Hastings

Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs This is the only cave system in Tasmania occurring in dolomite rather than limestone. Newdegate Cave, which began forming more than 40 million years ago, has stalactites, stalagmites, columns, shawls, flowstone and the more unusual helictites (distorted stalactites), making it – and especially Titania's Palace within it – one of Australia's most beautiful caves. There are 245 steps leading to its vast chambers of formations. Tours run throughout the day. Near Newdegate Cave is a thermal pool surrounded by native bushland. It remains at 28°C year-round and is an extremely popular swimming and picnic spot. The Sensory Trail, an easy walk through magnificent forest, starts near the pool. 8 km NW.Ida Bay Railway: originally built to carry dolomite, the train now carries passengers to Deep Hole Bay along a scenic section of track. Train times change, so ring for details (03) 6298 3110; Lune River Rd; 5 km S. Lunaris: gemstone display and shop; Lune River Rd; 5 km S. Southport: seaside resort town and one of the oldest settlements in the area; good fishing, swimming, surfing and bushwalking; 6 km SE. Cockle Creek: the southernmost point of Australia that can be reached by car, the town is surrounded by beautiful beaches and mountainous terrain and is the start of the 10-day South Coast walking track; 25 km S. Hastings Forest Tour: this self-drive tour begins off Hastings Rd west of town, leads north to the Esperance River, then heads to Dover. Short walks and picnic spots en route; map available from visitor centre.

The Springs 68 km

Visitors to Hobart who are short on time can get a trout fix less than 20 mins’ drive from the CBD at an exclusive fishery called The Springs. It is a year-round fishery and is restricted to a maximum of two... Find out more

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Salmon Ponds 74 km

Most Australian trout anglers regard Tasmania as the nation’s premier trout destination. It’s like Tasmania was purpose-designed for trout, with hundreds of lakes and a cooler climate. Mother Nature... Find out more

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Twin Lakes 103 km

I always thought the title of John Gierach’s entertaining book Where the Trout are all as Long as your Leg was a little farfetched, until I realised it related to a time when he was five years old. I am a little... Find out more

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Bronte System 140 km

Trout anglers probably already know that Tasmania’s Central Highland lakes are among the best in the world. Many offer fly- fishers an opportunity to sight-fish for tailing trout around the lake margins.... Find out more

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Arthurs Lake 159 km

Tasmanians claim that ‘even novices can catch trout in Arthurs Lake’. This probably explains why this waterway is Tasmania’s most popular trout fishery, hosting more anglers than any other water... Find out more

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Little Pine Lagoon 159 km

Little Pine Lagoon is not much to look at, but is highly regarded by fly-fishers for its springtime tailing trout and summer dun hatches. Some anglers rate it Tasmania’s premier fly-fishing water. This small water... Find out more

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Great Lake 160 km

A year-round trout fishery, Great Lake is one of Tasmania’s best known waters and a thriving centre for holiday homes. Brown trout were first released here in 1870 and they still dominate the fishery with an... Find out more

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Lake River 171 km

‘Tasmania is in drought, we simply don’t have enough water,’ said my guide Roger Butler as we departed Hobart for Lake River, which joins the Macquarie River south of Launceston. We reached our... Find out more

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Living History Museum of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage 31 km

Set in a former Methodist church that had strong ties with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community, this little museum near Cygnet showcases Indigenous history, artefacts, art and bush tucker. It is generally open on weekends... Find out more

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Tahune AirWalk 39 km

Located 29 kilometres from Geeveston, this unashamed public relations exercise for Forestry Tasmania starts on the serpentine drive out to the AirWalk, where signs clearly state when an area was last logged. There are... Find out more

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Mount Wellington Walks 63 km

You can quite easily pick up a map and explore Hobart’s wilderness playground on your own but, for initiates, the maze of tracks may be best travelled with a guide who will show you bushfoods and wildlife, teach... Find out more

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Salamanca Market 67 km

With so much excellent fresh produce in Tasmania, you should consider picking up some local organic fruits and vegetables and cooking up your own feast. Try the famous Salamanca Market (Saturday 8.30am–3pm) or City... Find out more

