Oh, hi there. Have you seen our new video? It’s a little taster of the vast and sparkly treasure of the Southern Trove! We’re going to take you behind the scenes and give you some tips on where to find the hidden gems.
1. Explore World Heritage Wilderness
The glacial carved Hartz Mountains National Park and the remote Southwest National Park are included in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area. The Tasmanian Wilderness is important for its diversity of flora, conservation of wildlife (including threatened species), and archaeological sites (remains found in limestone caves show human occupation for more than 20,000 years). There are a range of walks available to explore this spectacular part of the planet, including some family friendly tracks (remember your Parks Pass).
Image (Hartz Peak): @allmansam/Instagram
2. Find adventure in the trees
Choose your own adventure at Tahune Adventures Tasmania (access via Geeveston). Stroll along the Airwalk, high up among the giants of the forest (the highest bit hangs 50 metres above the riverbank). Thrillseekers will enjoy gliding through the treetops on the Eagle Hang Glider. Go with the flow on the Twin Rivers Adventure, rafting or kayaking through bubbling rapids as well as peaceful sections of the Picton and Huon Rivers. There are also some lovely walking tracks on the actual ground!
3. …And on the sea
Head out on the water with Bruny Island Cruises for an unforgettable 3 hour tour. You’ll zip around Bruny’s ruggedly beautiful southern coastline, gazing up at epic seacliffs and pausing at interesting rock formations and sea caves. Searching for wildlife is a thrill! Say hello to noisy (ok, and a bit smelly) seals, watch dolphins flirt with the boat, spot sea birds gliding majestically through the air above, and perhaps even witness a whale breaching (in season).
Image: @emilybarwinski/Instagram
4. Meet the unique locals
Being isolated from the mainland, our Tassie wildlife is pretty special. Local animals include the elusive platypus, bouncy wallabies, spiky echidnas, curious birdlife, little penguins, noisy seals, migrating whales, and more. One of the more famous locals is Bruny Island’s striking white wallaby. Loiter around the Adventure Bay entrance to the South Bruny National Park like the paparazzi and you might spot these local celebrities.
Image: @crisjheng/Instagram
5. Follow country roads to hidden bays
Hop in the car and enjoy a leisurely coastal drive through The Channel and beyond, through the rolling hills of the Huon Valley. Take your time and discover hidden bays and secluded beaches, all the way down the coast to the Far South. This is a super scenic part of the country, and there’s a good chance you’ll have the beach all to yourself! Stop along the way and pick up some local produce to eat on the beach.
Image (Coningham): @emmalise.louise/Instagram
6. Savour the bounty
The Southern Trove is a foodie’s paradise (there’s so much to sample, wear loose fitting clothes)! Do the cider trail, and visit Willie Smith’s Apple Shed, Franks Cider Bar & Cafe, and Pagan Cider. Stop at the road side stalls and pick up farm fresh produce. Indulge in a Friday Feast at Fat Pig Farm.
Take your pick of the amazing restaurants and cafes dotted throughout the region. Try the local seafood, honey, fruit, fudge, cheese, spirits, and more. There are also some great tours of Bruny Island for foodies.
Image: @surabhi_arbhanad/Instagram
7. Enjoy the local wine and cheese
Wine and cheese gets a special mention! Wineries to put on your list include Home Hill, Bruny Island Premium Wines, Hartzview Vineyard, Two Bud Spur Vineyard, St Imre Vineyard, Herons Rise Vineyard, and Elsewhere Vineyard.
For something ewenique, taste Grandvewe Cheesery’s sheep cheese and Hartshorn Distillery’s sheep whey vodka and gin. Another cheese lover’s delight is Bruny Island Cheese Co..
8. Take your time and be rewarded with unexpected finds
The Southern Trove is full of surprises, especially if you take your time exploring. Discover a street library at Woodbridge, an art walk at Birchs Bay, a waterfall at Snug, a 19th century lockup at Franklin, a loo with a view at Cloudy Bay, and a rocky archway at Mars Bluff.
At Hastings Caves & Thermal Springs, visit a giant cave system hidden below the surface, and a forest pool heated by natural springs. Climb the stairs at The Neck and discover spectacular panoramic views of Bruny Island and beyond.
Image: @allie_morgan96/Instagram
9. Drive to the end of the road
There’s something exciting about driving all the way to the end of a road, whether it’s down a country laneway or to the very edge of the land. In the South Bruny National Park, drive to the end of Lighthouse Road and see the historic Cape Bruny Lighthouse (you can even tour it).
Image: @tassieaustralia/Instagram
The Southern Trove is also home to the southern-most road in all of Australia. Drive south until the road runs out and arrive at pristine Cockle Creek.
10. And have wild places all to yourself
Access the wild and remote Southwest National Park on foot from Cockle Creek, or head in via plane or boat. You are likely to have this mammoth all to yourself (apart from curious wildlife). The same goes for the impressive glacial landscape in the Hartz Mountains National Park. Take in the sweeping vistas, conquer some mountains, disconnect from the rat race, and enjoy the solitude.
Image: @sandy_photography/Instagram
Where to Stay
There are a wonderful range of accommodation options throughout the Trove.
- In the Channel, stay at Woodbridge Hill Hideaway, Hartzview Vineyard Homestead, Oyster Cove Chalet, the Southern Lights Hotel, Villa Howden, or the Snug Beach Cabin & Caravan Park.
- On Bruny, book in at Bruny Ocean Cottage, Hotel Bruny, or the Captain Cook Holiday Park.
- In the Huon Valley, relax at Port Huon Cottages, Walton House B&B, Kermandie Lodge, Whispering Spirit Holiday Cottages & Miniature Pony Stud, Kermandie Waterfront Hotel, Cygnet’s Secret Garden B&B, or Ambience on Huon B&B.
- In the Far South, choose from Essentially Tas’ extensive range, including The Peninsula Experience and Tides Reach. Other great options include Quarry Hill Lookout, Ashdowns of Dover B&B, Southport Hotel & Caravan Park, and Dover Beachside Tourist Park.
To find out what’s on, check out our Event Calendar. For accommodation options, see Where to Stay. For more holiday tips, see Exploring the Trove.
We love it when you share your adventures with us. Tag @southerntrovetasmania and use #SouthernTroveTasmania and we’ll share some of our favourite photos on Facebook, Instagram and in our Blog.
Related posts:
Cockle Creek: Paradise at the End of the Road
6 Reasons To Visit The South Bruny National Park
7 Tips For Watching Wildlife in the South
Nature on a Grand Scale: 4 Jaw Dropping Places in the Huon & Far South
8 Quirky Gems & Unique Treasures of the Southern Trove
Header image:
White wallaby, Bruny Island | @kurt_kim_snap/Instagram
Words:
Isabel Galloway