Gary’s guidebook to Dover and the Far South of Tasmania
Sightseeing
The tiny settlement of Cockle Creek at the southern end of Australia is the gateway to the Southwest National Park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
The area is known for its scenic beauty of deserted white beaches, turquoise waters of Recherche Bay and a variety of short and multi-day bushwalks including the end of the famous 82 km South Coast Track.
Historically aborigines valued the region for the seals, shellfish and bush hunting it provided during the warmer months, with evidence of many shell middens in the area.
French explorer, Bruni D'Entrecasteaux sailed his ship, the Recherche into the bay in 1792, subsequently naming the bay. The region provided an important port of call for ships transporting convicts to the Sarah Island Penal Colony in Macquarie Harbour on the West coast of Tasmania from 1822 to 1834, when sealers, whalers and loggers visited the area and settled to extract Huon pine.
At its height the settlement numbered more than 2000 people.
Today it is quite literally the ‘End of the Road’ and is signposted such. From the sign there is a leisurely 15 minute walk along the beach (tide permitting) or the main path to the bronze whale sculpture where the interpretive signs guide you through the history of the area and offer a geographical view as to where you are. ‘Closer to Antarctica than Cairns.’
If you plan to walk the final section of the South Coast Wilderness Track from Cockle Creek to South Cape Bay/South East Cape and back, the sign says ‘4hr return’ but this would be a fast pace and we would allow a minimum of 4.5-5hrs for the walk there, a short lunch stop and return to Cockle Creek.
27 íbúar mæla með
Cockle Creek
The tiny settlement of Cockle Creek at the southern end of Australia is the gateway to the Southwest National Park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
The area is known for its scenic beauty of deserted white beaches, turquoise waters of Recherche Bay and a variety of short and multi-day bushwalks including the end of the famous 82 km South Coast Track.
Historically aborigines valued the region for the seals, shellfish and bush hunting it provided during the warmer months, with evidence of many shell middens in the area.
French explorer, Bruni D'Entrecasteaux sailed his ship, the Recherche into the bay in 1792, subsequently naming the bay. The region provided an important port of call for ships transporting convicts to the Sarah Island Penal Colony in Macquarie Harbour on the West coast of Tasmania from 1822 to 1834, when sealers, whalers and loggers visited the area and settled to extract Huon pine.
At its height the settlement numbered more than 2000 people.
Today it is quite literally the ‘End of the Road’ and is signposted such. From the sign there is a leisurely 15 minute walk along the beach (tide permitting) or the main path to the bronze whale sculpture where the interpretive signs guide you through the history of the area and offer a geographical view as to where you are. ‘Closer to Antarctica than Cairns.’
If you plan to walk the final section of the South Coast Wilderness Track from Cockle Creek to South Cape Bay/South East Cape and back, the sign says ‘4hr return’ but this would be a fast pace and we would allow a minimum of 4.5-5hrs for the walk there, a short lunch stop and return to Cockle Creek.
The Hastings Caves State Reserve offers visitors a variety of experiences, from relaxing in the warm waters of a thermal springs pool, walking in the rich forests of the reserve and the unique experience of exploring Newdegate Cave.
Both the thermal pool and the trail which leads through the surrounding forests are accessible to wheelchair users.
Named after Sir Francis Newdegate, the Governor of Tasmania from 1917-1920, Newdegate Cave is the largest tourist cave in Australia which occurs in dolomite, rather than limestone.
Its richly decorated chambers began forming tens of millions of years ago. Don't miss the opportunity to take a tour of the cave with qualified Parks and Wildlife Service guides but PLEASE NOTE: at the moment group tours of Hastings Cave are limited to around eight visitors per tour due to COVID regulations and bookings are essential, call (03) 6298 3209 to make a booking.
Ticket sales close strictly 25 minutes prior to the advertised cave tour time. After ticket purchase there is a further drive of 5kms and a 5 minute walk to the cave entrance where your guide will meet you. The travel to the cave is undertaken in your own vehicle.
Hastings Pool is fed by pure spring water which maintains a constant temperature of 28 degrees Celsius year round. There are toilets, showers, barbecues and a cafe at the Thermal Pool complex.
71 íbúar mæla með
Hastings hellar og hitaðar hverir
754 Hastings Caves RdThe Hastings Caves State Reserve offers visitors a variety of experiences, from relaxing in the warm waters of a thermal springs pool, walking in the rich forests of the reserve and the unique experience of exploring Newdegate Cave.
Both the thermal pool and the trail which leads through the surrounding forests are accessible to wheelchair users.
Named after Sir Francis Newdegate, the Governor of Tasmania from 1917-1920, Newdegate Cave is the largest tourist cave in Australia which occurs in dolomite, rather than limestone.
Its richly decorated chambers began forming tens of millions of years ago. Don't miss the opportunity to take a tour of the cave with qualified Parks and Wildlife Service guides but PLEASE NOTE: at the moment group tours of Hastings Cave are limited to around eight visitors per tour due to COVID regulations and bookings are essential, call (03) 6298 3209 to make a booking.
Ticket sales close strictly 25 minutes prior to the advertised cave tour time. After ticket purchase there is a further drive of 5kms and a 5 minute walk to the cave entrance where your guide will meet you. The travel to the cave is undertaken in your own vehicle.
Hastings Pool is fed by pure spring water which maintains a constant temperature of 28 degrees Celsius year round. There are toilets, showers, barbecues and a cafe at the Thermal Pool complex.
Situated on the edge of 1.6 million hectares of World Heritage Listed forest Tahune Adventures (AirWalk) was opened on the 1st of July 2001 and has since become one of the most visited tourism attractions in Tasmania.
