Dover

Dover is not quite the southernmost town in Australia but it is close. The pretty, quiet fishing village sits at the head of Esperance Bay overlooking the islands of Faith, Hope and Charity, about 80 minutes' drive south along the A6 Highway (83 kilometres/51 miles) from Hobart. Dover is the ideal spot for exploring the southwest World Heritage wilderness areas and the Hartz Mountain National Park. The town has a population of about 500 and the major industries are forestry and fishing and particularly Atlantic salmon, abalone and cray fishing, and nearby are apple orchards. One of the most popular attractions is the Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs further south and west on the Southport road. There a number of good bed and breakfasts, a caravan park, hotel/motel and backpacker accommodation. The town was originally named Port Esperance by the French explorer, Admiral Bruni D'Entrecasteaux, who charted the area in 1792. When the British arrived in 1804 they planned to use it as a penal probation station; today, the Commandant's cottage (privately owned) near the caravan park on Beach Road is all that remains of this early plan. After the convict settlement the town developed as an important port shipping Huon pine to the world. Tasmania's southwest often faces Antarctic winds but Dover's position on the D'Entrecasteaux Channel protects it. No matter what time of year you visit, bring a warm jacket and all weather gear.