Itinerary Ideas

There is no right or wrong way to tour the Huon Trail. The quiet country roads and relatively short distances make this compact region easy to get around. However, there really is so much to see and do here, so we recommend you drive slowly and stop regularly to truly appreciate the scenery, history, fresh produce and friendly locals of the region. We have included some sample itineraries below to help you plan your visit. For extended stays in the region, you might like to combine any of these itineraries to make a 5 or 7 day itinerary and so on. If you require further information or a detailed map, download the Huon Trail Touring Map and Guide from the Free Downloads page or collect a copy from the nearest Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre once you’ve arrived. We look forward to seeing you! Walking on Air  |   2 Days Coasting  |   Going South  |   Island Love Affair
Walking on Air 2 Days - Huon Valley and Channel Highlights DAY ONE Depart Hobart at 9am, take the Southern Outlet (A6) towards Kingston and follow the signs to Huonville. On the way, browse the Huon Valley Apple and Heritage Museum at Grove to discover the remnants of the once flourishing apple orchards of the region and other fascinating historical items. If you're ready for adventure when you arrive at Huonville, take the thrilling Jet Boat Ride on the Huon River. Exciting twists and turns are matched with picturesque scenery and iconic huon pine trees line the upper stretch of the river. An active morning will leave you longing for some local cuisine. Take a short drive to Home Hill Winery at Ranelagh for seasonal local salmon, oysters, beef, trout, lamb, fruits and vegetables and famous Huon Valley mushrooms in an architecturally-stunning restaurant surrounded by a picture-postcard rural setting. Only 10 minutes from Huonville, Franklin is home to the School of Wooden Boatbuilding. Here, you can see students acquiring the traditional skills of constructing boats by hand. Be sure to roam the adjoining jetty to view any of the School's previous accomplishments which may be docked there. Geeveston is recognised as Tasmania's forest town and a visit to the Forest and Heritage Centre is a must for anyone interested in the history and practices of this important industry - or those who simply appreciate the smell and feel of quality timbers. Here you can also pre-purchase your tickets for the Tahune AirWalk or instead take the 30 minute scenic drive through a working forest to the majestic 50 metre-high structure. Wander the 70 metre-high treetops on the AirWalk or take a leisurely stroll along the Picton and Huon Rivers, crossing each of them on two new swing bridges. Before departing the AirWalk, consider a thrilling 220-metre cable gliding ride amongst a 70 metre-high forest which also crosses the Huon River. Return to Huonville and surrounds where a range of accommodation awaits you along with some exciting second-day activities along the Channel. DAY TWO Today, take the Channel Highway (B68) from Huonville towards Cygnet and for a scenic diversion, veer off the highway after Cradoc onto the Cygnet Coast Road. Along this quiet stretch you will find The Scented Rose. Every type of David Austen rose that is available in Australia is featured in a 30-metre (90 foot) border in this 1.2 hectare (three-acre) garden, along with perennials, Rugosa roses, Daffodils and more. Cygnet is a unique village with a strong, arts culture and it's not surprising given the spectacular scenery nearby which acts as many artists' inspiration. The magnificent landscape paintings at Richard Stanley's Gallery on the Main Street, illustrates the depth of talent in the community. Continue on the Channel Highway to the Gardners Bay turnoff. Approaching the crest of the hill you will find Hartzview Vineyard, which specialises in Pinot Noit, fruit ports and liquers. Captivating views will entice you to linger and enjoy some Tasmanian cheeses, vineyard platters and real coffee. Once back on the Channel Highway at Woodbridge, head south for some cheese products with a difference; Grandvewe Cheesery specialise in sheep's cheese. Taste up to 15 varieties or enjoy the refreshments and views from Pecora restaurant onsite. Return to Hobart along the Channel Highway, stopping via the Channel Museum at Snug to marvel at the artefacts, photos and documents from the region's pastime. [ Top of Page ]
2 Days Coasting 2 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 9.5 hectare property will captivate you and help you ease into the day. Tea on the terrace and will aid your relaxation and help you stop and absorb the surroundings. Nearby is the Margate Train Complex. Here stands Tasmania's last passenger train, which houses a licensed pancake restaurant and café, bookshop, barber, remedial masseuse and gifts. There are also two warehouses on site complete with antiques, jewellery and second hand goods. After a couple of hours of exploring, cross the road to Brookfield Vineyard for a café lunch in its warm, rustic ambience - or dine outdoors and enjoy the views of the vines and Margate. A market is held every Wednesday which showcases local arts and crafts. Just west of Kettering, is Herons Rise Vineyard, a family-owned business overlooking the D'Entrecasteaux Channel and Bruny Island, which produces wines from Muller Thurgau, Riesling and Pinot Noir grapes. Tastings are only available with advanced notice. Drive further south to Woodbridge and view the fine art, jewellery, furniture and gifts on offer