Huonville is located 48 kilometres from Hobart, and is the centre of the apple growing industry in Tasmania. The Huon River flows through the town which was discovered by the French Admiral D'Entrecasteaux in 1792.

The first major influx of settlers began in 1839, and they were mainly involved in timber getting due to the abundance of copses of Huon Pine in the area. The Walton family had arrived in the area in the 1820s, thus claiming the first settler title, and had established a pit saw to cut the Huon Pine trees they harvested. Mosquito Point, (north of the present day bridge at the rapids) was the starting point for tracks to the West Coast and Port Davey. McKay's Track was established further up the Huon River in 1839.

This logging, however, depleted the forests, and today the main copses of Huon pine are located along the Gordon River in the west of Tasmania.

A township was established in 1850 following the construction of a church. The area was originally called Victoria, but was changed to Huonville due to the potential confusion over name and land divisions.

Where Franklin had been the important centre of the Huon Valley, Huonville now grew in stature, and the subsequent transferral of the police headquarters, banks and various other institutions heralded the demise of Franklin and the emergence of Huonville as an important settlement in the Huon Valley.

Today Huonville is the commercial centre of the Huon area and serves the towns of Glen Huon, Judbury and Ranelagh.

Hire your own water transport from Huon River Pedal Boats and Aqua Bikes, and explore the waterways of the Huon River, or travel 15 kilometres to Port Huon and take a river cruise.

You can take a horseback wilderness tour, a truly stunning way to take in the scenery. The company, Horseback Wilderness Tours, will provide you with a horse to suit your ability and an experienced guide with all sorts of gems of local information. Instruction is available for beginners.

The German Model Train World is situated at the northern end of Huonville and has a miniature European railway landscape on display to the public. The railway runs through a German country scene, and visitors will marvel at the attention to detail exhibited by its creator, Erich Sabowski. Coin operated slots allow visitors to become the train driver, and to guide the trains through the intricate model landscape.

Visit the antique Car Museum at nearby Ranelagh, and the Apple Industry and Heritage Museum in the town of Grove, 6 kilometres away. Observe the art of apple carving at Glen Huon.

Pay a visit to the Huon Apple and bask in the fantastic aromas of baking apples and other fine Tasmanian produce such as ice cream, cheese, pate and smoked salmon. A unique local souvenir of your visit can be purchased here.

Sports facilities on offer include an Olympic size swimming pool, tennis and badminton courts, a bowls club and a 9 hole golf course. Nearby trout fishing on the Dennison River can be enjoyed.

0 of a possible 0 points from 0 votes