Easy adventure experiences and holiday accommodation south from Hobart, Tasmania. Short or medium walks, caves, thermal springs, an historic railway, river fishing and a fishing charter or adventure cruise provide a range of outdoor activities. These attractions will get you into nature, in an easy way without specialised equipment or high level of fitness. Tasmania's south is a land of  waterways, wilderness and wildlife.
This is your one stop shop to plan and book your Huon Valley and Bruny Island Escape.
Phone 9am to 7pm only: 0427 648465 
Email anytime: info@huonvalleyescapes.com.au
Southernmost beach
in Australia

Wilderness flights

Walks from 2 minutes to 5 hours

Hastings Thermal Spring

Hastings Cave
Photography guide

Wilderness fishing charter

Featured Easy Adventures and Accommodation

The Multi Award Winning
Bruny Island Cruise

This multi-award winning three-hour eco-adventure cruise takes you through some of Tasmania's unspoilt coastline like nobody else.

Bruny Island boasts stunning natural cliff formations, among the tallest in the world. Meet the Bruny Island seals, dolphins, whales, albatross, eagles, gannet, shearwater and petrel who live in this delicate ecosystem.

After an unforgettable three hour 50km journey, you’ll return you to shore knowing you’ve been involved in a remarkable voyage of discovery – not just Tasmania's best, but simply one of the world's great environmental travel experiences.
Most of Tasmania is connected by bitumen roads, but many attractions are at the end of short sections of gravel road. Be sure to book a hire car that is allowed on gravel roads and allowed on Bruny Island.
We work with Bargain Car Rentals because of their generous gravel road policy, their extensive fleet, friendly service and convenient pickup locations.

Guided photographic experience

Discover your inner shutterbug and share your passion for photography with like-minded people. Experience Tasmania’s historical charm and be captivated by its spectacular coasts, mountains and forests, rivers and waterfalls, unique flora and fauna, and so much more. Photograph the scenes you observe with practical in-the-field guidance. You’ll have the time to capture your own photographs, not just snapshots.

Hastings Caves

Spacious and well lit and are no narrow passages. There are around 240 stairs but these are traversed in small sections. It is one of the few caves in Australia to have formed in dolomite, which is harder and heavier than limestone. Dolomite is characterised by pearly white and pinkish crystal. The underground temperate is naturally maintained at nine degrees Celsius all year round.

Hastings Thermal Springs

The thermal pool is surrounded by forest and ferns and has a large picnic area equipped with change rooms, showers and toilets, electric barbecues, shelters and forest walks. The pool is fed from a spring that supplies spring water at around 28 degrees Celsius (82.5 degrees Fahrenheit) all year round. It is hygienically controlled and has a paddling pool for children.

Scenic flights or full day wilderness adventures

Take an unforgettable full day tour, exploring the incredibly remote waterways and wilderness of Bathurst Harbour/ Port Davey. Leave civilisation behind and enter the vast South West Wilderness by following the South Coast Track all the way to Melaleuca.

On the ground explore some of the area, including a visit to see the rare and endangered Orange-Bellied Parrot at the Denny King Bird Hide, and do some short local walks. Board one of our boats for a trip to Bathurst Harbour and Celery Top Islands, take walks in the wilderness and enjoy lunch whilst breathing some of the cleanest air in the world.

Return via spectacular Federation Peak, and Mt Picton, over Huonville and Hobart City.

Eco Retreat. Southernmost accommodation in Australia

Ideally situated to access Ida bay railway, Cockle Creek and the South Cape Bay Walk plus Hastings caves, Buttongrass Retreats is a perfect base for a Far South Soft Adventure Experience.

This special habitat is home to a unique range of flowers, birds and animals, a community found nowhere else. The spectacular view includes Adamsons Peak and the Southern Ranges, which are often snow capped.

Exclusive occupancy. Just one guest accommodation with the 400 metre driveway providing privacy in this 14Ha private habitat reserve.

Your modern two bedroom cabin is a comfortable eco experience with solar electricity and hot water, wood heating and is free of distractions like TV and in-room phones. The perfect place to base for exploring the natural beauty of Tasmania's Far South.
Eco Retreat at Lune River 100km south from Hobart
Two bedroom cabin cabin, $165 to $350
Maximum guests: six
Main feature: Nature
Discounts often available. Click the Book Online button and choose a date for prices for those specific nights.

Ida Bay Historic Railway

From Lune River station travel through bushland abundant with bird life and wild flowers. Cross buttongrass plains and travel along the banks of Ida Bay and Lune River Estuary.

Summer Timetable:
Every Day:  9.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm
Winter Timetable (May-September):  Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday: 10am, 12pm and 2pm.

The scenic water views are superb, and marked bushwalking tracks lead to Southport Lagoon and Southport Bluff. Near Southport Bluff is the King George III monument which commemorates the 134 lives lost in the sinking of the convict ship, King George III in 1835.

