Huon Cruise and Hastings Caves Tour
From cruising tranquil waterways to exploring caverns, this is a magical day experience
Hours
9
Adult
$395
Child
$295
Soak in the views as we explore the beautiful Huon Valley a mere 30 minutes from Hobart. Head underground at Hastings Caves with a specialist guide to get the low-down on the dramatic dolomite cave, one of only two of its kind in Australia. Warm…
Huon Cruise and Hastings Caves Tour
Soak in the views as we explore the beautiful Huon Valley a mere 30 minutes from Hobart. Head underground at Hastings Caves with a specialist guide to get the low-down on the dramatic dolomite cave, one of only two of its kind in Australia. Warm up with a dip in the 28-degree swimming pool which is fed by Hastings thermal springs.
Enjoy lunch at a quaint eatery at the historic riverside village of Franklin. Visit the Wooden Boat Centre in the picturesque village of Franklin where you can see handcrafted boats being constructed and meet the makers.
Sail the beautiful Huon River on the restored Tasmanian fishing ketch, Kerrawyn. Watch the mirror reflections on the tranquil waterway as you glide through peaceful countryside on this majestic ketch. Learn the fascinating history of its loving restoration on this 90-minute cruise while enjoying a morning tea onboard.
Last stop is in the Huon Valley at the infamous Willie Smith’s Apple Shed. Discover why our island was once referred to as the Apple Isle as you sip on a tasting paddle.
TOUR MAP
Tour Highlights
Sail on the Huon River
Soak in the surrounding beauty of the Huon Valley on a 90-minute cruise on the tranquil Huon River.
Hastings Caves & Thermal Springs
Step into the largest dolomite cave that is open to visitors in Australia. See spectacular stalactites, columns, shawls and stalagmites. Then warm up in a thermal-spring pool.
Wooden Boat Centre
See wooden boats being made from special timber only found in Tasmania. Learn the history of this incredible craft as you get a personalised tour of the centre.
THE EXPERIENCE
Leaving Hobart, we quickly descend into the bucolic Huon Valley as we embark on our two hour drive. We drive through the beautiful winding roads of the Deep South as we head to our first destination, Hastings Caves.
Head underground with a specialist guide to explore the largest dolomite cave open to visitors in Australia. See spectacular stalactites, columns, shawls and stalagmites. The cave is spacious with no narrow passages, however, there are 250 stairs with handrails leading in and out of the cave.
Feeling chilly from the cave experience? Warm up in the nearby swimming pool which is fed by thermal springs. The water is 28 degrees Celsius all year so bring your towel and bathers!
After your underground experience at Hastings Caves we drive through Geeveston as we head to Franklin – a charming historic town on the edge of the Huon River. Here you can enjoy lunch at one of the quaint eateries. We recommend Frank's Cider House and Cafe.
At your leisure, cross the road to see the beautiful timber boats, all crafted by hand, at the Wooden Boat Centre.
At 3pm, depart from the Franklin marina pier adjacent to the Wooden Boat Centre carpark. Soak in the surrounding beauty of the Huon Valley on a 90-minute cruise on the tranquil Huon River onboard the restored Tasmanian fishing ketch, the Kerrawyn. Built of the finest Tasmanian timbers more than 70 years ago in the Wilson brothers yard Port Cygnet, the boat was used by the Young family as a crayfish boat for 30 years.
The Kerrawyn has been lovingly restored to its former glory to be used for fishing on the west coast of Tasmania, and now for you to enjoy!
On our way back to Hobart, we stop at the infamous Willie Smith’s Apple Shed. This rustic barn houses a cidery and restaurant alongside an apple museum. Sip on a tasting paddle (not included in price) as you learn about the Huon Valley’s history of apple growing.
We aim to get you back to Hobart around 5:30pm.