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Subscribe Things to do in Huon Valley: Where to Eat, Drink, Stay & Play
With rolling farmland, dramatic peaks, a gorgeous river, and an abundance of local produce, the Huon Valley is ready for your next adventure.
Tasmania’s Huon Valley proves you really can have it all. Not only is it beautiful, with striking mountains on one side and the majestic Huon River on the other, but there’s also so much to see and do, including an abundance of hikes. It’s less than an hour from Hobart, making it an easy detour for a short Tasmanian trip.
The Huon Valley’s lush farmland means the local produce is exceptional, from the apples and salmon the area is famous for to locally produced wine, cider, cheese, bread, honey, and goat’s milk. It’s easy to work up an appetite here, with plenty of hikes for active types in the stunning wilderness.
Read on for the best things to do in the Huon Valley — your next getaway should be to this often-overlooked destination.
Why Visit the Huon Valley Right Now
The Huon Valley is having a moment, an effortlessly cool kind. As travellers look past Tasmania’s usual suspects, this river-wrapped region has slipped into the spotlight with fresh dining energy, fiercely local producers and a road-trip energy that feels wonderfully unhurried.
Getting There & Getting Around
The Huon Valley is an easy 55–60 minute drive south of Hobart, making it perfect for a long weekend or scenic detour. A car is essential for exploring the region fully, with sealed roads connecting all major towns and attractions. Take the Huon Highway for efficiency, or opt for the Channel Highway if you’re keen on coastal views along the way.
If You Only Do One Thing
Make time for Cockle Creek and Recherche Bay. Standing at the southern edge of Australia, where forest meets ocean, is a genuinely Tasmanian experience. Whether you walk a section of the South Coast Track or simply wander the shoreline, it captures the wild, elemental beauty that defines the Huon Valley better than anywhere else.
When to Go: The Best Time to Visit the Huon Valley
The Huon Valley shifts beautifully with the seasons:
Summer brings berry farms, cider gardens, river swims and long, golden evenings.
Autumn is apple season, with harvest colours rolling across the hills.
Winter leans moody and fireside, perfect for cosy stays and wine bars.
Spring delivers blossoms, rushing waterfalls and crisp hiking weather.
There’s no wrong time — it simply depends on the pace you’re chasing.
Things to do in Huon Valley: Eat
The Lost Captain
Huonville, the Huon Valley’s largest town, sits about 40 minutes south of Hobart. Along its main street, just before the Huon River crossing, you’ll find The Lost Captain — a refurbished restaurant and taphouse serving standout food daily, with breakfast on weekends. The menu moves between small and generous plates built around local produce, from Bruny Island oysters and Poolish sourdough baked in Cygnet to Gardners Bay carrots glossed in curry butter. Even the cocktails lean local, with favourites like the Tasmanian Pepperberry Margarita and the Queen of the Huon made with sloe gin.
2-4 Short Street, Huonville
The Old Bank of Geeveston
Set inside a beautifully restored heritage bank, The Old Bank of Geeveston is a cafe that feels instantly grounding. Mornings bring excellent coffee, generous plates and a pastry cabinet locals return for again and again. Sunlight spills through tall windows, the service is warm, and everything on the menu tastes thoughtfully made. It’s an easy, inviting stop before exploring Geeveston or heading deeper into the valley.
13 Church Street, Geeveston
Summer Kitchen Bakery
In the tiny town of Ranelagh sits Summer Kitchen Bakery, a place locals speak about with absolute devotion. The organic wood-fired bread emerges warm and fragrant, the kind of loaf you tear into before you’ve even reached the car. Stay a while in the sunlit courtyard with a pastry and coffee, or pick up a still-warm sourdough for the road. It’s a simple pleasure, done beautifully.
21 Marguerite Street, Ranelagh
Masaaki’s Sushi
Tasmania is full of quirky stories, and the tale of world-class sushi in the tiny town of Geeveston is one of the best. Chef Masaaki Koyama, who was working in Osaka, fell in love with Tasmanian Lucy and moved to the Huon Valley, inspired by its stunning landscape and abundant seafood. Masaaki’s Sushi, sold only on weekends, attracts both locals and tourists. Order early or online, as it often sells out fast. It’s the perfect takeaway to enjoy in the park across the road.
17 Arve Road, Geeveston
Reba Sear
Once a mechanic’s workshop, Reba Sear now buzzes with the scent of coffee and toasted sourdough. It’s a gentle, light-filled stop on Huonville’s main street, perfect for resetting before or after a day in the valley. The space doubles as a homewares store filled with local ceramics, linens and thoughtful pieces — an easy place to lose track of time, toastie in hand.
