4 Days in the Huon Valley
Appreciate Tasmania’s slow pace of life and celebrate the good things – like the hand-picked, the home-made and the heart-felt – at a cluster of Huon Valley towns.
Credit: discovertasmania.com.au
Twin Rivers Lane
There’s more adventure in store, this time at river level. From Tahune, the Twin River Adventure is a four-hour return rafting or kayaking excursion bouncing down rapids and drifting along quiet sections of the Picton River. Spot Huon pines and towering mountain ash.
Twin Rivers Lane
Twin Rivers Ln, Grove TAS 7109, AustraliaCambridge House B&B
Overnight at Geeveston, which bills itself “Australia’s most southerly town”, where options include guesthouses such as the 1868-built Cambridge House B&B and Bears Went Over the Mountain.
Cambridge House B&B
2 School Rd, Geeveston TAS 7116, AustraliaTahune Adventures, Tasmania
The magical Tahune Airwalk is a 600-metre canopy walk that hangs high above the forest floor, with a final cantilevered section positioned 50 metres above the Huon River. Take in views to its confluence with the Picton River and beyond to the peaks of the World Heritage Area. A day pass includes access to all the forest walks on site, including a couple of swinging bridges. Have lunch in the on-site café, surrounded by forest. Walk above the forest canopy - share the lives of the forest giants from up-close - look down from high to the place where the wild waters of the Huon and Picton rivers mingle. The 600-metre walkway ends at a spectacular cantilevered platform, 50 metres above the riverbank - the views extend to the mountains of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Local Tasmanian food, cider and wine in the licensed cafe, there's a full day of fun for the whole family. The picturesque and thrilling trails include the Swinging Bridges and Huon Pine walks. Whether you're looking for a peaceful forest ramble or are up for a more challenging hike, one of Tahune's trails is sure to fit the bill. It all adds up to an action-packed day in the great outdoors for everyone, located only a one-hour-and-40-minute drive from Hobart.
Tahune Adventures, Tasmania
Arve Rd, Geeveston TAS 7116, AustraliaFranklin
The historic river town of Franklin is neatly wedged between rolling green hills and the mighty Huon River, yet only 40 minutes’ drive south of the capital. Start the day with a bulgur bowl, paper-baked eggs or simit at the Tassie-Turkish café Cinnamon and Cherry in Franklin.
Franklin
Franklin TAS 7113, AustraliaGeeveston
Book ahead for acclaimed Japanese fare by the “surfing sushi chef” Masaaki Koyama. A loyal following at his pop-up food van in Hobart has followed him to Geeveston, where he’s opened Masaaki’s Sushi in a restored church. Think Tasmanian wasabi and wakame, inari tofu pockets with sesame seeds and toasted almonds, and southern Tasmanian seafood. Photo: realcommercial.com.au
Geeveston
Geeveston TAS 7116, AustraliaHartz Mountains National Park
Pack that lunch, pull on the boots and pick a walk in Hartz Mountains National Park. Ancient glaciers carved this rugged landscape of peaks, waterfalls and lakes, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. It’s surprisingly accessible, though – walks to the likes of Arve Falls, Lake Osborne and Waratah Lookout (named for the blazing red endemic flower that dots the landscape in summer) are easy and take less than an hour return.
Hartz Mountains National Park
Raminea TAS 7001, AustraliaHarvest and Light
For today’s walk, assemble a packed lunch at the likes of the Old Bank of Geeveston, known for its baked goods and fresh pasta, and the picklery-café Harvest & Light.
Harvest and Light
6 Church St, Geeveston TAS 7116, AustraliaOsteria @ Petty Sessions
After a few years spent providing customers with the best seafood dishes of the region and winning hospitality awards, Martino and Sofia have decided to open Osteria. Petty Sessions is a beautiful heritage building that previously was used as the local courthouse. Situated in Franklin along the Huon River, Osteria is the perfect stopover for family and friends after visiting the beautiful Huon Valley. The kitchen uses only local products and our Italian heritage influences our recipes and the way we offer hospitality.
Osteria @ Petty Sessions
3445 Huon Hwy, Franklin TAS 7113, AustraliaThe Kermandie Hotel
Built in 1932, the Kermandie Waterfront Hotel offers boutique accommodation in the heart of the Huon Valley, Tasmania – just 40 minutes from Hobart. Recently renovated, the hotel blends old world charm with modern comforts. Cosy, character filled ensuite bedrooms provide options for singles, couples and families. In the evening relax by the fire in our private guest lounge, before you join us for dinner. The a la carte restaurant serves carefully crafted meals featuring local produce. Local wines, beers and ciders are available on tap. Casual counter meals are also available from the public bar. Both the restaurant and bar are open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week. There are two function rooms available to book for meetings, conferences, intimate family gatherings or formal occasions such as weddings. The Kermandie Marina and scenic Huon river is located right on our doorstep. Whether you travel by car or boat, the Kermandie is the perfect launching point for your Huon Valley or Southern Tasmania experience.
The Kermandie Hotel
4518 Huon Hwy, Port Huon TAS 7116, AustraliaAqua Grill Café
Continue the nautical theme with lunchtime fish and chips or a fisherman’s basket at Aqua Grill Cafe. Photo: aqua-grill.com
Aqua Grill Café
3419 Huon Hwy, Franklin TAS 7113, AustraliaThe Wooden Boat Centre
Chief among the town’s maritime treasures is the Wooden Boat Centre, the last remaining school in Australia teaching traditional wooden-boat construction. On a guided tour of the centre and its busy workshop, smell the woody fragrance of Huon, celery top and King Billy pine, and watch shipwrights at work.
The Wooden Boat Centre
3333 Huon Hwy, Franklin TAS 7113, AustraliaFrank's Cider House and Café
Spend the afternoon pottering around the valley. Drop by family-owned Frank’s Ciderhouse and Café for tastings and an insight into the proud tradition of orchard keeping in the Huon.
Frank's Cider House and Café
3328 Huon Hwy, Franklin TAS 7113, AustraliaCRABTREE RIVER COTTAGES
Overnight in the Huon Valley. Options include Crabtree River Cottages, Huon Bush Retreats and a farm stay at Highland Getaway, starring woolly Highland cattle and alpacas.
CRABTREE RIVER COTTAGES
134 Crabtree Rd, Grove TAS 7109, AustraliaWillie Smith's Apple Shed
Settle in at Willie Smith’s Apple Shed, a bustling barn, for cider and apple-spirit tastings, a menu based on local produce, and a self-guided tour of its apple museum for insight into the rise, fall and recovery of the Apple Isle’s rosy industry.
Willie Smith's Apple Shed
2064 Huon Hwy, Grove TAS 7109, AustraliaHome Hill Winery
Home Hill Winery Restaurant is situated in the beautiful Huon Valley a short scenic 30 minute drive from Hobart. Winning the most prestigious award, the Jimmy Watson trophy in 2015 with our Kelly's Pinot Noir has cemented our position as one of the leading producers of Pinot Noir in Australia. Other cool climate wines Chardonnay, Sylvaner, Sparkling Wine and a Dessert wine are also available for tasting at our stunning rammed earth Cellar door. Views from the Restaurant are stunning with the perfect manicured vineyard virtually so close that you can't help but feel relaxed and exhilarated by what you are experiencing. Head Chef, Terry Barrett is committed to providing fresh, flavoursome local produce on his menu and the friendly staff are dedicated to providing excellent service. Oysters, Huon Salmon, Beef & Lamb, apple desserts are featured on our menus, with gluten free and Vegetarian guests catered for. Before you depart from Home Hill browse in the gift shop, where you will find olive oils, jams, chocolates and the most exquisite Alpaca, merino wool and possum garments.
Home Hill Winery
38 Nairn Rd, Ranelagh TAS 7109, AustraliaYukon Tours
Inspired by what you’ve seen, head next door and embark on a “calm water” sailing on the mighty Huon River in the Yukon, a 1930s Danish oak ketch, raised from the bottom of the harbour in Copenhagen and carefully restored.
Yukon Tours
3335 Huon Hwy, Franklin TAS 7113, AustraliaWellington Park
On the way back to Hobart, detour to the lookout at the summit of kunanyi/Mount Wellington, for views of the Southern Edge.
Wellington Park
Wellington Park TAS 7054, AustraliaThe Farmhouse Kitchen Tasmania
In the valley’s flagship town of Huonville, fossick for secondhand treasures and source baked goods along the main street and Wilmot Road. Or book ahead for cooking classes with Puglian leanings at the Farmhouse Kitchen. The Farmhouse Kitchen cooking school will take you on a culinary journey of the region of Puglia in southern Italy. Giuliana is proud to share truly traditional dishes handed down to her from generation to generation and also provides a cultural and historical background of Italian food and tradition. The food of Puglia is one of the best examples of the Mediterranean Diet, which is known throughout the world as being the best diet for health and longevity. Join them on the farm to learn about the key elements that make up the “Healthiest Diet on Earth”. The Farmhouse Kitchen is nestled in the hills of Wattle Grove, just above Cygnet and is a leisurely, scenic drive from Hobart through the beautiful Huon Valley in Tasmania. Wattle Grove hosts a perfect gaggle of hobby farms, berry farms and orchards. Set in a bright, home-style kitchen, the Masterclasses and Mini classes will be limited to six in number in order to keep them personal and engaging. They aim to impart the most famous (and secret) recipes in the same manner in which they have been taught in Italy for generations; by sharing stories, flavours, methods and laughter around a kitchen table.
The Farmhouse Kitchen Tasmania
292 Sunday Hill Rd, Wattle Grove TAS 7109, Australia44 The Esplanade
Huon River Jet Boats offers high-speed jet boat tours on the Huon River, Southern Tasmania. Huon River Jet Boats is based in Huonville, 35-minute drive south-west of Hobart (48 km) in the Huon Valley. Huon River Jet Boats offers an exhilarating ride along 12 km of the Huon River. This 35-minute experience combines beautiful scenery with the thrill of white water. You'll speed through rapids and feel the excitement of 360-degree spins and breathtaking turns. You'll also experience the contrast of drifting along the tranquil waters of the river, seeing perfect reflections of riverside forests. Your skilled skipper and guide will reveal the history of the Huon River and Valley and, back on shore, you can sit down to a tasty meal made with local produce in the Boatshed Café, overlooking the river. Tours leave regularly each day, (except Christmas Day) from the Huon Visitor Centre jetty at Huonville. The ride is suitable for all ages. In cooler months wear warm clothing and a waterproof jacket, bring your camera and sunglasses and enjoy the fun. Lifejackets and waterproof ponchos are supplied.
44 The Esplanade
44 The Esplanade, Huonville TAS 7109, Australia
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