South Tasmania is covered mainly by the Southwest National Park, which is the largest national park in Tasmania. There is little to the east of the park, but what is there is wonderful. Heading east you will reach Hastings where the main attraction is its cave and thermal pool set amongst the Hastings Caves State Reserve. The reserve is an ideal location from where to explore the cave and relax in the thermal pool.
Just south of Hastings is Lune River, which marks the beginning of the most southerly drive in the whole of Australia. It heads down through the mountainous area surrounding Cockle Creek and Recherche Bay, as well as the beautiful beaches that line the coastline. One thing that is worth doing is taking the Ida Bay Railway to Deep Hole Bay, which is a really pretty beach.
North of Hastings is the fishing port of Dover, which makes a great place to stop and stock up on supplies. There are also some great beaches here, as well as a selection of accommodation. North again is Geeveston which is a major timber town. To find out more about timber and forestry you can visit both the Esperance Forest and Heritage Centre as well as the spectacular Tahune Forest Reserve. From Geeveston you can also get to the Hartz Mountains National Park. The weather in the park is as diverse as its beautiful landscape scenery and so you must be prepared when visiting the area. There are plenty of short walking trails in the park, and so fabulous lookout points, including Waratah Lookout.
Following the Huon River north from Geeveston you reach Huonville, which is where the huon pine was first discovered. The area is big on apples and you can visit the Apple Museum to find out more. You can also take part in various activities on the Huon River. Following the river south along the eastern side you will come across Cygnet, which was originally named Port de Cygne Noir because of the plentiful black swans along the river. The area hosts many different types of orchard as well as fabulous beaches, bushwalking and fishing, as well as a selection of accommodation.
East of Cygnet along the eastern coast of Tasmania is Kettering. From Kettering you can travel to Bruny Island, and also visit Snug where you can walk to the beautiful Snug Falls. Transport around this whole area is generally good with two main bus services running.
South Coast, TAS Accommodation
Destinations within South Coast
Bruny Island | ||
Other South Coast Destinations | ||
Franklin Gordon National Park | Geeveston | Huonville |
SHARE with |