The Huon Valley

The Huon area of Tasmania is one of the state’s most pristine regions, virtually untouched by development. But it’s only 25 minutes from Hobart and features natural beauty, coastline, mountains, adventure and solitude – everything a family getaway should have.

Each township in the Huon Valley has a unique identity and something special to offer families to the area that is worth exploring.

Fun things to do in the Huon Valley

Huonville sits on the banks of the tranquil Huon River, surrounded by the colours of orchards, and the peaks of the World Heritage Area. It is an ideal base for exploring far-south Tasmania. It is renowned for its produce, with roadside stalls selling many of the in-season fruits such as apples, pears and berries, for a fraction of the cost of supermarkets. There is even an apple museum – a fun way for the kids to stay both entertained and healthy.

While you’re near the Huon River, the Huon Jet is the most thrilling family activity to do in the region. Take a ride on a high-powered jet boat that pumps your adrenaline while you travel smoothly and safely through the Huon River and its rapids. Hold on tight throughout the 35-minute journey – the whole family will find it hard to forget the fun 360-degree spins and stunning forest views that come along your journey. When you’re back on land, picnic grounds, BBQ facilities and a playground next to the river provide more entertainment for some family activities in a beautiful part of Tasmania. Get 10 per cent off jet boat rides along the River with the LetsGoKids voucher for a cheaper day out with the family!

Franklin is the next stop on the trail and is home to the Wooden Boat Centre and other operators that offer tours of the nearby waterways, which both kids and their parents will love. A visit to the Wooden Boat Centre shows the art of hand-crafting timber boats through traditional methods – kids love gazing in wonder at these examples of fine craftsmanship! If you want to explore Franklin River and its rapids, Franklin River Rafting is a top-notch Huon Valley family activity, offering a unique white-water adventure tour through the World Heritage Listed Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. 

When you’ve explored the natural beauty of the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers, you’ll most likely be after a cool refreshment and a meal. This is where Franks Cider House and Café comes in handy – it offers a great place to stretch the legs and soak in Tasmania’s Huon Valley and a good menu for everyone in the family to enjoy. While the grown-ups sip on a homebrew cider, kids can do the Frank’s History Search through the grounds to stay entertained.

Geeveston is the gateway to the Great Southern Forests and home to the popular Tahune Airwalk. Known as one of the best Tassie experiences for the family, the Airwalk offers a full day of fun in the great outdoors and is a terrific kids activity in the Huon Valley. See breath-taking views of the forest canopy from Geeveston’s Forest and Heritage Centre! Whilst in Geeveston, be sure to check out the river where the kids might spot a local platypus! You’ll walk above the eucalyptus forest, three storeys from the floor for just over 600 metres, ending in a wobbly journey to look out over the Huon River. If you want to take the experience to the next level, get the kids harnessed up on the hang glider trip over the forest and river! 

Further down south is the Hartz Mountains National Park with rugged mountain peaks and thick rainforest as well as some beautiful lakes. The dolomite caves at Lune River and Hastings are a spectacular must stop spot for families with the Thermal Springs that are naturally heated to 28c.

With so many kids activities and amazing natural environments down the Huon Valley, it is a destination that must be visited!

 

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