This post was originally published on A Globe Well Travelled in 2021. The content has been revised and updated with fresh information.
The Huon Valley is one of those places that can show you everything that Tasmania is really about.
People travel south to this state to be engrossed in the natural scenery, to eat the local produce, to get up close to the wildlife, and to smell the remarkably fresh air. If you’re hoping to do all of that in a day trip from Hobart, this Huon Valley itinerary is a winner.
When travelling to this area, you’ll pass through some charming small towns and see the apple orchards that Tasmania is so well known for. There’ll be plenty of opportunities to spot native animals, and your ultimate reward will be a serene forest that can be admired from the canopy level as you wander through the treetops. Sounds pretty awesome, right?
I recently revisited this area after more than a decade and was super impressed by how much it has to offer travellers from interstate or abroad. If you’ll be visiting Hobart and are looking for an outing that will let you experience some of the best parts of Tassie in a day, here’s my recommended itinerary for a Huon Valley day trip!
Quick summary:
A Huon Valley day trip from Hobart is a scenic, easy day out showcasing southern Tasmania’s best food, wildlife, and forest scenery. Experience cider tastings, a chance to spot wild platypus in Geeveston, and a walk among the treetops at the famous Tahune Airwalk.
Recommended tours:
🍎 Huon Valley Day Tour with Tahune Airwalk – Visit the Tahune Airwalk, explore Geeveston, and enjoy a full-day Huon Valley experience without driving.
🌲 Tahune Airwalk Entry Ticket – Enjoy flexible entry to Tahune Adventures and explore the famous treetop airwalk at your own pace.
🍷 Food & Wine Taste of Southern Tasmania Tour – Sample premium wines, cider, honey, and gourmet Tasmanian produce on a small-group foodie adventure.
Why visit the Huon Valley?
The Huon Valley is one of Tasmania’s most underrated regions. It’s close enough to Hobart for an easy day trip, yet far enough away to feel like a quiet escape into nature. Visitors come here for the apple orchards, riverside scenery, relaxed small towns, and of course, the famous Tahune Airwalk. It’s also one of the best places in Tasmania to spot a wild platypus, making it a top pick for wildlife lovers.
When to go to the Huon Valley:
Any time of year is suitable for this Huon Valley day trip, though the majority of tourists choose to visit during the summer months.
We visited the Huon Valley in mid June, which is well and truly into the Tasmanian winter. The temperature can be chilly and the days are shorter around the solstice, but it’s absolutely possible to do all the activities at this time of year if you dress appropriately. Travelling in winter can actually be a bonus because there are fewer people to compete with at all the photo spots!
Rain showers can happen during any season in Tasmania, so be prepared for changeable weather conditions. It had been wet all week before our recent trip, but luckily the clouds cleared up enough for us to explore the area without it being too much of a problem.
How to get to the Huon Valley:
If you’ll be renting a car in Tasmania, then driving to the Huon Valley is the best option. It’ll take about 3 hours round trip (1.5 hours each way) to get from Hobart to Tahune. This itinerary can easily be done in a day, but make sure you leave early enough to arrive at Tahune before the last tickets are sold at 3PM.
🚐 If you’d prefer to have your transport organised, you can hop on a Tahune Airwalk & Huon Valley Day Tour from Hobart. This small group tour will take you to the Tahune Airwalk, Hastings Caves, and hot thermal springs.
Best things to do in the Huon Valley:
Willie Smiths Apple Shed
Forego breakfast today, as the first stop on this Huon Valley itinerary is one food experience you won’t want to miss. On the approach to Huonville you’ll be entering Tasmania’s biggest apple growing region, and situated on roadside is the popular Willie Smith’s Apple Shed–an apple orchard and eatery where some of Tasmania’s best cider is brewed.
Hop inside to check out their gift shop, bar, and kitchen. They sell large slices their famous apple pie with vanilla bean ice cream (or other brunch foods if that’s not your thing) as well as a selection of ciders on tap. Our last visit was in winter so we chose a mug of mulled cider to have with our pie, which we ate outside in the barn next to the firepit.
🍷 If you’d prefer a gourmet twist on your Huon Valley escape, consider joining the Food & Wine Taste of Southern Tasmania Tour.
This premium full-day experience takes you to boutique vineyards, cider makers, and local producers, with tastings of cool-climate wines, handcrafted spirits, seasonal ciders, and raw honey straight from the hive. Depending on the day, you’ll enjoy a gourmet lunch at a winery or cosy taphouse, and there’s even an option to add a hands-on cheese-making session with Tasmania’s only sheep’s milk cheesemaker. It’s the perfect choice for travellers who want to combine scenery with Tasmania’s best flavours.