from local designers and craftspeople at Regnans Gallery. Enjoy some refreshments at Fleurty's Café, just south of Birchs Bay. A stunning rural setting and easy farm and forest walks, including a sculpture trail, enable you to absorb the peaceful surrounds and complete a relaxing day. Stay overnight in Kettering and surrounds where a range of accommodation awaits you along with an exciting second day in the Huon Valley. DAY TWO Leave mid-morning for the Huon Valley and 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 and from Cygnet, take the Lymington Road turnoff (C639) to Petcheys Bay. Nestled in the bush land is Welcome Swallow Cyderworks which produce fine cyder made from organic apples grown in the region. Venture south to Franklin, 10 minutes from Huonville, for lunch at Petty Sessions Café. Set in the towns tastefully-converted and charming 1860 courthouse, enjoy their excellent coffee and range of unique and original dishes made from fresh local produce. Compliment a meal with a regional cool-climate wine and divine home-made 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. Explore the Stonehouse Gardens in Grove, before returning to Hobart. An 1850s Georgian Mansion has been lovingly restored and complimented by one hectare of landscaped gardens, both through pure hard work. An informative tour through the gardens will bring to life the origins of the property. [ Top of Page ]
Going South 3 Days - Far South, Huon Valley and Channel Highlights DAY ONE Depart Hobart at 9am, take the Southern Outlet (A6) towards Kingston and follow the signs to Huonville. On the way, visit the Panorama Providore for a late breakfast or tastings of local chocolate, jams and honeys. For those who like to catch a fish, pre-book a fly fishing trip with Rod and Fly to the central highland lakes. Join the C619 passing through Judbury and then Glen Huon. The peaceful surroundings are the inspiration for Studio Karma's water colourist. Browse the artist's studio, gallery and home by appointment and relax on the deck overlooking the delightful pond. DAY TWO Before leaving Huonville, visit the Parks Shop in the centre of town for all the information you need on Tasmania's National Parks and Reserves. Ten minutes further south in the heart of Franklin, you will find a collection of curios, antiques and goods at Treasures Old and New. Wander the town and inspect the free-standing gaol cells once used to contain offenders before appearing in the local court. Follow the scenic Huon Highway via the orchard region of Castle Forbes Bay and historic Port Huon into Geeveston. As Tasmania's 'forest town', this is a fitting location for quality arts, crafts and furniture at the Southern Design Centre. You can also watch the local artisans work while you browse. Enjoy lunch in the heart of Geeveston and wander the peaceful surrounds of Heritage Park before taking the drive to the infamous Hartz Mountains National Park. The Hartz Mountains provide a window into the south-west wilderness, offering views of mountain ranges as far as the south coast. A short stroll or more challenging walk will provide a range of vegetation, waterfalls, glacial lakes and panoramic views. Return to the comfort of your vehicle and explore the Port Esperance Coast Road (C638 from Surges Bay) for breathtaking views across the Huon River and D'Entrecasteaux Channel before arriving in Dover. Replenish your energy levels after your walk with delicious pastries and sweets and good coffee at the Gingerbread House café or take your snacks with you to Kent Beach for magnificent views across Port Esperance. Stay overnight in Dover, where a range of accommodation awaits you along with an active and inspiring second day in the far south. DAY THREE After an early breakfast, follow the A6 towards Southport and then the C635 into Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs. Here are some of the finest dolomite caves in Australia and a guided tour will provide an insight into their 40 million year-long formation. Following the tour, take a swim in the constant 28 degrees Celsius naturally-heated thermal springs or relax with a meal or refreshments in the licensed cafe and visitors centre. Join the C635 at the Hastings Road turnoff and only a five minute drive will take you to Lunaris Gemstones. Here you'll find an interesting display of rare Jurassic fossils, crystals and gemstones from Tasmania and overseas. Just five minutes further down the road, is the historic Ida Bay Railway. This is Australia's southern-most railway and is the last remaining section of Tasmania's once-extensive narrow gauge bush tramway network. A two-hour, 14-kilometre (nine-mile) return trip follows a track originally used for limestone transportation. How about a drive to the end of the Country - literally? Cockle Creek is the farthest south it is possible to drive in Australia. It has a remarkable colonial and whaling history and offers a great walking track network. Cockle Creek is also the start and finish point for the challenging South Coast Walk in the South West National Park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness Word Heritage Area. Begin your journey back to Hobart on the A6, de-touring via Southport for refreshments, spectacular views and roaring beaches. [ Top of Page ]
