Blue Tier Descent
Blue Tier
Shuttle leaves: 9.30am by arrangement.
From: Gravity Isle HQ, 21 Quail Street, St Helens
Cost:
Shuttle only $65 pp (The more people, the cheaper the price)
Minimum of 4 people (or two people and two ebikes) for the bus to run. Don’t have 4 people, give us a call on 0474371365 and we can arrange a booking over the phone for you.
Shuttle and Ebike $230pp
So you love the Blue Tier Trail
The Blue Tier is an one of the Iconic Tassie Trails that you simply have to ride to believe, The views, the quiet beauty of the sub-alpine environment paired with crystal clear streams, dark and brooding myrtle forests and remnants of the once thriving tin mining industry hidden beneath lichen and moss. The Blue Tier is a one-way trail, whilst mostly descending - don’t expect a white-knuckle gravity trail as there is plenty of ups along the way.
After finishing the trail you will end up at the MTB friendly Weldborough Pub and we highly recommend stopping in for a great lunch before heading out to check out Big Chook or Little chook which are a short ride from the pub.
This package includes a return shuttle from Weldborough back into St Helens.
Itinerary –
Depart our depot in the centre of St Helens at 9.30am.
We transport you, your bike and gear in comfort to the top of the Blue Tier. This 40-minute trip will go quickly as you catch glimpses of some of the terrain you will be riding.
Ride your way to the Weldborough Pub for a fantastic meal around 1:00pm
Then the rest of the day is up to you, weather you check out Big Chook, Little Chook or just take in the stunning scenery.
Then the Return trip to St Helens afterwards is included.
The Historic Weldborough Hotel is a wonderful place to stop and enjoy some local Tasmanian premium produce (Lunch is not provided as part of your shuttle price unless you book the ride and dine package).
Need more information? Read Below:
Blue Tier Descent
Overview
The Blue Tier Descent is one of the original, iconic rides in the Blue Tier/Weldborough area, and although in recent years newer purpose‑built trails have been added in the wider network, this one still carries its heritage and provides a memorable experience. tassietrails.org+1
Location: It starts around the Blue Tier plateau above Weldborough (north‑east Tasmania), and descends through forest and mountain terrain down toward Weldborough. tassietrails.org+1
Distance & grade: In its classical description it covers about 29 km (though large portions may be used or omitted depending on how you link in other trails). tassietrails.org
Difficulty: Marked as “Difficult (Expert)” for mountain bike usage. tassietrails.org
Terrain: A mix of old‑school singletrack, granite slabs, roots, technical rock and root sections, along with forest and heathland. According to one description: “11 km of old school technical trails connecting Poimena and Weldborough.” tassietrails.org
What you’ll ride
The trail begins up high on the Blue Tier plateau (approx 800 m above sea level in some accounts) in sub‑alpine/forest terrain. From there the trail rolls and then descends. Tracks Less Travelled+1
Early sections: You’ll encounter rocky ground, granite slabs, roots and technical corners. These demand good bike‐handling skill and focus. For example:
“The top section was quite wet, tight and tricky with a lot of slippery roots. The next section had all the granite slabs to ride over and was the best part of the track.” tassietrails.org
Mid‑section: As you drop in elevation you’ll move through lush forest (including temperate rainforest, myrtle forest) and possibly cross creeks, ride through changing terrain and enjoy the natural ambience. The transition from the alpine plateau into greener (and wetter) forest is one of the special features. Tracks Less Travelled+1
Lower section: The descent continues into the lower elevation and finishes near Weldborough, where you’ll often finish at the pub (the local Weldborough Hotel) or finish car/shuttle pickup. One review says:
“The descent back down to the pub is fast, fun, and picturesque (if you think to stop and look at the view!)” tassietrails.org
Highlights & appeal
Scenic variety: High‑plateau views, dense temperate forest, granite slabs, moss‑covered ground, and the transition of environments make for a ride that is visually and physically diverse.
Technical challenge: For riders who like to push themselves, the technical sections are rewarding — rocks, roots, slab riding, slick forest terrain.
Flow sections: While it's technical, there are also sections where you can get into flow, especially mid‑descent. One article says: “You should be grinning uncontrollably for 13 outstanding kilometres of single track.” (referring to Blue Tier) vertigomtb.rezdy.com+1
Heritage: The region has mining history, old forest saw‐mill sites, abandoned townships (e.g., Poimena) and the ride gives you a sense of remote Tasmanian wilderness and history. tassietrails.org+1
Access & logistics
Getting there: From Weldborough, you drive up to the Blue Tier forest reserve via Lottah and Poimena roads. From Hobart or the east coast there’s a bit of remote driving (winding roads) to reach. tassietrails.org
Shuttling / one‐way: Because you start high and descend to Weldborough, the preferred mode is a shuttle or one car up/one car down, or arrange transport at the end. For example, the broader “Blue Tier & Atlas” ride situation uses commercial shuttles. Australian+1
Bike choice: Given the technical nature, a full‑suspension mountain bike with capable brakes is recommended, and the rider should be comfortable with technical downhills. (Some riders report that a hardtail would struggle on the rougher sections.)
Weather & conditions: Being in Tasmania’s north‑east in a high altitude forest, you should prepare for changeable weather, slick roots, wet forest floor, and cold at the top. Also be aware of muddy or soft sections.
Additional facilities: At the bottom you have access to Weldborough Hotel (pub, food, craft beer) and wash facilities. One review mentions a hose to clean bikes and bodies after the ride. tassietrails.org
Tips & things to know
Ride with respect: Because of technical terrain and changing conditions, ride within your ability. The review mentions they had to walk some sections. tassietrails.org
Pre‑ride check: Make sure your tyres have good tread, your brakes are strong, and you have protective gear (helmet, gloves, pads) especially for the steeper/rocky sections.
Time allocation: Depending on route variation, allow a full day (3–5 hours riding time suggested in one listing) plus travel/shuttle time. tassietrails.org
Weather gear: Bring layers, waterproof jacket, warm clothing for the top, and water/food.
Combine trails: Many riders combine Blue Tier with other trails in the area (including the Atlas Trail) to make a full day or multi‑trail adventure.
Respect the environment: Stay on the track, avoid muddy shortcuts (erosion), respect wildlife and the forestry environment.
