Things to do in the Huon Valley: Where to Eat, Drink, Stay & Play

Tasmania’s Huon Valley proves you really can have it all – not only is it beautiful, with stunning mountains on one side and the majestic Huon River on the other, but there’s also so much to do and see here. It’s also less than an hour from Hobart, so it’s not too much of a detour if you’re on a short Tasmanian trip.

The Huon Valley’s lush farmland means the local produce is heavenly, 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 the stunning wilderness offering plenty of hikes for active types.

Read on for the best things to do in Huon Valley; because your next getaway needs to be to this oft-flying-under-the-radar destination. 

The Lost Captain

The biggest town in the Huon Valley is Huonville, about 40 minutes drive from Hobart. As you drive south down its main street you’ll see The Lost Captain on your right, just before you cross the Huon River. This refurbished restaurant and taphouse serves up incredible food daily (with breakfast on weekends) with an extensive menu of small and large plates incorporating local produce – from Bruny Island oysters to Poolish sourdough made in Cygnet to carrots grown in Gardners Bay, slathered in curry butter.

Even The Lost Captain’s cocktail list features local players, like the Tasmanian Pepperberry Margarita and the Queen of the Huon featuring Tassie-made sloe gin. Order a drink and sit back in the sunny outdoor area – it’s the ultimate chill vibe.

2-4 Short Street, Huonville

Summer Kitchen Bakery

In the tiny little town of Ranelagh you’ll find the beloved Summer Kitchen Bakery. People flock to Ranelagh just to get their hands on a loaf of organic wood-fired bread and delicious baked goods, making it an absolute must-visit if you are in the Huon Valley area. Take some carbs away with you if you’ve got a long day of adventures ahead, or sit out and enjoy the sunshine, a pastry and a coffee in the courtyard and soak it all in.

21 Marguerite Street, Ranelagh

Masaaki’s Sushi

Tasmania is full of quirky little stories, and the tale of how some of the best sushi in the world happened to be sold in the tiny town of Geeveston is up there in the top five. Chef Masaaki Koyama was working in Osaka when he met and fell in love with a Tasmanian named Lucy, who told him about the Huon Valley’s beautiful landscape, pristine air and abundant seafood. Pretty soon the couple relocated, and Masaaki’s Sushi was born. 

Tasmanians and tourists travel from far and wide to get their hands on the world-class sushi at this tiny little outpost, which is only sold on weekends. Get in early or order ahead online, because this sushi can and will sell out in a matter of hours. Masaaki is currently expanding his premises, but right now it’s perfect to take away and enjoy in the park across the road.

17 Arve Road, Geeveston

Reba Sear

For great coffee in the Huon Valley area, make sure you stop by Reba Sear. The owners have transformed an old car mechanic’s workshop on the main road of Huonville into a vibrant coffee shop with plenty of space to sit and enjoy a caffeine hit before a long day of exploring in the area. If you’d rather browse, the café also happens to be a homewares store, so you can pick up some goodies by local makers and a toastie to take away.

121 Main Street, Huonville

The Kiln

Built in an old hops kiln or oast house, The Kiln embraces the concept of Mame Zala (small plates) and features cuisines from around the world. Its seasonal menu draws on Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Nepalese, Japanese, Greek, French provincial and even Caribbean influences, all made using the incredible produce that the Huon Valley and surrounds has to offer. It’s truly a unique dining experience – you’ll want to go back so you can sample it all before the menu changes.

2 Louisa Street, Ranelagh

Willie Smith’s Apple Shed

Tasmania is the Apple Isle and the lush green Huon Valley is basically the epicentre of apple farming. This is where some of the most deliciously juicy fruit is harvested, so it makes sense that several cideries have opened up in the area. Willie Smith’s Apple Shed is a cider house, a restaurant and an apple museum all in one. 

Visit to try a tasting paddle showcasing several of the brand’s delicious ciders and nibble on Tassie cheeses while you learn about the history of apple farming in the area. There’s a lovely outdoor area and on Friday evenings you’ll catch live music from local and international acts. Every Saturday, come to the maker’s market to pick up some locally made goodies.

