Add some apples to your Huon Valley Escape

  • Apples have long been an important part of the Huon Valley. Information about the history of the apple industry and how it has grown to today's specialty growers
  • Accommodation for apple pickers.
  • Watch the Landline TV program "She'll be apples" below.
There are several organic apple orchards in Tasmania’s Huon Valley. One stands out as a fascinating tourist stop. Willie Smiths Organic Cider has recently opened a cellar door and museum. As well as cider tastings you can enjoy morning tea or a get light lunch. In good weather, the outdoor dining area is surrounded by apple bins and hay bales. On cooler days, the aromas of 80 years surround you in the museum dining nooks. Look back at the equipment and box labels from years past as you taste local delicacies accompanied by a selection of ciders.
Willie Smiths Organic Cider museum is an ideal inclusion in your Huon Valley Escape.
You can stay near by at Huon Bush Retreats eco reserve, Port Huon Cottages, or in grand country style at the Kermandie.  Huon Valley Escapes is your one stop shop for information accommodation and activities south from Hobart.
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Huonville
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Geeveston
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Geeveston

Brief history of Tasmania's apple industry

Tasmania has long been known as the apple isle. With people worldwide placing more value on clean air, clean water and clean soil, today's apple industry is quite different from the chemical dependent orchards of the past.
Until the 1970s much of the Huon Valley was given over to apple orchards. When England joined the European Common Market the dominance of apples decreased and broad scale orchards disappeared for several decades. Now the new markets of Japan and China have brought apples and other fruits back to being important export crops.  Produce from Tasmania, in particular organic produce now has a reputation as amongst the best in the world.
Read more about the Huon Valley on Wikipedia.

Accommodation for fruit pickers

Little Devil Backpackers:
Full service working backpacker hostel. Accommodation, job finding assistance and transport to the farms.
Huon Bush Retreats Campground:
Escape the crowds. After a hard day fruit picking, enjoy quiet times in nature. Camping $12 per person per night for extended stays. Includes camp kitchen and individual campsites.