Destination Information
Introduction
The region south of Hobart is filled with tales of frogs and fossils, logs and lighthouses, tall trees and tall ships, Gondwana plants and Golden Delicious apples, wooden boats and whalers, bandicoots and blackcurrants.
The coastlines of the Huon Trail were first charted late in the 18th Century during France and Britain's race to chart and explore new lands. Captain Cook landed on Bruny Island in 1780 and in 1792 a French expedition, under Rear Admiral Bruni D'Entrecasteaux, entered the waters of the River Derwent passing through a channel which is now named in his honour. The following year brought friendly exchanges between those on D'Entrecasteaux's expedition and the Tasmanian Aboriginal people in Recherche Bay, near the southernmost end of Australia. Recherche Bay, in the far south, also inspired French botanist Labilladière who brought the first of many Tasmanian plant specimens back to his homeland, including the Tasmanian Blue Gum (Eucalyptus Globulus), now Tasmania's floral emblem.
As early white settlements expanded following the establishment of Hobart in the 19th Century, so too did the development of many industries based on abundant local resources – whaling, forestry, apple growing and boatbuilding – most of which are still important economic contributors to the region. Fortunately, whaling has since been substituted with hi-tech aquaculture which produces what is considered the best Atlantic salmon in the world. The south is still home to a number of ‘working’ recreational forests and its quality timbers are still used in the building of boats of all scales.
[ Click on these links for accommodation, attractions, tours and events in the Huon Trail ]
Seasons
Like Tasmania the Huon Trail region has the privilege of experiencing four distinct seasons and its temperate climate makes travelling a pleasure at any time of year. The southern region is also very fortunate to have a higher than average Tasmanian rainfall and remains green for most of the year.
There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing!
Summer – December, January, February
With an average high of 21°C (70° F) and low of 12°C (54°F), summer is a great time of year for a visit. Daylight savings means in summer we have very long twilight periods, with dusk around 8.30 – 9.00pm. This is also the cherry season and time for many great events such as the Cygnet Folk Festival and the Taste of the Huon.
Summer is the busiest time of year for visitors on the Huon Trail, so if you plan to travel during this period, be sure to book ahead!
Autumn – March, April, May
Apple season! The Huon Valley orchards are laden with fruit at this time of year. Deciduous natives, old oaks, elms and chestnuts planted along the roadsides burst into red, orange and gold. You can expect calm, sunny days with an average high of 17°C (63°F) and low 9°C (48°F).
Winter – June, July, August
Although cool with an average high of 12°C (54°F) and low of 5°C (41°F), winter is a wonderful time to visit the region. The peaks of the Hartz Mountains are often dusted with snow at this time of year and form a constant backdrop to the touring route.
Winter can be wet but not as often as you might think – Hobart is actually the second driest capital in Australia. Winter days can also be calm, clear and crisp making this a great time to see amazing reflections on our sheltered waterways. With appropriate clothing, there is no limit to what you can do and see.
Spring – September, October, November
Spring is usually the wettest time of year but there are colourful rewards. The warming air brings colour to gardens throughout the region and apple orchards are filled with blossom. At an average high of 17°C (63°F) and low 8°C (46°F), spring days are cool, fresh and magnificent as nature bursts into life. This is a wonderful time to visit our open gardens and there is nothing better than the smell of the forest after rain.
Any time of year is a great time for an adventure on the Huon Trail.
Discover a world of rugged cliffs, secluded bays, unique wildlife, ancient forests and locally grown delicacies. Meet friendly people living in diverse communities built on their maritime, farming and forest heritage – there really is so much to see and do in the four distinct regions of the Huon Trail.
For more information see our Itinerary Ideas or contact one of our Huon Trail Specialists.
destination regions 
