New Town Oval

New Town Oval, in New Town just north of the Hobart CBD, Tasmania, is home to a historic 440 metre outdoor cycling track that has played an important role in southern Tasmania’s track cycling scene. Circling the community sports oval, the track is used for training, racing and rider development and is currently the only cycling track in southern Tasmania. The wider New Town Oval is a multi-use sporting venue supporting cycling alongside AFL and cricket, with facilities including parking, toilets, lighting, seating, shelter and a drinking fountain. The track is closely associated with Hobart Wheelers Dirt Devils, which uses New Town Oval for organised track cycling sessions. Riders can experience traditional track disciplines including sprints, endurance racing, points races, elimination races, pursuits and Tasmania’s famous handicap racing. The club has also used the venue to prepare riders for Tasmania’s long-running Christmas Carnival racing series and state and national competition. New Town is particularly valuable for riders wanting to try track cycling in Hobart. Club training has included dedicated junior sessions followed by senior and experienced junior racing, with a limited number of track bikes available through the club for newcomers. Unlike a modern indoor 250 m velodrome, the Bundah-style outdoor setting and longer 440 m lap give New Town its own distinctly Tasmanian track-racing character. RTS Tip: If you’re new to track cycling, an organised Hobart Wheelers Dirt Devils session is the best way to experience New Town Oval and learn track etiquette, positioning and fixed-gear riding safely. Check current club sessions before heading down, particularly as outdoor track activities are weather dependent. The City of Hobart notes that the cycling track can remain open even when the New Town Oval sportsground itself is closed, but organised events and training may still affect access.