Tahune Airwalk
The Tahune Airwalk, part of Tahune Adventures, is the highlight of any Huon Valley day trip. This elevated walkway stands up to 50 metres above the forest floor, offering sweeping views of the Huon and Picton Rivers and the towering trees below.
🌲 The walk is suitable for most fitness levels and takes around 30–45 minutes, though many visitors spend 1.5–2 hours exploring the surrounding forest trails that are included with your Tahune Airwalk entry ticket.
Recent upgrades have restored the structure after the 2019–20 bushfires, and the airwalk now feels sturdy, modern, and incredibly photogenic. If you arrive later in the afternoon, you may even enjoy the forest almost entirely to yourself — this is exactly what happened during our visit.
My husband and I turned up here quite late to purchase our tickets at 3PM, which is the last sales of the day. By doing this, we basically had the entire park to ourselves! Only a handful of other people were still hanging around which made it super easy to get our photos in all the good spots, including the popular cantilever platform and the swinging bridges track.
The visitor centre closes at 4PM but guests are able to continue exploring after hours and leave whenever they’re done. We ended up leaving just before 5PM as it was getting dark and then drove straight back to Hobart.
Hastings Caves & Thermal Springs
If you have extra time on your Huon Valley day trip, consider driving a little further south to visit to Hastings Caves. These impressive dolomite caves are some of the largest in Australia, featuring massive chambers, striking formations, and cathedral-like spaces that have formed over tens of millions of years. Guided tours run at set times throughout the day and take you deep underground to learn about the geology and history of the cave system.
Just a short walk from the cave entrance are the Hastings Thermal Springs — a naturally heated outdoor thermal pool surrounded by forest. The warm spring water hovers around 28°C year-round, making it especially inviting in winter when the surrounding air is chilly. The site has picnic tables, change rooms, and walking tracks, so it’s easy to spend an hour relaxing here before or after your cave tour.
Platypus walk in Geeveston
A little further down the road is Geeveston, where you have the chance to see a unique animal that is hard to spot elsewhere in Australia. My husband and I were very sceptical about whether we would see a platypus in Geeveston or not–we had been tantalised with the prospect of seeing one at Mount Field National Park last summer only to leave disappointed when the shy animals eluded us.
The platypus walk starts from the roadside and follows a path beside the Kermandie River, which is home to a small platypus population. Our walk revealed nothing until the very end when we were just about to give up entirely. Finally, a platypus appeared underneath the bridge where the Huon Highway crosses the river. It swam along the surface for a few seconds before diving down to the riverbed and repeating the process as it foraged for food. I was stoked–it was amazing to watch!
After the platypus walk, have a wander around the Geeveston town centre. There’s a cute lolly shop that sells a large range of sweets, locally made jams, and Tasmanian Valhalla ice cream, as well as the very popular Masaaki’s Sushi takeaway if you’re wondering where to eat in the Huon Valley.
What to bring on a Huon Valley day trip:
- Comfortable, water-resistant shoes are a must. Some of the car parks and walking paths can get muddy after rain, and there are some gravel and dirt paths involved. It would be very wise to choose comfort over fashion for these activities.
- A rain jacket (or alternatively an umbrella) is also a smart idea. Tassie’s weather can change at any moment so don’t expect that the skies will stay clear.
- Sunscreen and a hat if you’re travelling in summer. You’ll be spending a fair bit of time outdoors on this itinerary.
- A water bottle is also necessary, especially if you plan to do some of the walks. We kept a reusable insulated drink bottle in the car to sip on between locations.
Huon Valley day trip FAQ:
Is the Huon Valley worth visiting?
Absolutely — the Huon Valley is one of the best day trips from Hobart, offering forest walks, river scenery, good food, and the famous Tahune Airwalk.
How far is the Huon Valley from Hobart?
It takes around 1.5 hours to drive from Hobart to the Tahune Airwalk, making it very doable as a day trip.
Can you get to the Huon Valley without a car?
Yes — while driving is the easiest option, you can visit the Huon Valley without your own car by joining a guided day tour from Hobart. These tours typically include return transport and stops at top attractions.
How long do you need at the Tahune Airwalk?
Most travellers spend 1.5–2 hours exploring the airwalk and the surrounding forest trails. If you’re short on time, you can complete the main airwalk in about 30–45 minutes.
Is the Tahune Airwalk suitable for kids or seniors?
Yes — the walkway is sturdy and relatively flat, with railings throughout. Some side trails are uneven, but the main airwalk is accessible for most visitors.
Do you need to book Tahune Airwalk tickets in advance?
It’s not essential, but helpful in peak periods. The last tickets are sold at 3PM.
Can you see a platypus in Geeveston?
Yes! The Geeveston platypus walk is one of the most reliable places in Tasmania to spot a wild platypus. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best chances.
Leave a Reply