Geeveston

Geeveston is in Southeast Tasmania.

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.

Currently, 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 located 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 only a short 10 minute drive to Geeveston.

See

• Forest and Heritage Centre & Hartz Gallery, Corner of Arve Rd. and Church St.. This is the most southerly Tasmania Visitor and information center and is the gateway to the Southern Forests and the world heritage Hartz Mountains National Park. The center 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, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 
• Tahune Forest Airwalk, Tahune Reserve Arve Rd, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. A 597 meter walk elevated 20 meters off the ground, the Airwalk is an excellent way to admire the southern forest from above. 

Buy

• Southern Forest Furniture & Gallery, 11a School Rd, ☎ [phone]. The gallery makes furniture to order using Tasmanian timbers. The working craft studio not only provides craft items for sale but has daily artisan demonstrations and provides craft lessons. 

Eat

• Geeveston Bakery, Church St, ☎ [phone]. 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, ☎ [phone]. The cafe is fully licensed, seats around 50 and caters to vegetarians. Local produce and salmon is used as ingredients $6.50-$10.50 - Light Lunch Menu. 

Drink

Sleep

• Cambridge House Bed and Breakfast, Corner of Huon Highway and School Rd, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. $90-$160 Per night Per couple. 
• Bob's Bunkhouse, Cnr School Rd & Huon Hwy, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. $20-$50 per night per couple. 
• Geeveston Laundrette, Brady St, ☎ [phone]. 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.