Hastings Caves

Hastings Caves, located south of Hobart, are considered one of Tasmania’s most striking natural attractions. The combination of a beautiful underground landscape and an excellent pool with thermal water attract tourists here all year round.

Caves in the area began to form almost 40 million years ago, but their stunning beauty was not discovered until 1917. It was then that the logger workers accidentally discovered the entrance to the underground galleries. The main cave was named after Governor Sir Francis Newdigate.

Today, tourists are invited four times a day for 45-minute tours of the magnificent halls and corridors of the Newdegate Cave. The underground space is quite spacious, there are no narrow passages and overhanging ceilings. But there is a beautiful set of natural phenomena that make up the pride of any cave: stalactites, stalagmites, columns and unusual helictites - tendrils of calcites, which grow in thin threads in all directions. It is one of the few caves in Australia formed in dolomite rocks, which are much harder and heavier than traditional limestone. Therefore, the crystals here have unique pearly white and pink shades. All year round, the temperature in the cave is about nine degrees Celsius.

You can finish your acquaintance with the underground kingdom by swimming in the thermal pool located near the cave. It is located in a picturesque place surrounded by a dense forest of tree ferns. Swimming at 28 degrees will give you pleasure at any time of the year.