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Discover Dover in Tasmania’s Far South

  • Dover. Image Credit: @darrenwrightphotos

Dover, Tasmania 

Escape to the picturesque seaside village of Dover in Tasmania’s Far South for an unforgettable getaway.

The scenic town of Dover is one of the state’s prettiest and most southern towns. Located in the far south of the Huon Valley, an 80-minute (80km) drive south of our state’s capital Hobart.

This charming seaside village is one of the state’s best-kept secrets, hugging Port Esperance Bay and overlooked by the magnificent Adamson’s Peak.  

Picnic along the waterfront, take a swim at Kent Beach, fish from the jetty, explore the Southwest National Park, discover Hastings Caves and Cockle Creek, explore by kayaks or stay a while in one of the many cottages or luxury escapes. 

Discover Tasmania's Far South
Discover the Huon Valley
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Port Esperance Bay, Dover. Image Credit: @darrenwrightphotos
Port Esperance Bay, Dover. Image Credit: @darrenwrightphotos
Port Esperance Bay, Dover. Image Credit: @darrenwrightphotos
Port Esperance Bay, Dover. Image Credit: @darrenwrightphotos

Port Esperance Bay

Dover sits at the head of Port Esperance – an absolutely beautiful location!

Faith, Hope and Charity may well be characters in Days of Our Lives, but they’re also the names of the three small islands that Dover overlooks, plus in the distance sits Bruny Island.

This stunning spot boasts beautiful beaches and gorgeous rural scenery, while the charming cottages and English trees give the town an old-world ambience.

Soak up the pretty sights, relax on Kent Beach, fire up one of the BBQs in the playgrounds and switch over to leisure mode!

Dover Museum and Gallery
Castaway Cottage

Stay a while

Dover has plenty of accommodation choices, from coastal shacks to luxurious retreats. 

Essentially Tas is a good starting point, they manage multiple properties including Tides Reach, The Boat House, and the exclusive private peninsula retreat, The Cape House.

Ashdowns of Dover Bed and Breakfast are recipients of multiple Australian Tourism Awards and a great choice for a relaxing getaway. 

Smugglers Rest and Driftwood Cottages are located metres from the Dover Jetty and the waterfront. While Quarry Hill Lookout offers unbeatable views over Port Esperance Bay. 

Ashdowns of Dover
The Peninsula Experience
Castaway Cottage, Dover. Image Credit: @darrenwrightphotos
Castaway Cottage, Dover. Image Credit: @darrenwrightphotos

Get out on the water

Join Esperance Adventures as they explore Tasmania’s far south by kayak. Join one of their popular tours and paddle in the spectacular waters of Tasmania’s far south wilderness, including Port Esperance Bay and Lune River. 

Other kayaking experiences include the Treasure Hunt Tour, where you paddle your own boat to your own deserted island to hunt for hidden treasure. This tour is guaranteed to keep the little ones entertained. 

Esperance Adventures
River Run Lodge. Image Credit: @darrenwrightphotos
River Run Lodge. Image Credit: @darrenwrightphotos

Enjoy a local feed

Dover may be in the Far South, but you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dining experiences, you just need to plan ahead. 

River Run Lodge is in an amazing location, right on the banks of Esperance River, open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. 

Post Office 6985 offers wood-fired pizzas on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, while the Dover RSL is a popular choice seven days a week.

The Dover Top Shop Cafe makes a great burger, and seafood, while the Bottom Shop Larder and Deli has you covered for coffee. Other options include Little Dover Bar and Bistro at the Golf Club. 

River Run Lodge
Dover RSL

Gateway to Tasmanian World Heritage Wilderness Area

Dover is the ideal base for exploring Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area. 

The nearby Hartz Mountains National Park offers a range of walks, with incredible views of remote mountain ranges and stunning glacial scenery.

Another option is to drive south to Cockle Creek (the end of the road) for a taste of the wild and remote Southwest National Park.

The walk to the rugged South Cape Bay (4hrs return) is spectacular!

