Far South Tasmania Places to Stay and Things to Do
Your adventure 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 Far South Tasmania escape.
Phone from 9am to 7pm only: 0427 648465 Email anytime: [email protected]
This is your one stop shop to plan and book your Huon Valley and Far South Tasmania escape.
Phone from 9am to 7pm only: 0427 648465 Email anytime: [email protected]
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.
Click to open a larger map of Southern Tasmania and the Far South
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.
TRANSFORMER: Commissioned by Dark Mofo ProjectX
Artist: Doug Aitken
Opening : From January 2022
Planned for completion around 2025, 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.
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. |
Far South Tasmania Bus Service
Hobart to Cockle Creek, Far South Tasmania and Geeveston. Around $440 including 4 people.
- South Coast Track
- Buttongrass Retreat
- Southern Ranges
- Mystery Creek Cave
- Cockle Creek
- Southwest National Park
- Federation Peak
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All these destinations are serviced by the Cockle Creek service and common priced. If you are only going part way, please state as "special requirements", eg "I need to get off at Buttongrass Retreat"
Bushwalker transport to and from
Cockle Creek for the south Coast Track
Cockle Creek for the south Coast Track
Bushwalker transport to and from
Farmhouse Creek for Federation Peak Track
Farmhouse Creek for Federation Peak Track
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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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...
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...
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Before or after your walk, stay nearby at Buttongrass Retreat.
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Far South
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Eating out in Dover, Southport, Hastings and Ida Bay
Morning tea, afternoon tea, eat in or take away are generally available at these cafes:
- Hastings Visitor Centre: Facilities include a visitor centre, kiosk and souvenir shop. The kiosk provides pies, toasted sandwiches and biscuits, confectionery, drinks and ice creams. The pool area has a picnic shelter with tables, open fires electric barbecues, toilets and change rooms. Tickets for cave tours and the thermal pool can be purchased here.
Evening meals are generally available at one of the following establishments, depending on season and day of week.
- Post Office 6985 is a recently renovated restaurant serving woodfired pizzas on Thursdays and woodfired pizzas and a la carte Friday to Sunday nights
- Dover RSL is recently renovated and overlooks Dover Bay- meals available Wednesday to Saturday, 6pm-8pm
- The Southport Hotel is a family friendly hotel with country style meals available for lunch and dinner every day of the week.
The adjacent general store is open 7 days a week and is Australia's most southern petrol outlet. The store is an ideal place to stock up and refuel before you head off to explore what the Far South has to offer. The store also has a range of convenience foods, selected groceries, postal agency, takeaway food and bottle shop.
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.
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.
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Before or after your visit to Hartz Mountains, stay nearby at the Little Seed or Buttongrass Retreat.
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Far South
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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.
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
Read more about Cockle Creek in the Tassie Wanderer Blog
"The view was just amazing. I decided to continue on and walk up to Fishers Point and take a look at the old pilot station ruins. This walk gave me the opportunity to seek solitude and really absorb the calming nature this environment had to offer. " 'Life is meant for adventures, let your feet wander, your eyes marvel, your soul ignite, as you explore the serenity of Tasmania!' A blog dedicated to journaling adventures in the Tasmanian wilderness.
tassiewanderer.blogspot.com/2022/02/my-personal-journey-through-cockle-creek.html
tassiewanderer.blogspot.com/2022/02/my-personal-journey-through-cockle-creek.html
Tsunami strikes at Cockle Creek
Tsunami strikes at Cockle Creek
On 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"
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"
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. 
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." |
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.
Budget Cabin and Bunkrooms |
