Huon Valley

Just a 40-minute drive south of Hobart, the Huon Valley feels like a world apart — a lush, river-carved landscape where towering forests meet cool-climate vineyards and the air smells of apples and eucalyptus. This is Tasmania's fruit bowl, cider heartland, and gateway to the wild Southwest National Park. For self-drive travellers, the winding Huon Highway delivers a perfect blend of gourmet pit stops, gentle walks, and raw nature.

Highlights & What to See

• Huon River & Tahune AirWalk — Walk among the canopy of towering swamp gums and myrtles on a suspended bridge, then spot platypuses from the riverbank at dusk.
• Apple & Cider Trail — Sample heirloom varieties at Willie Smith's Apple Shed, sip ciders at Pagan Cider, and visit family-run orchards that still harvest the region's famous apples.
• Hartz Mountains National Park — A short, steep drive leads to alpine lakes, snow gum groves, and panoramic views over the Huon Valley and Southern Ocean.
• Cycling the Huon Valley Trail — A 200-km network of quiet roads and rail-trails, perfect for a day ride through orchards, vineyards, and historic hamlets like Cygnet and Franklin.
• Franklin Village & Wooden Boat Centre — Browse galleries, bakeries, and the working boatyard where traditional wooden vessels are still built by hand.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers spend 2–3 days exploring the Huon Valley, ideally as a relaxed loop from Hobart or en route to the Southwest. Pace yourself with one day for the Tahune AirWalk and Hartz Mountains, a second for the cider trail and river towns, and a third for a longer walk or kayak on the Huon River. If you're short on time, a full-day tour from Hobart can hit the highlights, but you'll miss the quiet magic of an evening by the river.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hobart — Tasmania's capital is the natural start or end point, with MONA, Salamanca Market, and Mount Wellington.
• Port Arthur & Tasman Peninsula — An hour east, the historic penal settlement and dramatic sea cliffs (Tessellated Pavement, Tasman Arch) make a compelling day trip.
• Bruny Island — Accessible by ferry from Kettering, this island offers gourmet produce, white-sand beaches, and the stunning Neck lookout.
• Southwest National Park — For wilderness enthusiasts, the park's remote trails and the South Coast Track begin from Cockle Creek, the southernmost drivable point in Australia.

Please check official sources for current details.