Southern Forest Bed & Breakfast – Surroundings
Our Garden and WildlifeOur accommodation overlooks native forest and an organic garden which provides some of our breakfast ingredients. Many birds inhabit our forest and pademelons wander through the garden at dusk. |
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Southport – Small Town – Big on NatureThe small coastal settlement of Southport (Baie de Moules) hosted one of the larger convict probation stations in the mid 1800s. These days, it attracts lots of holiday makers through summer and boasts four safe beaches. The foreshore and spectacular bull kelp forest coastline invite you for a walk. Roaring beach, facing east and overlooking South Bruny Island is the local surf spot. Nearby, at Burial Point, you can wander amongst a group of Eucalyptus Tenuiramis and find many orchids in spring. The views from the point are lovely. There is a new boat ramp at the "Southport Narrows". This is the entry to the quiet waterways of Hastings Bay and the Lune River. A great spot for canoeing and kayaking. |
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Hastings Caves and Thermal PoolOnly a 15 minutes drive from Southport. One of the world's great dolomite caves. Lovely forest walks. A 28°C naturally heated spring water swimming pool. Guided tours, visitors centre, cafe and pool open everday! |
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Ida Bay RailwayHeritage listed bush railway. Scenic return trip of 14km/ 2hrs through native bushland and along the waters edge to Deep Hole, a beautiful beach. |
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Recherche Bay, Cockle Creek and the Southwest WildernessCockle Creek marks the southern end of the continent and "as far South as you can drive in Australia". It is the entrance to the rugged, wild and remote Southwest National Park, with impressive mountain peaks, tranquil waterways and expansive button grass plains. The Southcape Bay walk is 4 to 5 hrs return and brings you to Southcape Bay with views to Southeast Cape. This is the beginning of the challenging South Coast Track which takes 6 to 9 days to reach Melaleuca. From Cockle Creek there is also a shorter walk (1.5 hrs return) to Fishers Point along many beaches with views of the mountain peaks of the Southwest National Park. Recherche Bay is also of great historic significance. Indigenous people occupied this area for times still not precisely known. In 1792/3 French Scientists lead by rear-admiral Bruni D'Entrecasteaux visited Recherche Bay and made encounters with a group of indigenous people. More information: Recherche Bay – A Short History by Bruce Poulson |
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Southport Lagoon Conservation AreaThe easiest way to get to Southport Lagoon is by taking the Ida Bay Railway which takes you to Deep Hole Beach. The walking track to the Lagoon and to Southport Bluff leaves from the "train station". At the Bluff are a few specimens of a rare member of the epacris family (Epacris stuartii). These are the only ones known in the world and are particularly vulnerable to human impact. The King George III Monument is the tombstone for the convicts who perished in the wreck of the ship King George III and should be respected as a grave site. |
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Adamsons Peak8 to 10 hrs hard return walk offering great views over the Southwest. |
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Gemstone FossickingThe area is well known for gemstone fossicking. Petrified wood and ferns, agates and crystals can be found. The "Rock Shop" Lunaris Gemstones in Lune River is well worth visiting. |
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Hartz Mountains National ParkNorth of this area but well worth visiting. Hartz provides some fantastic bushwalking and the alpine flora is spectacular. |
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Tahune Forest AirwalkWhy not visit the Airwalk on the way to Southport? |
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Version 1.01.07 - Last Modifications: 29 July 2008 ©Southern Forest B&B 2008