Huonville Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do in Huonville with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore the natural attractions, culture, food, accommodations, and more.


Introduction to Huonville

Nestled in Huon and Far South, in Southern Tasmania, Huonville is a charming small town filled with rich culture, natural beauty, and friendly locals. With a population of just over 1,500, it is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of big city life. Huonville is known for its stunning natural landscapes, delightful food and drink scene, and unique cultural attractions that showcase Tasmania’s rich history and heritage.

List of Places to Visit in Huonville

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Huon Valley Heritage Museum: Located in the heart of Huonville, this museum houses a fascinating collection of artifacts and exhibits that chronicle the region’s history from the 1800s to present day.
  • The Apple Shed: A popular cultural attraction that celebrates the apple industry’s role in the area’s history. The museum features interactive exhibits, a cider house, distillery, and a shop that sells locally-made goods.
  • The Franklin Museum: A historical attraction that offers visitors a glimpse into the life and times of the early settlers who made their home in the town of Franklin in the 1800s.

Natural Attractions of Huonville: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Huon River: A popular spot for fishing, boating, and kayaking, the Huon River offers stunning views of the surrounding Tasmanian countryside.
  • Hartz Mountains National Park: A must-visit for nature lovers, this park features beautiful walking paths that lead to stunning views of snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and ancient forests.
  • Tahune Airwalk: Experience the best views of the the Southern Tasmania forests and the flowing Huon river.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Huonville

  • The Esperance River Circuit: This is a leisurely, three-hour walk through lush fern forests that are home to an array of native Tasmanian wildlife.
  • The Hartz Mountains National Park: With a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty, this park is perfect for hikers of all levels. The Lake Esperance Trail is a highlight, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Best Things to Do in Huonville: Activities and Tours

  • Farm tours: There are plenty of working farms around Huonville, offering visitors the chance to learn about sustainable farming practices and enjoy some delicious local produce.
  • Wine and cider tours: The Huon Valley is home to several vineyards and cider houses that offer tours and tastings of their award-winning products.
  • Berry picking: Summer in Huonville means the chance to pick your own fresh berries, from strawberries to blueberries.

Week-Long Itinerary for Huonville

Day Itinerary
Day 1 Explore the Huon Valley Heritage Museum and Franklin Museum
Day 2 Visit the local farms and try some of the delicious local produce
Day 3 Take a hike through Hartz Mountains National Park and take in the stunning views
Day 4 Go kayaking or fishing in the Huon River
Day 5 Take a wine or cider tour of the local vineyards
Day 6 Pick your own berries and indulge in some of the local food and drink scene
Day 7 Relax and enjoy the scenery, or take a day trip to a nearby coastal town like Cygnet or Dover

Food and Drink Scene of Huonville

Must-Try Dishes

  • Apple pie: Made with locally-grown apples, this is a classic dessert that can be found in almost any bakery or cafe in town.
  • Scallops: The Huon River is famous for its delicious scallops, which can be found on many restaurant menus.
  • Seafood chowder: Made with fresh, locally-caught seafood, this is a hearty and delicious meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Local Beverages

  • Cider: The Huon Valley is home to several cider houses that produce award-winning ciders using local apples.
  • Wine: The cool climate of the region is perfect for growing grapes, resulting in some delicious local wines.

Where to Stay in Huonville: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Huonville Guesthouse: A charming guesthouse that offers comfortable accommodations at an affordable price.
  • Walton House: A beautifully restored 19th-century home that offers luxurious rooms and a beautiful garden.
  • Huon Valley Eco Wilderness Retreat: An eco-friendly retreat that offers stunning views and luxurious accommodations.

What to Buy in Huonville: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Locally-grown produce: From apples to berries to honey, there are plenty of delicious local products to take home with you.
  • Arts and crafts: Huonville has a thriving arts and crafts scene, with plenty of shops and galleries showcasing the work of local artists and artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of Huonville

Huonville has a rich cultural heritage, with a strong focus on sustainable living and environmental conservation. The locals are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, and visitors can expect to experience plenty of hospitality during their stay in Huonville.

Best Time to Visit Huonville

The best time to visit Huonville is during the summer months of December – February, when the weather is warm and perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and berry picking. Autumn is also a great time to visit, when the leaves change color and provide a stunning backdrop for a leisurely stroll through the town.

Do’s and Don’ts of Huonville

Do:

  • Explore the beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor adventures Huonville has to offer
  • Try the delicious local food, wine, and cider
  • Learn about the local history and heritage at the museums and cultural attractions

Don’t:

  • Disrespect the natural environment or disturb wildlife
  • Ignore the importance of sustainable living and environmental conservation
  • Leave trash or litter behind when enjoying the outdoors

Safety and Health

Safety in Huonville

Huonville is a safe and friendly town, with a low crime rate and a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors should take basic precautions such as locking cars and keeping valuables out of sight, but overall, the area is very safe.

Health in Huonville

Huonville has a good healthcare system, with several doctors and medical facilities located in and around the town. Visitors should ensure that they have adequate health insurance coverage before travel, and should take necessary precautions to avoid tick-borne illnesses while hiking in the area.

Getting to Huonville: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Huonville

The closest major airport to Huonville is Hobart International Airport, which is located approximately an hour’s drive away.

Bus Stations Near Huonville

There are several bus stations located in nearby towns, including Kingston and Hobart, which offer connections to Huonville. Taxis and rental cars are also readily available.

Other Options

For those who prefer to travel by car, Huonville is easily accessible via several major roads, including the Huon Highway and the Southern Outlet. The town is located approximately 40 minutes’ drive from Hobart.

How to Get Around in Huonville

Huonville is a small town that is easily navigable on foot, with most attractions located within easy walking distance of each other. For those who prefer to drive, rental cars are readily available.

Where to Go Next from Huonville: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are plenty of nearby destinations and excursions to explore after a visit to Huonville, including:

  • Cygnet: A charming coastal town with plenty of art galleries, cafes, and restaurants to explore.
  • Dover: A picturesque fishing village with stunning ocean views and miles of pristine shoreline.
  • Bruny Island: A beautiful island off the southeast coast of Tasmania that is known for its natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and delicious local food and wine.

Conclusion

Huonville is a hidden gem of Tasmania, offering visitors the chance to experience the best of the region’s natural beauty, culture, and food scene. From hiking in the Hartz Mountains to sampling locally-grown produce, there is something for everyone in this charming town.

12 minutes drive from Huonville to Huon Bush Retreats takes you to the start of the Mount Misery walk. 5km of interpreted bushwalking tracks through old-growth and rainforests to the sub-alpine heathland to the top of the mountain. 12 minutes drive from Huonville to Huon Bush Retreats takes you to the start of the Mount Misery walk. 5km of interpreted bushwalking tracks through old-growth and rainforests to the sub-alpine heathland to the top of the mountain.