Go south and you shall find some of Tasmania’s most beautiful stays.
Tasmania does a pretty fine job of combining dream-like landscapes with good food and inspiring accommodation, but in the Huon Valley, it reaches fever pitch.
From sleek architecturally designed cabins hovering over bucolic valleys to reimagined historic buildings opposite the mighty Huon River, find the best places to stay on Melukerdee country in the Huon Valley with this list.
Just 30 minutes from Hobart, Huonville is the launchpad into the delights of the Huon Valley – cideries, wineries, distilleries, and intimate lunches with star chef, Analiese Gregory are all within a 10-minute radius.
1. Hunter Huon Valley
Winding up the gravel road to Hunter Huon Valley, the trees grow taller and the views more dramatic but it’s only when pulling up to your architecturally designed cabin that the true beauty of the place sinks in.
Sleep in an architecturally designed cabin at Hunter Huon Valley.
Breathe it all in – the Tasmanian Oak-lined interior, the show-stopping bath at the foot of your bed – as you peel off your boots upon arrival. With no TV and no wi-fi to distract you, slow pleasures reign supreme.
Go completely off-grid at Hunter Huon Valley.
Open the Vintec wine fridge to choose your tipple of choice, take your complimentary cheese platter onto the deck, and immerse yourself in the natural bush soundtrack. As dusk falls, light the fire and fill that tub. A soak is the ideal entree before stargazing through the skylight windows above your bed.
Sip some wine while overlooking the valley.
2. Clifton Homestead
We’re not sure what comes first – a languid lunch at The Kiln or checking into your room within the sprawling historic estate of Clifton Homestead in Ranelagh, but ideally the experiences go hand in hand.
Step into the sprawling historic estate of Clifton Homestead.
Four rooms with ensuites are available in the main homestead and two standalone cottages are tucked into the sprawling gardens with the opportunity to mingle in the Drawing Room, the Sunroom, and the Communal Dining Room.
Clifton Homestead is styled with vintage furniture.
Once a major player in the apple and hops industries, and a stop on the Queen’s royal tour in the 1970s, Clifton Homestead brims with stories, which current caretakers Graeme and Carolyn Holmes are only too happy to share.
Standalone cottages are tucked into the sprawling gardens.
Cygnet accommodation
Land of roadside stalls and a harbour of creatives, the township of Cygnet sits in sheltered Port Cygnet Bay, 15 minutes from Huonville.
3. Cloud River Farm
Designed for two, the former picker’s hut at the 1893 Heritage Listed Cloud River Farm is your access pass to some of the region’s dreamiest water views.
Cloud River Farm is complete with modern comforts to make you feel at home.
Forage for oysters on the rocks below then pour yourself a wine and sit back in the Adirondack chairs on the deck. A wicker picnic basket awaits to fill with local produce while you explore, returning to picnic in the orchard, perhaps?
Sit back and relax with wine on the vintage-style couch.
Renovated in 2020 and filled with vintage curios, everything from the free-range eggs to host Nat’s homemade lemon curd and the outdoor fire pit makes for a picture-perfect escape.
The former picker’s hut at Cloud River Farm is designed for two.
4. Rising Hut
Another reimagined apple picker’s hut, this time in lower Wattle Grove, Rising Hut provides a handsome escape with views across the Huon River to the snow-capped Hartz Mountain. Cross the road and follow the winding bush track and you’ll even stumble upon a small private pebbled beach.
Breathe it all in at the Rising Hut.
After a day spent enjoying the glorious outdoors, keep things al fresco and make use of the campfire to cook up a feast (don’t worry, there’s a well-equipped kitchen inside if you’re not channelling Sarah Glover). A luxe king bed awaits when you tire of watching the magical night sky.
Rising Hut provides a handsome escape with views across the Huon River.
Franklin accommodation
Set eye level with the Huon River and a 40-minute drive from Hobart, Franklin wears its maritime history on its sleeve and is charming all the way from its monthly markets to its Federation-style architecture.
5. The Bowmont
When stylist and photographer Michelle Crawford made the move to Tasmania, little did she know she would one day become the guardian of The Bowmont.
Settle in the historic country house at The Bowmont.
While she and her family live downstairs in the 118-year-old former bank and maternity hospital – and creative workshops are housed in a light-flooded space at the front – upstairs, you’ll find a two-bedroom residence available to guests.
Enjoy long soaks in the vintage tub.
Climb the blackwood staircase and settle in to enjoy views over the river, long soaks in the vintage tub, and time to enjoy the fruits of Michelle’s passionate styling labour.
The Bowmont sits near the Huon River.
Geeveston accommodation
A cheery little timber town – and the setting for many of the scenes in Rosehaven (ABC) – Geeveston is considered the gateway to Tasmania’s deep south.
6. The Picker’s Cabin
If there’s one thing you should do when you book a stay at The Picker’s Cabin in Geeveston, it’s pay the extra to get the wood-fired hot tub and sauna ready for your arrival. That way you can optimise your time in this lovely little slice of the Huon Valley.
The Picker’s Cabin is rustic but chic.
Nestled by the Kermandie River, the humble former apple picker’s cabin has been converted to modern comfort with Bed Threads linens, Smeg coffee machine, and a wall of Tasmanian tomes.
The wood-fired hot tub and sauna are ready for your arrival.
Far South accommodation
Go as far south as Dover and Southport and cows start to outnumber people. These small fishing towns are just about the end of the line, before the bitumen runs out and the dirt roads continue to the very southern tip of the island at Cockle Creek. The isolation is intoxicating.
7. River Run Lodge
Set on the banks of the Esperance River, less than a 10-minute drive from Dover, River Run Lodge is like a grown-up camp you’ll never want to leave.
Rest and recharge at River Run Lodge.
While once they hosted school groups, the renovated bunkhouse cabins sleep up to six people in each, with glam shared bathrooms featuring stone basins and handmade timber doors.
Soak up the relaxed atmosphere at River Run Lodge.
Hang out in the communal lounge area – where you can also enjoy a continental brekkie or grab a hot water bottle to take back to bed – borrow kayaks to explore the river or fish from the jetty, and mingle with other guests and locals at the tavern, which is open on Friday nights and Saturdays.
Go kayaking to explore the river.
8. The Voyager
Watching a full moon rise over the Esperance River while soaking in the outdoor bath at The Voyager in Strathblane is not a moment you will quickly forget. Arriving at this redesigned manager’s residence of what was once an old-school camp, the attention to detail is palpable.
The four-bedroom abode features lush views of the surrounding bush.
Impeccably styled with every room capturing vistas of the surrounding bush and river, the four-bedroom abode has an endearing nautical theme with buttery linen bedding, heated floor tiles, and Murchison Hume amenities just some of the luxe touches (we also love the freshly baked cookies on arrival).
Retreat into a luxe room amidst nature views.
Watch the night sky from the hammock or while sitting around the fire pit with a glass of local pinot in hand. Days are best spent paddling the river or following the bush track for a drink at River Run Tavern next door.
Soak in the outdoor bath at The Voyager.
Unsure of what to do in the area? Follow our unforgettable trail of things to do in Tasmania’s Huon Valley.
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