Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs, Tasmania: Cave tours & pool
In the far south of Tasmania, the Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs offer incredible underground formations and swimming in a naturally-heated pool.
The Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs are part of the Hastings Caves State Reserve in southern Tasmania. Around 105km from Hobart city centre, this Tasmanian state park offers guided cave tours and the chance to bathe in thermal pools.
The nearest town to the Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs is Southport, where drivers should branch off the A6 and onto the C635.
Newdegate Cave tours at Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs
The cave visitors can actually go inside is Newdegate Cave. It’s part of a maze-like dolomite cave system, with several chambers. The cave is lit to showcase the natural underground formations and decorations.
Visits to Newdegate Cave are by tour only, and the cave car park is a five kilometre drive from the Hastings Caves Visitor Centre, where you need to buy your tickets. The Newdegate Cave tours last around 45 minutes and cost $24.
Thermal pool at Hastings Caves
The other key attraction in the park is the thermal pool, which is naturally heated to a constant 28 degrees Celsius. This invitingly warm pool is set in a forest glade, and flanked by picnic tables and electric barbecues. There are also two easy walking trails nearby which offer good opportunities to spot native wildlife, including quolls, pademelons and platypus.
If you book onto the cave tour, entrance to the pool and walks is free. If you’re just coming for the thermal pool, then an entrance fee of $5 applies.
Accommodation near Hastings Caves, Tasmania
Accomodation near the Hastings Caves includes the Driftwood Cottages and the Kermandie Hotel.
More Tasmania travel
How did Tasmania get its name?
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Have a Finnish-style sauna experience at the Floating Sauna on Lake Derby.
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