Kaoota Tramway Track

The Kaoota Tramway Track is a scenic 6 km rail trail near Kaoota and Margate, around 28 km south-west of Hobart, Tasmania. Following part of the historic Kaoota Tramway, the gently graded route winds through dense wet forest, dry eucalypt woodland, fern-lined sections and rocky hillsides between Kaoota Road and Lawless Road. The wide former tramway formation and relatively gentle gradient make it an enjoyable ride for mountain bikes and bikes with wider tyres, with a 12 km out-and-back providing an easy half-day cycling adventure. Built in 1906, the original 20 km, two-foot-gauge tramway carried coal from the Kaoota mine to the wharf at Margate, later transporting timber, fruit and passengers. Today riders can still look for remnants of its industrial past, including old sleepers, rails and traces of coal beside the trail. The route passes through The Gorge, around Perrins Ridge, across Platypus Creek and over Perrins Saddle, giving this short Tasmanian rail trail plenty of variety and character. RTS Tip: The trail may be gently graded, but the surface can be rocky, bumpy and muddy, particularly after wet weather, so wider tyres are a good choice. There is only limited parking at the trail entrances and no toilets on the track. For a bigger adventure, experienced riders can investigate connections towards Nierinna Creek Track and Margate, but stick to public trails as substantial sections of the original tramway corridor remain on private property.