 For boat owners who enjoy sheltered water and cool climate cruising just a whisper away from the southern Tasmanian 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. Windless 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 Hotel & 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 high tech swipe cards with silver service restaurants and valet parking here. It's a modern, simple and secure 80-berth floating marina and it's very, very friendly. 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.
 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. Facilities at Kermandie include an 80 ton travel lift, environmentally compliant boat yard and shipwright and full yard services on site as well as plenty of hardstand space for trailer boats. For enquiries and bookings contact the marina manager via the Kermandie Hotel on 0409 499 545. Marina guests are welcome to use the facilities at the adjacent Huon Valley Sports Centre, particularly the indoor heated swimming pool.
There is a navigable channel up the Huon River from the Kermandie Marina, past the Wooden Boat Centre and on to Huonville, but check with the locals for the latest conditions before heading out. Alternatively, if you want to travel by land, just catch one of the buses that run regularly between Geeveston and Hobart.
In fact, if you wanted to leave your vessel long-term at Kermandie Marina at Port Huon, Hobart is just under an hour away by road. Though once you start cruising the southern Tasmanian wilderness, you'll feel you're a million miles away from any civilisation.
Boat owners based in mainland states can also take advantage of Kermandie's unique boat delivery service from anywhere in Australia. Perfect for boat owners who don't have the time or inclination to participate in a long coastal voyage, your vessel can be waiting for you at Kermandie Marina while you fly into Hobart Airport.
Click here to find out how you can have your boat delivered to Kermandie Marina and cruise southern Tasmania waterways
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Marina Facilities | | WET BERTHS
| 80
| WATER AT BERTHS
| YES
| DRY BERTHS
| AVAILABLE
| POWER AT BERTHS
| | DEPTH AT ENTRANCE
| 3.2m
| 3 PHASE POWER
| YES
| MAX BERTH LENGTH
| 20m
| LPG AVAIL
| NO
| MONITOR VHF
| NO
| FUEL AVAIL
| By prior arrangement
| OFFICE HOURS
| 7 DAYS 7.30am - Midnight(Kermandie Hotel hours)
| SHOWERS
| YES
| INDUSTRY MEMBER
| BIA, MIAA
| LAUNDRY
| NO
| SEWAGE PUMP OUT
| YES
| WIFI INTERNET
| YES
| HAULOUT / SLIPWAY
| YES
| CHANDLERY
| Nearby at Geeveston
| HARD STAND
| YES
| BAR
| YES
| BOAT RAMP
| YES
| RESTAURANT
| YES
| CAR PARK SECURITY
| TBA
| ACCOMMODATION
| YES
| DOCK SECURITY
| YES
| COASTGUARD
| KETTERING
Ph 03 6267 5016
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Marine Services
Contact Kermandie Hotel Management to arrange Marine Services for all repairs and maintenance on
Ph 03 6297 1052
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Recommended Cruising Guide
Tasmanian Anchorage Guide
by the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania
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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. |
Hotel accommodation
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 Built in 1932 in the fully refurbished art deco style, Kermandie Hotel with its ensuite rooms welcomes travellers to the Port Huon and Esperance district. Kermandie Hotel was a watering hole for timber, orchard and river workers in its 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. There are single, double and family rooms, the larger rooms with brand new queen and king sized beds, as well as a communal guest lounge which has been recently redecorated for guests’ enjoyment.
Rates from $85 for a single to $140 for a family room from November to February.
Families are welcome to enjoy using the Kermandie Hotel as a base for further exploration. There is plenty on offer for those travelling with children such as the spectacular Tahune Sky Walk and the Hastings Cavest State Reserve’s thermal springs and Newdegate Cave, the largest tourist cave in Australia which occurs in dolomite rather than limestone.
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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 Mitre10 Hardware stroe.
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Dining Out
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 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. There are weekly bar specials & check the website for live music. Counter meals are available in the main bar.
The Riverview function area has been recently refurbished and proudly displays works from local artists. The restaurant is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers a large selection of Tasmanian and imported wines. Guests are welcome to utilise the restaurant, public bar and well stocked bottle shop or book either of the function rooms for a small or large work meeting or conference, intimate family gathering or full scale occasion such as a wedding. The larger River Room can accommodate up to 150 people for a sit-down dinner or up to 250 people for cocktail style function while the smaller function room best suits up to 30 guests.
Specialising in the superior local produce, the Kermandie hotel has a comprehensive range of wines to choose from including many local wines for you to sample which are available by the glass or bottle.
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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.
Wine Connoisseurs should visit the Home Hill and Panorama wineries.
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| 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 new friends 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
- Come along to the Taste of the Huon Festival for two days of all the best food, wine and entertainment the Huon Valley has to offer.
- Huon Tasmanian Salmon Port Esperance Regatta is an annual regatta hosted by the Port Esperance Sailing Club, held in the second weekend of March each year.
Check out the Events Calendar to find current dates for this years' events |
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