Huon Valley D'Entrecasteaux Channel

The Huon Trail begins south of Hobart, then leads you through the Huon Valley, D'Entrecasteaux Channel and Bruny Island - follow The Huon Trail guide map and look for its roadside signs with their stories of waterways and wilderness; art, craft and heritage; apple blossom and vineyards; succulent salmon, salt-sweet oysters and fragrant jams and preserves; farmers, foresters and fishermen.

One of the most memorable routes from Hobart to the Huon is on the coast road through Taroona, where the world 's oldest round shot tower stands. Further on, there are superb sea views of Storm Bay and Bruny Island beyond. On the shores of the Channel south of Kingston is the little port of Kettering. Cruising yachts and fishing boats sit on their reflections in the sheltered harbour, and the busy Bruny Island car ferry plies its trade across the water.

In 1788, Captain William Bligh of the Bounty planted Tasmania's first apple tree at Adventure Bay on Bruny Island - today, fruit trees still line the highways and country roads of the Huon and Channel district. Heart of the apple country is Huonville, on the willow-clad banks of the Huon River. Its dark waters rise far inland in the Southwest wilderness. As the waters approach the sea, they flow quietly by the river town of Franklin where boat builders learn the traditional skills of shaping Huon pine. Further south is the forest town of Geeveston, close to valleys where mighty eucalypts tower skyward. At Tahune near Geeveston, you can walk above the rainforest canopy on the awesome AirWalk.

South again to Southport, Dover and the hidden dolomite caverns of Hastings and Lune River. At last the road winds down the shores of Recherche Bay to Cockle.