Tasmania's south is worth so much more than a day visit from Hobart.
 Huon Valley Escapes provides an ideal way to explore Hobart to Bruny Island and Far South Tasmania.
Our wide range of accommodation choices will enable you to find just the right style of accommodation to match your needs. From secluded eco-cabins and tipees at Huon Bush Retreats, waterfront cottages, a grand country hotel to Australia's southernmost accommodation at Buttongrass Retreat. Budget to luxury, Huon Valley Escapes has your Huon Valley tourism experience covered.
Explore the road less traveled. Slow down and experience the best of the Huon: food, culture and the tranquillity of Tasmania’s southernmost tourism area.
ONE WEEK TOUR OF SOUTHERN TASMANIA
At the bottom of this page, there is a link to the Huon Trail website where you can find lots of information about Southern Tasmania. Meanwhile, here is a suggested one week holiday itinerary including some of our favourite places throughout the Huon Valley.
Day One: Hobart
Arrive in Hobart and explore your own selection of attractions, galleries, the docks or Mt Wellington. Ideally, visit Hobart on the weekend to include Salamanca Market, then enjoy your Huon Valley Escape Monday through Friday.
Stay in Hobart overnight
Day Two: Hobart to Huon Bush Retreats via Bruny Island
About three and a half hours total driving
Depart Hobart Accommodation
Drive to Kettering to catch the 09:30 ferry to Bruny Island or the Bruny Island Cruises shuttle bus.
Bruny Island Cruises
Bruny Island Cruises provides three-hour wilderness cruises along Bruny Island's rugged coast, in southern Tasmania. This multi-award winning cruise won the Australian Tourism Award for Ecotourism in 2009, was published by Travel and Leisure Magazine in 2008 as one of Top 100 Greatest Trips in the World and was winner of Tasmania's Best Tourist Attraction 2006, 2008 and 2009. Bruny Island Cruises (previously called Bruny Island Charters) is the original and most famous of the Pennicott Wilderness Journeys.
The cruise departs daily from Adventure Bay, Bruny Island and travels 50 kilometres along the coastline to the Friars and back. You'll drift up close to the awesome 'Breathing Rock', enter deep sea caves, pass through the narrow gap between the coast and The Monument and feel the power of nature at the point where the Tasman Sea meets the might of the Southern Ocean. Albatross, dolphins, seals and even migrating whales are just a few of the abundant sea and coastal wildlife calling this coastline home.
Custom built for eco-cruising, the yellow boats are ideal for viewing the spectacular coastline and wildlife of Bruny Island. Covered open-air tiered seating means an excellent all-round view and connection with the environment.
 
Travel times (one way)
1 hr from Hobart to Kettering Ferry, then 45 minutes drive on Bruny Island
1 hr Kettering to Huonville, 20 minutes Huonville to Huon Country Cottage.
IGA Supermarket Huonville
Pick up your self catering supplies from the friendly IGA supermarket where you can find local produce, and organic and vegetarian items.
Travel time (one way) 20 minutes Huonville to Huon Country Cottage (30 minutes after dark)
Stay the first of two nights at Huon Country Cottage
Day Two: Mount Misery and Huonville Area
About one hour total driving
Apple Museum
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The museum is a remarkable time capsule that depicts the lives of the early settlers from the Huon Valley. The numerous displays and exhibits contain antiques and memorabilia that effectively demonstrate how the pioneers lived and worked (some of these items date back to the early/mid 1800's). Along with a wide range of domestic artifacts you will find the agricultural history of the Huon Valley come to life as you stroll through years gone by. Included in the admission to the museum are demonstrations of antique apple processing machinery and a highly informative history chat. |
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Travel time (one way) - 15 min from Huon Bush Retreats
Home Hill Winery
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Exquisite dining and fine wines for lunch or dinner. Home Hill is very much a Tasmanian Boutique Vineyard, Winery, and Restaurant. For many people we are the country retreat. Come join us for a feast of delicious Tasmanian delicacies, gourmet recipes made from good fresh country ingredients. Home Hill produces a Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sylvaner, Sparkling Cuvee and a Late Harvest Sticky wine. Not to mention the gold trophies and many wine show medals. |
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Travel time (one way) - 12 min from Huon Bush Retreats
Huon River Jet Boat
Enjoy an exhilarating jet boat, amuse yourself on the pedal boats ride or relax on a Huon River cruise.
Travel time (one way) - 20 min from Huon Country Cottage
Stay the second of two nights at Huon Country Cottage
Day Three:Driving South
About three hours total driving
Depart Huon Bush Retreats
Tahune AirWalk
The AirWalk, Swinging Bridges and visitor centre are situated 50km from Huon Bush Retreats. A wide range of activities are available to suit most tastes.
Travel time (one way) - 1 hour from Huon Bush Retreats, or Buttongrass, 40 minutes from Port Huon.
Hartz Mountains National Park
On the way from Huon Bush Retreats to Dover is Hartz Mountain National Park. Explore the spectacular wilderness of this easily accessible National Park.
Between the village of Surges Bay and Dover, you have the choice of the main highway or the scenic Esperance Coast Road.
