If you're an athlete or spectator at the Freycinet Challenge 2025, all the information you need to know is here on this page. Athletes, please read the information carefully and bring your questions to the race briefings.
If you have created your own challenge, start times are in the Single Stage Competitors section below.
The Freycinet Challenge is divided into 8 separate stages, with 4 stages running on each day.
All the 2-day competitors start on the first day at stage 1.
All the 1-day competitors start from stage 5 on the second day, joining the participants that have already completed stages 1-4.
Maps are available for each stage and they can be found by clicking on the links above. Race Officials will be out on the course and they will guide you at critical turning places along the way. The course will also be sign posted.
It's an absolute privilage for us to be racing in the pristine environment of the Freycinet National Park. With that in mind, it's vital that you clean all your gear - helping to prevent the spread pests, seeds and diseases that might be in dirt from your last outdoor adventure.
THINGS TO DO:
Thank you for your help.
All athletes are required to register at the event so we can issue you with your race bib, give you an entry pack and check your registration is complete. You only need to register once for the whole event.
Registration is open on Friday from 5:30PM until 7:30PM at the Iluka Tavern. You can also register on Saturday morning from 6:30AM until 7:00AM, and on Sunday morning from 6:30AM until 7:00AM (1-day and signle stage competitors only) at the Iluka Tavern.
There will be a Race Briefing held at the Iluka Tavern on Friday at 7:30PM. A shorter briefing will be held at the Iluka Tavern on Sunday at 7:00AM (for the 1-day competitors).
The purpose of the briefing is to provide you with information you need to know about racing in the Freycinet Challenge. Updates and essential information for a safe and successful race will be covered. You will have the opportunity to ask questions.
Come along early on Friday for a meal and a beverage at the Iluka Tavern before the briefing. The Freycinet Challenge team will be there, so you can meet our gang and the other athletes.
Your team members might have changed since the team was set up, so it's worth checking your team is in the correct category. Whatever is showing online now will be used by the timing system on race day.
The team captain can make changes before 11:59PM on Wednesday 1 October 2025.
Things to check:
Things to know:
The Event Hub is the area outside the Iluka Tavern on The Esplanade at Coles Bay and it includes the grassy area known as the Village Green. The road will be closed during the event, so you will be required to carry your equipment into the area.
The start/finish line is in the Event Hub and there are plenty of places for spectators to watch the athletes transition to the next stage of the race. The exception to this is the start of the stage 1 trail run on day 1 which starts at the Freycinet National Park Wineglass Bay Track carpark. There will be live commentary over loud speakers, so you can be kept entertained and informed throughout the weekend.
The Transition Area is located next to the start/finish line at the Event Hub. This is a place where you can store your equipment, such as your bikes, spare clothing and food etc. Your Kayak can be placed on the shore of Muirs Beach at race time.
Please keep in mind that the Transition Area is not under cover, so you should store clothing and food in rainproof containers or bags.
The Transition Area is clearly marked and only competitors, and their support crew, should be in this area.
The spaces in the Transition Area are not assigned, so it's first in first served. The bike racks are not numbered, so please choose your own spot. There is plenty of space for everyone. Please allow extra space for the Solo athletes.
The spaces at the entrance of the Transition Area are reserved for the Solo athletes, as they will be using these spaces to change and feed during their stage transitions.
This section is for competitors have created their own challenge and are competing in single stages. If that's you, please read this section carefully.
Things to do:
Things to know:
The estimated start times on Day 1 (Saturday) are:
The estimated start times on Day 2 (Sunday) are:
IMPORTANT: These are the estimated start times and you will be on the course after other athletes have started the same stage. Please wait for a Race Offical to send you off.
As an athlete in a team, or a spectator, you can expect to see "action" at the Event Hub at the following times. Athletes in teams should be ready go from the finishing time of the preceding stage.
The estimated finish times for the leaders on Day 1 are:
The estimated finish times for the leaders on Day 2 are:
IMPORTANT: These times are not the cut-off times for each stage. See the next section.
