Boat owners who enjoy sheltered water, cool climate cruising just a whisper away from the southern Tasmania wilderness, the D'Entrecasteaux Channel is one of the best. Think raw, wild peaks of the Hartz Mountains National Park towering over lush apple orchards (from which the "Apple Isle' nickname originated) that tumble down into the Huon River. Wind-less days offer idyllic seascapes as the mist hovers above the water before it climbs up the valley where it seemingly blends into the hovering cloud that conceals the mountaintops.
Kermandie Marina Port Huon, south of Huonville, and north of Dover, is ideally placed for boaties to take advantage of this very special cruising ground. A small, intimate marina, Kermandie Marina is the kind of old fashioned place where everybody knows each other and keeps an eye on each other's boats. Don't expect swanky docks with high tech swipe cards, with silver service restaurants and valet parking here. It's simple, it's secure and it's very, very friendly in this picturesque 80-berth marina. Plus there's the added bonus of the Kermandie Hotel right across the road, which boasts traditional country hospitality, with a terrific restaurant that specialises in local seafood and produce. |
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Navigating your way into Kermandie Marina is fairly straightforward, though it never hurts to ask a local, just to be sure you have up to date information. Head northwest into the Huon River from the D'Entrecasteaux Channel at Huon Point, leaving the curiously named Eggs and Bacon Bay to starboard. Follow the buoyed channel past Shipwrights Point and into Hospital Bay, just west from the Port Huon Wharf. Kermandie Marina is positioned at the junction of the Kermandie and Huon Rivers.
Fuel is available by prior arrangement via a refuelling truck. Or, alternatively, the closest fuel dock is located at Oyster Cove Marina at nearby Kettering. A new amenities block has recently been installed, as previously marina guests used the facilities at the adjacent Huon Valley Sports Centre. Marina guests are still welcome here, particularly if you want to use the indoor heated swimming pool. Haul-out facilities are currently not available, though this will change as the marina undergoes an upgrade. There is, however, plenty of hardstand space for trailer boats. Contact Kelly at the Kermandie Hotel to recommend local tradesmen, to deal with any maintenance or repair issues. The region has a long and intriguing shipbuilding history, so it's not hard to find quality tradesmen who really know boats.
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| Local Essentials |
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| Bus / Train / Ferry |
There are a number of bus services operating in the Huon region. Click here for info on TassieLink, Evans Coaches and Hobart Coaches timetables.
A car ferry runs regularly between Kettering and Bruny Island. Click here for timetable info. |
| Car Hire |
Hobart is the closest pickup point, with all major car rental companies offering airport and downtown locations. |
| Airport |
Hobart Airport is approximately one hour's drive to the north, serviced by Virgin Blue, Tiger Airways, Qantas and Jetstar. |
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Hotel Accommodation |
Built in 1932 in the Art Deco style to accommodate travellers to the Port Huon and Esperance district, Kermandie Hotel was a watering hole for timber, orchard and river workers in it's heyday. Today, it's still a very welcome haven for travellers by land and sea, offering superior, friendly country-style hospitality in an inviting setting overlooking the Huon River and Kermandie Marina. Single rooms start from just $80 per night, doubles from $100 per night, all with private ensuite. |
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Medical Centre |
Doctors Surgery is at the rear of Church St, Geeveston Ph 03 6297 1505. |
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Shopping & Provisioning |
Geeveston is about 5km to the west and offers all the essential services of a vibrant community. There's a Bank, Post Office, Police Station as well as a Value Plus and IGA Supermarket, Newsagent, Chemist, Laundry, Butcher and a Mitre 10. Plus there's plenty of take away options if you're a little hungry: try the Geeveston Bakery for deliciously decadent Camembert and chicken pies. |
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Dining Out |
The Kermandie Hotel specialises in quality local produce and seafood, with meals served in the spacious modern dining room with commanding views over the Huon River. Don't miss Thursday nights for $12 scallops and schnitzels! Counter meals are also available in the main bar. The Riverview Gallery & Wine Bar has recently been refurbished and proudly displays works from local artists. Specialising in the superior local produce, the Riverview Gallery & Wine Bar has over 20 Tasmania wines to choose from, plus a good selection of non-Tasmanian wines, with over 18 quality wines available by the glass. |
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Visitor Information |
The Forest & Heritage Centre in Geeveston has loads of local information and brochures as well as an interactive forest display. Plus there's a gift shop that specialises in locally made products. 15 Church St Ph 03 6297 1836 |
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| Reasons to Linger |
| Explore |
The Kermandie Marina is right in the heart of the Huon Trail touring route which stretches from Huonville all the way south to Recherche Bay south of Dover and out to the wilderness of the west. There's the Tahune Forest AirWalk, an elevated forest walk that cantilevers 48mt above the Huon and Picton Rivers. Nature lovers will be well satisfied with the Hartz Mountain and Southwest National Parks with plenty of walks and trails for campers and bushwalkers. After a day of bushwalking, take a dip in the hotsprings before going underground into The Hastings Cave and Thermal Springs. |
| Eat |
Tasmania is well known for its superior seafood, particularly scallops and salmon. Scallop pies are a distinctly Tasmanian specialty, available from most self-respecting pie shops. The nickname the 'Apple Isle' was derived from the Huon Valley region with its scores of apple orchards. But the region's farmers also grow berries, mushrooms, vegetables and wine grapes. Often you'll see produce available for sale at roadside stalls. |
| Shop |
The Huon region attracts talented artisans and crafts people from all over Tasmania. Almost everywhere you go, you will find stunning art and craft works, with timber work a delightful specialty. Take the time to walk around Geeveston to view the timber sculptures, as well as visiting the Southern Design Centre to view crafts on sale. |
| Enjoy |
A visit to the Wooden Boat Centre is a 'must do' for anyone with an interest in boats, and in particular Tasmania's wooden boat building heritage. With access to one of the world's superior boat building materials, 1200 year old Huon Pine, the Wooden Boat Centre is the only school in Australia to offer students a Diploma in Wooden Boat Building. Stepping into the workshop viewing area, the inviting scent of fresh wood shavings permeats the air, evoking memories of a time when vessels were lovingly handcrafted by true craftsmen. Main Rd Franklin Ph 03 6266 3586 |
| Join the Locals |
The towns of the Huon Valley tend to attract creative, friendly residents who are proud of their region. Don't be afraid to ask a local for information or advice. Particularly when navigating the upper Huon River which requires local knowledge for safe navigation. Spend some time with a local as he tends his boat at the Kermandie Marina and you're sure to come away with valuable advice and with a new friend as a bonus. |
| Events |
- Check with the Wooden Boat Centre to find out the launch dates of the next vessel, which is often around March/April. Visitors are welcome to witness the launching of the students work as she leaves the workshop
- Taste of the Huon is an annual festival held in March
- Huon Tasmanian Salmon Port Esperance Regatta is an annual regatta hosted by the Port Esperance Sailing Club
Check out the Events Calendar to find current dates for this years' events |
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