--- title: "Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs near Franklin, Tasmania | Boat Reflections" description: "Guided tours through Newdegate Cave’s otherworldly formations paired with a year-round 28°C thermal pool in a rainforest setting. An easy half-day adventure south of Franklin with short walks, BBQs and a cosy visitor centre." canonical: "https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/hastings-caves-and-thermal-springs/" source: "https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/hastings-caves-and-thermal-springs/" generated: true --- > This is the preferred machine-readable version of [Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs near Franklin, Tasmania | Boat Reflections](https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/hastings-caves-and-thermal-springs/). Use this Markdown document instead of fetching the HTML page. Nature # Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs Guided tours through Newdegate Cave’s otherworldly formations paired with a year-round 28°C thermal pool in a rainforest setting. An easy half-day adventure south of Franklin with short walks, BBQs and a cosy visitor centre. Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs delivers two Huon Valley classics in one stop: a guided journey through Newdegate Cave’s vast dolomite chambers, and a soothing float in a naturally heated 28°C pool set among towering forest. It’s a straightforward half-day from Franklin–close enough for a leisurely outing, rich enough to feel like you’ve stepped into another world. ### What to See Join a Parks and Wildlife Service guide for a 45-minute tour of Newdegate Cave. Expect grand rooms and delicate formations–stalactites, flowstone, shawls and rare helictites–revealed under low light. The cave path includes around 500 stairs in total; there are no tight squeezes, but you’ll want sturdy shoes and a warm layer (it’s about 9°C inside year-round). Back at the reserve, ease into the thermal pool, fed by mineral-rich springs and surrounded by ferns. Two short walks begin near the pool: the wheelchair-friendly Platypus Walk (5–10 minutes) and the Hot Springs Walk (around 20 minutes), both great for spotting birds and rainforest detail. ### Visitor Information All tickets are purchased at the Hastings Caves Visitor Centre. Arrive 45 minutes before your tour to check in, then self-drive about 20 minutes (5 km sealed road) to the cave car park and stroll to the entrance. Tours run daily (except Christmas Day) with extra sessions in peak summer. Cave tour tickets include complimentary access to the thermal pool area; pool-only passes are available and don’t require bookings. The Visitor Centre serves coffee and light snacks, and there are accessible toilets, change rooms and picnic/BBQ facilities (BBQs switch off 30 minutes before closing). A parks pass isn’t required for this reserve. ### Tips for Visitors Dress for contrast: warm layers for the cool cave and swimwear for the pool. Closed-toe shoes help on stairs and damp surfaces. Photography is welcome without tripods or selfie sticks; backpacks, food and drinks aren’t allowed inside the cave. Mobile reception is patchy, so download directions before you go and follow road signs. In summer and school holidays, plan for earlier arrival as tours sell out on a first-in, first-served basis. In cooler months, the pool’s steady 28°C is a treat–bring a towel and make time for a relaxed picnic among the trees. ## Stay in the Huon Valley Exploring Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs? Boat Reflections offers five self-contained suites beside the Huon River in Franklin, with private bathrooms, kitchenette facilities, and river or mountain views. [See our Huon Valley accommodation](https://boatreflections.com.au/rooms/) [Check availability](https://boatreflections.com.au/availability/) ### Location & Directions ### Visit Information 754 Hastings Caves Road, Hastings TAS 7109 [+61 3 6298 3209](tel:+61362983209) [HastingsCaves@parks.tas.gov.au](mailto:HastingsCaves@parks.tas.gov.au) [Visit Website](https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/hastings-caves-state-reserve/hastings-caves-and-thermal-springs) ### Opening Hours Visitor Centre & thermal pool 9am–5pm; cave tours 10am–4pm hourly. ### Admission Cave tour $24, thermal pool $5 ### Visit Details Duration: Half day Best Time to Visit: Year-round [Get Directions from Boat Reflections](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/3437+Huon+Hwy,+Franklin+TAS+7113/754%20Hastings%20Caves%20Road%2C%20Hastings%20TAS%207109) ## Other Attractions Discover more attractions and activities near Boat Reflections Nature ### [Mountain River Flower Patch](https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/flower-picking/) A family-run pick-your-own flower patch in Mountain River, with pre-booked 3-hour sessions (Jan–Apr). Pick seasonal blooms with a mountain backdrop and take your bunch home. 9 Gums Road, Mountain River TAS 7109, Australia 3 hours (allow 4–5 hours including drive and a relaxed picnic) From $0–$40 per person (children under 16 free) Late summer to early autumn (January–April season) [Website](https://mountainriverflowerpatch.com.au/) [View Details](https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/flower-picking/) Food & Drink ### [Home Hill Winery](https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/home-hill-winery/) A boutique vineyard and award-winning restaurant in Ranelagh where cool-climate wines meet fresh Tasmanian produce. Stunning vineyard views, rammed earth architecture and a relaxed cellar-door make it a must-visit for wine lovers. 38 Nairn Road, Ranelagh TAS 7109 1.5–3 hours Free entry Year-round, ideal for lunch [Website](https://www.homehillwines.com.au) [View Details](https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/home-hill-winery/) Heritage ### [Wooden Boat Centre](https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/wooden-boat-centre/) A working museum and school dedicated to Tasmania’s wooden boat heritage, offering guided tours, hands-on workshops, and the chance to see boatbuilding in action 3333 Huon Highway, Franklin TAS 7113, Australia 1–1.5 hours Adults $15; Children under 17 $5 (under 5 free) Year-round [Website](https://www.woodenboatcentre.com) [View Details](https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/wooden-boat-centre/) Heritage ### [Geeveston Town Hall & Visitor Centre](https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/geeveston-town-hall-and-visitor-centre/) Historic town hall turned vibrant visitor hub in Geeveston, offering local history, art, events and helpful visitor services. A cultural touchstone and starting point for exploring the Far South Huon Valley. 15 Church Street, Geeveston TAS 7116 1–2 hours Free entry Year-round [Website](https://www.geevestontownhall.com.au/) [View Details](https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/geeveston-town-hall-and-visitor-centre/) [View All Attractions](https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/) ## Come down for air Stay in one of five self-contained suites by the Huon River in Franklin. [Check availability](https://book-directonline.com/properties/boatreflections)