Flying on Tasmania's West Coast

The call of Tasmania's West Coast is inescapable for some. Throughout Australia's colonial history the area served as a penal colony – brutal, isolated and cruel. The terrain was so rugged that it created a barrier that prevented escape, for all but a few. The West Coast's rugged terrain is not only part of the region's beauty, but also its wider appeal. The mines and forests have left lasting scars, serving as a reminder to others of the long-term impact of the resource campaign.

All of that is compounded by the fact that the West Coast of Tasmania also has many nature reserves and wilderness areas. There are vast expanses of land in impenetrable forests, and near-limitless adventures for outdoor enthusiasts. Recently, mountain biking has moved to the West Coast more prominently than ever, and in early 2024 Into The Wild began using helibike tours to help mountain bikers quickly access the Western wilderness and the unique mountain biking experience it has to offer.

The new wild west

Few people know more about mountain biking around Tasmania's West Coast than Rob Potter. If you've ridden in Tasmania, you've probably ridden the trails that Rob has built. He has been visiting the area for nearly two decades, first seeing the range of riding when he worked as a mechanic at the Wildside mountain bike event.

'Wildside gave me a taste of this place. The legacy of mine roads and trails gave me hope that there would be more trails to suit mountain biking.' Potter did more scouting and used aerial photography, even running a Vertigo MTB tour in the region.

'I developed a real appreciation for the landscape, but mountain biking was changing, and it became clear that we really needed some mountain bike routes.' Potter was convinced that the West Coast could host mountain bike trails that would be useful on both a national and international scale. 'The West Coast has provided an opportunity to develop routes in the most beautiful areas with very low environmental values. Mountain biking on Mt Owen could be the lowest impact activity in over a century.'

Over the last few years we have seen the result of people like Rob Potter and many others working to bring purpose built pathways to the West Coast region. As the trails at Oonah Hill, Mt Owen and Silver City are just a few of the first opportunities from Potter's viewpoint.

Potter is of the opinion that many routes in the region must be compatible with their location, 'mountain routes need to show the beautiful scenery of the mountains. They need to be sensitive to the environment, but they will also be governed by what is possible to operate the machine – the landscape and the geology determine that.' The mountains of the West Coast are steep, and the places where it is possible to build a trail can be very limited. That is why its routes have their own nature. 'There is a desire to build routes that will suit everyone, but that is not always possible on the West Coast because of the geology and topography,' Potter explained. 'Sometimes the mountain dictates the distance and where the trail can be built.'

Helibiking in Tasmania

Mountain biking on the West Coast is often about exposure, big descents, big climbs, and wild trails. It's wild and unlike any other ride in Australia. Since the rugged, green landscape of the West Coast is evident in any landscape image, there is immediate evidence to support Potter's comments about the environment and the challenges it poses in comparison to other trail locations. Access can be slow, restricted by reduced weather windows and some routes feature amazing pedal ups, but long stretches to get into. Given the wild weather the West Coast is known for, finding the best weather window for a big day off the bike requires patience and flexibility.

Into the Wild are experienced tour operators on the West Coast and all around Tasmania. They've worked to gain access to a selection of West Coast drop-offs for a completely different mountain bike experience, minus the entry time, but no challenge of riding Tasmania's West Coast trails.

'The only way to get to these drops is on foot,' says Rohan Sheehan of Into the Wild. Although places like Mt Owen have a shuttle one way up, you're still left with a long cross-country climb, compared to the right-of-way descent offered by a helicopter. 'Both Silver City and Mt Owen will leave most riders a little tired when you get to the descent,' These are demanding loops and experienced riders can manage a couple in a day. But with a helidrop, you get to ride tough backcountry trails with less fatigue for more fun. With options of up to 3 drops per day, riders on helibike tours will maximize their time on the trails, with quick access to long, clear descents from peak to valley.

'The drop is amazing, and you can sample it on new legs with several drops a day. There's also the bonus of being able to see the trail as you climb – it really adds to the experience of seeing it all laid out below you as you reach the drop.'

There are a few options so far, the first being a weekend tour that should suit anyone in the area already. Into the Wild will give you single, double or triple lift options, but it all depends on where you choose to ride. As an example, if you are riding Silver City, some may use the third drop as a pick-up to exit the route network, to save the pedal.

The premium offer will suit those visiting Tasmania for a high impact mountain biking weekend. A helicopter picks up a small group of up to 4 people from Hobart Airport, while your luggage and bikes will be transported to the West Coast by van. You'll take a scenic flight of about one hour to the West Coast, an experience in itself as you fly past Hobart and across the desert, flying right by Cape of Frenchman and towards Queenstown.

Once your bikes are built you will do 3 drops that day from North Owen Peak, before staying in Queenstown for the night. The next day you head to Silver City, with up to 3 drops there too, or use one to save the pedal out – that's up to you. After another night in Queenstown, then take a helicopter flight back to Hobart to meet your luggage for your flight home.

If you have an extra day available you can book a trip to Macquarie Heads, then hop on a fast cat to Stormbreaker, a ferry up the Franklin River. You will spend the night in the Tasmanian wilderness and enjoy Tasmanian food and drink, before returning to Hobart the next day. The West Coast is an incredibly diverse area, and this extra day will provide a completely different experience to the ride you've been on – fast-tracked by helicopter entry and exit.

Wild flies in late summer and there are many dates in the works – head to their website for updates. The West Coast is wild, the trails are in real mountains and because of this the window of operation is not as wide as other places in Australia. On offer is a truly unique mountain bike experience in Australia, with heli drops in places you can only reach if not under pedal power. Unlike other New Zealand helidrops, you're not dropped from a sheep station to cross a farm road, you're riding purpose-built mountain bike trails in one of Australia's most rugged areas.

If you want to see what custom options the Into the Wild team can put together for you, be sure to get in touch. Most of the west is a blank canvas for adventure, and there is no doubt that they can find the feeling you are looking for. Multi-day trips from Hobart start at $4995. One day uplifts are just around the corner so be sure to check with Into the Wild about what you would like to do on a helibiking tour on Tasmania's West Coast.