🌄 Exploring the Huon Valley
A Local Guide to Huonville, Franklin, Glen Huon, Cygnet, Judbury, Ranelagh, Grove & the Far South
The Huon Valley is one of Tasmania’s most beautiful regions — a place of rivers, forests, food, heritage, wildlife, and adventure. From the bustling heart of Huonville to the quiet riverside of Franklin, the artistic charm of Cygnet, and the wild beauty of the Far South, there is something here for every visitor.
Use this guide to explore the region during your stay at Riverfront Estate.
🏙️ Huonville
The Heart of the Huon Valley
Huonville is the main service town and the perfect starting point for your Huon Valley adventure.
Things to Do in Huonville
- Stroll the Huon River Esplanade
- Feed the ducks and enjoy the riverside views
- Visit Huon Jet for jet boat rides, pedal boats & aqua bikes
- BBQ areas, picnic tables, shelters & public toilets
- Free public WIFI
- Cafés, bakeries & eateries throughout town
- Secure, shaded playgrounds for kids
- Public outdoor swimming pool
- RV dump point
- Huonville Caravan Park (1.5 km from town centre)
🚴 Huon Cycling – Bike Hire
105 Wilmot Rd, Huonville
Hire a bike and explore Huonville at your own pace. Ride along the river, loop through town, or create your own trail up one side of the river and back down the other.
Website: www.huonbikes.com
🚤 Huon Jet Boat
Lower Esplanade, Huonville
Tasmania’s only white‑water jet boating adventure.
Experience thrilling 360‑degree spins, fast river runs, and calm reflections on the tannin‑stained Huon River.
For a gentler option, try the pedal boats or aqua bikes, or relax at the riverside café.
Website: www.huonjet.com
⚓ Franklin
Heritage, Boats & Riverside Charm
Just 10 minutes south of Huonville, Franklin is one of Tasmania’s prettiest riverside towns.
🪵 Wooden Boat Centre
3333 Huon Highway, Franklin
Discover traditional Tasmanian timber boat building.
See Huon Pine and other rare timbers being hand‑crafted into beautiful vessels.
Take a guided tour, explore maritime displays, and browse the gift shop.
Website: www.woodenboatcentre.com
⛵ Yukon Tours – Franklin Marina
Sail the Huon River aboard the beautifully restored Danish ketch Yukon.
This calm‑water 90‑minute cruise is suitable for all ages and offers stunning views of the valley.
Private charters, gourmet cruises, and overnight trips are also available.
Website: www.yukon-tours.com.au
🌿 Judbury
A peaceful riverside village just 15 minutes from Huonville.
Perfect for a quiet walk, feeding ducks, or visiting the Judbury Community Market (2nd Sunday each month).
🎨 Cygnet
A vibrant, artistic town known for food, music, and culture.
Enjoy riverside walks, cafés, galleries, and the famous Cygnet Market (1st & 3rd Sundays).
🌼 Ranelagh
Home to The Kiln Eatery, The Kiln Market, and beautiful rural scenery.
A great stop for food lovers and market explorers.
🍏 Grove
Known for orchards, cider, and the iconic Willie Smith’s Apple Shed — home to weekly artisan markets and local produce.
🕳️ Hastings Caves & Thermal Springs
The Largest Cave Open to the Public in the Southern Hemisphere
Located in the Far South, Hastings Caves State Reserve is home to Newdegate Cave, the largest dolomite cave open to visitors in the entire Southern Hemisphere.
Guided tours take you deep underground into a cool, cathedral‑like world filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and rare cave formations.
What to Do at Hastings Caves
- Guided tours of Newdegate Cave
- Relax in the Thermal Springs Pool (28°C year‑round)
- Forest walks through the reserve
- Picnic areas, BBQ shelters & change rooms
- Wildlife spotting — pademelons, birds, and sometimes platypus
Travel Time:
- 1 hr 20 min from Huonville
A perfect half‑day or full‑day adventure.
🏝️ Bruny Island (Day Trip Option)
Bruny Island Cruises
Adventure Bay, Bruny Island
A world‑class wildlife and coastal adventure.
This award‑winning 3‑hour cruise explores sea cliffs, caves, seals, dolphins, and seabirds along Bruny’s rugged coastline.
Website: www.brunycruises.com.au
🏡 Stay at Riverfront Estate
Located in the centre of Huonville, Riverfront Estate is the perfect base for exploring the entire Huon Valley — from Franklin’s heritage to Cygnet’s culture, Judbury’s riverside beauty, and the wild coastline of Bruny Island and the Far South.