Island Love Affair 3 Days - Bruny Island, Channel and Huon Valley Highlights DAY ONE Depart Hobart at 9am and follow Sandy Bay Road through Hobart's prestige suburbs. The road then becomes the Channel Highway (B68) and soon you will arrive at Taroona's Shot Tower. Built in 1870 for the production of shot pellets, the 48-metre, sandstone tower provides breathtaking views up, down and across the River Derwent. If you're afraid of heights, browse the museum at the bottom of the tower and relax in the adjoining tea rooms. An hour or so later, continue down the Channel Highway past Kingston to the Australian Antarctic Headquarters. Equipment and interpretive displays offer a fascinating insight into Australia's involvement in scientific research and Tasmania's contribution to logistics and expeditions. From waters afar to our own - at Kettering, about a 25-minute drive further south you can explore the beautiful, sheltered network of bays or venture into the openness of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel. Roaring 40's Ocean Kayaking offer half or full day tours around the Channel or Oyster Cove, or instead you may prefer to hire a kayak and explore the surrounds at your own leisure for several hours…or days. Reflect on your water adventure at nearby Peppermint Bay Restaurant. Featuring innovatively-prepared local produce, a unique sculpture trail and a stunning outlook to Bruny Island, this architectural masterpiece offers a retreat which can last for hours. Retreat to your accommodation in Kettering and surrounds to recharge for an exciting day on Bruny Island. DAY TWO Enjoy breakfast or a hot drink at the Mermaid Café whilst waiting for the Bruny Island ferry. The Café is also the local official information centre so wander around and gather any information you may need for the rest of your journey on the Huon Trail. The three hour, 50-kilometre Bruny Island Charters eco cruise departs Adventure Bay at 11am (October to May), so you will have plenty of time to tour the farmlands of Barnes Bay and Dennes Point in the north and enjoy the panoramic views on The Neck lookout on the way to South Bruny on the B66 and C630. The Neck is also an established penguin rookery and a torch and cellophane (to reduce the torch's brightness) is all you need to enjoy the arrival of the creatures from dusk year-round. Bruny Island Charter's specially designed high-speed and comfortable craft are capable of navigating the smallest of gaps and enable you to get close to and really experience Tasmania's most spectacular cliff formations such as 'Breathing Rock' and the towering 'Monument' and marine wildlife including dolphins, fur seals, whales, mackerel, salmon, penguins, albatross, eagles, gannet, shearwater and petrel. Following the cruise, enjoy the hospitality and views at the licensed Hot House Café in north Adventure Bay. Constructed just like a regular hot house but equipped with heaters and other comforts, the Café blends well with its surroundings - the vegetable patch of Morella Island Retreats of which it is situated in, and the panoramic views of Neck Beach, the Tasman Peninsula and Mount Wellington. Directly opposite the Café is Hiba fudge factory. Taste or purchase 15 delicious varieties of fudge in the castle-like mansion and take a tour of the eight hectares of landscaped gardens including rose and rhododendron walks under the canopies of eucalyptus trees. Re-join the B66 and travel through the Island's western towns of Alonnah and Lunawanna onto the C629 and through to Cape Bruny Lighthouse (National Park entry fee applies). It is the third-oldest Commonwealth light station in Australia, having been built in 1838 and offers spectacular views of the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean. Return to your accommodation for a relaxing evening…and don't forget the penguins. DAY THREE After breakfast, meet an early ferry at Roberts Point for the journey back to Kettering. Continue along the Channel Highway for a scenic drive through Middleton, Gordon, Verona Sands and Deep Bay into Cygnet. Be sure to stop at any lookouts to admire the waterways and rolling hills of the region. On arrival into Cygnet, appreciate the wealth of arts and crafts talent by visiting Phoenix Creations. Here, unique and recycled timbers are used to prepare one-of-a-kind pieces of functional 'art furniture'. Afterwards, relax with a wander through the village and enjoy morning tea at the sophisticated Red Velvet Lounge. Heading north on the highway to Huonville, visit one of the Huon Valley's family-owned, multi award-winning boutique wineries, Panorama Vineyard. Specialising in Pinot Noir, as well as producing Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and a Pinot Rose, it is open for public tastings Wednesday to Monday, has picnic facilities and vineyard tours are also available by prior arrangement. Arrive at Huonville for lunch at Huon Manor Restaurant, a converted grand old residence which specialises in quality Tasmanian seafood, produce and wines. Depart Huonville, onto Glen Huon Road (C619), to the Glen Huon Model Village. This delightful model village (open between September and May), is the result of 22 years in the making and also includes doll and rock displays and carved apples. Adults and children alike will be impressed by the displays. Continuing along Glen Huon Road will take you just south of Judbury to Chakaya Alpacas. Quality, pure Suri Alpaca products are available as gifts or souvenirs. Follow the C619, transforming into North Huon Road, back onto the Huon Highway (A6) to Hobart. Be sure to stop at the lookout between Grove and Lower Longley, for amazing views of 'Sleeping Beauty', Eucalyptus forest and the productive orchards and farmland of Mountain River. [ Top of Page ]