Geeveston is a town of 600 people (2016) on the Huon Highway in Southeast Tasmania. It is the gateway to the Hartz Mountains National Park. Geeveston is the centre of Tasmania's apple and fruit-growing industry, and has also been highly reliant on the timber industry since the late 19th century.
Understand
It is rich in Tasmania's forestry history and only a short drive away from the Hartz Mountains National Park. Once called Light Wood Bottom, Geeveston was named after William Geeves, a preacher who was granted land in 1842. The name was changed to Geeveston in 1851.
Geeveston is a small, thriving town with a bank, post office, accommodation, launderette and shops. It is also the last stop for supplies and petrol before entering the Southern Forest (where the Tahune airwalk is located). The town only has one (non-bank) ATM in the IGA store which will incur a usage charge, so it may be best to withdraw money before arriving.
Take a walk around 'Tasmania's Forest Town' and keep an eye out for the increasing number of wooden sculptures of prominent local figures.
The road between Huonville, Geeveston and the Southern Forest is filled with houses and farms who grow their own produce and is a great place to buy cheap apples, cherries, pears, nectarines, woodwork and plants.
Get in
Geeveston is a 55-km drive from Hobart along the A6. The Bruny Island Ferry services Huonville and from there is a 10-minute drive to Geeveston.
See
- Geeveston Visitor Centre, Corner of Arve Rd. and Church St. This is the most southerly Tasmania Visitor and Information Centre and is the gateway to the Southern Forests and the world heritage Hartz Mountains National Park. The centre is made up of four sections, Forest Room, Hartz Gallery, Craft shop and tourism information. It also provides historical information on forestry practices in the region.
Do
- Eagle Hang Gliding, Tahune Reserve, Arve Rd, ☏ 61 3 6297 1836, ✉[email protected].
- Tahune Forest Airwalk, Tahune Reserve Arve Rd, ☏ 61 3 6297 0068, fax: 61 3 6297 0042, ✉[email protected]. A 597-metre walk elevated 20 metres off the ground, the Airwalk is an excellent way to admire the southern forest from above.
Buy
- Southern Forest Furniture & Gallery, 11a School Rd, ☏ 61 3 6297 0039. The gallery makes furniture to order using Tasmanian timbers. The working craft studio provides craft items for sale, has daily artisan demonstrations, and provides craft lessons.
Eat
- Geeveston Bakery, Church St, ☏ 61 3 6297 1056. A bakery, bar, restaurant and local produce store combined into one, the bakery is a must-see attraction. The pies are excellent and cost about $4.60 and there are plenty of Tasmanian beers, wines and spirits available. Live entertainment is also provided every Sunday.
- Ma Pippins, 6 Church St, ☏ 61 3 6297 0099. The cafe is fully licensed, seats around 50 and caters to vegetarians. Local produce and salmon are used as ingredients $6.50-10.50 light lunch menu.
Drink
Sleep
- Cambridge House Bed and Breakfast, Corner of Huon Highway and School Rd, ☏ 61 3 6297 1561, fax: 61 3 6297 1467, ✉[email protected]. $90-160 per night per couple.
- Bob's Bunkhouse, Cnr School Rd & Huon Hwy, ☏ 61 3 6297 1069, ✉[email protected]. $20-50 per night per couple.
- Geeveston Laundrette, Brady St, ☏ 61 3 6297 6121. 7AM-7PM 7 days a week. The laundrette is convenient for visitors intending to stay a while.
Go next
Hobart is about an hour's drive away and the largest city in the region. It's the second oldest town in Australia, after only Sydney and makes an excellent urban destination. For nature lovers, Bruny Island and Hartz Mountains National Park are both fairly close and definitely worthwhile.