121 Main Street, Huonville
Things to do in Huon Valley: Drink
Willie Smith’s Apple Shed
Tasmania is known as the Apple Isle, and the lush, green Huon Valley is the heart of apple farming. This region is where some of the juiciest fruit is harvested, making it no surprise that several cideries have sprung up in the area. Willie Smith’s Apple Shed is a cider house, restaurant, and apple museum all in one.
Visit to enjoy a tasting paddle featuring the brand’s delicious ciders, paired with Tassie cheeses, while learning about the history of apple farming in the region. There’s a lovely outdoor area, and on Friday evenings, you can enjoy live music from local and international acts. Every Saturday, the maker’s market offers a chance to pick up locally made goodies.
2064 Huon Highway, Grove
Home Hill Winery
Award-winning Home Hill Wines was founded by husband and wife team Rosemary and Terry Bennett, who transitioned from apple farming to winemaking. Thirty years later, they produce one of Tasmania’s most awarded Pinot Noirs, and the winery is now a must-visit spot in the Huon Valley. The cellar door is open daily from 10am to 5pm, offering five tastings of your choice for just $6.
Home Hill’s chef-hatted restaurant, known for its locally sourced menu, is open Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm.
38 Nairn Road, Ranelagh
Pagan Cider
Set along the Channel Highway, Pagan Cider is a sunny, unhurried stop with eight rotating ciders on tap — from orchard-fresh apple to cherry and seasonal small-batch blends. In summer, food trucks gather in the courtyard, music drifts between tables, and regulars keep an eye out for Bruny, the resident cellar-door dog. A sweet, simple slice of valley life.
7891 Channel Highway, Cygnet
Kate Hill Wines
Just outside Huonville, Kate Hill Wines pours cool-climate drops inside a restored 1880s cottage, surrounded by gardens that frame the Hartz Mountains and the soft curve of Sleeping Beauty. The tastings are relaxed, generous and unpretentious — exactly what makes this cellar door so easy to love.
21 Dowlings Road, Huonville
Harvest and Light
Harvest and Light is Geeveston’s cosy picklery-meets-wine bar, filled with shelves of jewel-toned preserves and local bottles. Settle in for a glass of Tasmanian wine and a cheese plate built from regional makers, or pick up something to take home. Tastings often spotlight Huon Valley winemakers, adding a quiet sense of community to the space.
6 Church Street, Geeveston
Things to Do In The Huon Valley: Play
Cockle Creek and Recherche Bay
At the southernmost point of Australia, where the land meets the wild Southern Ocean, lies Cockle Creek and Recherche Bay—a place that feels like the end of the earth, yet the beginning of something unforgettable. This untouched paradise, wrapped in the rugged embrace of the Southwest National Park, invites you to explore the famed South Coast Track, a hike through ancient rainforests and sweeping coastal vistas.
With echoes of French explorers from centuries ago, every step here is a journey into nature’s beauty and the region’s rich history. It’s a peaceful, soulful escape, and one of the most memorable things to do in Huon Valley.
Hike the Hartz Mountains
Hartz Mountains National Park is the crown jewel of the Huon Valley, boasting dramatic peaks, tumbling waterfalls, glacial lakes, and vibrant wildflowers in the warmer months. The park offers a range of incredible walks, from leisurely strolls to challenging mountain ascents. For an easier hike under an hour, choose the Waratah Lookout, Arve Falls, or Lake Osborne walks—all offering stunning vistas with minimal effort.
For keen hikers seeking a challenge, the Hartz Pass, Hartz Peak, and Lake Esperance walks (Grade 3 or higher) take a few hours to complete. The reward? Sweeping views across the south-west wilderness that make every aching muscle worthwhile.
Raminea, Tasmania
Go on a Huon River cruise
Board a beautifully preserved wooden boat and drift along the Huon River as your captain shares stories of the region’s history, flora and waterways. With local drinks and nibbles on offer, it’s an easy, indulgent way to see the valley from a different perspective. Summer’s early-evening departures are especially serene — golden light, calm water, gentle breeze.
3883 Huon Highway, Castle Forbes Bay
Visit the town of Franklin
Just ten minutes from Huonville, Franklin unfurls along the river with a peaceful, old-world charm. Wander between cider bars, cafes and independent stores, then slip into the Wooden Boat Centre for a glimpse of the region’s maritime craft. Time your visit with the monthly Franklin Market and you’ll find the town at its most spirited.
Franklin, Tasmania
Check out Cygnet
Cygnet is a small town with big personality — home to artists, growers, makers and some of the best pastries in the valley. Browse homewares, antiques and galleries, stop for coffee at Red Velvet Lounge or The Old Bank, then stock up on local produce at Cygnet Garden Larder or Poolish Bakery. Sundays bring the farmers’ market, a lively showcase of the region’s bounty.
