Welcome to your ultimate Huon Valley Foodie Tour itinerary for 2023:
- Stop 1: Willie Smith’s Apple Shed
- Stop 2: Kate Hill Wines
- Stop 3: Ranelagh General Store
- Stop 4: Glen Huon Dairy Farm & Farm Shop
- Stop 5: Huonville (Jin’s Kitchen, Tangaroa Kai Fish & Chips, Reba Sear Coffee)
- Stop 6: Pagan Cider
- Stop 7: Early Bird Farmgate Stall
- Stop 8: Cygnet Paddock to Plate Experience: Farmhouse Kitchen
- Stop 9: Artisan Food & Coffee in Cygnet Town Centre
- Stop 10: Franklin (Cinnamon and Cherry, Osteria @ Petty Sessions, Frank’s Cider)
- Stop 11: Geeveston (Masaaki’s Sushi, Old Bank, Harvest and Light)
- Stop 12: Little Black Fridge
- Stop 13: Post Office 6985
- Stop 14: Rocket @ the End of the Road
The Huon Valley is an area of natural beauty, found an hour south of Hobart.
The rolling hills, rivers and coastlines of this part of Western Tasmania are well known for apple growing and cider making, whilst modern eateries focus their menus on the abundance of local produce.
The Huon Valley Foodie Tour 2022 takes you to all of the best distilleries, wineries, restaurants and coffee shops in the Huon Valley, as well as stopping off at some famous farmgate stalls for roadtrip snacks!
Stop 1: Willie Smith’s Apple Shed
The first stop on your Huon Valley food tour is Willie Smith’s Apple Shed.
Tasmania isn’t called the ‘Apple Isle’ for nothing, and the Huon Valley is famous for apple growing.
Located in the rural locality of Grove, the entrance to the Huon Valley, Willie Smith’s cider is renowned across Tasmania and beyond.
Set against acres of apple orchards, The barn at Willie Smith’s provides the perfect spot for some cider tasting.
Whether you do a distillery tour to learn about cider and apple brandy production, or simply choose a tasting paddle in the Apple Shed, the taste of Willie Smith’s cider isn’t something you’ll forget easily.
And there’s a reason Willie Smith’s cider tastes so good, because the apples are grown, harvested, juiced and fermented all on site.
Also, don’t miss the famous Willie Smith’s apple pie.
The well-loved dessert is handmade straight from the orchard and served with a dollop of local ice cream.
In winter, the mulled apple cider spiced with cinnamon goes down a treat too.
Don’t miss Friday night live music at the Shed, or the Saturday morning Artisan Markets with local bands and community activities.
Stop 2: Kate Hill Wines
Next, it’s time to take the five minute drive from Willie Smith’s to Kate Hill Wines.
Undoubtedly the best winery in the Huon Valley, Kate Hill Wines specialises in cool climate wines such as chardonnay, pinot noir and shiraz.
The wines are made in an old apple packing shed from the 19th century, and the cellar door is so worth a visit.
In the intimate tasting room, you can sample some of the Kate Hill Wines range for free and buy a bottle or two to enjoy during the rest of your Tassie road trip.
Kate Hill Wines is also one of the most family-friendly wineries in Tasmania, welcoming kids to run around the lawns, fly a kite or play with the resident dog!
The cellar door is open Wednesday to Sunday 11am – 4pm for walk ins or by appointment only at other times during the week.
Stop 3: Ranelagh General Store
Surely hungry after tasting some of Tasmania’s best cider and wine, it’s time to stop for some food at Ranelagh General Store.
The breakfast spot and bistro is renowned for its egg-based brunch dishes, along with homemade burgers using locally sourced ingredients.
If you don’t have time for a sit down meal, Summer Kitchen Organic Bakery next door offers organic woodfired sourdough, vegan, veggie and meat pies along with pastries and cakes.
Stop 4: Glen Huon Dairy Farm & Farm Shop
Glen Huon Dairy Farm & Farm Shop is an organic, sustainable farm that sells homemade products to cheese-loving visitors.
A visit to the Glen Huon Farm Shop promises various homemade cheeses, as well as freshly baked crumpets, raw milk and pickled goods.
Even better, Glen Huon Dairy does farm tours.
Farm tours give you a behind-the-scenes look at the small-scale dairy farm, teaching you about their sustainable farming principles and letting you meet the cows.
