Huon Valley Region of Tasmania.
Activities, transport, accommodation and tourist information
just 40 minutes south from Hobart.
The Huon Valley, south from Hobart Tasmania, Australia is a land of waterways, wilderness and wildlife. provides nature based accommodation, bushwalks, fine food and wine, calm water cruises, a museum, bushwalks, birdwatching and camping. This is your one stop shop to plan and book your visit.
Places to stay in Tasmania's Huon Valley, just south from Hobart
No big, impersonal hotels here. The Huon Valley is a region of personal accommodation: Self contained cottages, an eco-retreat, glamping in deluxe tipees, a classic country hotel and several backpackers and campgrounds. Self Contained Eco-Retreat near Dover, Far South Tasmania
Two-bedroom eco-cabin set in a natural buttongrass moorland. Wide open views, or mountains and wildflowers, the occasional Tasmanian Devil or Wedge-tail Eagle. 1.5 hours south from Hobart at Lune River, this is the southernmost accommodation in Australia.
Classic Country Hotel with rooms, bar and restaurant
A balance between comfort and value, our hotel rooms offer charm and magnificent views of the Huon River. Our four star rooms have ensuite bathrooms and you can select from king, queen, single and family rooms.
All accommodation charges include a light continental breakfast and our chef can offer you a variety of breakfast options in Sass restaurant. Dinner, Bed & Breakfast packages available. Enjoy the open fire of the private guest lounge, or mix with the locals in the public bar or the recently renovated Huon Lounge. A relaxed and intimate hideaway, the Huon Lounge offers fine local and imported wine and beer, fresh coffee and tea, and a tapas menu prepared by our chef from local produce. 
Backpackers in Huonville
Conveniently located on the main road in Huonville, we are15 minutes walk from Woolworths and all the banks in town, and a short walk or bicycle ride to many of the orchards and processing sheds located nearby.
Our aim is to provide a cosy home away from home environment for all our guests, our facilities include: • Proximity to local orchards and assistance with finding seasonal work • Proximity to local shops and transport • Modern well appointed kitchen • Individual food lockers in kitchen • Comfortable living room • 42 in-wall mounted LCD TVs • DVD player • Outdoor deck and dining with BBQ • Unlimited gas boosted solar hot water • Limited grass camping area • Limited off street parking • Five terminal internet access • WIFI connection • Free bed linen and duvet • Individual bed reading light • 2nd hand bicycles for sale or rent • Clothes washing / drying facilities 
Backpacker Hostel in Huonville
2023 prices: As a working hostel our minimum stay is 1 week.
Rivers Edge Camping
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Things to do south of Hobart, |
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Hartz Mountains National Park Information
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Hartz Mountains National Park is a window into the south-west wilderness, offering views of remote mountain ranges as far as the southern coast.
Waterfalls tumble off the dolerite range that runs through the centre of the park and small glacial lakes dot the plateau.
Take your time and enjoy short strolls out to the glacial lakes in the area, or try the more challenging walks up to the range top. Its highest point, Hartz Peak (1255 m), provides panoramic views into the heart of the southwest.
Read more about Hartz Mountains on the Parks and Wildlife Website
Waterfalls tumble off the dolerite range that runs through the centre of the park and small glacial lakes dot the plateau.
Take your time and enjoy short strolls out to the glacial lakes in the area, or try the more challenging walks up to the range top. Its highest point, Hartz Peak (1255 m), provides panoramic views into the heart of the southwest.
Read more about Hartz Mountains on the Parks and Wildlife Website
Raft the Picton River
This wild river at the edge of the South West World Heritage area lets you experience the exhilaration of fast-flowing rapids, while enjoying the majestic cool temperate rainforest. The section of the river is graded 2/3 and has several sections of challenging rapids.
This trip usually requires a full day.The day starts at the Tahune Airwalk, around ninety minutes from Hobart, and you will spend around 3-4 hours on the water.
