Cygnet is a small hamlet in Tasmania, well known for being a little bit hippie and offering an alternative lifestyle.
Located 50km (1 hour drive) from Hobart in the beautiful Huon Valley, you should definitely visit Cygnet on your road trip of Tasmania.
The region grows orchard fruits such as apples, berries and cherries, as well as offering great coffee, art and paddock-to-plate food experiences.
Keep reading for the ultimate guide to visiting Cygnet.
Cygnet’s Best Restaurants, Cafés and Artisan Food
Best Breakfast in Cygnet
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.
Best Coffee in Cygnet
With a population of only 1,556 people, you wouldn’t expect Melbourne-standard coffee in Cygnet, but it’s exactly what you’ll get.
The Beansmith Coffee Roasters definitely offers the best coffee in Cygnet, but the coffee bar is only open on Saturdays.
If you don’t end up visiting at the weekend, Red Velvet Lounge does great barista coffee along with gluten free & vegan cakes.
Best Places for Lunch in Cygnet
For lunch, both Lovett Cafe and Jacky’s Cafe are brilliant (don’t miss the popular scallop pies at Jacky’s).
Best Bakery in Cygnet
Poolish & Co. is the best bakery in Cygnet, offering organic artisanal sourdough, classic French pastries and homemade pies.
Best Bar/ Evening Spot in Cygnet
Cygnet Japanese Diner also offers authentic Japanese sushi, ramen & curry on Thursday and Friday evenings (or else you can have lunch there pretty much every day).
Best Takeaway in Cygnet
For some tasty takeaway from the comfort of your hotel room, Roy’s Bitz of Old Pizza is the one.
Best Food Shops and Markets in Cygnet
Cygnet Garden Larder is a popular organic grocery store selling local produce, whole foods and pantry supplies.
Tasmanian fish and seafood is some of the best in the world, and Cygnet Garden Larder sells a selection of locally caught fish and sustainable smoked salmon from the Meander River.
If you love local produce and artisan goods, you should also visit the vibrant Cygnet Market, which takes place on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month.
Best Cooking Classes in Cygnet
For a unique cooking class experience in Tasmania, head to The Farmhouse Kitchen.
Tasmania has a strong history of Italian migration, and cooking classes at The Farmhouse Kitchen will teach you how to make traditional southern Italian dishes from the region of Puglia.
Located just outside Cygnet in the rolling hills of the Huon Valley, your host Giuliana offers traditional pasta masterclasses followed by authentic Italian lunch and wine.
The experience is intimate and personal, and the reviews are out of this world.
Cygnet’s Best Accommodation & Hotels
Luxury Accommodation in Cygnet
Cygnet Retreat is definitely the most luxury holiday apartment in Cygnet.
The architecturally designed three bedroom, two bathroom holiday home has a big sleek terrace overlooking the picturesque countryside around Cygnet.
It also has an outdoor hot tub, a modern kitchen, brand new bathrooms and luxury furnishings throughout.
You can book Cygnet Retreat on Airbnb here.
Mid-Range Accommodation in Cygnet
Cygnet Old Bank is a great choice for a mid-range hotel in the town centre.
The heritage building has been lovingly transformed into a B&B with three charming ensuite rooms available.
Most bookings include breakfast, which is served at the Conservatory Cafe.
Rooms at Cygnet Old Bank are always sold out so book here to avoid disappointment.
Budget Accommodation near Cygnet
If you’re after some cheap accommodation near Cygnet, you can’t go wrong with The 2C’s Bed & Breakfast.
Located right on the river at Gardner’s Bay, The 2C’s is a tranquil spot about 30 minutes walk from Cygnet town centre.
The rooms are basic but clean, and a breakfast of cereal and toasts with preserves is included.
The owner Chris will also help sort out a lift for you to Fat Pig Farm if you’ve got tickets for a long table lunch.
Cygnet’s Art, Culture & History
Cygnet is known for being a creative town with tonnes of art and culture to enjoy.
Cygnet Folk Festival
Cygnet is probably best known for The Cygnet Folk Festival.
Running since 1982, the popular three-day folk music festival offers a unique Village Festival experience in peaceful surroundings.
Cygnet Folk Festival is held each year in January, where thousands of festival gooers enjoy performances from local and international artists.
As well as folk music, Cygnet Music Festival offers roots and acoustic music, dance, poetry and workshops.
Cygnet Art Galleries
There are a couple of art galleries in Cygnet that you should definitely visit.
Stanley’s Studio showcases paintings of quintessential Tasmanian landscapes and offers affordable prints in various sizes.
Huon Art displays abstract landscape paintings of the Huon Valley area.
Cygnet Museums
Cygnet Living History Museum is a community run museum that details the indigenous history of the area, European settlement, the convict era, historic buildings and the boat building industry.
Visitors are asked to pay a donation to support the work of the museum, which is only open during the summer months (Dec-Feb).
Shopping in Cygnet
Paddock to Garment
For a unique shopping experience in Cygnet, you need to go to Paddock to Garment.
Specialising in handmade clothing woven with alpaca wool from the owners very own local farm, a trip to the studio/ stables allows you to admire and purchase some eclectic garments (and see the friendly alpacas!).
Clothing and Homewares Boutiques in Cygnet
Near and Far is a charming gift shop selling crafts, clothing, homewares, jewellery and natural beauty products from around the world.
Also, Three Twigs is another clothing & homeware boutique definitely worth checking out.
Cygnet’s Best Walks & Hikes
The best walk in Cygnet town is around Burtons Reserve.
Located on the water at the southern end of Cygnet, the large reserve is great for bird watching and strolling the boardwalks over the wetlands.
Burtons Reserve is also a great spot for kids and families, with a large outdoor playground, picnic tables and flat pathways for children to ride bikes or scooters.
If you want to head out of town, the walk between Mickeys Beach and Randalls Bay is stunning and only a few minutes drive from Cygnet town centre.
Hiking enthusiasts with access to a car may want to conquer the Hartz Mountains, offering beautiful views of Southern Tasmania.
Cygnet’s Best Wineries and Distilleries
Pagan Cider
The Huon Valley region is famous for apple growing, so obviously you’re going to find some good cider distilleries in the area.
Pagan Cider in Cygnet is one of Tasmania’s premium craft cider producers.
It’s located a couple of minutes’ drive outside of the town centre, and the ‘Pagan Shed’ cellar door is one of the best tasting spots in the country.
Open every day, head down to the sunny courtyard for free cider tastings or to buy a bottle or two.
Hartzview Vineyard
To try some Southern Tasmanian wines you need to go to Hartzview Vineyard.
As the name would suggest, the vineyard offers marvelous views of the Hartz mountain ranges.
At Hartzview, you can try their selection of cool climate table wines including fortified fruit ports, liqueurs and spiced apple liqueur mead.
The cellar door is open from Monday to Saturday and drop-ins are welcome.
Transport in Cygnet
Many tourists drive to Cygnet as part of their roadtrip around Tasmania.
Alternatively, you can get the bus from Hobart to Cygnet, which takes just over an hour with a couple of services a day.