| At a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Cost | Budget friendly |
| Location | Acton Park, Coal River Valley, Tasmania (15 mins from Hobart CBD) |
| Pet Friendly | See Camps App |
| Campfires | Yes – shared fire pit with complimentary firewood |
| Facilities | Potable water, outdoor cold shower, portable cassette toilet, rubbish bins, fire pit, BBQ plate, picnic table, hammock |
| Vehicle Access | Suitable for tents, RVs and caravans |
| In Camps App | Yes – full details available |
A question I see frequently asked in social media posts is “Are there any free or budget sites near Hobart?”
The truth is there aren’t many, one or two plus a couple of caravan parks, though there are more a little further out. So we are very happy to add The Duck Hole at Farnese Olivo to the list!
Farnese Olivo is a budget friendly, family hobby farm set on 5 acres overlooking the Coal River Valley in Acton Park. It is only 15 minutes from the Hobart CBD. It is an historic farm dam, offering a quiet rural experience.
All campers have free access to:
– potable drinking water
– shower (open air, cold only) – bring bathers. Great in summer, only for the brave in winter!
– rubbish bins
– fire pit
– firewood (provided for free, for use in the fire pit)
– cast iron bbq plate and skillets for cooking in the fire pit
– picnic table and chairs overlooking the dam
– dam side hammock
– portable cassette toilet (located outdoors)
History
The property was established in the early 1980s on the site of one of Hobarts oldest farms. The original house built in 1826 still stands as a beautiful family home just 2 doors up.
The old dairy still stands as visitor accommodation opposite the front of the property. Hence, it offers a glimpse of farm life from the past 200 years. A tradition they still maintain today having a sustainable orchard with just over 100 trees. Additionally, you can even purchase fresh produce when available in season.
The Duck Hole is home to friendly hand reared heritage british sheep (they love cuddles and food!), Ducks (Wild and Pet) and Chickens.
Overlooking the historic dam there is a shared fire pit with complimentary firewood supplied.
Generally, the campsite is intended for self contained campers only, so you’ll need your own toilet. There is a dump point 6 km away at Campbridge Park.
Public toilet and showers are located close by at Seven Mile Beach and Roches Beach (both about 5 mins drive). There are 3 locations to choose from, the Duck Hole is water front and private with potable water right up to the site. Coal Valley View close to the water, outdoor cold shower and fire pit and views over the dam. Thirdly the Sheep pen with 3 dispersed sites great for families and groups, suitable for tents, RVs and caravans.
It’s awesome to add another option for budget sites near Hobart, so check out this lovely Farmstay when you’re visiting the Apple Isle.
Find out more about budget and free camping sites, or caravan parks throughout Australia in the FREE updated CAMPS 12 guide books, CAMPS Pendium boxed set and CAMPS AUSTRALIA WIDE App.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to camp at The Duck Hole?
The Duck Hole is a budget friendly campsite. Check the Camps App for current pricing details.
Is the campsite suitable for non-self-contained vehicles?
The campsite is generally intended for self contained campers only. There is a portable cassette toilet on site (located outdoors), and public toilets are available 5 minutes away at Seven Mile Beach and Roches Beach. A dump point is located 6 km away at Campbridge Park.
What facilities are provided at The Duck Hole?
Free access to potable drinking water, an outdoor cold shower (bring bathers), rubbish bins, a shared fire pit with complimentary firewood, cast iron BBQ plate and skillets, picnic table and chairs, a dam side hammock, and a portable cassette toilet.
How far is The Duck Hole from Hobart?
The campsite is only 15 minutes from Hobart CBD, located in Acton Park overlooking the Coal River Valley.
Are campfires allowed at this site?
Yes, there is a shared fire pit with complimentary firewood supplied. Cast iron BBQ plates and skillets are also provided for cooking in the fire pit.
What animals can we see at the property?
The Duck Hole is home to friendly hand reared heritage British sheep (they love cuddles and food!), ducks (wild and pet), and chickens.
What type of vehicles can access the different camping areas?
There are three camping locations to choose from. The Sheep Pen area has 3 dispersed sites suitable for tents, RVs and caravans. Check the Camps App for current details on the other camping zones.
Can we purchase fresh produce at the property?
Yes, you can purchase fresh produce when available in season from their sustainable orchard with over 100 trees.



