5 days exploring South Tasmania

Tasmania’s south-eastern corner is a region of breathtaking wilderness, exquisite vineyards and gourmet delights. It boasts an exceptional variety of landscapes, from the tranquility of the Huon River to the magnificent Hartz Mountains National Park. Combined with award-winning cheese, freshly shucked oysters, and local beverages, this five-day loop from Hobart will satisfy any appetite. 

Day 1: Hobart to Bruny Island

• Travel time: about 1 hour
• Distance: 36 kilometres (22.3 miles)

Bruny Island is best known for its coastal walks, wildlife, and outstanding produce (particularly oysters, artisanal cheese and craft beer). From Hobart, drive to Kettering on the Channel Highway for about 30 minutes, then head to the ferry terminal to take the 20-minute ferry ride across the D'Entrecasteaux Channel.

When you arrive on Bruny Island, drive 40 minutes to Adventure Bay to join the three-hour Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Bruny Island Cruise. On this spectacular wilderness journey you’ll see playful dolphins and seals, cruise alongside towering sea cliffs, and discover deep sea caves. Back on land, stock up on traditionally made cheese at Bruny Island Cheese Co, then walk 10 minutes to Get Shucked. This oyster bar serves up deliciously fresh oysters, sustainably cultivated in the crystal-clear waters of Bruny Island’s Great Bay.

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Day 2: Bruny Island to Geeveston

• Travel time: about 1.5 hours 
• Distance: 63 kilometres (39 miles)

From Bruny Island, take the return ferry across the channel back to Kettering. Today you’ll head to Geeveston, making stops along the way to sip and sample the Huon Valley region’s finest produce. First, stop at the picturesque Grandvewe Cheeses, also home to Hartshorn Distillery, where you can sample sheep cheeses, boutique vodka, and gin made from sheep whey.

Less than ten minutes away is the Woodbridge Smokehouse, where delicious hand-smoked salmon and trout awaits. Afterwards, continue to Hartzview Vineyard, one of Australia’s most southern vineyards, which specialises in cool-climate wines and fortified fruit liqueurs.

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Day 3: Geeveston to Dover

• Drive time: 18 minutes 
• Distance: 18.5 kilometres (11.5 miles)

The magnificent forests and peaks of Hartz Mountains National Park, 35 minutes from Geeveston, form part of the vast Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area that covers almost a fifth of the island. Walk along one of the many trails in the national park for magnificent views of glacial lakes, waterfalls, and the south-western wilderness.

For further immersion in nature, walk among the treetops to see rare Huon pines at Tahune Adventures, or join an afternoon Lune River kayak tour with Esperance Adventures.

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Day 4: Dover to Cockle Creek

• Drive time: about 1 hour
• Distance: 44.5 kilometres (27.6 miles)

Stock up on supplies before leaving Dover for a night in Cockle Creek, the gateway to Southwest National Park in Tasmania’s Wilderness Heritage Area. On your way, turn off at Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs to join a 45-minute tour through the labyrinth of dolomite chambers, where you'll experience the unique beauty of this underground eco-system. Above ground, wander through the rainforest, or swim in the thermal swimming pool fed by the site’s subterranean springs.

Drive another 20 minutes to Lunaris Gemstones where you can pick out a souvenir gem or fossil. Continue driving and enjoy the scenic water views along the road to Cockle Creek, the furthest south that you can drive in Australia. 

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Day 5: Cockle Creek to Hobart

• Drive time: 2 hours
• Distance: 121 kilometres (75 miles)

On the final day of your southern adventure, meander back to Hobart as slowly as time allows. Stop at the Bakehouse Distillery in Dover to sample its unique small-batch botanical spirit, Evoke, made using native Southern Sassafras to capture the fragrance of the region’s ancient rainforests.

At Summer Kitchen Bakery in Ranelagh, tuck into a pie or pastry, or pick up a loaf of organic sourdough to enjoy later. Taste some of the Huon Valley’s best pinot noir and enjoy rolling countryside views at nearby Home Hill Winery, before pulling up a pew at Willie Smith’s Apple Shed in Grove for cider and charcuterie tasting.

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