Featured Far Southern Tasmania Places to Stay and Things to Do
Your holiday in Tasmania's Far South starts about 60 minutes south from Hobart and extends to the southernmost point of Australia. Self contained, two bedroom nature based retreat or budget cabins for couples or small groups. Warm springs, caves, an historic railway, gemstones, wilderness walks and spectacular coastlines. Tasmania's far 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: 1800 770 224 from 9am to 7pm Email: info@huonvalleyescapes.com.au
Far South Tasmania Activities:
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Drive to the end of the road at Cockle Creek,
then two hour walk to the southernmost beach
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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 >>> |
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Easy Wilderness Walks
beginning at Cockle Creek
Coastal Walks from Cockle Creek
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.
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.
TRANSFORMER: Commissioned by Dark Mofo ProjectX
Artist: Doug Aitken
Opening : From January 2022
Planned for completion in January 2022, Transformer is an immersive pavilion with a reflective interior consisting of angles and facets, drawing the viewer into a never-ending kaleidoscope of light and reflection that interacts with the landscape over the changing seasons.
Transformer is a major new permanent artwork by Doug Aitken, to be positioned at Ida Bay in southern Tasmania as part of Project X. ‘Transformer will present an innovative crossover of contemporary art, architecture and ecology,’ Doug Aitken said. ‘Situated at the end of the road in the Huon Valley, the sculpture will function both as a spectacular destination, and a starting point for the visitor to discover the natural landscape of the region.’
The art installation will be inside the Ida Bay State Reserve, not far from the now abandoned Ida Bay Railway line. Public access will only be by foot, about a 500 metre walk from the car park at the old Ida Bay Railway terminus at Lune River. Although situated on a hillside, looking out (and absorbing in) the spectacular natural areas of the Ida Bay State Reserve and Hastings Bay, the walking track will follow gentle gradients and be an easy 15 minute walk from the car park or nearby accommodation at Buttongrass Retreat.
Ida Bay Historic Railway
Ida Bay Railway and cabins is not currently operating. We hope it will reopen for the 2019 - 20 season.
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.
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 trip package.
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 trip package.
Far South Tasmania Accommodation:
Places to stay near Dover, Southport
and Cockle Creek
Self Contained Eco-Cabin Holiday Home
2023 - 2024 prices (inc 2 people using 1 bed)
$175 to $350
depending on season, day of week and length of stay.
In the Far South of Tasmania, the forest parts to reveal a spectacular open buttongrass plain. This special habitat is home to a unique range of flowers, birds and animals, a community found nowhere else. The view to the Southern Ranges is spectacular and sometime snow capped.
Exclusive occupancy with just one guest accommodation. The 400 metre long driveway takes you to the tranquility of 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.
$175 to $350
depending on season, day of week and length of stay.
In the Far South of Tasmania, the forest parts to reveal a spectacular open buttongrass plain. This special habitat is home to a unique range of flowers, birds and animals, a community found nowhere else. The view to the Southern Ranges is spectacular and sometime snow capped.
Exclusive occupancy with just one guest accommodation. The 400 metre long driveway takes you to the tranquility of 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.
What is the Mona "Green Lens" art installation?
The art installation proposal, titled ‘Green Lens’, has been developed by MONA’s DarkLab as part of Project X, which was established to encourage visitation to the Huon Valley region after the 2019 summer bushfires.
Mona, as usual, is mysterious in the detail. “The Green Lens proposal involves the creation of a new immersive art installation in the Ida Bay State Reserve, near Lune River in the State’s south."
Mona, as usual, is mysterious in the detail. “The Green Lens proposal involves the creation of a new immersive art installation in the Ida Bay State Reserve, near Lune River in the State’s south."
Budget Cabin and Bunkrooms
at Ida Bay Railway: Far South
Ida Bay Railway and cabins is not currently operating. We hope it will reopen for the 2019 - 20 season.
Backpacker rooms with shared facilities or a simple self contained cabin. Explore some of the nearby tracks, ranging from easy to expedition. As part of the Ida Bay Railway complex, this budget accommodation is convenient to the walking tracks of Southport Lagoon, Mystery Creek Cave, Southern Ranges and Cockle Creek.
Backpacker and Cabin Accommodation at Ida Bay, near Dover.
100 km south from Hobart
2018 prices (inc 2 people using 1 bed)
Backpacker Cabins $79
Self Contained Cabin $169
100 km south from Hobart
2018 prices (inc 2 people using 1 bed)
Backpacker Cabins $79
- Double Bed
- Single Bed
- Shared toilet, showers, kitchen and community room.