To ensure competitor safety and event logistics, there are cut-off times for each stage for the team athletes. If a team athlete is outside the cut-off time, their team mate will be sent off at the nominated cut-off time so they can complete their stage. When this happens, the timing for both athletes will be adjusted accordingly.
There are definitely no disqualifications for not making the cut-off times. Think of this as a guide to keep the momentum of the race going. We use this only when necessary, to avoid lengthy delays for other athletes, spectators, volunteers and personnel.
IMPORTANT: If your team mate has not made the cut-off time, please wait for a Race Official to send you off.
These times may be adjusted on the day and are subject to the weather conditions. Listen to the live commentary in the Event Hub for updates. This page will also get updated, should there be changes.
When you register at the Freycinet Challenge, you will be issued a Race Bib, which has your race number, your name and your team name on it. This bib must be worn on the FRONT of your kit during the entire race. Pins will be provided to attach the bib to your kit. Bibs worn on your back may not trigger the electronic timing system and so a time may not be recorded. It is the responsibility of all athletes to wear the bibs correctly.
Kayakers may wear their bib on the front of their kit but under their PFD if they wish. This will avoid the need to change bib position during the race when doing consecutive legs. In this case, PFDs must be removed after completingh the kayak leg to make the bib fully visible BEFORE entering the transition zone.
Your race number is unique to you and relates to your entry in the race and it also contains a chip that identifies you by the electronic timing system, so the bib we give you cannot be given to another athlete.
Scanning the QR Code on your bib will give you access to:
The Race Bibs have an emergency phone number on them, which you can call in the event of a medical emergency.
All members of a team have the same number, so it's very easy to see your team mate at the start/finish line.
The race will be timed by an electronic timing system, which uses sensors to scan a chip that is on your race bib. The Race Officials will be watching the electronic timing system to ensure there aren't any errors. It is vital that the Race Officials can see your bib at all times to ensure your lap times are recorded accurately.
A stage (the lap time) will end when an athlete crosses the finish line; and the timing for the next stage will start immediately.
To assist us with timing the race, your responsibilities as a competitor include:
It is imperative that you advise race officials if you withdraw from the race at any time. We need to know when you are on the course, for your safety and for our ability to post accurate race results.
At the end of each stage, you must go through the start/finish line at the Event Hub before entering the transition area. This ensures the Race Officials see you and mark your time. Please be patient with the Race Officials as they guide you through the transitions.
All team competitors should be waiting for your team mate in the designated area at the start/finish line. Once your team mate crosses the finish line, you should tag each other before you start the next stage.
It's important the Race Officials see you tag each other, so the good-old "high five" is perfect.
To assist us with timing, we are implementing a dismount mat on the cycling stages. At the end of the course, all cyclists must slow down and dismount BEFORE the mat. Cyclists can then walk or run their bike through the start/finish line, before tagging their team mate.
All paddlers need to run 50m to the start/finish line after completing their leg. Leave your kayak on the beach and run up to the start/finish line using the designated trail. Once you've gone through the start/finish line, you can tag your team mate.
Our volunteers will be on the beach to assist safe storage of your kayak and paddle above the high tide mark.
Race results for the first day of competition (stages 1-4) will be available soon after the last athlete crosses the finish line on Saturday.
Race results for the second day of competition (stages 5-8) will be available soon after the last athlete crosses the finish line on Sunday.
The results for the full race (days 1 & 2 combined) will be available soon after the Awards Presentation.
All the results will be posted on the results page of this website.
The Road Bike stages will be using public roads; in particular, Coles Bay Road. This road will NOT be closed during the event, so you will be sharing them with other vehicles. All vehicles, including cyclists, need to obey the road rules.
There will be traffic control in place to protect the safety of all cyclists (see next section). The roads will be sign posted to make drivers aware that a race is in progress and the speed limit is being reduced, in accordance with the permits we have obtained from the Department of State Growth and Tasmanian Police.
In addition to the signage that will be on public roads to make drivers aware that a race is in progress, there will be two traffic control points at crucial places where cyclists need to cross the road. All cyclists have priority and the right of way at these places, but you should always use caution when crossing the roads.
