This gorgeous, tree-lined natural harbour was the spot where, in 1792, two French ships captained by Bruni d’Entrecasteaux – L’Espérance and La Recherche – dropped anchor and set about exploring. These days it's still a tranquil spot, with some sheltered beaches and camp sites. From the road's end – the southernmost bit of road in Australia – there's an easy 10-minute walk to a bronze whale sculpture, commemorating the days when there were four whaling stations here.
Recherche Bay
The Southeast
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
23.83 MILES
A favourite southern national park for its proximity to Hobart, 80km away, and the relative ease of reaching its vast alpine views, Hartz Mountains forms…
Hastings Caves & Thermal Springs
9.49 MILES
A 7.5km drive inland from the Southport turn-off on the Huon Hwy are the amazing Hastings Caves and their adjunct thermal springs. Cave tours (45 minutes)…
20.15 MILES
This national park comprises extensive coastal and wooded hinterland areas. Near Adventure Bay an easy trail leads to the old whaling station at Grass…
29.67 MILES
Park midway across the isthmus – aka the Neck – between North and South Bruny and climb to the Truganini Memorial for broad views of both ends of the…
Inala Nature Museum & Jurassic Garden
20.87 MILES
A 600-hectare spread of wonderful island wilderness on South Bruny, with hundreds of plant species and almost as many birds to quietly observe (including…
12.82 MILES
Designed by colonial architect John Lee Archer, the 1836, 13m-high stone lighthouse on one of Bruny's southern tips overlooks a particularly rugged…
29.34 MILES
Hartzview is a scenic 8km drive up the hill from Woodbridge (or 11km from Cygnet), off the road to Gardners Bay. For your palate’s pleasure there are…
Bligh Museum of Pacific Exploration
25.55 MILES
This curio-crammed, windowless, church-like museum details the local exploits of explorers Bligh, Cook, Furneaux, Baudin and, of course, Bruni d…
Nearby The Southeast attractions
1. Hastings Caves & Thermal Springs
9.49 MILES
A 7.5km drive inland from the Southport turn-off on the Huon Hwy are the amazing Hastings Caves and their adjunct thermal springs. Cave tours (45 minutes)…
12.82 MILES
Designed by colonial architect John Lee Archer, the 1836, 13m-high stone lighthouse on one of Bruny's southern tips overlooks a particularly rugged…
17.61 MILES
Bottling pinot noir, chardonnay, pinot gris and the robust ‘Tiger Blood’, this compact hillside vineyard has a fabulous timber tasting room, built by the…
20.15 MILES
This national park comprises extensive coastal and wooded hinterland areas. Near Adventure Bay an easy trail leads to the old whaling station at Grass…
5. Inala Nature Museum & Jurassic Garden
20.87 MILES
A 600-hectare spread of wonderful island wilderness on South Bruny, with hundreds of plant species and almost as many birds to quietly observe (including…
22.32 MILES
If you’re working up a thirst, swing into the cellar door at Australia’s most southerly vineyard. Pinot noir and chardonnay rule the roost; burgers,…
23.54 MILES
At the council offices in Alonnah is this megamodest, volunteer-run museum (in an old courthouse – no prizes for guessing that) displaying newspaper…
8. Hartz Mountains National Park
23.83 MILES
A favourite southern national park for its proximity to Hobart, 80km away, and the relative ease of reaching its vast alpine views, Hartz Mountains forms…