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Island Cycle Tours 68 km

This innovative company offers guided and self-guided cycling tours, ranging from three-hour jaunts in and around Hobart, to three-week expeditions on the west coast. There are trips to combine cycling and hiking, and... Find out more

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Diving in Fortescue Bay 89 km

One of the most coveted Tasmanian diving experiences is through the towering kelp forests found along areas of the east coast. These plants can grow as much as a metre a day, reaching heights of nearly 50 metres in some... Find out more

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Freycinet Adventures 182 km

One of the best ways to experience the Freycinet environment is a morning paddle with Freycinet Adventures. You glide across Great Oyster Bay to a beautiful secluded beach, indulging in a scrumptious morning tea with... Find out more

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Gordon River paddle 192 km

What a way to experience the mirror-like surface of the Gordon River – a kayak and cruise combination. Running only in the summer months, this trip starts on the morning cruise across Macquarie Harbour from... Find out more

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Tarkine Trails 200 km

Delve deeply into the temperate rainforest of the Tarkine Wilderness on a multi-day bushwalk with Tarkine Trails. Unashamedly made up of conservation activists, the company is keen to show you why the Tarkine area should... Find out more

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Diving and snorkelling along Tasmania's east coast 205 km

Although diving might not be your first thought when you head south to Tasmania, the temperate waters usually provide much greater visibility than tropical waters, and offer a surprisingly rich and diverse range of flora... Find out more

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Royal Hobart Golf Club 77 km

Royal Hobart Golf Club has come a long way from humble beginnings. It started out at Sandy Bay, not far from where Wrest Point Casino stands today, in 1896. Known as the Newlands course, it was an incredible par- 89:... Find out more

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Tasmania Golf Club 81 km

The challenge a golf course presents can often be measured by the quality of player it produces. At Tasmania Golf Club, the name Goggin crops up regularly on the honour boards. Lindy Goggin, a three-time Australian... Find out more

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Southport Hotel 
Bar & Restaurant

There are cafes at Hastings Caves Thermal Springs Centre and at the Ida Bay scenic railway terminal but Southport – at the southern tip of Australia’s bitumen roads – is the only place to get an evening... Find out more

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Purple Possum Wholefoods and Cafe 229 km

Purple Possum is in the great little town of St Marys, midway between St Helens and Bicheno. The cafe is wholly vegetarian, and you can take away a range of organic fruit and vegetables and locally grown supplies.... Find out more

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Cascade Brewery 65 km

It’s impossible not to wax lyrical about the Cascade Brewery. It is the oldest working brewery in the country, one of the quaintest-looking industrial buildings and it’s located in the most picturesque of... Find out more

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Moo Brew 72 km

With its striking, glass and steel brewhouse perched high above the Derwent River, Moo Brew is probably the best-appointed microbrewery in the land. It’s also part of Moorilla Estate, situated on the outskirts of... Find out more

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Two Metre Tall Company 76 km

Ashley Huntington actually is 2 metres tall – probably taller if you include his mop of curly hair – and his generous height is also the name for the craftbrewing enterprise he runs from the Derwent... Find out more

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Boag's (J.Boag & Son) 221 km

With several different owners over the past 100 years, J. Boag and Son typifies the sometimes turbulent history of Australian brewing and the minor miracle of surviving at all into the 21st century. Scotsman James Boag... Find out more

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Iron House Brewery 234 km

When White Sands Resort came on the market a few years ago it proved too tempting for Devonport businessman John White, who already runs several companies bearing his surname. Rebranded as White Sands Estate, the... Find out more

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Esperance camping area 13 km

Adjacent to the Hastings Forest picnic area beside the Esperance River, these forest campsites have fireplaces, soft mossy ground and a trickling stream to lull you to sleep after your walk to Duckhole Lake or Adamsons... Find out more

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Dover Beachside Tourist Park 14 km

