In Strine, Australian slang, a Tasmanian is called an Apple Eater. This is because of the enormous amounts of apples traditionally produced in the island’s fertile soils.
The Huon Valley, in the south of Tasmania, is still a major apple-growing region but it’s also one of the island’s premier tourist regions.
So why not hire a car, make the drive south from Hobart to the Huon Valley and discover more towns in Tasmania?
Foodie experiences in the Huon Valley, Tasmania
Driving around in the Huon Valley, you only need to look at the orchards and farmland all around you to know that this is foodie heaven. Apart from apples, the region is a major producer of berries, dairy, wine and fish. Naturally, this area offers some of the best food experiences in Tasmania.
Sunday is market day in the region, and browsing the stalls will give you an idea of what local produce is on offer. Huonville Market is held on the first and third Sunday of every month, as is Cygnet Market. The second Sunday of the month sees the Judbury Market, the Geeveston Country Market and the Kingston Beach Handmade Market.
Once you’ve had a taste of what the Huon Valley has to offer, how about going straight to the source? Many of the farms and wineries in the region are open to visitors and you may even find the opportunity to pick your own. Glen Huon is home to Huon Valley Mushrooms, while Bruny Island Berry Farm gives you the opportunity to pick your own berries, stock up on berry products like jams and then simply cross the road to have a picnic on the beach.
Huon Valley restaurants are equally fantastic, and many of them use fresh, local produce in their fare. Consider stopping in for a bite to eat at Rustic Reflections, Summer Kitchen, or The Block Steakhouse.
Fancy a tipple?
The Huon Region has no shortage of wineries either. They include Elsewhere Vineyard near Cygnet, Nandroya Vineyard at Margate, Hartzview Vineyard overlooking the Hartz Mountains at Gardners Bay and Grandview Vineyard near Birchs Bay.
There are also several Tasmania food and wine trail options all over the island, and the Tasmania Cider Trail happens to pass straight through the Huon Valley. So when you need a change from all that wine, consider visiting Frank’s Cider, Willie Smith’s Apple Shed, or the Pagan Cider Cellar Door.
Cultural things to do in the Huon Valley
Tasmania has a surprising amount of artistic and cultural attractions, and the Huon Valley is no exception.
The first Europeans started settling the area in the early to mid 19th century. In Gardners Bay, right next to the Hartzview Vineyard, you can walk back in time to the early 20th century at the Hartzview Vineyard Heritage Pickers Hut Village, and see how grape pickers and their families lived all those years ago.
Long before the Europeans arrived, the region was inhabited by Aboriginal people. Find out more about their traditional way of life at the Living History Museum of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage in Cygnet.
The Huon Region is also home to several galleries, artist’s studios and crafts workshops. Do you want something quirky to take home? Head to the Tasmanian Appleheads and Model Village in Glen Huon. Appleheads are heads carved out of apples. These apples have then been dehydrated to give the faces an aged, caricature-like appearance.
Tired of driving? Why not take the train for a change? Head to Lune River to take a trip on the Ida Bay Railway, the southernmost narrow gauge trackway in Australia. The locomotives date from the 1940s and the train travels through coastal heath and bushland to Deep Hole Bay. From here, take a walk up to the King George III monument which commemorates the 134 people who died when a convict ship sank near here in 1835. Then go for a dip in the ocean or spend some time on the sandy beach before catching the train back.
Outdoor experiences in the Huon Valley
There are many walking and biking trails throughout the Huon region, as well as several golf courses if you want to work on your handicap.
Naturally the region offers a variety of water-based activities too. Go trout fishing or try and catch a big one out on the ocean. Take a ride in a powerboat along the wider parts of the Huon River or go for a quiet paddle along the coast instead.
One of the most popular attractions in the area is the Tahune Forest AirWalk near Geeveston. Go hiking or mountain-biking along one of the trails here and after an active day, or go underground by visiting the Hastings Caves near Lune River. Finish up by enjoying a relaxing soak in the adjacent thermal springs’ pool.
Huonville, Tasmania, is right in the heart of the valley, and could possibly be the most beautiful town in Tasmania. With mountains all around and a lazy river snaking through the lush green township, it’s a place you’ll want to spend as much time as you can. The Mount Misery walk in Huonville takes 3-4 hours and will give you an exceptional view of the area.
Accommodation in the Huon Valley Tasmania
The Huon Valley is well equipped to welcome travellers, and offers a range of accommodation options to suit and travel style.
Huon Valley camping is the most affordable, and there are a number of campgrounds to choose from, such as Huon Bush Retreats and River’s Edge Wilderness Camping.
If you are looking for Huon Valley backpackers, take a look at Little Devil Backpackers for a relaxed and sociable place to stay in one of the best towns in Tasmania.
For something a little more comfortable, consider the Huonville Guest House, the Cottage on Main, or the Walton House B&B.
When to go to the Huon Valley
The Huon Region has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, which explains why it’s such a great area for farming. Unlike most other destinations in Australia, summers here are pleasantly cool with average highs of about 21 degrees, so bring something warm for the evenings.
If you love apples, arrive in autumn. Winters are cold and quite wet, and often snow covers the Hertz Mountains. Things warm up a little again in spring. Even though it’s the rainiest time of year, it’s also one of the most beautiful, with the orchards covered in fragrant blossoms.
You can easily fit a visit to the Huon Valley into your grand Tasmania road trip, or you can simply take a few days off and drive straight there from Hobart. When you do manage to make time for the Huon Valley in your travel plans, you’ll be so glad you did!