This trip usually requires a full day.The day starts at the Tahune Airwalk, around ninety minutes from Hobart, and you will spend around 3-4 hours on the water.
Cruise the Huon River aboard the LaDrone (1.5 hours calm water)
Join us on board a classic wooden motor cruiser, where you can enjoy the scenery of the Huon River and hear the story of LaDrone's history around Australia. Enjoy morning or afternoon tea featuring Tasmanian drinks and delicacies, or simply sit back and enjoy the timeless feeling and the beauty of the Huon Valley. Cruises depart most days from Herriots Point, between Franklin and Geeveston.
5km Interpreted walk to Mount Misery
(Free admission, donations appreciated)
5km interpreted walk to
Mt Misery (free admission)
This well constructed walking track starts at Huon Bush Retreats and visits oldgrowth forest with 50 metre trees, rainforest, a small waterfall, sub-alpine heathland and a mountaintop.
You will not need full bush walking equipment for this 3 hour return walk, but sturdy shoes are a must.
There is no charge but you might like to leave a donation.
You will not need full bush walking equipment for this 3 hour return walk, but sturdy shoes are a must.
There is no charge but you might like to leave a donation.
Historical Displays and Museums
Wooden Boat Centre, Franklin
The Wooden Boat Discovery Centre will entice you into the fascinating world of traditional wooden boats, using interactive features, video presentations and static displays.
Learn about the history of boat building and water transport. Marvel at the beauty of the local timbers – some of the finest boat building materials in the world. Examine tools and maritime artifacts: adzes, augurs, draw-knives, caulking irons, roving dollies and the rest. Drink in the atmosphere of the boat building school workshops – the sounds of the activity, the smells of the timber and glues, the gleam of old and treasured tools, the satisfaction of old skills learned anew. Watch the various stages in the creation of real boats in precious timbers, from lofting to launching.
Learn about the history of boat building and water transport. Marvel at the beauty of the local timbers – some of the finest boat building materials in the world. Examine tools and maritime artifacts: adzes, augurs, draw-knives, caulking irons, roving dollies and the rest. Drink in the atmosphere of the boat building school workshops – the sounds of the activity, the smells of the timber and glues, the gleam of old and treasured tools, the satisfaction of old skills learned anew. Watch the various stages in the creation of real boats in precious timbers, from lofting to launching.
Apple Museum, Café and Cider Works
Apple Museum
The museum is a remarkable time capsule that depicts the lives of the early settlers from the Huon Valley. The numerous displays and exhibits contain antiques and memorabilia that effectively demonstrate how the pioneers lived and worked. You will find the agricultural history of the Huon Valley come to life as you stroll through years gone by.
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage
You can learn some of the Aboriginal cultural stories as you walk the track to Mount Misery.
Living Boat Trust
Info to be added here.
Welcome to Country
The South East Aboriginal Corporation preserves the heritage of Tasmania's traditional custodians. Contact SETAC on 6295 0004.
This is the Country of the Melukerdee band of the Palawa people. These are Aboriginal Tasmanians, the traditional and continuing custodians of this Country. They have taken care of this land for at least 37,000 years, many people say much longer. The responsibility to conserve and protect Country’s natural values is now one which is shared with all the people who call it a home or have other meaningful connection.
Palawa is a name many Aboriginal Tasmanians now use to refer to themselves, just as some Aboriginal Victorians call themselves “Kooris”.
It is a name used widely by Aboriginal groups in Tasmania at the time of the British invasion. Tasmanian Dreaming stories tell that Palawa was the first human. Using Palawa as a name helps Aboriginal Tasmanians to maintain an enduring link with their cultural heritage and helps maintain an identity clearly distinct from that of other Tasmanians.
Truwana is a Palawa word used to refer to the island of Tasmania and ‘Country’. In recognition of Aboriginal Land Rights, Cape Barren Island, off the north east coast, was returned to Aboriginal ‘ownership’ in 2005 and renamed Truwana.