This popular beachside caravan park has everything from cabins and camp sites to WiFi access and it ticks all the boxes for family fun. The kids will love the playground and the sheltered beach across the road,... Find out more

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Gilhams Beach Campground 15 km

What this free camping area lacks in facilities it more than makes up for in magnificent surroundings. Dense green forest, white sand and crystal-clear water attract plenty of visitors in summer but at other times you... Find out more

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Finns Beach Campground 15 km

This undeveloped free camping area (bring firewood and water) has its own forest-fringed beach and – being so far south – a night sky you will never forget. Turn right off the Huon Hwy A6, 19 km south of... Find out more

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Catamaran Campground 16 km

This roadside camping ground has million-dollar views over Recherche Bay and a good selection of secluded sites, making it the ideal place for a relaxing holiday. There are few facilities and you will need to bring all... Find out more

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Cockle Creek Nature Recreation Area campgrounds 19 km

Alongside the last few potholed kilometres of Australia’s most southerly road, these undeveloped campgrounds suit those who don’t mind roughing it a bit. You can’t camp on the ocean side of the road,... Find out more

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Jetty Beach camping area 19 km

Behind the gentle curve of Jetty Beach, this camping ground among the trees is very popular and deservedly so. Sheltered from the south-west, it faces a sandy cove with clear water, safe swimming, great snorkelling and... Find out more

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Boltons Green Campground 19 km

There is room for 10 tents at this campground on the other side of the bridge, alongside rough and ready Cockle Creek Rd, including larger rigs. Come equipped with a gas/fuel stove as fires are not allowed. On the South... Find out more

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South Cape Rivulet and Lion Rock camping area (walk-in bush camping) 23 km

The first camp sites on this track are at South Cape Rivulet, 12 km from the trailhead at Cockle Creek (allow 4 hrs). There are 3 camping areas on the 4 km of beaches fronting South Cape Bay. Walking east–west, the... Find out more

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Cloudy Corner camping area 26 km

At the far end of Cloudy Bay, this isolated campsite is accessible only to 4WD vehicles and involves driving 3 km along the beach at low tide. Camping is a short walk from the beach and there is water in a creek but it... Find out more

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Snug Beach Cabin and Caravan Park 48 km

A quality seaside park south of Hobart, this place is tourist oriented and has good facilities at a good price. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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New Norfolk Caravan Park 72 km

Across the road from the Derwent River, the park is in a picturesque location just 1.5 km from the centre of town. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Treasure Island Caravan Park 72 km

Located about 9 km north-west of the city, this is a quiet, off-highway park on the banks of the Derwent River. It is close to the Cadbury Factory, a popular tourist attraction, and close to shops. This is an older park... Find out more

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White Beach Tourist Park 74 km

This popular, quality park is only 1 km from historic Port Arthur. Sitting high above the water it has good facilities and large shady trees. It is very busy during holiday periods and bookings are required at these... Find out more

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Barilla Holiday Park 77 km

This is a quality park on the outskirts of greater Hobart. It has most facilities for the discerning traveller including an eatery, and a ‘putt-putt’ golf course that is worth seeing. We like this park.... Find out more

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Port Arthur Holiday Park 82 km

This is a high-quality park with good facilities, close to the beach. The area is popular for surfing, fishing and bushwalking and is a good base for exploring the Tasman Peninsula. Bookings are required in peak periods... Find out more

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Wayatinah Lakeside Caravan Park 119 km

This is a neat lakeside park with basic facilities at a budget price and suitable for a night or two. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Lake St Clair Lodge 157 km

This park, on the southern shores of Lake St Clair, is 5 km from Derwent Bridge. It has basic national park-style amenities and is located next to the interpretive centre within the park boundary. A national park permit... Find out more

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Ross Caravan Park 161 km

Close to the centre of town, on the banks of the Macquarie River and adjoining historic buildings, this small, appealing park is one of the better parks in the midlands. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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The Jetty House

This bayside homestead dates back to historic Southport’s halcyon days when it was such an important international port and timber town it was planned to be the capital of Tasmania. These days it’s just a... Find out more