2064 Huon Highway, Grove

Home Hill Winery

The award-winning Home Hill Wines was started by husband and wife team Rosemary and Terry Bennett, who originally used the property for apple farming before branching out into the wine business. Fast forward 30 years and they now have one of the most awarded Pinot Noirs in Tasmania and the winery is one of the most popular places to visit in the Huon Valley. 

The cellar door is open seven days a week from 10am until 5pm offering five tastings of your choice for just $6. Home Hill’s chef-hatted restaurant, which has also received acclaim for its menu of locally-sourced deliciousness, is open Thursday – Sunday from 10am until 5pm.

38 Nairn Road, Ranelagh

Pagan Cider

Well, we did say this area is known for its incredible apples, so of course there is another cidery to visit in the Huon Valley. On the way to the town of Cygnet is Pagan Cider with a cellar door where you can sample its three core ciders – cherry, pear and apple – along with special seasonal small-batch ciders (there’s usually eight on tap here). In summer, there’s food trucks on weekends and a beautiful sunny courtyard to chill out in. You might even spot the cellar door dog, Bruny!

7891 Channel Highway, Cygnet 

Kate Hill Wines

Kate Hill Wines was started by the titular Kate Hill, who hd worked at wineries all over Australia before settling on the Huon Valley to launch her own vineyard with her husband Charles. In a beautiful setting just outside Huonville, Kate Hill Wines produces spectacular cool climate drops including several top-tier Pinot Noirs. 

Come for a tasting at the cellar door in the vineyard’s beautiful heritage-listed 1880s cottage – it’s open Wednesday to Sunday from 11am until 4pm (this is extended during summer). Relax in the surrounding gardens while taking in stunning views of the Hartz Mountains or the iconic “Sleeping Beauty”, a formation of peaks resembling a woman lying down.

21 Dowlings Road, Huonville

Harvest and Light

Harvest and Light is a wine bar-slash-picklery is located in the delightful little town of Geeveston, about 20 minutes south of Huonville. Open Thursday to Sunday, it serves partly as a retail store for passers-by to pick up Tassie wines, craft beers and of course, a slew of pickled goodies – but there’s also space to sit down and actually enjoy the shop’s wares on the spot. 

There’s loads of wines and beers on the menu, and you can also order a cheese plate featuring local produce to nibble on while you sip. Harvest and Light also holds tastings, often featuring local Huon Valley winemakers.

6 Church Street, Geeveston

Hike the Hartz Mountains

The Hartz Mountains National Park is the crown jewel of the Huon Valley with its dramatic peaks, tumbling waterfalls, glacial lakes and colourful wildflowers in the warmer months. There are plenty of incredible walks to go on, from the easy stroll to the challenging mountain ascent. For an easier hike that will take you under an hour, opt for the Waratah Lookout, Arve Falls or Lake Osborne walks. All of them offer maximum payoff in terms of stunning vistas with minimal physical effort from you. 

If you are a keen walker looking for more of a challenge, the Hartz Pass, Hartz Peak and Lake Esperance walks are all Grade 3 or higher and will take you a good few hours. However, when you’re rewarded with sweeping views across the south-west wilderness the burning muscles are worth it.

Raminea, Tasmania

Go on a Huon River cruise

If you like your history with a healthy serving of stunning natural beauty, a Huon River cruise should be top of your to-do list in the Huon Valley. Run by local operator Huon River Cruises, there’s several sailings daily with time options (morning, afternoon and evening) to suit your itinerary. 

You’ll board a historic wooden boat and be treated to a fascinating guided tour of the area by your captain as you enjoy local drinks and nibbles. A tip: select the evening cruise (departing at 4.30pm) during summer – it’s the perfect way to cap off a busy day of exploring.