It is important to recognize that in Aboriginal philosophy people do not, nor cannot ‘own’ Country. Instead, Country owns us. The Palawa people see their role as custodians and caretakers of this Country: Truwana.
This is the Country of the Melukerdee band of the Palawa people. These are Aboriginal Tasmanians, the traditional and continuing custodians of this Country. They have taken care of this land for at least 37,000 years, many people say much longer. The responsibility to conserve and protect Country’s natural values is now one which is shared with all the people who call it a home or have other meaningful connection.
Palawa is a name many Aboriginal Tasmanians now use to refer to themselves, just as some Aboriginal Victorians call themselves “Kooris”.
It is a name used widely by Aboriginal groups in Tasmania at the time of the British invasion. Tasmanian Dreaming stories tell that Palawa was the first human. Using Palawa as a name helps Aboriginal Tasmanians to maintain an enduring link with their cultural heritage and helps maintain an identity clearly distinct from that of other Tasmanians.
Truwana is a Palawa word used to refer to the island of Tasmania and ‘Country’. In recognition of Aboriginal Land Rights, Cape Barren Island, off the north east coast, was returned to Aboriginal ‘ownership’ in 2005 and renamed Truwana.
It is important to recognize that in Aboriginal philosophy people do not, nor cannot ‘own’ Country. Instead, Country owns us. The Palawa people see their role as custodians and caretakers of this Country: Truwana.
Taste of The Huon
‘A Taste of the Huon’ is a celebration of fine food, wine, entertainment, arts and crafts from the Huon Valley and Channel region – held at Ranelagh which is only 30 minutes scenic drive south of Hobart.
Taste of the Huon promises to deliver express to your taste buds, the pure sensation of the fusion between fresh local produce, seafood straight from the ocean, gourmet meats, award winning cheeses and desserts all sourced from within the region. For the wine connoisseur and novice alike there is an award winning range of rieslings, crisp sauv blancs, chardonnay, gewürztraminer, roses, pinot noirs, sparklings and fortified wines produced by a number of regional vineyards.
This Festival is one of the most popular regional events in Tasmania and draws over 20,000 local, intrastate and interstate visitors through its two day programme. This event is run by a voluntary committee with proceeds being injected back into the community via funding of groups who volunteer on the day.
Entertainment is at its very best and each year there is a new programme and there will be loads of attractions to keep the children occupied.
Taste of the Huon promises to deliver express to your taste buds, the pure sensation of the fusion between fresh local produce, seafood straight from the ocean, gourmet meats, award winning cheeses and desserts all sourced from within the region. For the wine connoisseur and novice alike there is an award winning range of rieslings, crisp sauv blancs, chardonnay, gewürztraminer, roses, pinot noirs, sparklings and fortified wines produced by a number of regional vineyards.
This Festival is one of the most popular regional events in Tasmania and draws over 20,000 local, intrastate and interstate visitors through its two day programme. This event is run by a voluntary committee with proceeds being injected back into the community via funding of groups who volunteer on the day.
Entertainment is at its very best and each year there is a new programme and there will be loads of attractions to keep the children occupied.
Huon Valley Food and Drink
Home Hill Winery, Ranelagh
With award-winning wines and a menu overflowing with fresh local and Tasmanian produce, Home Hill Winery is a premier dining destination in the Huon Valley.
The restaurant has won numerous awards for its delicious menu, with lunch served between 12pm – 3pm (please check days on website). The cellar door is open for tastings 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm.
The restaurant has won numerous awards for its delicious menu, with lunch served between 12pm – 3pm (please check days on website). The cellar door is open for tastings 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm.
The Apple Shed: Cider works, Cafe, Museum
Whether a quick organic cider tasting, a relaxed lunch or stay to browse the museum, The Apple Shed at Huonville is a great place to try Willie Smiths Organic Cider.
Waterfront Restaurant: Port Huon
This family restaurant provides a quality menu and a relaxing dining experience complimented by The Kermandie Hotel's riverfront location. The menu is seasonal and all ingredients have been sourced with care and consideration.
