Itinerary Ideas

Two Day Coasting

Two Days – Channel and Huon Valley Highlights

DAY ONE

Depart Hobart at 9am, take the Southern Outlet (A6) to Kingston and pass through the suburb to join the Channel Highway (B68). Only 30 minutes later, you will find yourself at Margate's Inverawe Native Gardens. Kilometres of pathways, thousands of native plants and stunning views in this 22 acre property will captivate you and help you ease into the day. Tea on the terrace will aid your relaxation and help you absorb the surroundings.

[ Click on these links for accommodation, attractions, tours and events in the Huon Trail ]

Opposite the gardens is the Margate Train complex. Here stands Tasmania's last passenger train, housing a licensed restaurant and café, bookshop, barber, lolly shop, photographic studio and much more. There are also two warehouses on site offering antiques, jewellery and second hand goods.

After a couple of hours of exploring, travel down the road to Brookfield Vineyard for lunch in a warm, rustic atmosphere – or dine outdoors and enjoy the views of the vines and Margate. A market, held every Wednesday, showcases local arts and crafts.

Further south, travelling just west of Kettering, is Herons Rise Vineyard, a family-owned business overlooking the D'Entrecasteaux Channel and Bruny Island. It produces wines from muller thurgau, riesling and pinot noir grapes. Tastings are only available by appointment.

Beyond Kettering is Woodbridge – home to the award-winning restaurant and providore of Peppermint Bay. Peppermint Bay Restaurant is widely recognised as one of the best restaurants in Tasmania. It also features a comprehensive providore specialising in local and house made products.

Enjoy some refreshments at Fleurtys Café, just south of Birchs Bay. A stunning rural setting offering easy farm and forest walks, including a sculpture trail. Come and absorb the peaceful surrounds and complete a relaxing day.

Stay overnight in the Kettering area where a range of accommodation awaits you along with the promise of an exciting second day in the Huon Valley.

DAY TWO

Leave mid-morning for the Huon Valley via Woodbridge Hill. On the ascent out of Woodbridge visit the Woodbridge Hill Handweaving Studio. Here you will find original, intricate garments and much more using raw materials such as wool, alpaca and mohair, silk, cotton, linen and Collie dog hair.

Continue over the C627 into Port Cygnet. While in Cygnet, pick up a copy of the Cygnet Art Trail brochure and take a self-guided tour of the local galleries and studios in and around Cygnet.

Venture alongside the Huon River to Huonville, and head south to Franklin for lunch at Petty Sessions Café. This charming café is set in the town’s converted 1860 courthouse. Enjoy excellent coffee and a range of unique dishes made from fresh local produce. Complement your meal with regional cool-climate wines and divine homemade sweets.

Travel further south to Enchanted Woods in the historic orchard town of Castle Forbes Bay. Be amazed by the resident wood turner onsite and browse the unique crafts, gifts and Tasmanian timbers available for sale.

When heading back to Hobart, stop in at the Apple and Heritage Museum at Grove for a journey back through time to the apple boom of the 1950s. The Museum provides a comprehensive insight into the lives of the Huon Valley’s early settlers. There is an art gallery and a huge selection of gifts and souvenirs.

TOP OF PAGE