3883 Huon Highway, Castle Forbes Bay

Visit the town of Franklin

A trip to Franklin, which is about 10 minutes south of Huonville, is worth putting on your Huon Valley itinerary. It’s a beautiful spot on the river and there’s good food and drinks to be had at Frank’s Cider Bar, the Cinnamon and Cherry cafe and Italian food on the water at Osteria. If history is what you crave, there’s also some interesting maritime history in the area, including the Wooden Boat Centre and Model Shipyard. Time your visit to coincide with the fourth Sunday of the month and you’ll catch the Franklin Market, held in the old Palais Theatre.

Franklin, Tasmania

Check out Cygnet

Cygnet is a charming, historic town about 15 minutes from Huonville – if you’re a fan of the show Deadloch, the scenery might be familiar to you as most of it was filmed here. The main street has wonderful homewares and antiques stores and galleries to browse as well as several cafes to grab a bite and a coffee – the Red Velvet Lounge and the Old Bank are local faves. 

Stock up on some locally-made produce at the Cygnet Garden Larder or Poolish bakery (the sourdough is to die for). Even the local IGA is stacked with Tassie meats and cheeses, and the farmers market on the first and third Sunday of each month is a don’t-miss.

Cygnet, Tasmania

Explore Hastings Caves and thermal springs

Any trip to Tasmania will show you how beautiful the landscape is, and the Huon Valley is no different with its lush greenery, sparkling river and dramatic peaks. But it turns out it’s just as captivating underneath the ground, which you’ll discover when you visit Hastings Caves State Reserve. Featuring Newdegate Cave, the largest dolomite cave in Australia, this fascinating subterranean labyrinth was formed 40 million years ago. 

Several tours of the caves run daily, costing $24 per adult and $12 for kids, and there is also a thermally-heated pool here that you can swim in (access to this is free). Bring food and make use of the BBQ facilities for a truly unique day out, and top it all off with some platypus spotting at the Platypus Walk in the park.

754 Hastings Caves Road, Hastings

Tahune AirWalk

Tasmania's famous Tahune AirWalk is an elevated walkway offering exceptional views to the confluence of the Huon and Picton rivers and beyond to the peaks of the World Heritage Area. It's one of the best things to do in the Huon Valley - a steel canopy walkway with a full return journey that takes about 50 minutes. More than 50 minutes actually (and better for it) if you stop for photographs, to spot birdlife, or simply to pause and enjoy the clean, fresh scents of the forest below. 

Geeveston, Huon Valley

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 

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

Gorgeously decorated with vintage touches, The Sty is a fully kitted-out barn and a perfect base for your Huon Valley adventures. Located in Cradoc, it’s about 10 minutes to Huonville and 5 minutes to Cygnet yet feels totally serene with beautiful farmland to be glimpsed out of every reclaimed timber window. What’s more, it’s perfectly cosy inside and out thanks to the sauna on the property.

54 Turners Road, Cradoc

Shelter Belt

It may be located at the base of Mount Misery, but you’ll have a blissful time at Shelter Belt, an eco cabin near the town of Ranelagh. Built right in the beautiful bushland and surrounded by nothing but trees, the cabin is self-sufficient and couldn’t be more private. There’s an outdoor bath for the warmer months and a wood heater for when it’s chilly, and is the perfect place to cosy up with someone – or even by yourself! – for a weekend getaway.

Ranelagh, Tasmania

The Bowmont

The Bowmont’s top floor, two-bedroom apartment overlooks the Huon River in the lovely little town of Franklin. Just a 10 minute drive from Huonville, the building it is housed in is filled with the rich history of the area (it’s been a bank and a hospital in previous lives). Featuring a kitchen, a bathtub and comfy beds with linen sheets and cosy quilts, The Bowmont feels like home and is the ideal base for a Huon Valley adventure.

3344 Huon Highway, Franklin

Little Roaring Beach Shack

In the fishing village of Dover on the south end of the Huon Valley is the Little Roaring Beach Shack– a coastal oasis with perfectly chill vibes. This two-bedroom oceanside property is right on the Esperance Coast, and you can spend your days paddling and beachcombing before coming home to the outdoor tub and deck offering ocean views on one side and rolling green hills on the other.

1526 Esperance Coast Road, Dover

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!