Travel guide Huon Valley-D'entrecasteaux

TakeABreak Awards 2009 Winner, Hotel and Motel Accommodation: Cygnet Hotel The historic Cygnet Hotel has two important accomplishments to celebrate. The first – reaching its 100th year of service in the pretty town of Cygnet which is nestled in the Huon Valley. The second is being chosen as the winner of the Hotel and Motel Holiday Accommodation category of TakeABreak Awards 2009! Building of this heritage-listed hotel began in 1907 and was completed in 1910. However, you won’t find one hundred years of dust and decay in this place; recent owners John and Helen have been busy with restoration projects to ensure this beauty easily wins awards for the next hundred years. Each room is clean, cosy, loaded with character, and lovingly cared for by friendly staff. With seven H... Read more

Alonnah Paddle Boats offer kayaks, paddleboats and fishing kayaks and is based on Bruny Island. We are a family owned and run business catering for locals and tourists alike. We are located in Alonnah and Adventure Bay, with the ability to operate in several locations. Our place of operation is based on weather and demand on a daily basis. Vessels are hired by telephone contact, internet enquiries or on location.We enjoy having fun and love meeting new people. Our business is Marine and Safety Tasmania approved and the proprietor and coordinators are all fully qualified. All safety equipment is provided and activities supervised at all times. The beaches are child and family friendly, easily accessible and have toilets and shops handy.Hire is by the hour and group/party bookings are welcom... Read more

120 King Fish Beach Road Southport, Tasmania Southport is the southernmost settlement in Tasmania, and as you round the sweep of King Fish Beach you come upon Summertime Cottage with its commanding views across to Bruny Island. Overall rating?         Excellent What makes Summertime Cottage different? This is a classic older style beach house, with all you need to be comfortable and relaxed. The log fire keeps you warm in winter and in summer the expansive deck is the perfect place to sit and relax, while you watch the waves roll up onto the beach. Accommodation overview There are three bedrooms, the main has a queen-size bed, the second bedroom has a set of bunks and a single bed and the third bedroom has a double bed. The rooms are c... Read more

Luxury holiday accommodation: Walton House Huonville, Tasmania Walton House is an historic, AAA rated, 4 1/2 star bed and breakfast in Huonville in southern Tasmania and certainly lives up to its promise of luxury. With a record of 5 out of 5 for every guest review it has received on TakeABreak, Walton House is most definitely a loved and celebrated property and a deserving winner of the 2008 TakeABreak National Award for Best Luxury Holiday Accommodation. Huonville, just 35 minutes south of Hobart, is a small town known as the fruit bowl of Tasmania and produces more than 50% of Tasmania’s apples. The town (population 1,700) sits on the banks of the tranquil Huon River, surrounded by the colourful orchards. The famous slow-growing Huon pine tree can be spotted throughout the l... Read more

Far south Tasmania is an amazing place, with clean air, pristine waters, rolling hills, orchards, wineries, snow in winter … and that is just for starters! The Huon Valley and d’Entrecasteaux region have beauty in abundance and offer a plethora of activities and sights.  For those who are looking for a break away from the stress of everyday life, it is a balm to the soul. Summertime Cottage is the perfect place from which to explore the wonders of this region, and it has a wonderful relaxed and cosy feel, making it the ideal spot for stressed-out mainlanders looking to relax.  This three-bedroom beachfront cottage has wonderful views across to Bruny Island and is the perfect setting off point for your adventures. The main bedroom has a queen-size bed, another has a... Read more

Tasmania is only a small island, yet it is reminiscent of so many different places.  Different people see different things, but many are reminded of England, Ireland, France and more as they venture around this treasure trove of beauty. Crabtree River Cottages are nestled at the gateway of the beautiful Huon Valley, long renowned for its amazing natural beauty, yet have the convenience of being only 25 minutes from Hobart. A stay at Crabtree River Cottages gives you the best of southern Tasmania… the famous Huon Trail, which takes you through the Huon Valley, D'Entrecasteaux Channel & Bruny Island - a region of waterways & wilderness; art, craft & heritage; apple blossom and vineyards; farmers, foresters and fishermen – all this and more is within reac... Read more

Have you ever watched a movie – probably a period romance or nostalgic film – and thought to yourself, “Places like this don’t really exist!”? You know – where everything seems utterly perfect…lovely rolling hills, calm waters, flowers and trees everywhere, and a sense that the locals are truly content. It’s not possible, right? A place where there is no hustle or bustle, where people take the time to laugh together, to savour good food and wine, and locals practise fly fishing, not caring too much if the fish choose to bite. The good news is – such a place really does still exist, and it’s in the southern part of Tasmania.   When you arrive in the region, which is home to the Huon Valley and the famous d’Entrecast... Read more

Matilda's of Ranelagh, Huon Valley, Tasmania Why Matilda's of Ranelagh is different "A warm welcome is assured at Matilda's of Ranelagh as the official 'Meet and Greet Committee' is made up of three very friendly golden retrievers. This four and a half star, heritage listed (c.1865) property is in the heart of the Huon Valley (two kilometres from Huonville). Matilda's of Ranelagh dates from 1865 and was home to several generations of the same family. The restoration of the home was authentic, and each room has been furnished with wonderful antiques that reflect the era in which this grand country home was built. Concessions to modern living include central heating with reverse cycle air-conditioning and underfloor heating in all bathrooms. Matilda's is considered one of the most... Read more

The Bears Went Over The Mountain started life as the Commercial Bank in 1908 and was the first bank in Geeveston. In fact for many years it was the only bank in the far south of Tasmania. The theme of this bed and breakfast reflects the interest of the owners in bears and teddy bears. So  they have named the accommodation after some of the great teddy bear manufacturers of the early 20th century. The Chiltern and The Steiff both have ensuite facilities and The Merrythoughts has a spa ensuite. For bear cubs there is the Bears Bunk Room which is themed on a forest cabin. The guest lounge is spacious and comfortable, having an area to simply relax or play cards or boardgames together with friends and enjoy a fresh coffee or perhaps a glass of wine. At your leisure you can peruse the... Read more

When you’re disabled it’s a lot easier - and cheaper - to stay at home. But after our family came home from a trip away, I realised the memories would be there with our boys for the rest of their lives.  It’s certainly not easy (when you’re disabled what is?) but it is worth it. My favourite Australian  destinations are: 1. Darling Harbour, Sydney I never visited Darling Harbour when growing up in Sydney.  But our family came up here and stayed 3 nights last year and had a wonderful time!  It was great being a tourist in what was once my own backyard.  After seeing a fair bit of overseas, I still think Sydney stacks up pretty well. The terrific thing about Darling Harbour is that it’s so much like Tasmania; a lot to do in such a sm... Read more