Huon Valley: Apple of the Island’s Eye!
Think Huon Valley when you want one Tasmanian region to encompass the whole perfect image. The apple capital of the Apple Isle. Scenic drives in every direction and a majestic river and mountain setting.
What and Where is the Huon Valley?
About 40 minutes drive from Hobart into south east Tasmania, and you will arrive at the region known as the Huon Valley. You’ll be tempted by an amazing assortment of fresh apples, some even uniquely Tasmanian. Proudly advertised with makeshift signs, the roadside stalls implement honesty systems where you take the fruit and leave payment in the money box. Not only apples, either – you can drive away with enough groceries to please any dietician. Just check out my berries!
One “minor” concern was the lack of parking space off the narrow, winding road. You don’t want oncoming traffic to collect you as a hood ornament!!
Glen Huon and Ranelagh
A small detour from the main Huon Valley drag leads you to Glen Huon, where you can visit the model village. The external facade belies the attraction inside, which has been a lifelong labour of love for the elderly gentleman owner. His main aim is to entertain children, and with this he is clearly successful. There is no entrance fee, but rather a subtle donation tin placed near the exit. (See reply below)
Ranelagh, another small town on the Huon trail, was playing host to competitors of a car rally on the day of my visit. I can only imagine the pleasure of competitors as they toured the state with their lovingly restored hot rods. They were certainly proud to display their vehicles while they enjoyed their tea-break scones.
Huonville and Franklin
Back on the main road, Huonville (the heart of the Huon Valley) is the major service centre; the place to head if you need tyres changed or a cheque cashed. But if you want an incredible choice of designer coffee, keep heading south for another five minutes.
Franklin is an old-fashioned village with antique shops, a wooden boat centre and a huge range of cafes and restaurants. According to the local hairdresser, people move to the town just to “open a coffee shop!”
Huon River in the Huon Valley
And why wouldn’t you want to make the sea change to the quaint town, nestled as it is on the banks of the gorgeous Huon River? A little confusing that Franklin the town does not go with Franklin the river, but anyway…
Have you seen my favourite photo of the Huon River, taken in Franklin on Roger’s Wooden Boat Centre article? Let me know what you think!
A nice place to while away some time, and you can’t go hungry in the Huon Valley!
Click here to read the think-tasmania.com post about Geeveston, another town in the Huon Valley.
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Jeff from the Apple Heritage Museum has let us know that the Model Village at Glen Huon has now closed. What a shame! We wish the owners all the best…