Give your eyes and tastebuds a treat with a trip to the Huon Valley. Just 40 minutes away from Hobart, Huon Valley offers incredible gourmet meals, relaxing experiences, and stunning sights that will give you a much-needed reprieve from the city. You can take a leisurely cruise along the river, savoring farm-to-table dishes and enjoying an easy and scenic walk — all in a single day.
Get inspired for your Hobart to Huon Valley day trip with these 12 unforgettable things to do there and near it, and rent a Klook car rental for your adventure!
1. Kayaking around Huon River
Photo Credit: Bhuwan Bansal on Unsplash
What better way to take in all the views of the Huon River than by exploring it at your own pace? Go on a kayak ride through the glittering waters of the river and marvel at the vibrant scenery of the surrounding South Egg Island and mountain peaks. Haven’t tried kayaking before? No prob — it’s a beginner-friendly activity! Even kids as young as seven can join in on the fun.
2. Go on a cruise around the Huon River
Photo Credit: Peter Robinson (@digitalmargate) on Unsplash
If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, opt for a cruise along the Huon River. As you drift down the stream, you’ll get a front-row view of the tree-lined waterway and the dramatic peaks of the nearby mountains. For the ultimate experience, enjoy the cruise with a side of Huon Valley’s finest: a glass of cider and bruschetta topped with caponata.
3. See the valley’s waterfalls
Photo Credit: Karen Chew (@karenchew) on Unsplash
One of the best parts about Huon Valley is its fantastic location near forests, mountains, and waterfalls. There are so many to choose from. There’s the Pelverata Falls, a towering 114m-tall natural gem framed by rocky cliffs and vivid scenery. It’s best viewed in the winter, but it’s still a gorgeous sight during the summer. Another option is the Arve Falls, located in Hartz Mountains National Park, which boasts postcard-worthy cascading waterfalls through copper-colored rocks.
4. Ride a jet boat
Photo Credit: Josh Withers on Unsplash
In the mood for some high-speed, adrenaline-pumping action? Take a jet boat down the Huon River, where you can marvel at the captivating countryside while enjoying exciting twists and turns. The best part is that the area typically gets better weather than Hobart so you can enjoy the jet boat ride all year round.
5. Try the local apple cider
Photo Credit: Apple and Pear Australia Ltd on Flickr (Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0))
Tasmania is called the Apple Isle for a reason, and there’s arguably no better place to discover why than at Willie Smith's Apple Shed. Established in 1942 and winner of several awards, the cider house-slash-museum-slash-cafe is a Tasmanian institution. You can discover the state’s apple heritage at the museum, enjoy a cider tasting, and grab a meal — all in one location.
6. Explore Hastings Cave
Photo Credit: Anthony Tong Lee on Flickr (Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-ND 2.0))
In the mood for a change in scenery? Just an hour away from Huon Valley, Hastings Cave offers stunning views unlike any other. Marvel at awe-inspiring stalactites, columns, stalagmites, and more subterranean formations. What sets it apart from other caves is that there are no narrow walkways, so you’ll get more space to take in the scenery. There are 250 stairs each way, so make sure to wear comfy shoes!
7. Take a stroll along the Tahune Airwalk
Photo Credit: Atsushi Kase on Flickr (Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0))
Get a whole new perspective on the Huon River on a walk along the Tahune Airwalk. With an elevation of 30 meters, you can take in uninterrupted views of the vibrant forest and flowing river. It’s here where you can see the peaks of Huon and Picton, as well as the panorama of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
8. Admire the view from South Cape Bay
Photo Credit: Andy Tyler on Flickr (Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-ND 2.0))
Keen to get some physical activity? There might not be a more scenic trail than the South Cape Bay walk. At 16km long, it’s actually the easiest part of the most challenging hike in Tasmania, the South Coast Track. Along the way, you’ll spot marshlands, forests, and even a gorgeous beach, where you can take a break and swim. But be careful because the beach is unpatrolled.
9. Enjoy a meal at one of the great farms
Photo Credit: Pauline Ma on Flickr (Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0))
It’s not just apples that Huon Valley is known for. The town also makes world-class produce. From saffron, mushrooms, beef, or berries, the valley is overflowing with gourmet restaurants and quaint cafes. For the freshest ingredients and most flavorful dishes, go for the farm-to-table dining experiences like at the Fat Pig Farm and Farmhouse Kitchen.
10. Visit Sleeping Beauty
Photo Credit: Jonny on Flickr (Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0))
She’s beauty and grace. It’s Sleeping Beauty right at the heart of Tasmania. Made up of the Collins Bonnet and Trestle mountains, the mountain range looks like the silhouette of a woman lying down with her face pointing upward. You can get a fantastic view of Beauty at the Sleeping Beauty Mountain range lookout point or on the drive north to Hobart from Franklin.
11. Hike up Adamsons Peak
Photo Credit: Cowirrie on Flickr (Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0))
Challenge yourself to a hike up Adamsons Peak. The return journey usually takes around six hours to complete and offers vistas of rugged cliffs, tranquil waterways, and stunning grasslands. For the best weather, follow the trail anytime from October through March and take in the view of the surrounds from its 1,225-meter-high summit.
12. Go on the Lake Esperance Walk
Looking for an easier trail in the Hartz National Park? The Lake Esperance Walk is exactly the trail for you. At only 3.4 km, it takes only around two hours to complete and is ideal for all types of hikers, even those without any bushwalking experience. While it may have a shorter distance, you’ll still get a magnificent view of the Alpine Highlands and the Huon Valley.
While staying in Hobart, Huon Valley is just within reach, especially with a car. Don’t have a car? Don’t fret. Book your car rental on Klook to get the best deals and select the right model that suits you best. Explore Huon Valley and beyond without worrying about trains and bus schedules.
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