Tasmania's Huon Valley: Lots to see and do.
The Huon Valley lies south from Hobart, Tasmania. In just a 20-minute driving, you will find a world of extensive and serene waterways, wild coastlines, quiet farmlands, boutique vineyards, and rugged but accessible World Heritage wilderness. Far South Tasmania is an ideal place for a relaxing holiday or short break, offering an inspiring mix of outdoor adventures, accommodation to suit all budgets, delicious food and drink, cherries, stone fruits, berries, meats and the freshest of seafood – top class cool-climate wines, a rich maritime, forest and rural heritage, and friendly, creative people.
Buttongrass Retreat is close to Geeveston, Dover, Southport, Hastings and Cockle Creek.
There are four areas along The Huon Trail – the Huon Valley, the D'Entrecasteaux Channel, Bruny Island and the remote and wild Far South. Each of these areas offers unique experiences and attractions ranging from towering sea cliffs, dramatic mountain peaks, ancient forests, wondrous underground caves, pristine waterways, native flora and fauna and truly sensational landscapes.
So why not relax and escape to Tasmania's Huon Valley.
Buttongrass Retreat is close to Geeveston, Dover, Southport, Hastings and Cockle Creek.
There are four areas along The Huon Trail – the Huon Valley, the D'Entrecasteaux Channel, Bruny Island and the remote and wild Far South. Each of these areas offers unique experiences and attractions ranging from towering sea cliffs, dramatic mountain peaks, ancient forests, wondrous underground caves, pristine waterways, native flora and fauna and truly sensational landscapes.
So why not relax and escape to Tasmania's Huon Valley.
Far South TasmaniaFar South Tasmania, where mountain and forests meet the Southern Ocean. Relax and unwind in nature. Choose from the many beautiful walks through pristine forests and exquisite beaches, Try your hand at fishing, sailing, boating, diving or stroll along the white, sandy beaches that epitomise Tasmania's Far South.
The island’s natural features blend and weave their way with you on your journey to the Far South. The wild, rugged essence of mountains comes down from the west, a legacy of dramatic coastlines and alpine tarns, to turn at the southern tip, away from the bracing, yet alluring force of the great Southern Ocean - to the more sheltered calm of the Tasman Sea. 43 degrees of pure southern latitude! Quiet – Fresh – Beautiful. More information is available www.huonvalleyescapes.net/far-south.html and a downloadable Far South brochure from http://www.farsouthtasmania.com/documents/farsouthmap08.pdf |
Map of Far South TasmaniaClick for a printable map
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Attractions in Far South Tasmania
Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs
Hastings Caves, 10 km northA gravel road leads from the main road to the visitor centre and thermal springs. Be fascinated by one of the world's great dolomite caves. Experience forest walks, picnic facilities and café.
http://www.huonvalleyescapes.net/hastings-experience.html  |
Hastings Thermal Springs, 8 km north the 28 degree naturally heated spring water swimming pool. Open every day.
Great rainy day adventure.  |
As far south as you can drive in Australia
Cockle Creek and Recherche BayExplore the southernmost tip of Australia, a variety of bushwalks, bird
watching, picnics, fishing and boating. 20 km of gravel road Travel time (one way) - 45 minutes www.parks.tas.gov.au/factsheets/parks_and_places/Cockle.pdf |
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Day Walks from your cabin and from a short drive nearby
Here on the edge of Tasmania's World Heritage Area, there are many walks, ranging from 1 hour to many days. We have selected a few of our favorites.
Downloadable Walks Guide BookletThese sketch maps are provided free of charge as a guide only. They form no contract with Buttongrass Retreat or its operators or any other person. You should use a full topographic map for navigation. Tracks are either operating or abandoned four wheel drive tracks and suit most people of good fitness with strong shoes. Routes are in a mix of open grasslands, shrubby gullies and woodland and suit fit, experienced bushwalkers with good navigation skills.
