The Hastings Caves State Reserve is located around an hour and a half’s drive south of Hobart, beyond the township of Dover. The reserve forms part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and offers a range of experiences, including bushwalks, swimming in the nearby thermal pool and access to the stunning Newdegate Cave.
A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit Newdegate Cave as part of an Instameet (thanks Hobart and Beyond) with a group of other keen photographers. We were given permission to take tripods into the caves to facilitate our photography (most visitors are not allowed to do so for safety reasons).
I’ve not had a huge amount of practice in low-light photography, but this was too good a chance to let pass, so I set up my sticks, grappled with my camera’ manual settings, upped the ISO and went for it. Here are some of the results.
A short nature walk leads visitors from the carpark through shady cool rainforest to the cave, where a range of uniquely Tasmanian flora (and occasionally fauna) can be seen.
On a day trip, visiting the Hastings Caves State Reserve can be combined with other local activities such as visiting Southport, an attractive beach and hamlet or the Ida Bay Railway, a short drive from the Caves.
Staying in the area opens up the opprtunity to visit other attractions in the region such as the Tahune Airwalk or Cockle Creek.
Visit the local Far South Tourism Association website for more information
Further reading
- Parks and Wildlife – Hastings Caves State Reserve
- Downloadable leaflet – Parks and Wildlife
- Caves of Tasmania – Department of Primary Industry (downloadable leaflet)
