Itinerary: 2 days in southern Tasmania

Hobart, the Huon Valley, and beyond

Have a day to play in southern Tasmania? Tag along for a two-day road trip filled with adventures that are accessible year round!

Wake up in Hobart

Kunanyi / Mt Wellington in the background and a shot of a grassy field with some Hobart buildings and neighbourhoods in between. It's a partly cloudy day and the mountain looks majestic.

Good morning, Hobart!

If you’re an early riser, start your day with a coffee and walk around Queen’s Domain. If it’s a clear morning, you’ll even catch a glimpse of iconic kunanyi / Mt Wellington.

Then, head to our city headquarters to pick up your car.

You’ll want to hit the road early to make the most of your Huon Valley adventure!

Visit charming Geeveston

Driving time: 55 minutes from Hobart

Start your Huon Valley journey at Geeveston’s Town Hall & Visitor Centre, where the friendly volunteer staff help you make the most of your adventure. Check out the exhibitions and local souvenirs.

Next, go for the Platypus Walk and see if you can spot the elusive creature.

The Platypus Walk in Geeveston, Tasmania in the Huon Valley. A little path grazes the stream and we see lots of green flora.
A man looks down at a display of equipment on show at the Geeveston Visitor Centre and Town Hall. He holds a tote bag.
A man peers down over a brook trying to spy a platypus in Geeveston. A road sign signals to drivers that the speed limit is 60 kmh.

A local gem

Head in for a bite at Communion – the many varieties of toasties, baked goods, and hot drinks are all to die for.

If you’re lucky, you might even meet some of the locals.

Two Jarritos sodas and a cheese dusted toastie from Communion Cafe in Geeveston, Tasmania.

Next up: Hastings Caves & Thermal Springs

Driving time: 45 minutes from Geeveston

Drive to the Hastings Caves & Thermal Springs visitor centre to get your tickets. The caves are a further 5km (sealed road) drive once you have the tickets.

How to get there

Once you’ve gotten your tickets at the visitor centre, it’s about a 20-minute drive further down the road to get to the caves and another 5-minute walk through the forest to get to the entrance.

So, make sure to pick a cave tour that starts at least 30-minutes (or a bit longer!) after your arrival at the visitor centre. Better safe than sorry.

Australia’s largest dolomite cave

… that is open to visitors! Timber workers cutting trees discovered the Newdegate Cave in 1917 and park rangers now host 45-minute tours several times daily.

Stalactites hang down and stalagmites stand firm in the Hastings Caves in Tasmania.
Hastings Caves in the Huon Valley with stalagmites coming up from the ground and a few stalactites hanging down.
Caves at Hastings Caves with stalactites hanging from the ceiling and stairs leading down further.

You have to climb and descend a total of 500 steps during the cave tour. Luckily, what goes up must come down, so it’s not as daunting as you might expect. Plus, you’ll stop often to observe different parts of the cave.

A grey Drive Car Hire Hyundai Kona parked at the Hastings Caves State Reserve surrounded by trees and Tasmanian flora.

More to enjoy

The Hastings Caves State Reserve is gorgeous, with thermal pools, a wheelchair-accessible walk along a stream, a longer Hot Springs track, and a picnic & BBQ area.

Rugged & remote: Hartz Mountains National Park

Driving time: 1 hour and 5 minutes from Hastings Caves
Add on a few minutes if you want to drive up to the peak!

Ready for more? The Hartz Mountains are shaped by ancient glaciers and showcase Tasmania’s southwest wilderness.

Bushwalkers enjoy waterfalls, glacial lakes, and alpine plants with dramatic backdrops.

Three trails on a sign at the top of the Hartz Mountain Range. It reads: "Lake Esperance 1.5 hrs return", "Hartz Pass 2 hrs return", and "Hartz Peak 4 hrs return".

Make sure to get your Tassie parks pass.

Overnight at Tahune Lodge

Driving time: 25 minutes

Warm welcome to Tahune Adventures, an exciting park and accommodation that we are so proud to partner with. We’ll enjoy the thrills tomorrow.

Family friendly

Or a romantic dinner? For tonight, pack some delicious ingredients and make the most of your night at the lodge.

This clean, self-contained accommodation has everything you need to chef it up… all in front of the warm, crackling fire.

Two plates of pasta with basil and two glasses of wine in the Tahune Lodge. A fire in the background and we see some kitchen elements and a couch.

Accommodation options; what’s right for you?

  • The lodge: 8 total rooms which can accommodate up to 20 guests
  • The cabin: perfect for couples or small families, up to 4 people
  • Camping: brave the elements, sites are available!

Tahune Adventures: the must-see

Wake up at your leisure or get in early to enjoy the serenity as you enjoy the park, its walks, and the Eagle Hang Glider experience.

The iconic Airwalk

An elevated walkway 30 metres above the forest floor. A final section with spectacular views of the Huon and Picton rivers meeting at 50 metres. You ascend 106 steps with options to sit and rest (and Tahune can also offer access for those with mobility issues!).

Stop and enjoy the scents, see what birdlife you can spot. It’s a magical walk in a World Heritage Area.

A staircase in nature heading up towards the Tahune Airwalk. Native Tasmanian flora on either side of the railings.
A hand holds a map of Tahune Adventures on the Tahune Airwalk. In the background, tall trees and a partly cloudy sky.
The fork of the Huon River and a mountain in the background with trees, clouds, and water. This is taken from the scenic outlook on the Tahune Airwalk track.
The Huon River as seen from the Tahune Adventures bridge crossing. It is a cloudy day, which is reflected in the rippling water.
A man from behind in a navy rain jacket walking on the Tahune Adventures Huon Pine track.

Need a snack? Visit the cafe and enjoy fresh local produce, free WiFi, and the gift shop.

Ultimate enjoyment at Willie Smith’s

Driving time: 55 minutes

Next up is the iconic Willie Smith’s Apple Shed, a cider-house, distillery, and museum.

A beautifully arranged plate at Willie Smith's Apple Shed with chicken liver pate, Summer Kitchen sourdough, apples, pickles, a jam, and a side salad.

Come for lunch, try the cider varieties, and enjoy the learning the history of the Apple Isle.

The seasonal restaurant invites you to discover the Huon Valley’s freshest flavours. We loved this gorgeous pate with Summer Kitchen sourdough paired with a cider tasting paddle.

Around on a weekend?

Willie Smith’s does live music on Friday nights and artisan markets on Saturdays.

And don’t forget their famous apple pie!

Heading back to Hobart

Driving time: 25 minutes

It’s time to head back…

If you’re up for it, try one of the Huon Valley’s many wineries or grab some ciders to go.

And just relish the road. Check out this shot from a lookout in Grove!

Did you spot a rainbow during your time in Tassie?

A rainbow in the Huon Valley surrounded by trees and various Tasmanian flora.

One final recommendation

A man smiles seated with his appetiser at Peppina restaurant in Salamanca, Hobart, TAS.

Want to treat yourself after a fun-filled two days in the Huon Valley?

Check out Peppina in Salamanca for some Italian feasting once you’re back in Hobart. With a focus on Tasmanian produce, you literally can’t go wrong.

Look at that smile!

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