Recherche Bay

The Southeast


This gorgeous, tree-lined natural harbour was the spot where, in 1792, two French ships captained by Bruni d’Entrecasteaux – L’Espérance and La Recherche – dropped anchor and set about exploring. These days it's still a tranquil spot, with some sheltered beaches and camp sites. From the road's end – the southernmost bit of road in Australia – there's an easy 10-minute walk to a bronze whale sculpture, commemorating the days when there were four whaling stations here.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Southeast attractions

1. Hastings Caves & Thermal Springs

9.49 MILES

A 7.5km drive inland from the Southport turn-off on the Huon Hwy are the amazing Hastings Caves and their adjunct thermal springs. Cave tours (45 minutes)…

2. Cape Bruny Lighthouse

12.82 MILES

Designed by colonial architect John Lee Archer, the 1836, 13m-high stone lighthouse on one of Bruny's southern tips overlooks a particularly rugged…

3. St Imre Vineyard

17.61 MILES

Bottling pinot noir, chardonnay, pinot gris and the robust ‘Tiger Blood’, this compact hillside vineyard has a fabulous timber tasting room, built by the…

4. South Bruny National Park

20.15 MILES

This national park comprises extensive coastal and wooded hinterland areas. Near Adventure Bay an easy trail leads to the old whaling station at Grass…

5. Inala Nature Museum & Jurassic Garden

20.87 MILES

A 600-hectare spread of wonderful island wilderness on South Bruny, with hundreds of plant species and almost as many birds to quietly observe (including…

6. Bruny Island Premium Wines

22.32 MILES

If you’re working up a thirst, swing into the cellar door at Australia’s most southerly vineyard. Pinot noir and chardonnay rule the roost; burgers,…

7. Court House History Room

23.54 MILES

At the council offices in Alonnah is this megamodest, volunteer-run museum (in an old courthouse – no prizes for guessing that) displaying newspaper…

8. Hartz Mountains National Park

23.83 MILES

A favourite southern national park for its proximity to Hobart, 80km away, and the relative ease of reaching its vast alpine views, Hartz Mountains forms…

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