Geeveston is a small town with a lot of character. You’ll find this little gem amongst the rolling hills of the Huon Valley, around a 1-hour drive south of Hobart.
The town was even chosen as a key filming location for the quirky comedy Rosehaven (check it out on ABC iView).
Geeveston makes a fantastic base for a relaxing, family-friendly getaway with some outdoor adventure. Explore the town, discover its apple-growing and forestry heritage, relax in the park, search for a platypus, pick up artisan wares, fuel up at the local eateries, and head onward for an adventure in the nearby wilderness.
We’ve put together some tips on things to do in Geeveston, as well as some information on exploring the wilderness nearby.
Things to do in Geeveston
Immerse yourself in the quirky charm of this small town with a big heart.
1. Take a stroll around town
Enjoy a wander around town to get your bearings and soak up the relaxed atmosphere. The Geeveston Visitor Centre has closed, but you can still admire the old town hall (c. 1914), aka the big red brick building in the centre of town. Pop into the local stores and eateries and chat with the friendly locals—they might have some insider travel tips! Rosehaven fans may notice familiar sights around Geeveston.
2. Play in Heritage Park
Heritage Park has got to be one of the best parks in all of Tasmania! The play equipment is fantastic and there’s lots of green grass for the kids to run around on, as well as a skate park and a bike track. Dog parents, bring your fur babies and let them burn off some energy in the enclosed dog exercise area. There’s lots of fun to be had, so make use of the BBQ and picnic shelters and settle in.
3. Spot a platypus
The platypus is a mysterious and elusive creature. You have a decent chance of spotting one on the Geeveston Platypus Walk, located by the Kermandie River adjacent to Heritage Park. Keep your eyes peeled!
4. Find all the wooden statues
Upon arrival, you’ll probably notice the quirky wooden sculptures dotted around town, which were carved by Bernie Tarr using a chainsaw and chisel. The timber statues are a charming tribute to Geeveston’s heritage, featuring prominent locals and historic characters.
Figures include: John Geeves (the town’s founding father), Jessica Hannabury (a beloved local renowned for her generosity), Olympic rower Simon Burgess, an apple picker, a timber worker, a policeman, a blacksmith, and a chemist. See if you can find them all!
5. Eat & drink
As Geeveston is located in the Huon Valley, keep an eye out for roadside stalls selling fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, jams, and other seasonal goodies. During autumn, roadside stalls offer up buckets of Pink Lady, Crofton, Red Delicious, Granny Smith and Fuji apples. You can’t get fresher than that!
In town, work your way through the local cafes and bakeries. Our tips include The Geeveston Bakery, Michelle’s Roadhouse Kitchen, and The Old Bank Of Geeveston. If you love homemade pickles, pick some jars up from small-batch picklers Harvest & Light, they also showcase a wide range of Tasmanian wine, spirits, cider and craft beer.
If you are in town on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, try Masaaki’s Sushi, which makes gourmet sushi using locally sourced fresh produce.
6. Shop for artisan wares
Geeveston is home to a thriving creative community. The local artists and makers sell their wares in the Geeveston Visitor Information Centre, so pop in for a look and pick up a special keepsake.
Harvest & Light is also a photo gallery showcasing both local landscapes and macro photographic artwork. Makers on Church St sell beautiful Tasmanian woodcraft and handcrafts, including Tasmanian timber furniture and wood-turned items, clothing and accessories, teddy bears and signs, cards, jewellery, knitting, crochet, and more.
Where to Stay
Geeveston makes a great base to explore all the attractions dotted throughout the Huon Valley and Far South Tasmania.
Accommodation at Geeveston
- Cambridge House Breakfast & Bed
- Kymmik Cottage
- Port Huon Cottages
- Bears Went Over the Mountain
- Tahune Adventures Tasmania – Lodge and Cabin
- CMCA RV Park Geeveston
- The Kermandie Hotel
- Anchorage Waterfront Retreat
Adventure on into Tasmania’s wilderness
Geeveston is the gateway to the spectacular wilderness of the Huon Valley and Far South. It is well worth exploring and experiencing all that nature offers.
Please check the Tasmania Parks website before you go for safety advice and current alerts.
1. Tahune Adventures
Tahune Adventures is a 35-minute drive along Arve Road through scenic forest northwest of Geeveston. Stroll among the treetops on the Tahune Airwalk—the 50 metre high cantilever section offers spectacular views of the Huon and Picton Rivers and beyond to distant peaks.
Other adventures on offer include gliding through the trees on the Eagle Hang Glider, rafting on the Twin Rivers Adventure, and exploring the forest at ground level along the Swinging Bridges Walk and Huon Pine Walk. Grab a bite to eat at the cafe in the Visitor Centre.
2. The Hartz Mountains National Park
The Hartz Mountains National Park forms part of Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area (Parks Pass required). The glacier-carved landscape features a dramatic dolerite range running through the centre of the park and small glacial lakes dotting the plateau. The enchanting range of walks include shorter strolls to the lakes as well as the more challenging hike up Hartz Peak.
To get to the Hartz Mountains National Park from Geeveston, follow Arve Road for around 13 km, then turn left onto Hartz Road. The final 10.5 km road is unsealed and sometimes closed in winter due to snow (check the Tas Police Community Alerts page for up-to-date info). Please also check the weather forecast and know that sudden changes can occur. It can get dangerously cold and windy, so best be prepared for all weather!
3. Cockle Creek & the Southwest National Park
Cockle Creek is only an hour’s drive south of Geeveston and holds bragging rights as the end point of Australia’s southernmost road. Once a busy whaling town, these days it’s very quiet. Relax on the beach, find the big bronze whale sculpture, and walk to the Fishers Point Navigation and Pilot Station ruins.
This peaceful paradise is also the southeast entry point to the wild Southwest National Park. The South Cape Bay Track is a great introduction to the park and makes a wonderful day adventure, offering a taste of the epic South Coast Track. Highlights include the awesome clifftop view of the remote bay and the aptly-named Lion Rock.
Please browse our full range of listings for tips on where to stay, where to eat, things to do, and the local events.
We love it when you share your adventures with us. Tag @southerntrovetasmania and use #SouthernTroveTasmania and we’ll share some of our favourite photos on Facebook, Instagram and in our Blog.
