How To Spend a Weekend IN Southern Tasmania’s Huon Valley
By Josie Rozenberg-Clarke
When it comes to a weekend away, the Huon Valley is ripe for the picking. With picturesque rolling peaks, the meandering Huon River, sprawling orchards, award-winning wineries and restaurants all a handy 30-minute drive south from Hobart, it’s a great spot for families, couples and mates alike.
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STAY
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to Huon Valley accommodation. For a rural weekender, opt for a farm stay at Ranelagh’s Highland Getaway with a cute bonus – fluffy Highland cows waiting to be patted by you.
Go bush in Geeveston at The Picker’s Cabin, which boasts a sauna and wood-fired hot tub, or settle into cosy Rising Hut near the quaint town of Cygnet.
Coast House Tasmania offers utter seclusion, while the perfectly restored The Bowmont on the banks of the Huon in Franklin is peak old-school cool.
EAT
The local produce is top-tier, so you’re guaranteed a great feed in the Huon Valley. For coffee, hit up Reba Sear (which doubles as a homewares store) in Huonville, or Poolish & Co. in Cygnet for caffeine and house-baked treats. Speaking of carbs, Summer Kitchen Bakery in Ranelagh is a must-visit for bread, pies, cakes and pastries.
For lunch, Huonville’s The Lost Captain has a kid-friendly outdoor space, and if you visit on a weekend they’ll have the meat smoker going. Willie Smith’s Apple Shed in Grove has cider tasting flights, hearty food, markets on Saturdays, and an apple museum to fully appreciate the fruit for which Tassie is most famous.
If you’re heading further south, Masaaki’s Sushi in Geeveston is a cult favourite. Japanese-born chef and surfer Masaaki Koyama dishes up world-class fresh sushi – but only on weekends!
DO
Outdoorsy types can strap on the boots to tackle the Hartz Mountains National Park, with walks for all abilities, including the challenging (yet rewarding) summit hike. Or, drive further south for a treetop adventure at the Tahune Airwalk, explore thermal springs at Hastings Caves, or hike the most southern point of Australia at Cockle Creek.
If you’d rather water than land, Dover’s Esperance Adventures offers a two-hour kayaking tour of the far south. Prefer someone else to do the steering? Book a Huon River Cruise to learn about the rich history of the region while sipping local wine.
On that note, fans of a nice drop will find plenty in the Huon. The award-winning Home Hill Winery’s cellar door is open seven days, while the family-friendly Kate Hill Wines has lush gardens, grazing plates, and even toys and kites for the kiddos to play with.
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