Hartz Mountains
Cockle Creek
Hartz Lake, Hartz Mountains National Park. Image Credit: @darrenwrightphotos
Hartz Lake, Hartz Mountains National Park. Image Credit: @darrenwrightphotos
Dover Golf Club. Image Credit: @darrenwrightphotos
Dover Golf Club. Image Credit: @darrenwrightphotos

Perfect your swing

The Dover Golf Club offers a nine-hole course with views over Port Esperance Bay to the east, and Adamson’s Peak to the west.

Finish up at the clubhouse for a refreshing drink and a bite to eat at Little Dover Bar and Bistro before heading on your way.

Dover Golf Club

Discover Hastings Caves State Reserve

The magical underground world of Hastings Caves is just a short 25 minutes drive away. Experience what lies beneath the picturesque Tasmanian landscape. The mystery of these Tasmanian caves is revealed beneath a dense green forest and ferny glades. The spacious dolomite cave system is a labyrinth of chambers, richly decorated and cleverly lit to highlight ancient subterranean formations.

Newdegate Cave is the largest dolomite tourist cave in Australia. Its vast chambers began to form more than 40 million years ago.

On the surface, you can relax in the swimming pool, which is fed by mineral-rich thermal springs. Experience warm thermal pool water that remains 28 degrees, year-round.

Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs
Hastings Caves State Reserve. Image Credit: @darrenwrightphotos
Hastings Caves State Reserve. Image Credit: @darrenwrightphotos
Hastings Caves State Reserve. Image Credit: @darrenwrightphotos
Land of the Lyluequonny. Image Credit: @darrenwrightphotos
Land of the Lyluequonny. Image Credit: @darrenwrightphotos

The land of the Lyluequonny

Dover and the Far South were originally home to the Lyluequonny people of the South East Nation, the original inhabitants and custodians of the land prior to white settlement. The area is home to a number of sensitive Aboriginal midden sites. 

Explore the region

Keep an eye out for roadside stalls selling fresh produce, apples, apricots, cherries and more. Visit the Bakehouse Distillery in the centre of Dover, or just take a wander down to the Dover Public Jetty or Boat Ramp to watch the sunset over Adamson’s Peak in the west. 

Bakehouse Distillery

Dover Tasmania FAQ’s

Dover Tasmania has beautiful sandy beaches perfect for relaxed swimming, including Dover Beach, Kent Beach and the nearby Roaring Beach at Surveyors Bay.

Dover Tasmania is located at sea level on the banks of Port Esperance Bay. Although the weather can get cool, it rarely snows in Dover.

The short answer, is YES. Dover Tasmania is the last town of significance when heading to the Far South, and offers a peaceful place to stay with local conveniences. The addition of great swimming, fishing, water activities, parks and dining options ensures your visit will be comfortable.

The most common route is via the Huon Highway. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. Alternatively, public buses also connect Hobart to Dover for those without private transportation.

Yes, Dover offers various accommodation options, including cozy bed and breakfasts, and seaside cottages. Visitors can choose accommodations that suit their preferences and budget.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do in Dover, including bushwalking, fishing, and exploring the stunning landscapes. The nearby Hartz Mountains National Park or Duckhole Lake offers hiking trails, and water activities are popular in the sheltered waters of Port Esperance.

Yes, Dover has a local market where visitors can find fresh produce, handmade crafts, and unique souvenirs. There are also small shops in the town for everyday needs, making it convenient for tourists.

Discover Dover and the Far South
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We acknowledge the Tasmanian Aboriginal people and their enduring custodianship of lutruwita / Tasmania. We honour 40,000 years of uninterrupted care, protection and belonging to these islands, before the invasion and colonisation of European settlement.

As a destination that welcomes visitors to these lands, we acknowledge our responsibility to represent to our visitors, Tasmania’s deep and complex history, fully, respectfully and truthfully.

We acknowledge the Aboriginal people who continue to care for this country today. We pay our respects to their elders, past and present. We honour their stories, songs, art, and culture, and their aspirations for the future of their people and these lands. We respectfully ask that tourism be a part of that future.

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