Buttongrass Retreat

Lunaris Gemstones in the Far South of Tasmania specialises in Tasmanian minerals, jewelry and fossils. The showroom features Tasmanian Crocoite (Mineral Emblem), unusual Tasmanian Stichtite jewelry, and rare Jurassic fossil fern from the Lune River. There are Tasmanian crystals, minerals and fossils, as well as specimens from overseas. Australian facetted stones, quality Australian opal and a variety of lapidary materials are available. Alongside displays of Tasmanian fossils and minerals, many of which were found by the owners, visitors can view a cabinet of fluorescent minerals. and see Tasmania's oldest fossil! Fossicking information is provided for two local fossicking areas as well as statewide. There is a wide choice of minerals, crystals, and fossils from around the world to suit beginners or serious collector. Social and school groups are welcome and educational talks are available on the subject of local geology and the lapidary world (fee applies). Lunaris Gemstones is only one km north of Ida Bay Historic Railway and close to Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs. Admission is free to the exhibition which is roughly a 2-hour drive from Hobart. Otherwise, you can visit the Lunaris Gemstones store at Salamanca market each Saturday or visit online.

Our sunset tour is a 3-hour paddle down Lune River to Hastings Bay. Enjoy this magnificent setting as the evening draws in on the water. Stopping for an evening snack on the beach we turn and look west to the southern ranges before paddling back up Lune River. Enjoy the sunset across the water and experience nature setting down for another night.

Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs is situated in the far south of Tasmania’s beautiful Huon Valley, a 90-minute drive from Hobart. A Parks and Wildlife Service guide will lead you through a living and breathing ecosystem that boasts an identity like no other. This is an opportunity to immerse yourself in an ancient yet ever-changing environment. You will discover within the dolomite cave spectacular subterranean formations including flowstone, stalactites, columns, shawls, straws, stalagmites and the unusual helictites. The cave is spacious and there are no narrow passages. The light level is low. There are 250 stairs each way, equipped with handrails. Opening hours and cave tour times vary throughout the year, so we recommend you check times on the Parks and Wildlife Service website before you embark on your journey. It is recommended that you arrive at the Hastings Visitor Centre 45 minutes prior to your chosen tour. This is where you purchase tickets for cave tours or the thermal spring reserve. Enjoy a coffee or light snack in the Café area of the Visitor Centre, and shop for souvenirs. You can swim in the 28-degree thermal swimming pool, which gathers and circulates natural thermal spring water, which is full of rich minerals. Change-room amenities are near the pool. Remember, outdoor temperatures in southern Tasmania may be cool, pack warm clothing and wear sturdy footwear.