The 600m long raised steel AirWalk ends at a spectacular cantilevered platform 50m above the riverbank – the views extend over the forest canopy to the mountains of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
You can also enjoy one of the many short walks. There is an information centre and licensed café at Tahune Adentures specialising in local food and wine.
23 íbúar mæla með
Tahune Forest Airwalk
Tahune Forest AirwalkSituated on the edge of 1.6 million hectares of World Heritage Listed forest Tahune Adventures (AirWalk) was opened on the 1st of July 2001 and has since become one of the most visited tourism attractions in Tasmania.
The 600m long raised steel AirWalk ends at a spectacular cantilevered platform 50m above the riverbank – the views extend over the forest canopy to the mountains of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
You can also enjoy one of the many short walks. There is an information centre and licensed café at Tahune Adentures specialising in local food and wine.
Hartz Mountains National Park is a window into the south-west wilderness, offering views of remote mountain ranges as far as the southern coast.
As well as spectacular views of a landscape which has been shaped by glaciers during past ice ages, the park offers a variety of unique features. Waterfalls tumble off the dolerite range that runs through the centre of the park and small glacial lakes dot the plateau.
The park contains a wide variety of vegetation from wet eucalypt forest and rainforest through to alpine heath on the exposed mountain tops.
The park was included in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area in 1989, in recognition of its spectacular natural and cultural values.
From the Hartz Shelter carpark and picnic area there are 3 short return walks of 20 - 45mins and several longer walks such as the 1.5hr return Lake Esperance or the 4hrs return Hartz Peak. The parks highest point, Hartz Peak (1254 m), provides panoramic views into the heart of the southwest.
55 íbúar mæla með
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.
As well as spectacular views of a landscape which has been shaped by glaciers during past ice ages, the park offers a variety of unique features. Waterfalls tumble off the dolerite range that runs through the centre of the park and small glacial lakes dot the plateau.
The park contains a wide variety of vegetation from wet eucalypt forest and rainforest through to alpine heath on the exposed mountain tops.
The park was included in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area in 1989, in recognition of its spectacular natural and cultural values.
From the Hartz Shelter carpark and picnic area there are 3 short return walks of 20 - 45mins and several longer walks such as the 1.5hr return Lake Esperance or the 4hrs return Hartz Peak. The parks highest point, Hartz Peak (1254 m), provides panoramic views into the heart of the southwest.
Shopping
Lunaris Gemstones, 175 Lune River Road, they specialise in Tasmanian gemstones, fossils, crystals and minerals, natural specimens, unique jewellery pieces, ornamentals and decorative items.
Lunaris Gemstones
175 Lune River RdLunaris Gemstones, 175 Lune River Road, they specialise in Tasmanian gemstones, fossils, crystals and minerals, natural specimens, unique jewellery pieces, ornamentals and decorative items.
Hand crafted dairy goat products. Goat Milk Soaps and Lotions made with natural ingredients. Cajeta, Goat Milk Caramel Confectionery.
We blend Australian olive with coconut oil and milk from our own goats. With no added petrolium or alcohol products and no Sodium Lauryl Sulphates, Our soaps are as close to nature as possible. Our hand whipped herbal body balms complement our range and can be tailor made to suit your personal needs.
Touchwood farm shop
7777 Huon HwyHand crafted dairy goat products. Goat Milk Soaps and Lotions made with natural ingredients. Cajeta, Goat Milk Caramel Confectionery.
We blend Australian olive with coconut oil and milk from our own goats. With no added petrolium or alcohol products and no Sodium Lauryl Sulphates, Our soaps are as close to nature as possible. Our hand whipped herbal body balms complement our range and can be tailor made to suit your personal needs.
Food scene
Our Island's ancient cool temperate forests are the inspiration behind the distilling of our distinctive Tasmanian spirit, featuring sassafras.
We also continue a 100yr tradition of baking fine sourdough breads on Fridays, (orders by Tuesdays).
Bakehouse Distillery
8 Station RdOur Island's ancient cool temperate forests are the inspiration behind the distilling of our distinctive Tasmanian spirit, featuring sassafras.
We also continue a 100yr tradition of baking fine sourdough breads on Fridays, (orders by Tuesdays).
Dover R.S.L Club has a fantastic dining room open 7 days. Well priced R.S.L favourites as well as chefs specials changing weekly.
Dinner 5pm-8pm
Lunches *Wednesday to Sunday ONLY* 12:00-2:00pm
Bookings essential ph:62981264
Membership not required but you must sign in.
12 íbúar mæla með
Dover RSL Club
16 Chapman AveDover R.S.L Club has a fantastic dining room open 7 days. Well priced R.S.L favourites as well as chefs specials changing weekly.
Dinner 5pm-8pm
Lunches *Wednesday to Sunday ONLY* 12:00-2:00pm
Bookings essential ph:62981264
Membership not required but you must sign in.
The bar & bistro are located inside the Dover Golf Club and is open Thursday to Sunday . Dinners are available Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and lunches available Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
19th Bar & Bistro
81 Cemetery RdThe bar & bistro are located inside the Dover Golf Club and is open Thursday to Sunday . Dinners are available Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and lunches available Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Restaurant serving gourmet pizzas baked in their own woodfired pizza oven. Dine in or take away in this licensed restaurant. Open for dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
11 íbúar mæla með
Post Office 6985
6985 Huon HwyRestaurant serving gourmet pizzas baked in their own woodfired pizza oven. Dine in or take away in this licensed restaurant. Open for dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday.