Huon Valley and South

The Huon Valley and our far southern areas are one of the most charming regions in Tasmania playing host to a growing wine and cider industry and a place where the old Tasmania meets the new.

The Huon Valley and Channel region is a picturesque drive starting 40 minutes south of Hobart with plenty of interesting towns to explore. Huonville is the main centre of the region and is situated on the Huon River, nearby is Franklin and further south the towns of Geeveston, Dover and Southport. On the channel side you can visit the towns of Cygnet, Kettering, Woodbridge all surrounding the Snug Tiers.

The Huon valley in recent years has become a hub of activity in the cider industry with a number of local cider brands including Willie Smith and Pagan Cider all being based in the region, the Apple Shed on the Huon Highway has also become a major tourist attraction and popular for a drink with the locals as well.

To the very south at what is literally the end of the road is Ida Bay and Recherche Bay which is the most southerly road in Australia. This area is the starting point of a number of walks into the South West and in summer is amazing to camp at. You can also explore the near by Hastings caves and the Hot Springs are also quite popular in the warmer months.

A Brief History of the Huon and Channel

The region was first discovered reportedly by accident by French Vice-Admiral Bruni D'Entrecasteaux whose ill navigator went to the west of Cape Bruny instead of the East while attempting to find shelter in Adventure Bay on Bruny Island. 

The first settlement of the Huon region was first settled in the 1840s when Thomas Judd set up an apple orchid creating the regions most famous industry. The region then became a hub for agriculture and forestry, playing a major role in the development of the region.

Our Local Tips 

• Go for a drink at the Appleshed (responsibly a taxi back to Hobart is hella expensive).
• Check out the Tahune Airwalk and explore the forests around the Huon Valley.
• Go to the end of the road at Cockle Creek and check out the Whale statue (this is amazing at sunset).
• Grab coffee in Cygnet (cute little hippy town) also the pizza place there is amazing!
• Stroll along the Platypus Walk in Geeveston and see if you can spot some local wildlife.
• Drop by the Pagan cellar door to sample their apple and cherry ciders.
• Relax in the park at Burtons Reserve, just past the Cygnet roundabout
• Visit the Heritage Pickers Hut Village at the Hartzview Vineyard, and try some fortified fruit wine.