Ida Bay Railway is next door to Buttongrass Retreat. Phone or email us about an accommodation and rail tip package.

Adventure Challenges

We can provide abseiling, caving, white water rafting and kayaking adventures, as well as team building activities, conference tours and school outdoor programs.
 
Challenge yourself at the world's highest commercial abseil, or raft through the rainforests in the south-west World Heritage Area. Explore Tasmania's hidden underground world of caves and tunnels.Whether it be tackling the rapids of one of our white water rafting routes, tunneling through dark and murky depths of ancient Tasmanian caves or simply enjoying a pleasant kayak paddle while admiring the natural Tasmanian scenery, Aardvark Adventures can offer specially tailored packages that will suit you!
 
Or let us take charge at your next staff day or conference for a corporate event no-one will forget.
Before or after your Huon Valley Escape, experience North West Tasmania's Tarkine Wilderness or the Overland Track.

Make the most of your Southern Tasmania Adventures

Drive to the end of the road at Cockle Creek,
then two hour walk to the southernmost beach

Cockle Creek is about a two hour drive south from Hobart. It is reached via the Huon Highway (A6) through Geeveston. Take the C635 past the Hastings Caves turn off then follow the C636 gravel road through Lune River to Cockle Creek. The last stages of the road are gravel but are suitable for two wheel drive vehicle driven at cautious speeds.

Click to download a walk guide booklet >>>
South Cape Bay
Stand on the cliffs overlooking the Southern Ocean and be the southernmost people in Australia.

Fishers Point
A very easy walk along beaches and short sections of headland takes you to views of Bruny Island and the Southern Ocean.

Bus from Hobart
to Dover 2 daily,
Cockle Creek 3 per week in summer only www.tassielink.com.au
Dover Taxico
0429 982 006
Bushwalker collection from Cockle Creek, Farmhouse Creek, Southern Ranges, South Coast Track.

Southwest National Park and Walks Information

The magnificent Southwest National Park encompasses over six hundred thousand hectares of wild, inspiring country and forms part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. It epitomises the grandeur and spirit of wilderness in its truest sense. Much of the park is remote and far removed from the hustle and bustle of the modern world. For many, just the fact that such a place still exists brings solace. For others, the region offers the challenge to explore areas that retain the same wildness that once characterised new frontiers. For yet others, the area offers the chance to view magnificent scenery from the comfort of their car.

The park is accessible from Cockle Creek - the most southerly point able to be reached by road in Australia.
If driving between dusk and dawn, please be aware that you are sharing the road with wildlife.

In the far southwest, lies the spectacular Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour. Melaleuca is accessible only by light plane, or boat. The airstrip is close to walkers huts, and is the usual starting point for walkers on the South Coast Track.

Trout Fishing information

To fish at a Tasmanian inland water, you must hold a current Angling Licence and fish with a rod, reel and line during the angling season that applies to the water. You do not need a licence to fish at a Registered Private Fishery or if you are under 14 years of age.

Click here to purchase a licence.
 
The Tasmanian Inland Fishing Code contains a summary of the regulations governing the recreational fishery and is essential reading for licensed freshwater anglers.

You can download a copy here.

Anglers Access brochures are available in PDF format from the IFS website. These enhance the availability of information to anglers, support promotion of recreational angling to residents and visitors and enhance tourism opportunities.

Click here to download the Anglers Access Guide Huon River

A range of information and publications produced by the IFS is provided here.

Backpackers near Dover

Grab a book and relax in front of our log fire. Put on your walking boots and explore the beautiful private forest reserve. Swim from the pontoon, or hire a fishing rod. Explore some of the nearby tracks, ranging from easy to expert, by mountain bike. Or visit some of the many natural attractions surrounding us here in Tasmania's Far South.
Cabin Accommodation near Dover
80 km south from Hobart
Doubles: $80
Private six-bunk cabins: $75

South Cape Bay Walking Track

From Cockle Creek, the magnificent south coast is able to be reached along a well made walking track. Most people take about 2 hours each way, depending upon time spent enjoying the beaches. Although the the track surface is generally well constructed it may be rough over short  sections.

Cockle Creek is about 2 hours drive south from Hobart. It is reached via the Huon Highway (A6) through Geeveston, then through Lune River to Cockle Creek. 

Feel the wind under your wings

Thrill seekers, you can’t go past the Eagle Glide Hang Gliding adventure, an exciting way to experience the Tahune Forest Reserve. Feel the wind under your wings as you glide through tall Tasmanian eucalypts and over the Huon River.
Adults $25
Children $18
Includes two flights
22 km from Geeveston
Main feature: Semi flight

Gemstone Fossicking

Conditions apply to the use of Fossicking Areas. Fossickers should avoid causing undue damage to the land, and should take only a 'fair share' of material. Don't be greedy! Fossicking areas are set aside for the use of amateur fossickers and cannot sustain any degree of commercial collecting.