- Linen supplied.
Self Contained Cabin $169
- Queen Bed
- Toilet & Shower
- Basic kitchen facilities
- TV
- Linen supplied.
Transport to Cockle Creek via Dover
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Dover Taxico
0429 982 006 Bushwalker collection from Cockle Creek, Farmhouse Creek, Southern Ranges, South Coast Track. |
Click to open a larger map of Southern Tasmania and the Far South
Videos of Hastings Thermal Springs, Southport Lagoon and Cockle Creek, Far South Tasmania
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Outdoor adventures in Southern Tasmania
Southwest Wilderness Flights and Cruises
Southwest Wilderness
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Gemstone Fossiking at Lune River
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.
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Southwest National ParkSouthwest National Park and Walks InformationThe 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.
South Coast Walking Track
From Cockle Creek, the magnificent south coast is able to be reached along a walking track. From the coast, the South Coast Track continues 85km to Melaleuca, along some of the wildest coastline in Australia.
There are no roads to Melaleuca, so walkers must either fly, sail or walk in and out. Most people take about 6 to 8 days to complete the South Coast Track, depending upon time spent enjoying the beaches. Walkers should note that the track surface may be rough and muddy over extended 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. Read more on the Parks and Wildlife Website...
Tsunami strikes at Cockle CreekTsunami strikes at Cockle CreekOn 26 December 2004 an earthquake occurred off the west coast of Sumatra, generating a tsunami that killed more than any other tsunami in recorded history. In Tasmania, people reported waves of 1.5 m. The Parks and Wildlife Ranger at Cockle Creek said that unusual wave events observed at Cockle Creek. He became aware of the effects at approximately 0700 hours. By that time, damage to the bridge abutment had already occurred. The water was rising and falling 1.5 m approx and there were strong and cold winds associated with the water movement. It started immediately before the water flow started and stopped when the water stopped flowing. Strong water flows were observed in and out of the lagoon, approximately 40 minutes flowing in then 40 minutes flowing out with short time lapses in between. These strong currents washed away the bridge approaches, leaving the securely built bridge standing as an island. Some campers were trapped south of the bridge until repairs could be completed 2 days later. To read the full report, "Historical accounts of tsunamis in Tasmania by M. K. Morris & C. Mazengarb" click "Read More" 
Eating out in Dover, Southport, Hastings and Ida BayMorning tea, afternoon tea, eat in or take away are generally available at these cafes:
Evening meals are generally available at one of the following establishments, depending on season and day of week.
Tourist activities: Dover, Southport, Hastings and Ida Bay |
Hartz Mountains National Park
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.
Before or after your visit to Hartz Mountains, stay nearby at the Little Seed or Buttongrass Retreat.
Recherche Bay Nature Recreation Area
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...
Read about Recherche Bay on Wikipedia
Other accommodation in Far South TasmaniaColonial Bed and Breakfast in Geeveston
As one of Geeveston's grand landmarks since 1870. The property has now been transformed into Geeveston's finest bed and breakfast accommodation. Enjoy Southern Tasmanian hospitality and use Cambridge House as a base to explore the wonders of Tasmania's Huon Valley and Tasmania's far southern region.Cambridge House sleeps up to 13 people in 5 bedrooms. Each room offers slightly different bedding configurations and different amenities to cater for different budgets and requirements. See our accommodation page for further details.
There are no shared areas with your hosts and we give you front door keys so you are free to come and go as you please. You might like to relax in the large guests lounge, on the verandahs or in the garden. Evening meals are also available by prior arrangement. Cambridge House is AAA rated 4 star. Five bedroom bed and breakfast in Geeveston
Various bedding configurations with ensuite or shared facilities and guest lounge. Single night: $115 to $150 including two adults. (2017 prices) Discounts available for multi night stays and off season. Click Book Online to choose a date and see the discounts available for that period. Main Feature: Colonial B&B
Backpackers' Camp 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.
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Map from Hobart Airport and Mona to Mount Wellington, things to do and places to stay in Hobart and suburbs |
Beach houses and motel rooms, walks, penguins and cheese plus the Bruny Island Cruise |
Waterfalls, Shot Tower, museum, sheep cheese, accommodation and D'Entrecasteaux Channel tourist map and info |
Huon Valley eco-retreat, waterview cottages and a country hotel. River cruising, road maps and itineraries |
Map to Hastings Caves, Ida Bay Railway, Hartz Mountains and South Coast Walk and unique accommodation in Far South Tasmania |
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