Dover - Huon Valley, Tasmania.
Dover, originally named Port Esperance after one of the first French vessels to explore the region, is arguably the southern-most township of any substance in Australia and the last point south of Hobart with petrol supplies.
A seemingly sleepy little back-water which, like many parts of Tasmania had its origins as an isolated convict outpost, it is in fact a key player in Tasmania’s apple and abalone, Cray and salmon fishing industries.
Dover’s convict history was that of a probation station where inmates transitioned to the status of a pass-holder, eligible to be assigned to employers and earn wages while still serving their time in the penal system.
During the 1850’s Dover enjoyed a period of prosperity when it became an integral part of Tasmania’s burgeoning timber industry, exporting the prized Huon Pine to the world.
Just a little over 80 kilometres south of Hobart this pretty little fishing village enjoys a moderate climate, sheltered from the prevailing cold winds by Bruny Island, and is frequented by tourists keen to experience the idyllic coastal scenery or those eager to explore the deep wilderness further south.
Set at the head of Esperance Bay and overlooking Faith, Hope and Charity Islands, Dover’s main tourist attraction, apart from its natural beauty, is Casey’s Living Steam Museum combining a display of old steam engines together with information on the local apple and timber industries.
Other nearby attractions include the Hastings Cave State Reserve, the Ida Bay scenic railway and visits to Hastings Forest and Cockle Creek via Australia’s southernmost navigable road.
This Tassie Local snapshot was produced by Footloose Photographic & Media Solutions
Things to see around - Dover
Dover - Huon Valley, Tasmania
