Tasmania's Deep South | Journey into a Million-Year-Old Earth!
On this day, our self-drive road trip around Tasmania was drawing near its end, leading us all the way to the island's southernmost reaches. Beyond magnificent lush forests and serene ocean waters, this area features ancient limestone formations and natural thermal springs. It is not far from Hobart, yet feels like an entirely unique, hidden world!
◎ Southport
Australia's Southernmost Town!
The southern terminus of Australia's highway network (Route A6) ends right here in Southport. While there are secondary unpaved tracks that lead even closer to the "absolute southernmost tip of Australia," we could not venture further due to our itinerary constraints. Southport isn't really a bustling tourist destination; rather, visiting is about a milestone feeling—much like reaching Australia's easternmost edge at Byron Bay. It brings a quiet sense of accomplishment and a cherished travel memory!
Address: Southport, Tasmania
Transportation: About a 1.5-hour drive south from Hobart along the A6 highway (Compare Car Rentals | Self-Drive Experience)
Admission: Free
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(Reaching the southern end of the highway in Southport brings you to a small jetty and beach. While understated compared to some of Tasmania's dramatic landmarks, it offers that same peaceful, lazy vibe with crystal-clear blue waters!)
(Life living near the southern tip of the globe must be wonderfully relaxed and peaceful.)
(The view before our eyes was undeniably breathtaking. So many corners of Tasmania look just like paintings, much like our earlier visits to the historic town of Ross and Salamanca Place.)
◎ Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs
A World-Class Geological Wonder!
This was our main highlight in the south. Nestled in Tasmania's wilderness area, it boasts millions of years of geological history. Much like Marakoopa Cave in Mole Creek up north, famous for its glowworms, you can witness magnificent subterranean stalactites and stalagmites here. Best of all, there are natural thermal springs on-site—an incredible indulgence given Tasmania's crisp, cool climate year-round!
Address: Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs, Hastings Caves Road, Hastings TAS
Opening Hours: 10:30 – 16:00 (Closed on Christmas Day)
Transportation: About a 1.5-hour drive south from Hobart via the A6 highway (Compare Car Rentals | Self-Drive Experience)
Admission: Cave Tour + Thermal Springs: Adult $24 | Child (4–17) $12 | Concession $19.20 | Family (2 Adults + 3 Children) $60; Thermal Springs only: Adult $5 | Child (4–17) $2.50 | Concession $4 | Family $12
Official Website: Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs
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(The Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs visitor centre houses a café and a gift shop stocked with unique Tasmanian souvenirs.)
(Note that reaching the cave entrance requires driving about 10 minutes further from the visitor centre. If you are only visiting the thermal pool, you can easily walk over along the footpath right beside the visitor centre.)
(Even though the thermal pool stays around 28°C, the rising steam drifting into the trees shows just how chilly Tasmania can be! There are also BBQ and picnic facilities nearby, ideal for groups and families.)
(Surrounded by towering eucalyptus trees, this serene forest setting felt wonderfully calming!)
(Beside the pool, short nature walking tracks take only about 20 minutes to complete. They wind along the warm creek where thermal water meets the cold river, flanked by verdant rainforest—truly lovely!)
(Next, we headed to join our guided cave tour. Remember that from the parking area to the cave gathering point takes about a 15-minute walk, so be sure to leave plenty of buffer time.)
(Much like the thermal spring trail, the walk to the cave is along an easy, well-maintained boardwalk.)
(Here is the tour meeting point outside the cave entrance. Tour times can be verified via the information box above. Our group had about 20 people—it had been a while since we had seen so many fellow travelers together in Tasmania! Before heading inside, a park guide provides a briefing explaining essential rules, such as not touching delicate formations and refraining from using tripods.)
(Inside the cavern, the guide stops at several spacious platforms for commentary and photography. The chambers are remarkably vast and open, feeling even more imposing than Okinawa's famous Okinawa World Gyokusendo Cave that I shared previously!)
◎ The Fisherman's Wife Lodge
Finally, I want to highlight the accommodation where we stayed near Southport. While not an attraction in itself, the surrounding natural scenery was magical, the hosts were exceptionally kind, and the lodge was fully equipped. The building's exterior looks quite modest, but the rates were budget-friendly and user reviews were glowing—a great lodging option when traveling through southern Tasmania!
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(This was the breathtaking sunrise right outside our accommodation—it truly felt like stepped into a fairy tale!)
That wraps up our road trip through the southern corner of Tasmania! From here, our journey headed onward to Bruny Island. Standing at the southernmost point I had ever visited on Earth made this leg especially memorable, and I hope this guide helps your own Tasmanian itinerary!
*Looking for more recommended attractions across Tasmania?
Please check: [Tasmania] Travel Diary: Complete Road Trip Guide to Australia's Heart-Shaped Island — Attractions, Transit, and Dining!
*Need complete guidance on renting a car in Australia?
Please check: Australia Car Rental Guide: Requirements, Rental Companies, Costs, Insurance, and Step-by-Step Walkthrough!
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Please check: [Australia] Internet Guide: Prepaid SIM Plans and Recharge Comparison for the Big 4 Telcos!