Southern Edge & Huon Trail 6D5N, Self Drive

Arrive into Hobart International Airport (HBA) and pick up your hire car to begin your Tasmanian adventure.

First stop is the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre to collect the Tasmania National Parks Pass required for entry to all of the state’s national parks. The money raised from park fees is reinvested and goes directly towards the upkeep of the parks and reserves.

National Parks Pass in hand, spend the rest of the day exploring Hobart at your leisure. Wander the historic lands, alleys and squares of Salamanca Place; inspect the tall ships and pleasure yachts of Sullivans Cove; admire the fascinating works of MONA (The Museum of Old and New Art); and, in the late afternoon, venture up to Mt Wellington for to watch the sunset red, yellow and purple over the city and sea.

You’ll stay the night at the Henry Jones Art Hotel, Hobart, a 5-star boutique art hotel offering a luxurious, historical and authentic experience.

Driving information: total driving time approx. 2.5hrs

Begin your journey to the Southern Edge.

First stop is Willie Smith’s Apple Shed, the home of Willie Smith’s Cider. Sample a delicious range of ciders and apple liquors and learn how Tasmania got its nickname as ‘The Apple Isle’. Make sure to treat yourself to a delicious morning tea from the Apple Shed kitchen (own cost). The menu features fresh, seasonal produce including salmon from the purest water on Earth and cheese made from the happiest sheep you’ve ever seen.

Continue on to Home Hill Winery. Nestled in the picturesque Huon Valley, Home Hill grows a variety of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sylvaner grapes similar to that of Bordeaux, France. After tasting the wines, head into the award-winning restaurant for a mouth-watering lunch (own cost). Where possible, the food is made from scratch and showcases local ingredients such as Bruny Island Oysters, Mountain River yoghurt, Huon Trout and Salmon, Tongola Goat Products and Willy Smiths Cider to name a few.

After lunch, continue south to Geeveston, Australia’s most southerly town. Surrounded by rolling hills and the nearby mountains of the Hartz Mountains National Park, Geeveston has a vibrant main street full of hand-carved timber sculptures of famous locals. If you’re in the market for a souvenir, make sure to check out the local shops for local arts and crafts.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the bush and listen to nature on a kayak tour of the Lune River. Departing from the Lune River Bridge, paddle along the dark, tannin-rich waters beneath the majestic Adamsons Peak and the Southern Ranges, looking for birds and learning about the rich history of the area. Watch the sun set red, yellow and purple over the southwestern wilderness and enjoy a tasty afternoon tea on the beach at Hastings Bay. This is one kayaking experience you will not soon forget.

You’ll stay the next two nights at The Boat House, an exclusive hideaway on a private peninsula with 250 acres of wilderness, wildlife and waterfront. Settle in for the evening and indulge in a gourmet antipasta dinner platter featuring Fat Pig Farm salami and ham, Bruny Island cheeses, Tongola goats curdy, Huon Aquaculture hot smoked salmon and more.

Driving information: total driving time approx. 2.5hrs
Walking Information: South Cape Bay Trail: 16km/10km return | 4hrs return | Grade 3: Some bushwalking experience recommended for rough surfaces and short steep sections. The walk is self guided and optional.

Venture south to Cockle Creek, the most southerly point you can drive in Australia and the entry point to the South West National Park in Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area. The South Coast Track, one of Tasmania’s great bushwalks begins – or ends – here. Usually taking 7 days, this hike is Tasmania’s most difficult and most hazardous.

But don’t worry, you are only going to walk the safest and easiest section of the track – the South Cape Bay Trail. Starting from the end of the road near the whaling sculpture that explains the bay’s whaling history, the trail leads through the largest swath of protected land Tasmania has to offer. Gently ascend up Moulder’s Hill for the next 3-kilometres (1.8mi) before arriving at marshland. Fortunately, duckboards are provided throughout the marshland to allow you to cover the next few kilometres rather quickly. After leaving the marshland, you will come up and over a few easy hills before arriving at a cliff top.

From the cliff top, look out over the entirety of South Cape Bay. Rocks seem to pour out of the lush forest to roll across the beach and off in the distance you can see Lion Rock, a rock formation emerging from the ocean that looks like a lion at rest. If the weather is good, you will likely see surfers enjoying the waves. If you look to the horizon, the next stop is Antarctica.

