Hobart is the perfect place to spend a couple of days at the beginning or the end of your visit. If you stay at The Old Woolstore, it takes about 40 minutes to walk along the Queens Domain to the Botanical Gardens, with views over the Derwent River. 

Leaving Hobart head south along the old Huon Highway as it climbs precariously up Mount Wellington. 

There is a short walk around the summit. Rug up, enjoy the views, displays and maybe even some snow. For people wanting to really engage with the mountain, leave your car at the village of Ferntree and walk the 8km of well constructed track to the summit.

Descend southwards into the Huon Valley and stop in at Home Hill Winery for tastings and fine dining. They can even freight a case of your favourite wine so it is waiting for you when you arrive home.

If you stay 2 nights at Huon Bush Retreats in a cabin or deluxe teepee, you have a relaxed day to climb Mount Misery for a fascinating interpreted story including Aboriginal heritage. 

This privately constructed walking track is open to day visitors and takes you through old growth and rainforest, then sub alpine heathland to the mountain top with glimpses of the remote southwest wilderness.

Next day, you reach Tasmania’s Far South. Using the Ida Bay Railway travel to the deserted beach at Deep Hole then continue on foot to Southport Lagoon. 

This walk follows old vehicle tracks to the deserted lagoon beach. Right next door to the railway is Buttongrass Retreat, a two bedroom eco-cabin is set in a native buttongrass plain. The outdoor bath provides a relaxing view of the southernmost mountains in Australia.

Next day a 20 minute drive to Cockle Creek, then and a 2 hour walk, takes you to South Cape Bay, Australia’s southernmost beach. 

Stand on the cliff top, looking out to the Southern Ocean. Rolling waves, a bracing wind, and you are the southernmost people in all Australia. A spectacular culmination to your Huon Valley Escape.

More information at:

http://www.ferntree.tas.au/the-mountain/walks.html

 www.huonvalleyescapes.net/explore

or phone Huon Valley Escapes 1800 770 224, 8am to 8pm 7 days.