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Located along the southeastern coast of Tasmania lies a geological wonder. Known as Remarkable Cave, this unique natural formation bears testament to the incredible forces of nature that have shaped the Tasman Peninsula over thousands of years.
This guide will tell you all about this natural wonder, including how to get there, nearby attractions, and the best time to visit. Read on to learn more!
Table of Contents
Where is Remarkable Cave?
Remarkable Cave is located on the southeastern coast of the Australian state of Tasmania. It is located south of Port Arthur, and is a part of Tasman National Park.
How to Get to Tasmania
Because Tasmania is an island, you can imagine that there are only a couple of ways to get there, which are discussed below.
Flight
Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania, has an international airport. While it mostly receives domestic flights, there are also flights to and from New Zealand (and Antarctica!) a few times per week. If you are not already in Australia, I would recommend flying to the mainland first, then getting a flight to Tasmania.
I used Skyscanner and booked a last-minute flight from Sydney to Hobart for $70 USD.
Ferry
If you are feeling adventurous, you could also take a ferry from the Australian mainland to Tasmania. Expect to pay around $100 USD and for the trip to last around 9-11 hours.
Getting Around Tasmania
I highly recommend renting a car while in Tasmania! It is very easy and convenient to get around the island this way. Otherwise, you will have to rely on ridesharing applications or taxis, which will be much more expensive.
Rental cars are very affordable as well. I got a car from Ace Rental Cars in Hobart for 33 AUD/day ($21 USD/day in 2023, see current rates here).
Check out RentalCars.com to find the best option!
Getting to Remarkable Cave
Remarkable Cave is only a 10-minute drive from Port Arthur, and less than 5 minutes from Safety Cove Beach. You can easily find Remarkable Cave on Google Maps.
Remarkable Cave is a part of Tasman National Park, and there are signs notifying you that you will need to buy a National Park Pass to enter. When I went, there was nobody checking for passes, but paying for these passes helps to maintain these parks.
You can buy a pass here.
About Remarkable Cave
To reach Remarkable Cave, you will have to walk a short distance along a path and down some steps. It takes less than 10 minutes to get there from the parking lot. You can enjoy some incredible views of the coast along the way!
Remarkable Cave is a deep, sea-carved passage that cuts through a large cliff, allowing you to see into the Southern Ocean. Here are some interesting facts about it:
- Remarkable Cave has two entrances, which is very rare for a sea cave. This was caused by ancient earthquakes.
- One of the entrances to Remarkable Cave resembles the outline of Tasmania! Check it out below!
- The cave’s appearance varies dramatically between low and high tide.
- From certain angles, you will be able to see folded patterns in the rock around the cave. This rare phenomenon was created by earthquakes that occurred as the sandstone was forming.
Hikes Around Remarkable Cave
There are three different hikes that begin near the entrance of Remarkable Cave.
Maingon Blowhole - 1 hr
This relatively easy hike is only 3.3 km round trip. This hike will take you to the Maingon Blowhole. Try to visit during high tide as it will be more active during this time.
Crescent Bay - 3 hrs
This hike is a little longer at 7.5 km round trip. You will be able to see Crescent Bay Beach, which has a beautiful coastline.
Do not try to drive directly to the beach. Google Maps will send you down private roads that have been closed by locals. The only way to access this beach is by hiking.
Mt Brown - 3 hrs
This hike is much tougher than the other two, and is 8 km round trip. The views from the hike make it worth the effort. Once you arrive at the mountain, you may be able to see dolphins or whales while overlooking the sea!
Nearby Attractions
1. Port Arthur
Port Arthur is a historical penal colony for convicts in Australia. It has an interesting history and beautiful natural surroundings. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Port Arthur is a short drive from Remarkable Cave.
2. Tasmanian Devil Unzoo
The Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is located near Remarkable Cave and is a great place to see Tasmania’s wildlife. Here, you will be able to interact with not only Tasmanian Devils, but also kangaroos, pademelons, and more!
3. Safety Cove Beach
If you don’t feel like hiking all the way to Crescent Bay Beach, check out Safety Cove Beach. This nearby beach has a parking area for maximum convenience. You will also likely have the entire beach to yourself.
This was one of my favorite beaches in Tasmania! Check out my post on the 5 Best Beaches in Eastern Tasmania.
Where to Stay in Tasmania
I recommend making Hobart your base when exploring Tasmania. As the capital city, it has the most options for accommodations and things to do.
The price and availability of hotels can vary dramatically depending on the time of year. Therefore, it’s best to book your hotel in advance.
The Wrest Point Hotel is one of the most popular hotels in Hobart. It is located right on the water and is a great spot for a romantic getaway.
If you are a budget traveler, I recommend staying at YHA Hobart Central. I stayed at this hostel for a few nights, and it was one of the most affordable options in the city. It is also conveniently located in the Central Business District (CBD).
Check out the map below to see available accommodations.
Best Time to Visit Remarkable Cave
The most popular time to visit Tasmania is during the Summer, from December to February. That means that prices for accommodations and flights will also be higher during this time.
Winter occurs from June to August, and I would not recommend coming to Tasmania during this time unless you have a specific reason to (like to see the Southern Lights). I would recommend coming between March and May, or September and November. Prices will be lower during this time, but the weather won’t be unbearably cold.
I recommend getting to Remarkable Cave in the morning, at least before 11 AM. It will be less crowded and you will have plenty of time to walk along the different trails.
Need help planning your trip? Click HERE to find a variety of tools and information that can help make your travel planning more enjoyable.
The post Remarkable Cave: Tasmania’s Hidden Coastal Gem appeared first on Explore with Finesse.
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