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Lune River Cottage

This little weatherboard house in out-of-the-way Lune River is a perfect base from which to poke around this fascinating corner of Tasmania. The cottage has three standard budget rooms with shared bathrooms and tea- and... Find out more

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Southern Forest B&B

With some of Tasmania’s best surfing, fishing and wilderness bushwalking close by, Southport is a perfect base for those looking for an activity-filled holiday. This B&B is a modern timber home with a... Find out more

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Peppermint Ridge Retreat, Woodbridge 36 km

Even without the stunning views over the D’Entrecasteaux Channel from 6-metre-high windows, the pademelons that hop around, or the free-range eggs and organic vegetable garden that guests are allowed to raid in... Find out more

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Curringa Farm 96 km

Near Hamilton, about an hour’s drive west of Hobart, this eco-accredited 300-hectare property gives visitors a taste of sustainable farming practices.Give a couple of day’s notice and you can tour the farm,... Find out more

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Waldheim Cabins 213 km

You can steal a march on everyone else in the morning by staying in historic cabins at a beautiful spot within Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, operated by the Parks and Wildlife Service. The cabins are... Find out more

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Cradle Mountain Lodge 218 km

Live in the lap of luxury – old style – with a warm and welcoming central lodge, surrounded by individual cabins. Like nearly any large lodge, it does not have a perfect environmental record, but this... Find out more

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Rainbow Retreat 231 km

The owners of this 30-hectare nature reserve at St Marys are wildlife carers who rehabilitate then release wildlife on the property, so there are plenty of their old friends wandering around, including wombats,... Find out more

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Mountain Valley, Loongana 236 km

Mountain Valley is off the beaten tourist track, situated around 64 kilometres south-west of Devonport (due south of Burnie). Visitors here stay in rustic cabins with open fireplaces on a private and remote 60-hectare... Find out more

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New Norfolk Park Area 72 km

Middle of town Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S42 46.653 E147 04.256... Find out more

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Gretna Park Area 82 km

Middle of town Small area adjacent to the highway next to the sports oval and fire station. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S42 40.711 E146 56.161 ... Find out more

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Fortescue Bay Camp Area 90 km

T/O 15 km S of Eaglehawk Neck (L) or 4 km N of Port Arthur (R) Large campground located 12 kilometres east of the highway in a natural bush setting near the foreshore in Tasman National Park. Good facilities and shade.... Find out more

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Dunalley Park Area 92 km

South side of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S42 53.444 E147 48.332... Find out more

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Murdunna Park Area 92 km

Middle of town Large parking area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S42 56.913 E147 51.981... Find out more

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Hamilton Rest Area 95 km

Middle of town Large grassed area just off the highway on the banks of the Clyde River. Good facilities including laundry (key from council offices with deposit). Limited shade. GPS: S42 33.571 E146 49.859... Find out more

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Bethune Camp Area 99 km

T/O 7 km SE of Ouse (R) or 7 km NW of Hamilton (L) Large grassed area 2.3 kilometres south-west of the highway via Dawson Road. NOTE: Self-contained vehicles only. GPS: S42 32.135 E146 43.837... Find out more

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Kempton Camp Area 101 km

South end of town   Large area just off the highway. Good facilities.   GPS: S42 31.940 E147 12.112... Find out more

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Ouse Rest Area 105 km

East side of town Large grassed area adjacent to the highway at Grace Nicholson Apex Park. Limited shade and facilities. GPS: S42 29.125 E146 42.859... Find out more

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Pub with no Beer Rest Area 114 km

3 km SE of Bothwell (R) or 18 km NW of Midland Hwy (L) Large open area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S42 23.293 E147 02.645 ... Find out more

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Raspins Beach Park Area 124 km

1 km N of Orford (R) or 7 km S of Triabunna (L) Small area near the highway overlooking the foreshore. Toilets located 200 metres south. GPS: S42 32.899 E147 53.082... Find out more

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Oatlands Rest Area 129 km

North side of town Narrow open areas on the banks of a shallow lake just off the main street. GPS: S42 18.042 E147 22.559 ... Find out more

