Itinerary ideas

Going South

3 Days – Far South, Huon Valley and Channel Highlights

DAY ONE

Depart Hobart at 9am, take the Southern Outlet (A6) towards Kingston and follow the signs to Huonville. On the way, visit the Panorama Providore for a late breakfast or tastings of local chocolate, jams and honeys.

For those who like to catch a fish, Mike from Rod and Fly Tasmania will teach you the art of fly fishing on the edge of the Southwest National Park.

From the C645 join the C619 passing through Judbury and then on to Glen Huon. The peaceful surroundings are the inspiration for Studio Karma's water colourist. Browse through the artist's studio, gallery and home by appointment and relax on the deck overlooking the delightful pond.

[ Click on these links for accommodation, attractions, tours and events in the Huon Trail ]

DAY TWO

Before leaving Huonville visit the Parks Shop in the centre of town for all the information you need on Tasmania's National Parks and Reserves.

Ten minutes further south in the heart of Franklin, you will find a collection of curios, antiques and goods at Treasures Old and New. Wander the town and inspect the free-standing gaol cells once used to confine offenders before they appeared in the local court.

Follow the scenic Huon Highway via the orchard region of Castle Forbes Bay and historic Port Huon into Geeveston. As Tasmania's 'forest town', this is a fitting location for quality arts, crafts and furniture at the Southern Design Centre. You can also watch the local artisans work while you browse.

Enjoy lunch in the heart of Geeveston and wander the peaceful surrounds of Heritage Park on the Geeveston Circuit and Platypus Walk before taking the drive to the famous Hartz Mountains National Park. The Hartz Mountains provide a window into the south-west wilderness, offering views of mountain ranges as far as the south coast. Whether you take a short stroll or more challenging multi-day walk, a range of vegetation, waterfalls, glacial lakes and panoramic views will make for an inspiring adventure.

Return to the comfort of your vehicle and explore the Port Esperance Coast Road (C638 from Surges Bay) for breathtaking views across the Huon River and D'Entrecasteaux Channel before arriving in Dover.

Replenish your energy levels after your walk with delicious pastries, sweets and good coffee at the Gingerbread House café or take your snacks with you to Kent Beach for magnificent views across Port Esperance.

Stay overnight in Dover where a range of accommodation awaits you along with an active and inspiring second day in the Far South.

DAY THREE

After an early breakfast, follow the A6 towards Southport and then the C635 to Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs. Here are some of the finest dolomite caves in Australia and a guided tour will provide an insight into their 40 million year formation. Following the tour, take a swim in the 28 degrees Celsius naturally-heated thermal springs or relax with a meal or refreshments in the licensed café and visitors centre.

Join the C635 again and head south. A five-minute drive will take you to Lunaris Gemstones where you'll find an interesting display of rare Jurassic fossils, crystals and gemstones from Tasmania and overseas.

Another five minutes further down the road is the historic Ida Bay Railway. This is Australia's southern-most railway and is the last remaining section of Tasmania's once-extensive narrow gauge bush tramway network. A two-hour 14 kilometre (nine mile) return trip follows a track originally used for limestone transportation.

How about a drive to the end of the Country – literally? Cockle Creek is the furthest south it is possible to drive in Australia. It has a remarkable colonial and whaling history and offers a great walking track network. Cockle Creek is also the start and finish point for the challenging South Coast Track into the South West National Park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness Word Heritage Area.

Begin your journey back to Hobart on the A6, detouring via Southport for refreshments, spectacular views and roaring beaches.

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