Major city · Australia
Southport
Skip as a base: Southport is a fuel-and-toilet stop on the A6, 96 km (60 mi) south of Hobart. Sleep in Huonville or Dover and push on to Cockle Creek.Skip as a base: Southport is a fuel-and-toilet stop on the A6, 60 mi (96 km) south of Hobart. Sleep in Huonville or Dover and push on to Cockle Creek.
Southport is Australia's southernmost town, a former whaling station of about 135 people at the end of the Huon Highway. There is one cafe, one cottage and no shops. Its value is position: it is the last settlement before the C636 run to Recherche Bay and Cockle Creek, the southern end of the road network, and the turn-off for Hastings Caves.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Nov–Apr
- avoid Jun–Aug (cold, wet, short days)
- Airport
- HBA
- Nights
- 0–1
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Southport000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Southport, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyVery low crime; the real risks are the drive, the weather and the emptiness.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From a mobile
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportHBA Hobart Airport (About 2 h by road via the Southern Outlet, Kingston and the A6; no public transport to Southport, so a car is required.).
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or a cafe meal at the village cafeThe only cafe for a long way; check the day's hours.A$8–25 (≈ US$6–17)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekA$20–40 (≈ US$14–30)
- Museum or sight ticketNational park entry, per vehicle per dayPasses cover multiple parks.A$20–45 (≈ US$14–30)
- Budget bedHostel or pub bed (Dover or Huonville), a night, per personA$45 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel or cottage double room, a night, per roomA$190 (≈ US$130)
- High-end bedMotel or cottage double room, a night, per roomA$320 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$150 (≈ US$100) · High A$260 (≈ US$180)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- HBA Hobart Airport (About 2 h by road via the Southern Outlet, Kingston and the A6; no public transport to Southport, so a car is required.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Feb
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Mar
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Apr
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
May
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Jun
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Jul
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Aug
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Sep
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Oct
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Nov
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Dec
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Best: Nov–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)), coolest Jun (4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C) low), wettest Jul (15 rain days), driest Feb (10). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Southport: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
11 rd
Feb
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
10 rd
Mar
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
12 rd
Apr
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
13 rd
May
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
14 rd
Jun
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
14 rd
Jul
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
15 rd
Aug
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
15 rd
Sep
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
14 rd
Oct
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
14 rd
Nov
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
12 rd
Dec
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car. The only sealed road in is the Huon Highway (A6) from Kingston via Huonville; it is a good two-lane road with a shoulder until Dover, then narrows. Fuel at Huonville or Dover: there is no petrol in Southport. C635 runs west to Hastings Caves, C636 southwest to Recherche Bay and Cockle Creek.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 40 min each way
C636 southwest from Southport, about 30 km (19 mi) of partly unsealed roadC636 southwest from Southport, about 19 mi (30 km) of partly unsealed road
The southern end of Australia's road network; short walks, no facilities, carry water and fuel.
Door to door: About 15 min each way
C635 west from Southport, about 10 km (6.2 mi)C635 west from Southport, about 6.2 mi (10 km)
Cave entry is by guided tour only: book a time slot ahead and check the day's schedule.
Geeveston
goDoor to door: About 30 min
A6 north, about 30 km (19 mi)A6 north, about 19 mi (30 km)
Fuel, bakery and the forest-heritage centre; the last real services before the far south.
Door to door: About 20 min
A6 north, about 20 km (12 mi)A6 north, about 12 mi (20 km)
Pub meals, a jetty and more beds; the sensible base if Southport is full.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
A6 north to Huonville, then B68 east
Worth it for the food and market, but too far for a quick return trip.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Southport village
One cottage and a handful of holiday rentals; book ahead in summer or you will drive back north.
Dover, 20 min north
More beds, a pub and a shop; the practical base for this end of the Huon.
Huonville, about 1 h north
Supermarkets, fuel and the widest choice of accommodation; use it if Southport is full.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$90–140 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$140–220 (≈ US$95–150) excl. bed
- High
- A$220 (≈ US$150)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or cottage double room1 × 1 night × A$190 | A$190 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$150 | A$300 |
| Hire car, one day, small car1 × A$70 | A$70 |
| Fuel, Hobart return plus local driving1 × A$60 | A$60 |
| Hastings Caves guided tour2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$72 |
| Trip total≈ A$396 per person per day, bed included | A$792≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or a cafe meal at the village cafeThe only cafe for a long way; check the day's hours. | A$8–25 (≈ US$6–17) |
| Pub meal in Dover | A$25–40 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Fuel, per litre (Huonville or Dover) | A$1.80–2.10 (≈ US$2) |
| Hastings Caves guided tour | A$25–30 (≈ US$17–20) |
| National park entry, per vehicle per dayPasses cover multiple parks. | A$20–45 (≈ US$14–30) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | A$20–40 (≈ US$14–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No fuel, no supermarket and no mobile coverage in places along the C636: fill up and download maps before you leave Dover.
- Wildlife on the road at dawn and dusk, and logging trucks on the A6: slow down and do not overtake blind.
- Cockle Creek and Recherche Bay are national park: no bins, no shops, carry out everything and check park alerts before you go.
- Summer accommodation is limited to a few properties: book weeks ahead or plan to sleep in Huonville or Dover.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
SouthportSouthport
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
Embassy
No consulates in the far south; embassies and consulates-general are in Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne. US citizens: the consulate-general is in Melbourne.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Hobart → Southport by road: about 96 km (60 mi), 1 h 45 min–2 habout 60 mi (96 km), 1 h 45 min–2 h
- Southport → Cockle Creek: about 30 km (19 mi) on the C636, 40 min, partly unsealedabout 19 mi (30 km) on the C636, 40 min, partly unsealed
- Southport → Hastings Caves: about 10 km (6.2 mi) on the C635, 15 minabout 6.2 mi (10 km) on the C635, 15 min
Say or show
- Where is the nearest fuel? — Where is the nearest fuel?
- Is the road sealed all the way? — Is the road sealed all the way?
- Do I need to book the cave tour? — Do I need to book the cave tour?
- Is there mobile coverage here? — Is there mobile coverage here?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet?
Fuel at Huonville or Dover before you head south; there is none in Southport.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Southport. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr · avoid Jun–Aug (cold, wet, short days) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for HBA: last hire-car desks, drive time to Southport, and the Dover overnight fallback.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Southport jetty and beach, Hastings Caves, Recherche Bay, Cockle Creek.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Hastings Caves tours, Cockle Creek car park, national park alerts) and eat pages with last orders.
- Fuel and coverage fixtures so the far-south drive can go green.