Cygnet, Tasmania
Explore Hastings Caves
Tasmania’s breathtaking landscapes are legendary, and the Huon Valley is no exception with its lush greenery, sparkling rivers, and dramatic peaks. But the magic continues underground at Hastings Caves State Reserve, home to Newdegate Cave — the largest dolomite cave in Australia, formed over 40 million years ago.
Daily tours of the caves run for $24 per adult and $12 for kids. Afterwards, enjoy a dip in the thermally heated pool (free access), fire up the BBQ facilities for a picnic, and finish with platypus spotting along the peaceful Platypus Walk. A truly unforgettable day out.
754 Hastings Caves Road, Hastings
Take a Cooking Class at The Farmhouse Kitchen
The Farmhouse Kitchen in Wattle Grove is one of the Huon Valley’s most beloved hands-on food experiences. Run by Italian-born Giuliana White, this warm, countryside cooking school specialises in traditional Tuscan recipes passed down through her family. Classes take place inside her farmhouse kitchen overlooking rolling Huon Valley hills, where guests learn to make fresh pasta, gnocchi, focaccia, seasonal desserts and full long-table feasts.
Each class includes generous tastings, detailed guidance and plenty of stories from Giuliana’s upbringing in southern Italy. It’s heartfelt, homely and delicious — the kind of experience that lingers long after the last bite.
Best for: Pasta lovers, food-focused travellers, slow-holiday energy.
292 Sunday Hill Road, Wattle Grove
Tahune AirWalk
Tasmania’s famous Tahune AirWalk is an elevated walkway offering breathtaking views of the confluence of the Huon and Picton rivers, with the peaks of the World Heritage Area as a stunning backdrop. This steel canopy walk is one of the top experiences in the Huon Valley, with the full return journey taking about 50 minutes — or longer, and all the better for it. Take your time to stop for photographs, spot birdlife, or simply pause to savour the clean, crisp scents of the forest below.
Geeveston, Huon Valley
Things to Do In The Huon Valley: Stay
Villa Talia
With its perfect location perched atop a hill overlooking the Huon River, Villa Talia is the place to stay if you’re looking for a luxe getaway in the Huon Valley. The two-bedroom property is stunningly decorated, totally private and features an outdoor tub, shower and sauna so you can truly make the most of that spectacular vista at all times.
68 Airds Road, Wattle Grove
Hunter Huon Valley
Hunter Huon Valley is a deeply considered escape set within rugged Tasmanian bushland. The adults-only stay features three architecturally designed cabins, each with Cultiver linen, a wood fireplace, a stone bath beneath a skylight and a private deck overlooking the valley. With no TVs or Wi-Fi, the focus is on stillness, connection and rest. Fully serviced and thoughtfully stocked, it’s an ideal Huon Valley hideaway for switching off completely.
224 Sunny Hills Road, Glen Huon
Cloud River Farm
Cloud River Farm is built in a 1893 heritage listed property just 11 kilometres from the cute little town centre of Cygnet. Perfect for an intimate couple’s trip, the one-bedroom property is completely private and you will have a lovely deck, a fire pit and lush, expansive gardens to make use of.
414 Cygnet Coast Road, Petcheys Bay
The Sty
Brimming with rustic charm and vintage flair, The Sty is far from your average barn stay. Tucked away in Cradoc, it’s the ultimate mix of seclusion and convenience — just 10 minutes to Huonville and 5 minutes to Cygnet, yet worlds away from the everyday. Thoughtfully restored with reclaimed timber windows that frame peaceful farmland vistas, this hideaway is as sweet as it gets.
And, when the day winds down, there’s no better place to thaw out than the property’s private sauna, making The Sty an unforgettable base for your Huon Valley escape.
54 Turners Road, Cradoc
The Bowmont
Perched on the top floor of a character-filled heritage building, The Bowmont’s two-bedroom apartment provides dreamy views of the Huon River in the charming town of Franklin. Just 10 minutes from Huonville, this storied space — once a bank and a hospital — blends history with modern comfort. With a fully equipped kitchen, a bathtub made for long soaks, and cosy beds layered in linen sheets and quilts, The Bowmont is a warm, welcoming haven and the perfect launchpad for your Huon Valley escape.
3344 Huon Highway, Franklin
Little Oak
Welcome to Little Oak, an enchanting escape set against a backdrop of rolling woodlands. This beautifully restored 1860s cottage offers an authentic country-life experience. Wake up to the soothing sounds of birdsong and misty mornings, or cosy up by the roaring log fire under starlit skies. Ideal for romantic getaways, family retreats, or gatherings with friends, this light-filled cottage invites you to unwind amidst lush gardens that have even been featured in Country Style magazine.
Cygnet, Tasmania
If our things to do in Huon Valley guide has you primed and ready to enjoy more of Tasmania’s many charms, it’s time to head out on foot – along the best walks in the state. Or perhaps chasing waterfalls or tasting your way around the best wineries is more your speed? Either way, you’re in for a treat!
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