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Nive River Rest Area 130 km

44 km SE of Derwent Bridge (R) or 5 km N of Tarraleah (L) Small area adjacent to the highway on the riverbank. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S42 17.921 E146 27.511... Find out more

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St Peters Pass Rest Area 136 km

8 km N of Oatlands (R) or 28 km S of Ross (L) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S42 14.547 E147 24.317  ... Find out more

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Bradys Lake Camp Area 136 km

36 km SE of Derwent Bridge (L) or 13 km N of Tarraleah (R) Small open grassy area located 1 kilometre off the highway on the shores of the lake. No facilities or shade. GPS: S42 13.920 E146 29.820... Find out more

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Blackburn Creek Rest Area 138 km

29 km SE of Miena (R) or 27 km NW of Bothwell (L) Large open area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S42 10.356 E146 54.285... Find out more

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Bronte Lagoon Rest Area 142 km

28 km SE of Derwent Bridge (R) or 21 km N of Tarraleah (L) Small area adjacent to the highway on the shores of the lagoon. GPS: S42 10.777 E146 30.033... Find out more

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Lagoon of Islands Rest Area 145 km

T/O 20 SE of Miena (L) or 36 km NW of Bothwell (R) Large area located 4 kilometres east of the highway (turn off at Steppes) on the shores of the lake. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S42 06.677 E146 56.163... Find out more

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Little Swanport Rest Area 146 km

21 km N of Triabunna (L) or 28 km S of Swansea (R) Small parking area on the north side of the bridge at Swanport River. Limited shade. GPS: S42 19.915 E147 56.389... Find out more

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Franklin River Park Area 152 km

60 km SE of Queenstown (R) or 25 km NW of Derwent Bridge (L) Very small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S42 12.931 E146 01.214... Find out more

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Pumphouse Bay Camp Area 157 km

T/O 13 km SE of Miena (L) or 43 km NW of Bothwell (R) Large open area on edge of the lake 6 kilometres north of the highway via Poatina Road. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S41 59.977 E146 51.076... Find out more

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Mayfield Bay Camp Area 158 km

34 km N of Triabunna (R) or 15 km S of Swansea (L) Small camp area adjacent to the highway on the foreshore with excellent coastal views. Good shade. GPS: S42 14.436 E148 00.743... Find out more

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Little Pine Lagoon Camp Area 159 km

T/O at Miena via Marlborough Highway Small camping area located 12 kilometres south-west of Miena. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S42 00.005 E146 36.661... Find out more

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Ross Park Area 160 km

South side of town Very small area at the historic bridge well off the highway on the road into the township. GPS: S42 01.876 E147 29.401... Find out more

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Jonah Bay Camp Area 162 km

T/O 13 km SE of Miena (L) or 43 km NW of Bothwell (R) Large area in a natural bush setting on edge of the lake 10 kilometres north of the highway via Poatina Road and Gunns Marsh Road. NOTE: Access road part... Find out more

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Spikey Beach Park Area 165 km

42 km NE of Triabunna (R) or 7 km S of Swansea (L) Small area just off the highway on the foreshore. GPS: S42 11.094 E148 04.000  ... Find out more

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Cressy Beach Park Area 167 km

44 km NE of Triabunna (R) or 5 km SW of Swansea (L) Small secluded area just off the highway on the foreshore. GPS: S42 10.149 E148 04.429 ... Find out more

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Swansea Park Area 171 km

South side of town Small parking area on the Esplanade. Good facilities. GPS: S42 07.865 E148 04.538 ... Find out more

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Campbell Town Rest Area 171 km

South side of town Large grassed area just off the highway on the banks of the river. Limited shade. GPS: S41 55.922 E147 29.372... Find out more

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Lake Burbury Rest Area 176 km

T/O 15 km E of Queenstown (R) or 70 km W of Derwent Bridge (L) Small area located at the boat ramp 4 kilometres south of the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S42 08.35 E145 39.10... Find out more

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