One does not talk about Huon Valley without involving the D'Entrecasteaux Channel and the offshore Bruny Island. It would certainly be inevitable. This is because the trail that leads to Huon Valley will certainly have the way to D'Entrecasteaux Channel then to the Bruny Island. The journey in this part of Tasmania is as much as interesting as the destination. Waterways, arts and crafts, vineyards, forests, orchards, plus a rich marine life such as salmons and oysters will not fail each of the five senses of the wayward traveler. From the nearby town of Hobart to Huon itself, the path becomes an experience worth remembering. Read more...
Along the way, you will see the oldest round shot tower in the world. If that is not amazingly enough, the panoramic views of Storm Bay and Bruny Island are both breathtaking and an unforgettable experience. The views are just refreshing sights in this far off part of the world.
This must have been one of the sights that could have drawn Captain William Bligh in 1788 to mark the land with its very first apple tree at Adventure Bay. The apple planting must have never stopped ever since that first tree because the Huon and Channel district have both become scented with the smell of orchards cutting through right in the middle by the Huon River. Moving along the downstream direction of the river is where you can find Franklin town. This is where the boat-building industry of the area has been crafted for years. Farther ahead, there is also the town of Geeveston, right in the middle of valleys of eucalyptus trees as old as the valley itself.
On your way to Southport, the dolomite caverns of Lune River and Hastings River are also sights worth seeing. Farther down south, you will reach Recherche Bay which is home to the most southern towns of Australia. The D'Entrecasteaux Channel got its name from the French explorer, Bruni D'entrecasteaux, who first saw the hidden bays and coves in the area. Taking a drive along the road through Snug, Margate, Kettering, Woodbridge, Gordon and Middleton, your will be able to get a glimpse of various yachts and fishing boats which are loaded with the fresh catch of the day. At a distance, especially during a pleasant day in spring, you'll the see the hills' orchards ripen with apple blooms. Blueberries, raspberries, and cherries also form part of the marvelous sight; it's as if you're looking at an impressionist painting.
Since you're on travel, the Bruny Island is just across the channel. Traditionally called Alonnah Lunawanna, the island is off the southeastern coast of Tasmania. With its rich history, stepping on the shores of the island will make you feel like you have stepped into land discovered centuries before by great navigators like Captain James Cook, Captain Bligh, Matthew Flinders and Abel Tasman, the first who came to the island in 1642. There is the Cape Bruny lighthouse built in the area where great views of the sea, penguins, muttonbirds and other wildlife present.