail corridor. 

CURRENT STATUS

  • Cradle Coast Authority predicts new paths to be finished by the end of 2022 include Don to Leith, Leith to West Ulverstone, Sulphur Creek to Penguin.
  • The Latrobe to Ambleside pathway opened in April 2021.
  • The state government and Burnie and Wynyard councils came to an agreement about erosion issues to continue work on the Wynyard to Burnie section of the pathway at the end of 2020. 
  • The future is looking promising for the North-West Coastal pathway, with $4.8 million in federal funding announced in May 2018 and councils backing the project in August 2017.
  • The state government announced $450,000 funding in March 2018 to convert the old Forth River Bridge into part of the pathway.

Take action

Collective action makes a difference. Join the campaign – together we can ensure Tasmania’s potential iconic path gets linked up.

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