The Huon Valley is Tasmania's lush southern hinterland - a region of apple orchards, old-growth forest, winding rivers, and artisan producers spread across the valley of the Huon River south of Hobart. It's a place where the agricultural heritage of European settlement meets the ancient wilderness of the Tasmanian south, and where the famous Tahune Airwalk offers a treetop perspective on one of the world's great forests. The Huon Valley is an easy day trip from Hobart or a rewarding overnight destination in its own right.
Getting There
The Huon Valley begins about 30 minutes south of Hobart. The main town, Huonville, is 40 minutes from the city via the Huon Highway. The valley stretches south to Geeveston, Dover, and the edge of the Southwest wilderness. A car is essential - there is very limited public transport.
Tahune Airwalk
The Tahune Airwalk is the Huon Valley's signature attraction - a 597-metre steel walkway suspended up to 50 metres above the forest floor, offering a bird's-eye view of the canopy of the Tahune Forest. The walk takes you through the tops of ancient Huon pine and swamp gum trees, with views over the Huon and Picton rivers meeting below.
The Airwalk is about 30 minutes west of Geeveston on a sealed road. Entry is $32 per adult. There are additional walking trails at ground level through the forest, including a pleasant riverside walk. The Swinging Bridges walk is a fun addition.
Apple Heritage
The Huon Valley is the heartland of Tasmania's apple industry, which was once the state's most important export. While the industry has shrunk from its peak, apple orchards still dot the valley, and the heritage is celebrated throughout the region.
- Willie Smith's Apple Shed: A quirky cider house, restaurant, and apple museum in an old packing shed at Grove. Live music on weekends, excellent cider, and wood-fired pizza. A Huon Valley essential.
- Frank's Cider: Small-batch organic ciders from heritage apple varieties.
- Home Hill Winery: The valley's best winery, producing cool-climate Pinot Noir and other varieties from a beautiful cellar door overlooking the river.
Hastings Caves & Thermal Springs
Hastings Caves, about 90 minutes south of Hobart, is a spectacular dolomite cave system - the largest tourist cave in Australia. Guided tours take you through chambers of stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone formations. Above ground, the Hastings Thermal Springs offer a natural warm pool (28°C year-round) in a forest setting - a wonderful way to relax after the cave tour.
Cave tours run several times daily and cost $25 per adult (combined cave and thermal springs entry). The thermal pool is free with cave entry or $8 alone.
Geeveston & the Southern Forests
Geeveston is the gateway to the Tahune Airwalk and the southern forests. The small town has a growing cafe scene and is the base for exploring the surrounding wilderness. The Hartz Mountains National Park, about 30 minutes west of Geeveston, offers subalpine walks with stunning views - the walk to Hartz Peak (5 hours return) is one of southern Tasmania's best.
Where to Eat
- Willie Smith's Apple Shed (Grove): See above - essential for cider, pizza, and atmosphere.
- Home Hill Winery (Ranelagh): Cellar door with tastings and platters. The Pinot Noir is exceptional.
- Summer Kitchen Bakery (Huonville): Outstanding bakery with artisan bread, pastries, and pies.
- Masaaki's Sushi (Huonville): Surprisingly excellent Japanese food using fresh Tasmanian seafood.
- The Red Velvet Lounge (Huonville): Cafe with excellent coffee and Tasmanian produce-focused brunch. Mains $16-24.
- Pagan Cider (Cygnet): Cellar door and taproom with small-batch ciders.
Where to Stay
- Budget: Huon Valley Caravan Park (camping and cabins near Huonville), Dover Beachside Tourist Park.
- Mid-Range: Kermandie Lodge (hotel and marina in Port Huon with river views. From $140), Arve Eco Cabins (sustainable cabins near Geeveston in the forest).
- Luxury: Tassie Tiger Lodge (luxury accommodation in the hills above Huonville), Huon Bush Retreats (eco-cabins in old-growth forest at Ranelagh).
Practical Tips
- Weather: The Huon Valley has a cool, wet climate - significantly cooler and wetter than Hobart. Bring warm layers and rain gear, especially for the Tahune Airwalk and Hastings Caves. - Getting around: A car is essential. The valley is spread out and there is no public transport. - Day trip or overnight: The Huon Valley works well as a day trip from Hobart (combining the Tahune Airwalk and Willie Smith's is a great day), but an overnight stay allows you to explore Hastings Caves, Hartz Mountains, and the southern coast. - Cygnet: The artsy village of Cygnet, between Huonville and the coast, has excellent cafes, galleries, and a popular Friday evening market in summer.
AUBIS Tip
: The Huon Valley is a fantastic day trip from Hobart. Use AUBIS to plan a circuit - drive south to the Tahune Airwalk in the morning, explore Geeveston for lunch, continue to Hastings Caves and the thermal springs, then stop at Willie Smith's Apple Shed for cider on the way back to Hobart. The platform will help you time the cave tours and manage the driving distances.