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Southport LagoonSouthport Lagoon is accessible by a 50 minute walk from the end of the railway
line at Deep Hole. The walk is over reasonable terrain and allows the walker to enjoy the peace and serenity of Southport Lagoon. Many walkers catch a train in to the Deep Hole and complete the walk to Southport Lagoon. Alternatively some walkers stay at the lagoon and catch the last train for the day from Deep Hole to return to the station. Return trips on the train need to be negotiated with the railway’s running timetable. 
The scenic water views are superb. There are marked bush walking tracks to
Southport Lagoon and Southport Bluff. Near Southport Bluff is the King George III monument which commemorates the 134 lives lost in the sinking of the convict ship, King George III in 1835. |
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Mystery Creek Adventure CaveAt the southern edge of Ida Bay village, turn right onto South Lune Road. In about 2.5km, turn left into Limestone Quarry Road, then 1km to the car park, information and registration booth.
From here, follow the almost flat abandoned railway formation to the old limestone quarry. Along the way, look out for several historic relic pieces of machinery and huts. In the quarry, turn left and follow the tagged track another 800 metres to the cave entrance. Warning: This is a wild cave with no facilities. People have died in this cave. Only enter the cave if you are properly prepared and experienced and know that the river levels are and will remain safe. 
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Drive to Cockle Creek: The southernmost road in Australia
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Half hour drive south from Buttongrass Retreat takes you to Cockle Creek. The road ends just inside the Southwest National Park. There are several short plus one multi day walks that begin here.
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Fishers Point (2 hours return) or
South Cape Bay (4-5 hours return)
In development. Full text to follow soon
South Cape Bay: Southernmost beach in Australia
Stand on the cliffs overlooking South Cape Bay and be the southernmost person in Australia
Gemstones
Gemstone Fosicking,
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Lunaris Gemstones, 1 km north175 Lune River Road, Lune River. e-mail: [email protected] Ph: 03 6298 3182
Retailers in rare Jurassic fossils, crystals and gemstones. The show-room has displays of locally found fossils and gemstones from the Lune River gemfields, including rare, petrified fern – fossil remnants of a Jurassic forest. Various coloured agates, jasper, petrified wood and onyx are found in the area. Minerals and crystals from Tasmania also feature and are for sale, alongside overseas and Australian specimens. Located between two Public Fossicking Areas, the owners can provide useful information for those who are keen to find their own gemstones. Admission is free, and Lunaris Gemstones is open most days 9am to 5pm. You will also find them in attendance at Hobart’s Salamanca Market on Saturdays. |
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Bushwalks in Far South Tasmania
Adamsons Peak |
Adamsons Falls |
Duckhole Lake |
Mystery Creek Cave |
Southern Ranges |
St Imre Vineyard, Dover, 23km northSt Imre Vineyard is a boutique winery located in Dover, the Far South region of
the Huon Valley, on the Huon Trail. We have 5 acres planted to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris and the more hard to find varieties of Ziegerrebe, Baco Noir and Gamay. Our blends of Possum Piss (white) and Tiger Blood (red) becoming ever more popular. St Imre is offering wine, food, coffee, cakes and art/craft works
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Ida Bay Railway Cafe, next doorSouthport Tavern, 10km northDover Town Shops, 21 km northWombats Takeaway (Dover Top Shop)
IGA Supermarket Deli and corner store and other shops including post office, pharmacy, petrol station, laundromat Ida Bay Railway is closed indefinitelyFrom Lune River station travel through bush land abundant with bird life and wild flowers. Cross button grass plains and travel along the banks of Ida Bay and Lune River Estuary.
http://www.huonvalleyescapes.net/ida-bay-railway.html
The railway line terminates at Deep Hole and Elliott's Beach where we have a shelter with BBQ facilities, picnic tables and chairs and toilets. Enjoy some time at the beach with a picnic or BBQ with family or friends and catch a later train back to the station. BBQ packs are available at the Ida Bay Railway Cafe.
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