There will be SES volunteers at the Traffic Control Points and they will be stopping all traffic when cyclists are approaching. The Traffic Control Points are highly visible places with warning signs, speed limit signs, witches hats and personnel wearing high-viz clothing who will be using stop signs.
The main Traffic Control Point is at the intersection of The Esplanade and Coles Bay Road, which is the point where you enter/exit the public roads from the Event Hub. The other Traffic Control Point is at the turning point on the Road Bike stages, which is 20 kilometres north of the Event Hub on Coles Bay Road.
Competitors need to be fully self-sufficient with their hydration and nutrition, so please have your own fuelling needs organised and carry it with you during the race. Alternatively, your support crew can have supplies for you anywhere on the course.
However, there will be a "Feed Zone" for the Trail Runners during Stage 1 and 8 of the race. This will be located at the Wineglass Bay carpark on stage 1 and at the midway point on stage 8. You can grab a drink and refuel. Gels, soft lollies, water and soft drink will be provided. Drinks will be in biodegradable cups, so you can scull, drop and go!
Additionally, there will be some light food (e.g. fresh fruit, muesli bars, soft lollies), water and soft drinks available for the athletes at the Event Hub. Please help yourself to this food and keep yourself well nourished and hydrated.
Medical assistance will be available from qualified medial staff at the Recovery Tent in the Event Hub.
When you are racing on land, there will be SES volunteers on the course and they will make sure you get appropriate medical assistance, if you need it. When you're out on the water, Surf Life Saving volunteers will be on patrol and they will help you, if you get into trouble. Raise one arm straight up to attract attention. Float and wait for help to arrive. Call out for help if a paddler is nearby.
It is important to stop for an athlete in distress - officials will always adjust your race time for any help that you provide.
For your safety, you should carry your mobile phone with you on the course so you can call for help in a medical emergency.
If you require medical assistance when out on the course, and if you can't see anyone to get help, please call the emergency phone number on your bib. This call will go to the SES coordinator, who will be in radio contact with SES volunteers and Surf Life Saving volunteers who are near to your location. This is the fastest way to get help.
If you come across another competitor who needs help, including medical assistance, we encourage you to provide any assistance as needed.
Important: If an athlete has a significant injury, please stay with them and call the emergency number on your bib. Alternatively, stay with the injured athlete and ask another passing athlete to get help.
Remember: There will be SES personnel patrolling the trails and Surf Life Saving personnel out on the water. They are there to help you.
If you do provide assistance to another athlete, please report the incident to the Race Directors and your race time will be adjusted accordingly.
Assistance may be given by your support crew within the Event Hub and on the course, providing it does not give the competitor an unfair advantage.
For example, pushing a competitor up a hill on their bike will give the athlete an unfair advantage. Anyone found to be providing assistance like this will result in the athlete being penalised.
Providing verbal motivation, encouragement, nutrition, hydration out on the course, or providing assistance in the transition area (e.g. holding a bike, refilling drink bottles, handling clothing) is considered to be fair and is allowed.
The cycling stages of the Freycinet Challenge are an individual time trial. Therefore, drafting is NOT permitted when you are doing any of the cycling stages as it will give you an unfair advantage.
If you are closer than 10 metres (5 bike lengths) to the bike in front of you, you are in the draft zone and you must pass that rider or move back away from them. You have 20 seconds to pass the athlete you are overtaking.
Penalties can be applied if Race Officials on the course report a breach of this rule.
All Paddlers must wear a certified Personal Floatation Device (PDF). All paddlers on a surf ski must use a leg leash. All Road Cyclists and Mountain Bikers must wear an approved helmet. We suggest trail running shoes for runners.
We recommend carrying a spares kit with you on all cycling stage and be able to change a flat tyre. It can be a long walk back to the Event Hub!
Wear appropriate clothing for the stage(s) you are doing and be ready for varying weather conditions. Tasmania can have four seasons in one day!
For your safety, we recommend you carry your mobile phone on the course so you can call for help in a medical emergency.
Part of what makes the Freycinet Challenge unique is that it takes competitors through the pristine landscape of the Freycinet peninsula. We recognise that running our event here is a privilege, and as such, we are committed to showcasing the beauty of this location, while also minimising our impact on both the land and wildlife.
If your bike or shoes are dirty from your last outdoor adventure, you've probably got seeds and pests just waiting to jump off in the National Park. This could introduce weeds, other plants and insects that are not native to the area.
Please ensure all your gear is clean prior to arriving at Coles Bay, especially your mountain bike and running shoes. We ask that you clean your gear prior to the start of each day, to prevent spreading nasty seeds and pests.
We encourage everyone to come to the start of the Freycinet Challenge on Day 1, but we ask you NOT to drive your own car to the Wineglass Bay carpark. Instead, we ask that you carpool, to reduce traffic congestion and make it easy for everyone to attend the start of the race.
While the race is in progress, competitors and spectators are asked NOT to park outside the Iluka Service Station, Granite Bakery and the Iluka Tavern, as these businesses are open to the Public for trade and parking should be made available to local residents and other visitors to Coles Bay.
Parking on the foreshore along The Esplanade is limited, so you may find it best to drop equipment off at the Event Hub and then park away from the area before walking back to the Event Hub. Places to find parking during the race are:
Public toilets at located at Muirs Beach carpark for use of both athletes and the public. There will also be portable toilets provided for athletes only at the Event Hub.
When out on the course, food in wrapping (e.g. energy gels and bars) or bottled drinks must be kept with you at all times and you can dispose of them using the rubbish bins at the Event Hub. If you purchase bottled water, food in wrapping or beverages in disposable cups, please separate the waste into the recycling bins or general waste bins that are provided.
We are committed to running a zero-waste event in the future, so we'd like to make a start now. There are some tips on how you can reduce your waste in the next section of this handbook (see Coffee Cups & Water Bottles).
There will be approximately 1,000 people at the Freycinet Challenge. If we each had just two coffees per day and consumed 3 bottles of water, our event will pump out 4,000 coffee cups and 6,000 empty bottles (very conservative estimates), some of which might not make it back to recycling. We'd like to see everyone help to reduce this waste as much as possible.
Consider bringing your own refillable coffee cup and refill your drink bottles, instead of buying bottled water.
There's a new water refill station outside the toilet block, which is at the Muirs Beach carpark, right near the Event Hub area. Our friends at Granite Bakery do a good brew and they'll give you extra smiles when you thrust a refillable cup towards them.
A fun kids race is scheduled for Saturday at 12:30PM on Muirs Beach. Register at Muirs Beach at 12:00PM.
A sand sculpture competition will be held on Sunday from 10:30AM until judging at 12:00PM. No registration is needed for the sand competition. Start sculpting after 10:30AM and judges will be on scene at 12:00PM.
Both of the Kids events are subject to weather. Please listen to Commentary announcements for updated info each day.
The Awards Presentation and Spot Prize giveaway will be held at 2:00PM on Sunday. We encourage everyone to relax, chat and enjoy your included Sunday Lunch (voucher in the entry bag) prior to the presentations. Competitors MUST be present to claim their prizes, unless previously arranged.
There will be a sausage sizzle BBQ on the village green (Saturday only), which is being run by the Swansea Mens Shed and the Salvation Army. Other food, coffee and beverages will be available for purchase from the Granite Bakery and Iluka Tavern, which are both located at the Event Hub.
You will find a Lunch voucher in your entry bag that can be redeemed at the Iluka Tavern from 12:00PM. Enjoy! Additional lunch vouchers for friends & family can be purchased from the Iluka Tavern.
Other food, coffee and beverages will be available for purchase from the Granite Bakery.
Come prepared for all seasons, as they truly can be experienced in one day at Coles Bay at this time of year. The Freycinet Peninsula is known to have its own "micro climate", which can range from freezing to sweltering conditions throughout the day.
There will be photographers out on the course and at the Event Hub who will be catching the action on camera. Photo highlights will be posted on the Race Day Hub page. Scanning the QR code on your Race Bib will take you to the Race Day Hub page too.
We acknowledge the Toorernomairremener people as the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the Freycinet Peninsula, the land upon which our multi-sport event takes place. We pay our respects to the elders, past and present, and acknowledge their connection to country, respecting the traditions and customs of Aboriginal people.