Stop 5: Best Food in Huonville
Just a couple of minute’s drive south of Kate Hill Wines, Huonville is the largest town in the Huon Valley and known as its main centre.
Best Restaurant in Huonville
The best restaurant in Huonville is Jin’s Kitchen.
Open for lunch and dinner, Jin’s Kitchen does really good Korean food.
Locals and tourists love the Korean fried chicken, as well as the chilli prawns, kimchi dumplings and Korean BBQ dishes (veggie and vegan choices are ample too!).
Best Takeaway Food in Huonville
Tangaroa Kai is a street food van offering some of the best fish and chips in Tassie.
It’s only open Friday-Sunday, so try and plan your Huon Valley trip around this if you can (the seafood basket is so worth it!).
Alternatively, Huonvalley Bakery Cafe is the best spot for a quick lunch-to-go, offering sandwiches, pies and cakes.
Best Coffee in Huonville
You’ll find the best coffee in Huonville at Reba Sear, a community coffee shop and workshop space selling artisan gifts and homewares (they also do lovely breakfast).
Stop 6: Pagan Cider
After leaving Huonville, it’s time to veer off the Huon Highway and instead take the Channel Highway towards the town of Cygnet.
Just before you hit town, you’ll come across Pagan Cider.
Along with Willie Smith’s Apple Shed, Pagan Cider is another one of the best cider distilleries in Tasmania.
As an artisan craft cider producer, Pagan Cider is a must-visit stop on the Huon Valley Foodie Tour.
Open every day, pull up to the ‘Pagan Shed’ cellar door and grab a paddle of ciders to try (the cherry cider is magnificent).
You can also buy bottles (or crates!) to takeaway and enjoy during the rest of your trip.
Stop 7: Early Bird Farmgate Stall
If you fancy a bit of cooking in your Airbnb or on your camp stove during your roadtrip, the wonderful farmgate stall at Early Bird farm offers fresh organic vegetables straight from the soil.
The Early Bird market garden is found by the roadside just after you leave Pagan Cider Distillery.
Operating an honesty box policy, bring some cash with you to buy the tastiest veggies in Tasmania.
Stop 8: Paddock to Plate Experiences in Cygnet
Next, it’s time to hit the ‘alternative lifestyle’ town of Cygnet.
As well as offering great art, culture and artisan goods, the Cygnet area is also where you’ll find a really authentic cooking school experience.
The Farmhouse Kitchen
The Farmhouse Kitchen offers the unique opportunity to make traditional southern Italian dishes from the region of Puglia.
Your host Giuliana will teach you traditional Italian recipes passed down from her madre & nonna, using local ingredients from the Huon Valley.
First, you’ll partake in a fresh pasta masterclass (ravioli, tagliatelle and more!), before sitting down for an Italian lunch with wine.
Giuliana will teach you the secrets of Italian cooking, along with stories from her beloved homeland.
The Farmhouse Kitchen overlooks the rolling hills of the Huon Valley, providing the most tranquil spot for Italian cooking with friends.
Stop 9: Artisan Food & Coffee in Cygnet Town Centre
After enjoying a leisurely farm to table experience, you should definitely nip onto Cygnet main street for some artisan goods and coffee.
Poolish & Co. is the best bakery in the Huon Valley, offering organic artisanal sourdough, classic French pastries and homemade pies.
The Port Hole Cafe is the best breakfast spot in Cygnet.
This is closely followed by Cygnet Conservatory Café, which is found in Cygnet Old Bank.
The Beansmith Coffee Roasters definitely offers the best coffee in Cygnet, but the coffee bar is only open on Saturdays.
If Cygnet’s Paddock to Plate experiences are a little over your budget, but you’d still like a sit down evening meal in Cygnet, I can recommend Ashcraig Farm Thai Food.
Found on a 100% organic farm just outside Cygnet, it’s an unlikely spot for authentic Thai food, but this place is the hidden gem of the Huon Valley.
Stop 10: Best Restaurants in Franklin
After you’ve enjoyed all that Cygnet has to offer, it’s time to take the 15 minute drive back to Huonville and this time veer east towards Franklin.
Franklin is a small township on the Huon River with a population of around 1000 people.
Nevertheless, it’s where you’ll find some of the best quality food in Tasmania.
