The Huon Valley Council covers 5497sq. kms. and is the southern most local government area in Australia. Despite its proximity to Hobart, a 40 minute drive away, the area retains the beauty, charm and heritage of a bygone era.

The natural beauty of the area is evident with pristine rivers meandering through valleys bordered by world heritage listed National Parks. Bush walkers are able to enjoy numerous walks ranging from a tree top walk at Tahune AirWalk or a five hour trek to South Cape, Australia's Southernmost point.

The dolomite caves at Lune River and Hastings are spectacular, the Thermal Pools at Hastings are naturally heated to 28c. The numerous waterways provide the setting for kayaking, sailing or cruising and for the more adventurous white water rafting or jet boat rides.

The area is renowned for its produce, mushrooms, wine, seafood, fruit and gourmet delicacies. The "Taste of the Huon", held each March, is a weekend celebration of the best that the Valley has to offer. Road side stalls sell many of the in season fruits such as apples, pears and berries, for a fraction of the cost of supermarkets.

To sample a few of the best apples in Australia, head to the Huon Apple and Heritage museum, which has over 500 varieties of apples in season.  The Apple Factory near Cygnet has recently been developed on the substantial Thorp Estate (Glenco Orchards).  Visitors experience guided apple factory tours with audio visual and interactive experiences such as juice crushing and tasting.

Lovers of art and craft are well catered for as well, with local artists creating everything from pottery to wood carvings and everything in between. Craft shops and galleries are dotted throughout the region, many with working displays in addition to sales. The Franklin Wooden Boat School demonstrates how Tasmania's fine timbers are turned into boats, the school is open to the public. Timber lovers can also visit the Geeveston Forest and Heritage Centre to discover the history of forestry in the region. The Cygnet Folk Festival, held in January, highlights the range of folk music and entertainment the Valley has to offer.

A full range of accommodation is available for visitors including guest houses, Bed & Breakfast, Pubs, back packer style, hotel and cottages. Each of the major centres of Huonville, Cygnet, Franklin, Geeveston and Dover have supermarket, fuel and eftpos facilities. The "Huon News" and "Cygnet Classifieds", published each Wednesday, and Huon FM keep residents and visitors up to date with what is happening in their local area.

The Huon Valley has embraced its heritage while forging ahead with newer industries, agriculture, viticulture, forestry, tourism and aquaculture thrive side by side, providing jobs for the 14,749^ residents and the seasonal influx of fruit pickers.

^ Australian Bureau of Statistics 2006