The Best of Southern Tasmania
There are so many things to see and do in Tasmania’s far south! Relax at a scenic deserted beach, visit the giant underground cave, swim in the thermal jungle pool, or discover the charming Tasmanian townships; the list is endless.
Exploring Southern Tasmania using a Motorhome or a caravan is the ideal way of experiencing the best this region has to offer. A Motorhome or a caravan is also a better option if you will be bringing children along.
Caravans and Motorhomes are transported from mainland Australia to Tasmania via The Spirit of Tasmania ferry, which docks at the Devonport terminal.
In this post, we have put together a guide to things to do and must-go-to places in your next southern Tasmania adventure using your Caravan or Motorhome.
- Mount wellington.
Also referred to as “the mountain” by the locals, you can’t miss Mt. Wellington once you are in Hobart. A visit to the top of this mountain on a clear day gives a fantastic view of Hobart.
“The mountain” is a short drive from the CBD, and you can drive to the top using pinnacle road. Adding to the adventure, you can hike to the top of the mountain for a picture-perfect backdrop of the CBD. Take a look at the famous Cascade “female factory,” the colonial-era women prison situated along Mount Wellington’s foot.
Mount Wellington is open all day, every day. However, there are seasons when the Hobart city council restricts access when roads are likely to be covered by ice and snow. So, we recommended you confirm with the Hobart City council website for precise information on if it is open or closed.
- Visit the Hasting caves and swim at the thermal pools.
Located in the Huon valley in the far south of Tasmania, The Hastings Caves State Reserve hosts one of the complex and breathtaking eco-systems in the world. The Reserve is a 90-minute drive from Hobart.
A visit to the cave is an opportunity to get the feeling of an ancient environment that exists nowhere else. Take a guided tour through the caves and discover breathtaking formations, including shawls, stalactites, straws, columns, and helictites.
The cave is well aerated and spacious enough without narrow corridors. It has 250 stairs up and down, each fitted with handrails for safety.
Take a dip in the 28-degrees hot thermal pool, collecting and circulating the natural hot spring rich in minerals. The pool is situated in a lush forest where you can also keep an eye on wildlife and birds.
Buy your souvenirs, pick a light snack or coffee in the café area of the beautifully maintained visitors’ centre at the park.
- Port Arthur and the Tasman peninsula.
Located in the Tasman Peninsula, Port Arthur is a village and one of the important historical sites in southern Tasmania. Former penal settlement and now an open-air museum, Port Arthur is a worthwhile place to visit in Australia’s southern parts.
Here, you could engage in many activities such as boat tours, walking tours, or ghost tours in the evening. This place has a lot of information you may find useful and interesting. For instance, you will learn something about the history of the State’s first working mine from the Coal Mine Historic site.
Take your time and discover interesting places along the coast like the Tasman Arch, Devil’s kitchen, and blowhole. Check out the Doo town along the way-a town where every house has a name on the front with the word Doo. If you are traveling with your kids, this is something they might want to ask.
- Visit Bruny Island.
Located off the southeastern part of Tasmania and measures 362km2 with a population of around 600 people, this island consists of two islands connected by an isthmus known by the locals as the Neck.
The island boasts of having the highest sea cliff at 300 meters and is known for its exciting birdlife; all the 12 Australian endemic birds live here. Enjoy the rich wildlife, which includes the famous Australian colony of white wallaby.
You can go swimming, fishing or surfing in the beautiful blue ocean on sunny days. And don’t miss to sample the island berries and cheese or get a spectacular view of the Neck standing at the Truganini lookout.
The island can be accessed using car ferries, regularly commuting from Kettering town, which is a 40-minute drive from Hobart. The vehicle ferry takes around fifteen minutes to reach the island.
- Drive to the most southern part of Tasmania-Cockle creek.
Situated in the Huon valleys in the far south of Tasmania, the cockle creek and Recherche Bay have stunning beaches perfect for camping and picnic. Add to this the great whale sculpture, and you will get a fantastic backdrop for your photos.
Tour the beautiful coastline on a fishing boat or a kayak while catching fresh fish. You can also do a few walks like the walk to the fishers point or the south cape bay walk.
The wilderness beyond cockle creek makes it feel like the end of the world, so a simple stroll along the creek in the evening is enough to give you the peace and quietness you deserve.
The creek is a 2-hour drive from Hobart through Geeveston, giving you the best experience of exploring the farthest part of Tasmania.
- Tour the Southwest National Park.
The Southwest National Park is part of the World Heritage Area. It features Tasmania’s untouched coastlines, ancient rainforests, wild rivers, and spectacular mountain ranges.
Enjoy the famous multi-day south coast walk offered by the 7.7 kilometers south coast bay track, which takes up to 4 hours. Be on the lookout for the local wildlife like the Tasmanian devil.
Accommodation.
When you plan to visit the Tasmanian south, you are advised to use a campervan or motorhome for your stay in the south. There are many Caravan parks sites you can visit.
For instance, the Dover Beachside tourist park is a perfect spot to base yourself. The park has a modern camp kitchen, laundry services, and an underground barbeque area. They offer accommodation at pocket-friendly rates, so you don’t have to worry much.
You can also set your base at Southport Hotel and Caravan Park, one of Tasmania’s most southern pubs. The hotel is family-friendly and offers some of the best country delicacies.
The park also has powered sites with concrete slabs and drive-through access for those who might prefer staying in a camper van.
Conclusion.
Ranging from the colonial-era buildings, convict sites, markets, and some of the ancient architectural designs, southern Tasmania has a lot of things you can see and do during your vacation.
Visit the Hasting caves, enjoy a swim at the hot springs, and learn some history of Tasmania’s first operational mine. You can also drive to the southern part of Tasmania called the Cockle creed and reach the South East Cape for a breathtaking view of Maatsuyker Island and the Southern Ocean.
There so many things to explore in southern Tasmania, and a day or two may not be enough for the adventure. To fully enjoy your experience, it is recommended that you hire a motorhome or a campervan for convenience.
The weather in southern Tasmania is cool, so it is advisable to pack adequate warm clothes and sturdy footwear in your holiday bag to be safe during your stay.
Happy adventure!
[Photo credit David Counsell]
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