First of two (or three) nights at Buttongrass Retreat
Day Four (and/or Day Five): Explore The Far South
About two hours total driving
Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs
A gravel road leads from the main road to the visitor centre and thermal springs. Be fascinated by one of the world's great dolomite caves. Experience forest walks, picnic facilities, café and the 28 degree naturally heated spring water swimming pool. Open every day. Great rainy day adventure.
Travel time (one way) - 1 hour from Port Huon, 10 minutes from Buttongrass
9 km of gravel road
Recherché Bay Nature Recreation Area, Southwest National Park and Cockle Creek
Explore the southernmost tip of Australia, a variety of bushwalks, bird watching, picnics, fishing and boating.
20 km of gravel road
Travel time (one way) - 30 minutes from Buttongrass
South Cape Bay
Walk two hours south from Cockle Creek. Stand on the cliffs of South Cape Bay and be the southernmost people in Australia.
Travel time (one way) - 30 minutes drive from Buttongrass then 2 hour walk
Ida Bay Railway
From Lune Lune River station, travel through bush land abundant with bird life and wild flowers. Cross button grass plains and travel along the banks of Ida Bay and Lune River Estuary.
The railway line terminates at Deep Hole and Elliott's Beach where there is a shelter with BBQ facilities, picnic tables and chairs and toilets. Enjoy some time at the beach with a picnic or BBQ with family or friends and catch a later train back to the station. BBQ packs are available at the Ida Bay Railway Cafe.
The scenic water views are superb. There are marked bush walking tracks to Southport Lagoon and Southport Bluff. Near Southport Bluff is the King George III monument which commemorates the 134 lives lost in the sinking of the convict ship, King George III in 1835.
Travel time (one way) - 5 minute walk from Buttongrass
2 km of gravel road
Gemstone Fossicking
Travel time (one way) - 5 min from Buttongrass
14 km of gravel road
Second or third night at Buttongrass Retreat
Day Five: Hobart via D'Entrecasteaux Channel
About three hours total driving
Depart Buttongrass Retreat
Return to Huonville, cross the bridge and turn right. Enjoy the scenic coastal drive along the Huon River and D'Entrecasueaux Channel.
Grandvewe Cheeses
Experience life on the farm. Sheep milking demonstrations (4:30pm Daily, Sept-March) sheep cheese tasting, cellar door organic wine tasting, lamb feeding, petting area, sheep viewing, viewing windows of cheese factory and ageing room, gourmet products and ocean views, light refreshments available. Disabled access.
Photos: Joe Shemesh
Travel time (one way) - 3 hr from Lune River to Hobart via D'Entrecasteaux Channel, plus stops
Inverawe Native Gardens
Tasmania's largest landscaped native garden! Share Margaret and Bill's excellent adventure! Stroll through 22 acres of colourful landscaped native gardens, take in the stunning views and listen to the birds. This is waterwise, sustainable gardening at its best. Visitors have said... 'amazing... inspirational... visionary... tranquil... best garden I've seen... overwhelming'. Come and be overwhelmed! This is a garden with a difference. Take tea on the terrace and contemplate tranquility.
Travel time (one way) - 3 hr from Dover to Hobart via D'Entrecasteaux Channel, plus stops
Shot Tower
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Australia’s first shot tower, at Taroona, was built by Joseph Moir and is one of three still existing in the country (the others being in Melbourne, Victoria). Joseph Moir's factory, which operated for 35 years from 1870, manufactured lead shot for contemporary muzzle loading sports guns. Although the factory struggled for most of its existence its most recognisable feature, the tallest stone shot tower in the southern hemisphere, has been a prominent landmark in the district for well over a century.
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Travel time (one way) - 3 hr from Dover to Hobart via D'Entrecasteaux Channel, plus stops
Stay in Hobart overnight or late flight out
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Specialising in your personal and private tours throughout Tasmania, for small groups from 1 to 6 persons. Your tour is flexible and can be tailored to your needs, no deadlines if you have the time! Itineraries made to suit. Your transport is in the comfort of a modern 4WD touring vehicle complete with air conditioning/heating, luxury leather seats, DVD, personalised headsets and a fridge to keep your purchases cool or for picnic lunches along the way.
Talk with Vicki (pictured) about a stop at Huon Bush Retreats for some lunch and short or moderate walk. |
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The Huon Trail
Travelling just 20 minutes south of Hobart you will find a world far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life. A world of extensive and beautiful waterways, serene boutique farms and World Heritage Wilderness. A relaxing and friendly place of natural beauty, perfect for a relaxing holiday or short break. There are outdoor adventures, delicious food and wine, a rich maritime and rural heritage and friendly creative people, so relax and spend some time with us in Tasmania's southern region.
The Huon Trail is the touring route to get you easily around the region, quiet country roads wind their way through the valleys and along side the waterways taking you from one adventure to the next. Visitors often say they are stunned by the gorgeous scenery, not just because it’s beautiful but because there is something different around every corner.
We have everything you need for a relaxing and inspiring holiday, just bring your camera and your sense of adventure!
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