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Gavin Wyatt guides campervan explorers and other travelers to the sights and attractions of Tasmania’s the Huon.

View from the Tahune Air Walk in the Huon Valley by ShadeNinja

The deep south of Tasmania is a land evocative of fairytales. The fruit growing in the lush valleys and plains is plumper than anywhere in Australia, and the snow capped crags and alpine moorlands lying on the horizon complete the storybook setting. Its all real though, lying there waiting to be explored by intrepid campervan adventurers such as yourself. And with the Huon Valley, the centrepiece of these southern parts, being just a 40 minute drive from Hobart, there is no reason not to take a drive around this magnificent region. Give yourself time though– there is lots to see and do!

At Stephen’s place in Geeveston by jessibot

While Hobart seems to have advanced with the times and has a very modern appeal to it, the Huon Valley has kept the charm of its past eras adding to the feel that your drive is taking you into another world. Apple and timber are the chief incomes here, and thick forests and fruit laden apple plantations line the road for much of the way. The small settlements dotted up and down the coast are centres for the production and process of these two industries, as they have been for many years. Towns like Geeveston have managed to retain the quaint heritage of the early days of their settlement, and they are a charming place to base your campervan and tour the surrounds from.

Apple & Heritage Museum by epeirogenic

To immerse yourself in the apple growing heritage of this region pay a visit to the Huon Apple and Heritage Museum. Here you will be transported back to the early days of apple production with its displays of working machines, and other artifacts and photographs. A former packing shed, there are also over 500 different varieties of apple on display here! In Geeveston you can also become better acquainted with timber industry and its past with a visit to the Forest and Heritage Centre. Forests are an integral part of Tasmania, and this centre provides a hands on interpretation of foresting practices and how these align with preservation and conservation. You can also enjoy the collection of antique machines, and take a ride on a sculptured log truck!

South Cape Rivulet by Rick McCharles

The coastline of the southern parts of Tasmania is spectacular. Some parts are inaccessible, they are simply too wild and rugged. This does not detract anything from their beauty, which you can still enjoy from afar at various lookout points. The rocky headlands that protrude into the sea are punctuated by pristine white beaches, and one of the most unforgettable of these is Cockle Creek, which also marks the farthest point south you can drive in Australia. Its sapphire-blue waters are a great spot for a morning swim, and the drive through the forests to reach here is spectacular.

Waratah lookout, Hartz Mountains National Park by Aschaf

The ultimate spot for appreciating the mountains of this region is the Hartz Mountains National Park. Accessed from Geeveston, the amazing peaks here offer a wide variety of bushwalks where the views of the surrounding landscapes will blow you away. In winter the summits are snow capped, and when the warmer months come and the snow melts it cascades down the mountain sides in very impressive waterfalls. With the spring the wildlife comes out to play, and the green forests fill with the cry of the numerous bird species. Its a special time of year to drive through this region, and camping is permitted throughout the park, which means you can stop your campervan wherever you please.

The end of the Tahune Walk by Simon Lieschke

Bushwalkers will be in their element in the Tahune Forest Reserve, where you can experience a hike with a difference over the Tahune Airwalk. This is a 600 metre long platform elevated 20 metres above the ground with a cantilever in the middle that rises to 48 metres in height. The views from up here of the forest and the junction of the Picton and Huon Rivers are well worth the climb. Its also the best place to see the Huon Pines growing in their natural riverine environment. The walk is an easy one and can be managed by most people, although the climb up the cantilever is a bit trickier.

Hastings Caves by daecon

For more natural wonders head to the Hastings Caves and go on a tour through these cavernous chambers that started their formation over 40 million years ago. The stalactite adornations hanging from the ceilings and glistening in the torchlight create a rich tapestry like a scene from a science fiction movie. Outside there are incredibly warm natural thermal springs that are a refreshing place for a dip, after which you can make use of the barbecue and picnic facilities. Its a perfect days outing!

Any time of the year is a good time to visit the Huon Valley and the south of Tasmania. The variety and the diversity of the countryside and its attractions are such that you can fill a thousand campervan holidays, and you will find after a few days here you will just want to stay forever! March is a popular time to visit, because of the “Taste of the Huon” festival which is a celebration of the fresh produce this fertile region is famous for. So bear that in mind when you plan your holiday to the Huon!

Gavin Wyatt is a journalist with a passion for travel. Originally from Zambia he has traveled around the world to end up on the sunny shores of Australia. For more of his articles, visit Discovery Campervans. His guest post was originally published at travelarticlelibrary.com

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