Once you have made it back to the car, hit the road to Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs. With a local Parks and Wildlife Service guide, wander through a living and breathing ecosystem that boasts an identity like no other. Deep in the caves you will discover spectacular subterranean formations including flowstone, stalactites, stalagmites and more. The cave is spacious with no narrow passages. The light level is low. There are 250 stairs each way, equipped with handrails. Once you’ve thoroughly explored the cave, take a dip in the 28-degree thermal swimming pool. The water is rich in minerals – an absolute treat for your skin!

Cap off this unforgettable day with a hearty meal at Australia’s southernmost pub, The Southport Hotel (own cost). Overlooking a beautiful natural bush setting, the pub has a relaxed environment with a warm casual atmosphere that appeals to everyone.

Driving information: total driving time approx. 3.5hrs
Walking Information: Waratah Walk: 300m/984ft return | 5min return | Grade 1: No bushwalking experience required.
Hartz Peak Walk: 7.4km/4.6mi one way with 400m/1312ft climb in elevation | 3-5hrs return | Grade 4: Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.
The walks are self guided and optional. You can choose the one suitable to your fitness level.

Journey into the ancient forests of Tasmania’s Southwest to the Tahune Airwalk, an elevated walkway 30-metres (98ft) above the forest floor, with the final cantilever section sitting at a height of 50-metres (164ft) above the Huon River. As you walk through the treetops, look out over the Huon and Picton and beyond to the peaks of the World Heritage area. The return journey takes about 50-minutes – more if you stop for photographs, spot birdlife, or pause to enjoy the clean fresh scents of the forest. (Basic fitness is required to complete the 619-metre (2031ft) Airwalk, complete with 104 steps).

Back on Earth, continue on to Hartz Mountains National Park. The Hartz Mountains overlook Tasmania’s south-west wilderness and offer stunning views of remote mountain ranges that stretch as far as the southern coast. Choose from a range of walks to suit every fitness level and length of time.

The Waratah Walk is just a few minutes’ walk to a lookout platform with sweeping forest views, while the Arve Falls Walk follows an easy path through alpine fields and woodland to the edge of a plateau overlooking the waterfalls and valley below. If you’re looking for something a little more challenging, the high country walk to Lake Esperance reveals fragile cushion plants and ancient King Billy Pines. Finally, the premier walk, to the summit of Hartz Peak rewards advanced hikers with 360-degree views over Tasmania’s south-west wilderness.

You’ll stay the night at Villa Talia, one of Australian Traveller Magazine’s 100 Great Australian Holiday Homes. Upon arrival, you will receive a BBQ Food Hamper for 2, filled with fresh, local produce for you to cook at your leisure on the outdoor gas barbeque. Goodies include grass-fed porterhouse steak, beef and pork sausages, fresh salads and Willie Smith Apple Cider. If you would prefer to hire your very own personal chef, please contact us for more information.

Driving information: total driving time approx. 1.5hrs
Walking Information: Cape Queen Elizabeth Walk: 12km/7mi | 3hr | Grade 2: Suitable for most on a flat, easy to follow track.

Journey east to Kettering and take the ferry to Bruny Island, home to some of Tasmania’s most beautifully preserved natural environments with abundant wildlife and stunning clifftop views.

At 11:00am, join an award-winning 3-hour wilderness cruise along Bruny Island’s rugged coastline. As you pass beneath some of Australia’s highest sea cliffs and enter deep sea caves, learn about the fascinating history of the island and look for abundant wildlife including dolphins, fur seals and migrating whales.

Back on dry land, it’s time for lunch (own cost). If you’re looking for amazing seafood or a classic pub meal, look not further than Hotel Bruny. Grab a plate of oysters and a cold pint of beer, sit on the deck and watch the world go by.

In the afternoon, work off the pub grub on the enchanting Cape Queen Elizabeth Track. Combining beach and bush adventure, Cape Elizabeth offers spectacular views of Adventure Bay and The Neck as well as stunningly secluded beaches and unique rock formations. At low tide, the trail leads around the coast below Mars Bluff, allowing for a shorter more exciting route.

On your way back to the ferry terminal, be sure to stop in at the Bruny Island Cheese Company and the Bruny Island House of Whiskey to sample some of the Island’s culinary delights.

Back on the mainland, begin the return journey back to Hobart, stopping at the Shot Tower, Taroona. Originally built to turn a hazardous mix of hot lead, arsenic and antimony into ammunition, the Shot Tower is today one of Tasmania’s top tourist attractions. Those willing to climb the 300 wooden steps to the top of the tower will be rewarded with sensational views over the Derwent River estuary and beyond.

You’ll stay the night at The Henry Jones Art Hotel.

All good things must come to an end. Check out at your leisure and head to the airport to commence your onward journey.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.