South East Cape Travel Guide

Explore South East Cape

Mt. Wellington

Majestic columns of rock rise to the peak of this often snow-capped mountain, providing a playground for nature lovers, and a stunning backdrop for Hobart.

New Norfolk

Affectionately nicknamed the capital of the Derwent Valley, New Norfolk is an enchanting little township packed with history.

Cascade Brewery

Step back into the past at the oldest brewery in Australia, a striking Gothic building near Hobart, and try some of the best beers in the country.

Museum of Old and New Art

Hobart’s remarkable Museum of Old and New Art has a surprising mix of thought-provoking installation art, modern paintings, sculptures and ancient artefacts.

Playhouse Theatre

Hobart’s amateur theater company was created in 1926 and found the perfect home within a converted church.

Hobart

Hobart captures the imaginations of food, arts and nature lovers from all over the globe.

Franklin Square

The heart of historic Hobart is a place to unwind, people watch and remember Tasmania’s colonial past.

Battery Point

Take it easy in Battery Point, where a maze of narrow laneways will reveal quaint cafés and galleries to intrepid wanderers.

Maritime Museum of Tasmania

A timber sailing ketch from 1867, diving suits and whaler’s harpoons bring Tasmania’s maritime past back to life.

Lark Distillery

Taste the purity of the Tasmanian landscape when you sample the world-class whisky produced by this boutique distillery on Hobart’s historic wharf.

Theatre Royal

Dance, music and theater comes alive in this historic venue, constructed in the 1830s and saved from demolition several times by prominent figures such as Laurence Olivier.

Salamanca Place

Spend a day in this area where sandstone warehouses are now home to gourmet restaurants, trendy bars, galleries and a busy Saturday market.

Constitution Dock

History seeps from the stones on Hobart’s waterfront, where colonial buildings are now galleries and where you can eat fresh seafood and watch a famous yacht race.

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

See rare and ancient plants, edible landscapes and exotic specimens at one of Australia's oldest public gardens.

Cadbury Chocolate Factory

Those with a sweet tooth can learn about the process of making chocolates, taste the raw ingredients in the visitor centre and browse the shop for some tasty treats.

Bellerive

Bellerive’s old quarter on the eastern shores of the Derwent River is the perfect place to experience some of Hobart’s maritime history.

Where to stay in South East Cape

Driftwood Cottages

51 Bay View Road

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Nestled on the beach, this Dover cottage is within a 5-minute walk of Port Esperance and Kents Beach. Esperance Point Conservation Area and St. Imre Vineyard are also within 1 mi (2 km).

How to get to South East Cape

Southeast Tasmania Hotels

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Southeast Tasmania Car Hire

From the epic drives along the coast to cruising through the forests of Wellington Park, you're going to want to see it all. Score a deal on a car before you arrive so you can kick off your adventure immediately.

Reserve your car now

Southeast Tasmania Airport Transfers

If you don't want to drive yourself after a long flight, reserve a private or shared airport transfer and begin your holiday the moment you touch down. Isn't it about time you got yourself a chauffeur?

View Airport Transfers

Main Airport Information

The main airport for South East Tasmania is Hobart International Airport (HBA), located 17km (18 minutes in a car) from the city. You can get there via bus, taxi or rental car. Not going to Hobart? Your transport options and drive time may vary.

What you need to know about South East Cape

Wotif's insider tips for South East Cape

Travel Time:

Less than an hour

Recommended Stay:

A half day or so

If you've got a bit of time up your sleeve, I'd definitely recommend taking a drive down the Huon Valley. This is apple country - take a pit stop at one of the orchards or cider breweries. Franklin has an interesting boat-building history, while Hastings Caves is a good spot for a swim. But the absolute best part of the Huon Valley is Masaaki's amazing sushi restaurant in Geeveston. But queue up quick, the secret's out!

Pip, Melbourne

Learn more about Hobart

Travel Time:

1 - 2 hours

Recommended Stay:

A half day or so

It might be a bit of a trek by Tasmanian standards, but the Tasman Peninsula is something else. The geological formations in this corner of the world are really spectacular. I always stop off at the Tessellated Pavement, Pirates Bay and the Devil's Kitchen to see the sea cliffs and patterned rocks. There are also some great hikes in the area, including the Three Capes Track.

Pip, Melbourne

Learn more about Hobart

Travel Time:

Less than an hour

Recommended Stay:

An hour or two

Snow or shine, a trip to kunanyi / Mount Wellington's peak is unmissable. As soon as you see kunanyi lift its cap of fog, jump in your car and make your way up the mountain. The views from the summit are incredible, and if you've got a bit of time the hiking trails are pretty amazing too. My favourites are the Lost world Trail, the Octopus Tree track and the Springs trails.

Pip, Melbourne

Learn more about Hobart

Travel Time:

1 - 2 hours

Recommended Stay:

A half day or so

Shippies has long been a haunt for some of Tassie's most fearless surfers, but it's also a great spot for a walk. The Tasman Peninsula trail starts nearby Stormlea Rd and winds through coastal bush and heathland, popping out at a rocky beach overshadowed by a huge sea cliff. You can see huge ocean waves breaking offshore. Shipsterns Bluff is a good spot for birdwatching, too.

Pip, Melbourne

Learn more about Hobart

Frequently Asked Questions about South East Cape

When is the Wooden Boat Festival in Hobart?

The Wooden Boat Festival is held every other year, and it celebrates the maritime heritage of Australia. It's a must-see if you find yourself in Hobart in mid-February! Check out all sorts of wooden crafts from paddle boats to big sailing vessels.

How long is the Tahune Forest Airwalk?

The Tahune Forest Airwalk is an amazing steel footbridge that spans 620 metres. Make sure your camera is at the ready, because you're in for mega-views!

Where do cruise ships dock in Port Arthur?

The cruise ships coming into Port Arthur will dock at the Port Arthur Port Terminal.

South East Cape

Plunging cliffs, surging ocean waves and dark convict-era history – South East Tasmania is perfect for those who prefer their landscapes served wild.

Explore South East Cape

New Norfolk

Hobart

Battery Point

Bellerive

Where to stay in South East Cape

Driftwood Cottages

How to get to South East Cape

Southeast Tasmania Hotels

Southeast Tasmania Car Hire

Southeast Tasmania Airport Transfers

Main Airport Information

What you need to know about South East Cape

Wotif's insider tips for South East Cape

Cities near South East Cape

Hobart

Swansea

Freycinet

Coles Bay

Frequently Asked Questions about South East Cape

When is the Wooden Boat Festival in Hobart?

How long is the Tahune Forest Airwalk?

Where do cruise ships dock in Port Arthur?