Cinnamon and Cherry
Your first choice is Cinnamon and Cherry, an authentic Turkish restaurant offering traditional baked eggs for breakfast along with freshly prepared borek, pide and great lamb and aubergine dishes (and vegan options!).
The coffee is good too, as are the freshly baked pastries and tarts.
Osteria @ Petty Sessions
Osteria @ Petty Sessions is the best Italian restaurant in the Huon Valley.
Using fresh Tasmanian ingredients to create authentic handmade Italian-inspired dishes, Osteria @ Petty Sessions has brilliant reviews.
From charcuterie boards to lamb ragu, homemade gnocchi and fresh seafood dishes, you’ll enjoy every bite of your lunch or dinner at Osteria.
Don’t miss the tiramisu, or the excellent wine list either.
Frank’s Cider House and Café
The final foodie destination to visit in Franklin is Frank’s Cider House and Café.
The family behind Frank’s have been growing apples and pears in Franklin since 1836, and their multi-award winning sparkling cider is well worth a try.
Head to the café to sample the full range of cider and visit the Franklin Apple Museum.
Stop 11: Best Restaurants in Geeveston
Next on your Huon Valley Food Tour is the small former logging town of Geeveston, where you’ll find some of the best sushi Australia has to offer.
Masaaki’s Sushi
Masaaki’s Sushi is pretty famous across the state, run by an Osaka-born sushi chef who now feeds Tasmania’s sushi loving locals and tourists.
At Masaaki’s, gourmet sushi is hand made every day using fresh Tasmanian fish and local garnishes.
Try Masaaki’s for yourself and you won’t be disappointed.
The Old Bank of Geeveston
Another brilliant spot in town is The Old Bank of Geeveston.
The old bank building has been lovingly transformed into a rustic bistro, with a menu focussing on Huon Valley produce and locally caught game.
The rabbit ravioli with a glass of local pinot noir gets rave reviews, as do the homemade sweet and savoury tarts.
The Old Bank of Geeveston is only open for breakfast and lunch, so it’s best to visit the town during the day rather than in the evening.
Harvest and Light
Harvest and Light is a great little spot, offering a unique combination of photographic gallery, coffee shop and small batch picklery.
Definitely the best place for coffee in Geeveston, Harvest and Light has a small balcony from which you can enjoy views of the town whilst getting your caffeine fix.
Geeveston Feasts
Geeveston Feasts usually take place on the first Thursday of every month at Geeveston Town Hall.
The event brings together tonnes of local street food vendors, as well as cider makers and wine growers.
Stop 12: Little Black Fridge
Just outside of Geeveston, you’ll find Little Black Fridge.
Farmgate Stalls are found throughout the Huon Valley and have been a popular way for farmers to sell their products for over 150 years.
You’ll see many farmgate stalls selling apples, cherries and other local produce on the side of the road throughout the region, with an honesty box for cash payments.
But the Little Black Fridge is different.
It’s an honesty fridge that’s filled with homebaked cakes, cookies, tarts and fudge.
Keep your eye out for the Little Black Fridge at 9 Britcliffes Rd, Geeveston and make sure you have some cash with you to purchase some unique baked goods.
Stop 13: Post Office 6985
After stocking up on baked goods at the Little Black Fridge, it’s time to head south on the Huon Highway for some woodfired pizza.
Found in the town of Dover on Port Esperance, Post Office 6985 is a cosy evening spot for handmade pizza and a drink or two with good company.
Whilst in the area, don’t miss the white sands and gentle waters of Dover Beach, or the variety of hiking tracks in the area to explore.
Stop 14: Rocket @ the End of the Road
Your very last stop on the Huon Valley Food Tour is found where the road stops.
In the small township of Southport, the Huon Highway stops dead, with just Southport Jetty and the ocean beyond it.
Right at the very end of the road you’ll find the aptly named Rocket @ the End of the Road.
Southport is the most southern township in Australia and it’s pretty damn rural – you wouldn’t expect to find world class Australian coffee here… but you will.
Rocket @ the End of the Road is literally a rocket-shaped kiosk right by the beach, offering brilliant barista coffee and freshly baked muffins.
You can choose to sit in the grassy garden area or take your coffee down to the pristine white beach to enjoy the view.
I hope you enjoyed my itinerary for the Huon Valley Foodie Tour 2022, don’t miss The Best Seafood and Fish You Need to Try in Tasmania!