Ranelagh General Store and Cafe
Just 50 minutes from Hobart in Tasmania's Huon Valley. Pick up your essential supplies for self catering at your Huon Bush Retreats cabin or grab a pie, a piece of fruit and a drink then head up to the Mount Misery Walk.
Southern Tasmania and Huon Valley Tourist Information ServicesHuon Valley Escapes
8am to 8pm, 7 days 
Huonville Visitor Centre is permanently closed
The Huonville Visitor Centre has been de-funded by the local council. However Huon Valley Escapes might be able to help you with accommodation bookings. From 9am to 7pm ONLY, phone 1800 770 224.
Click to open in Google Maps
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Tours and transport from Hobart south to |
Background for your Huon Valley Escape
Towns in Tasmania's Huon Valley and Far SouthNorth from Port Huon
Franklin:
Franklin is the oldest town in this area to our north is only a 10 minute drive away with some great little restaurants including Petty Sessions and the Aqua Grill with the best fish & chips in Tasmania. While in Franklin don't forget to visit the Wooden Boat Centre and Village Antiques (approx 10 rooms of quality antiques). Huonville: Only 30 minutes north is the business centre of our Valley. Here you will find the Huon Valley Visitor Information Centre (4km north of the township) where you will be greeted by friendly, informative staff able to help you with all of your travel needs within Tasmania. Again some great restaurants including Home Hill, award winning winery and restaurant, the Huon Manor on the banks of the Huon River which offers a great service then visit the Apple & Heritage Museum at Grove, then call into the Huon River Jet Boats for a great action experience. Cygnet: Only a 40 minute drive to our east, again a must see country town. In the main street you will find excellent cafés, a fantastic chocolate shop and numerous art and culture experiences. Three great little pubs, the Top, Bottom & Middle, all with great service. Don't forget Hartzview Vineyard at Cygnet as well as the Panorama Wine Centre at Cradoc. South from
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Background Information about Tasmania's Huon Valley
Tasmanian Land Conservancy, Egg Islands Conservation ReserveTasmania's Egg Islands are an outstanding example of community conservation at work. This 500 hectare island reserve is a co-operative effort of government and the Tasmanian Land Conservancy. Together with former owners, locals and specialists, the TLC and the Parks and Wildlife Service have developed priorities for ongoing management of the cultural and natural values of the Egg Islands. With help from our wonderful volunteers, scientific surveys and weed control have already commenced.
Read more on the Tasmanian Land Conservancy Website 
Read about the Huon River on Wikipedia
The Huon River is the fourth largest river in Tasmania, Australia. It is 170 km in length, and runs from the southwest wilderness, through the fertile agricultural areas, to the Tasman Sea. From Scotts Peak Dam at Lake Pedder where it begins, it flows south-east to the Tahune Airwalk, where the Picton River joins, before heading through the rural township of Glen Huon where, just to the south, flows down rapids to merge with the sea water and become tidal at the Huonville Bridge. Along the tidal estuary are, Franklin, and Port Cygnet). When the river meets the D'Entrecasteaux Channel near Surveyors Bay, it is more than 5.0 km wide. In the lower reaches, the average depth of wide river is 3.0 m - 12 m.
Tsunami strikes at FranklinIn 1883, tidal disturbances were observed at Franklin, in the Huon and mud was found in several three feet (1 m) high mounds on the flat in Crowthers Bay (fig. 1).
"Tidal disturbance From our southern contemporary we learn that a curious tidal disturbance occurred at Franklin, Huon, on Tuesday and Wednesday. An inrush of water occurred five knots an hour faster than the usual rapid rise and fall, and there has been mud upheaved on the flat in Crowther’s Bay. Several mounds of mud there are 3 ft high." See Historical accounts of Tsunamis in Tasmania. Report of the more recent Tonga eruption Tsunami. 
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