Stage 2 of the North West Bay River Trail is now open, extending the shared use experience from the Kingborough Bowls and Community Club in Margate through to Miandetta Drive, Margate.
Mayor Paula Wriedt said the new section responds to strong community demand for more local outdoor recreation.
“Kingborough is growing quickly, and our community said access to high quality tracks and trails is important,” Cr Wriedt said.
“Stage 2 of the North West Bay River Trail delivers another beautiful, local option for walking, running, riding and exploring.
“The trail is multi use for walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders, with horse access from Hopfields Road and Miandetta Drive.
“It is 3km one way, with an indicative walking time of 20 minutes to Hopfields Road or 45 minutes to Miandetta Drive.
“This is a natural surface trail that follows the river towards the end of its 25 kilometre journey from kunanyi/Mt Wellington to the D’Entrecasteaux Channel.
“You will be taken through a diverse range of scenic backdrops, including intact bushland with threatened species, dramatic rocky outcrops and small farming communities.
“It’s important to note the route includes two river crossings and one ford, suitable for rock hopping at low water levels.
“The track conditions are slightly undulating, with a steeper, rockier climb up to Miandetta Drive; cyclists should be prepared to dismount and push in some places.
“Parking is available at the small car park behind the Kingborough Bowls and Community Club, at the end of Hopfields Road which includes horse float parking, and there is limited verge parking on Miandetta Drive.
“Visitors are asked to respect residents’ driveways and observe all no parking signs.
“For horse riders, it is recommended you access the trail from Hopfields Road and that you inspect the trail and crossings before visiting.
“Horses are not permitted past the top of the hill, as signed, and there is no horse access to the Channel Highway/Kingborough Bowls and Community Club.
“Thank you to the many residents and community groups, including the Trail Riders Action Club, for their long standing support and for championing for better trail connections.
“This project reflects that advocacy and our commitment through Council’s Tracks and Trails Strategic Action Plan, updated in 2024.
“We hope the community can get out soon and experience this new beautiful trail,” Cr Wriedt said.
To explore more tracks and trails throughout Kingborough, visit www.kingborough.tas.gov.au/recreation-facilities/tracks-trails/
