A Day Trip to the Huon Valley
We love Hobart, but we also know that Tasmania has much to offer. With so many places to explore, this time, we’re sharing a few day trip ideas for visiting the Huon Valley.
The Huon Valley has green rolling hills, towering mountain backdrops and countless rivers that carve through the landscape. It also has a rich cultural landscape, home to innovative artists, makers, farmers and bakers. This unique part of Tasmania can be explored easily by car and provides many day trip opportunities.
Cygnet from Slab Road. Image credit: Paul County
For outdoorsy people
The Huon Valley sits on the edge of the Tasmanian World Heritage Wilderness Area, with plenty of walking trails and outdoor activities to enjoy.
Carved out by ancient glaciers, the Hartz Mountain National Park looks towards the southwest wilderness area. Walking options include shorter walks like 40 minute Lake Osborne or longer hikes like the 5 hour Hartz Peak track.
Enjoy one of the many walks in the area, such as the South Cape Bay Track, Duckhole Lake, or hike Mount Misery (which is a lot more joyful than it sounds!).
Hartz Peak Walk, Hartz Mountains National Park. Image credit: Stu Gibson
Have an adventure at Tahune Adventures Tasmania. Enjoy the accessible and elevated walkway of Tahune Airwalk, experience the Huon River from the Swinging Bridge, or go Eagle Hang Gliding!
Tahune Airwalk. Image credit: Tourism Tasmania & Kathryn Leahy
Visit Hastings, home to the World Heritage Listed Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs Pool. You can book a tour of Newdegate Cave or enjoy a relaxing swim with your family in the 28-degree thermal spring water pool.
Newdegate Cave, Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs. Image credit: Jess Bonde
As always, check the weather, pack appropriately and make sure to get your Tasmanian Parks Pass before heading to a national park.
For foodies
Willie Smith's Apple Shed. Image credit: Liam Neal
Eat the Huon Valley! With vineyards, cider houses, bakeries and paddock to plate eateries, the hard part is choosing.
If you only stop at one food stop along the way, make sure it’s at the Willie Smith’s Apple Shed. Home to Willie Smith’s Craft Cider, it’s also a great food place. Stock up on local cider, spirits, produce and preserves, or have a meal in their restored apple shed.
Willie Smith’s Apple Shed. Image credit: Liam Neal
Our favourite cafes include Summer Kitchen Bakery, Red Velvet Lounge, Port Cygnet Cannery, The Old Bank of Geeveston, Ranelagh General Store and Masaaki Sushi. Or if you’re after something to drink, Home Hill Winery, Pagan Cider, Hartzview Vineyards and Frank’s Cider House will not disappoint.
There are also plenty of roadside stalls stocked seasonally with farm-fresh produce, bottled goods, flowers and other treats. Drive around and be ready to stop the car at a moment’s notice for a roadside treat.
Roadside stall, Cygnet. Image credit: Paul County.
Something for everyone
Cygnet is a great little town to visit and is a popular spot for artists, musicians and people who value a strong community spirit. Cygnet has craft shops, art galleries and studios, with many great cafes. It’s also the perfect place to buy something handmade by a local artist.
And if you’re after somewhere to stretch your legs and have a picnic, we can’t recommend Franklin enough. You can walk along the water, and there is a great picnic spot. Franklin is also home to the Wooden Boat Centre, where you can marvel at the attention to detail and fine craftsmanship that comes with such an old and precise skill.
Huon River, Franklin. Image credit: Paul County
Huonville is another good spot. It’s the largest town in the valley and has plenty of shops, a post office, a supermarket and all the other conveniences you may need. Take the Huon Jet boat ride, or if it’s a warm day, you can take it slow and hire a paddleboat.
Geeveston has a lovely visitors information centre, as well as a platypus walk. Being 30 minutes from the Hartz Mountain National Park and Tahune Adventures, it is a great place to stop and get some local advice before embarking on an adventure.
Geeveston. Image credit: Osborne Images
There are so many more places we wanted to list, but we hope this helps you plan your trip. And besides, the best part of a holiday is discovering the tiny road stalls and lesser-known picturesque vistas by yourself. With plenty of onsite and overflow parking at The Old Woolstore, our hotel is the perfect base in Hobart to plan your day trips down south. Happy driving!