Hartz Mountains National Park

Hartz Mountains National Park is a window into the south-west wilderness, offering views of remote mountain ranges as far as the southern coast. Waterfalls tumble off the dolerite range that runs through the centre of the park and small glacial lakes dot the plateau.

There five different walks:

Waratah Lookout (the shortest walk at 5 minute return) is a great introduction to this park, giving you a look out over the forests you have just driven through. A very easy gravel track leads to a viewing platform overlooking the Huon Valley. Old myrtle forest grows immediately below the lookout. In December and January you will be treated to a blaze of red from the Tasmanian waratah in flower.

The highest point, Hartz Peak (the longest walk at 5 hours return), provides panoramic views into the heart of the southwest. The jagged outline of Federation Peak can be seen on the horizon. This is a walk only for fit, experienced walkers.

Walk in the Treetops
near Geeveston

Walk among the giants of the forest at the AirWalk.
With breathtaking views of the forest canopy, spine-tingling swinging bridges across the Huon and Picton Rivers and Tasmanian food and wine in the café, there’s a full day of fun for the whole family.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful forest ramble or are up for a more challenging hike, one of Tahune’s trails is sure to fit the bill.

Also on site the Swinging Bridges walk is part of your general admission to the Tahune AirWalk, allow 1 hour return. Featuring two swinging bridges suspended from the river banks, you’ll feel the power of nature on this walk as the mighty Huon and Picton Rivers rush right beneath your feet.
Adults: $25
Children: $12
Family: $50
22 km west from Geeveston
Main feature: Forest

Please note, the path to the AirWalk is uphill and includes around 90 steps
Open daily: 9am-5pm November to March, 10am-4pm April to October (closed Christmas Day).

Tourism Operators
Have your tourism product listed and bookable here.
Click for more info.

Read about Recherche Bay on Wikipedia

Recherche Bay is located on the extreme south-eastern corner of Tasmania, Australia and was a landing place of the d’Entrecasteaux expedition to find  missing explorer La Pérouse. It is named after the Recherche, one of the  expedition's ships. The explorers set up a camp, made a garden and scientific observatory at Recherche Bay in April 1792 for 26 days, and again in January 1793 for 24 days. Both landings were made to seek refuge and replenish supplies although as much time as possible was dedicated to scientific research. The botanists Jacques Labillardière, Claude Riche and...

21 km downhill bike ride, Hobart

Depart Hobart and drive by minibus to the summit of Mount Wellington. Rising to a height of 1270 metres, Mt Wellington is a spectacular and panoramic backdrop for the city of Hobart. From the top you’ll see magnificent 360 degree views - the Derwent Valley, down to the Southern Ocean and across to the Tasman Peninsula. Your guide will then fit you with a bicycle, helmet and safety vest followed by a detailed cycle safety briefing. After a practice ride at the summit, regroup and follow your guide on a downhill descent of the mountain. Stop on several occasions to take in the varying views and snap a picture or two. The winding mountain road takes you down past the Chalet and the Springs to the foothills. Here you can choose the option to experience the thrill of an off-road section - only for the adventurous at heart. The off-road section rejoins near Cascade Brewery and Gardens where everyone can regroup. Cycle past the historic Female Factory and through South Hobart and Battery Point, back to the vibrant Hobart Waterfront.

The entire cycling length is 21km from the summit right back to the waterfront.
 
This ride is designed for people of average fitness level. As most of the cycling journey is downhill, there is a small amount of minimal pedaling effort required at times on some relatively level terrain.

DEPARTURES: 10.00am and 1.00pm DAILY (4.00pm during January and February)
Bookings are essential
DURATION: approximately 2.5 hours.
PRICING: $75 adult; $65 child (8-16 years)

DEPARTS: 10.00am and 1.00pm DAILY
Bookings are essential
DURATION: approximately 2.5 hours.
PRICING: $75 adult;
$65 child (8-16 years)
21 km from Summit to City
Main feature: Bike Ride

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Locations throughout Tasmania's Huon Trail

Two nights here,
two nights there...

Let us suggest an itinerary from two nights to two weeks.

Far South

Southwest National Park, The Southern Ocean, fishing villages and the furthest south point in Australia.

D'Entrecasteaux Channel

An intricate waterway separating Bruny Island from mainland Tasmania.

Bruny Island

So much to do and see, you need to spend at least two nights.

Huon Valley

Just 30 minutes south from Hobart, a great base for the first night or two of your Huon Valley Escape.

Hobart

Gateway to the Huon Trail. Maybe spend a night or two in Hobart before or after your Huon Valley Escape.