Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs, Australia

What it is

Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs is a Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service attraction in the far south of Tasmania, combining a show cave tour precinct with a separate thermal swimming area set in a forest glade. The thermal pool is the easy, relaxing part of the visit: a warm outdoor pool surrounded by tall trees, with picnic facilities and a calm, family-friendly feel when the weather is mild.

What makes it distinct

Most “hot springs” travel in Australia points north or inland. Hastings is different, cool-climate forest bathing in Tasmania, where warm water feels especially good on crisp days. The site also has a short boardwalk track (the Platypus walk) behind the pool, which Parks Tasmania describes as wheelchair-friendly, so you can pair a soak with a gentle stroll.

What to expect

This is a managed attraction with fees for the swimming area and set visitor-centre hours. It’s not a wild creek soak, and it’s not a luxury spa. It’s a practical, pleasant stop that works best when you keep the plan simple: swim, picnic, short walk, then drive out before dark.

Where it is

Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs is at 754 Hastings Caves Road, Hastings TAS 7109. Parks Tasmania describes it as about 105 km (around 1 hour 45 minutes) from Hobart by road, via the A6 past Huonville, Geeveston and Dover, then onto Hastings Caves Road (C635) with final sealed-road turns to the visitor centre.

Getting there and on-site movement

You check in at the visitor centre first. Parks Tasmania notes cave tour visitors should check in 45 minutes before the advertised tour time, then drive a further 5 km and walk about 200 m to the cave entrance. If you are only using the thermal pool, you still follow the visitor-centre flow, so arrive with time for parking and payment. The thermal pool area is close enough to work as a stand-alone visit, but it pairs well with a picnic and the short walks.

What to bring

Bring swimwear, towel, and footwear with grip, wet surfaces and steps are part of the pool area. Pack warm layers for after your swim, this is southern Tasmania and even sunny days can cool quickly. Bring water and a simple snack, or plan to use the picnic and barbecue areas (portable cookers are not permitted, per Parks Tasmania). If you are visiting in peak holiday periods, arrive earlier, it keeps the day calmer.

Who it suits best

This suits families, road-trippers, and anyone who wants an easy warm-water swim without remote logistics. It’s a good “all-ages” stop in the sense that the pool is straightforward and the site has toilets and change rooms, but it’s still a shared public setting with wet steps and forest weather. If you want a quiet soak, aim for off-peak times and keep expectations realistic.

Mobility and accessibility

Parks Tasmania describes the visitor centre and café as fully accessible, and notes accessible toilets. For the thermal springs, they state wheelchair users may need assistance to reach the pool, and that the pool itself has steps and a handrail. That means you should not plan on independent wheelchair entry into the water. The change rooms and toilets are accessible, but Parks Tasmania notes wheelchair users may require assistance with showers. The Platypus walk behind the pool is described as a wide, boardwalked track that is wheelchair-friendly, which can be a nice alternative activity if pool entry is not practical.

Expectations vs reality

It’s a warm outdoor pool in a cool forest, not a hot spa circuit. The best experience is usually shorter swims with breaks, especially if the day is cool. If you combine it with a cave tour, keep some dry time in the middle so you are not rushing from wet swim gear to cave shoes.

Heat, cold, and pacing

Warm water feels great here, but the air can be cool. Have a dry towel and warm layer ready so you do not linger in wet clothes. Keep swims to comfortable lengths and take breaks out of the pool, especially with children who can cool down quickly once they leave the water.

Slips and steps

Parks Tasmania notes the pool has steps and a handrail. Use them. Walk slowly on wet surfaces and keep footwear on until you are ready to enter. If you are carrying a child, move carefully on steps and give other people space to pass.

Shared-space etiquette

Keep voices modest, especially if you are there early or late in the day. Don’t block the steps while chatting. Photos should stay focused on your group. Rinse off before swimming if facilities are available. If the pool is busy, rotate out after a reasonable time so others can enjoy it too. It goes best when the pool feels like a calm public space, not a party.

Respect the reserve rules

Dogs are not allowed in the reserve, and Parks Tasmania notes portable cookers are not permitted. Follow signage and staff direction, it keeps the site pleasant and reduces closures and conflict.

Is there an entry fee?

Yes. Parks Tasmania states there is a fee for the swimming area. Check the official Parks Tasmania page for current prices and what is included on the day you plan to visit.

What should I wear?

Parks Tasmania advises pool users to wear appropriate clothing such as swimming costumes, or shorts and T-shirts. In practice, swimwear is the simplest choice.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

Partly. Parks Tasmania states the visitor centre and toilets are accessible, and the Platypus walk is wheelchair-friendly. For the thermal pool, they note wheelchair users may need assistance to reach it, and the pool entry is via steps with a handrail, so independent wheelchair water entry is not confirmed.

Do I need a parks pass?

Parks Tasmania notes a parks pass is not required at Hastings Caves (you will require one if visiting a national park). You still need to pay relevant attraction fees for pool and cave activities.