What To Do In Cygnet, Tasmania

Ah, Cygnet. Right amidst a fruit growing nirvana, this Tassie town lies smack bang between both the the beautiful D’Entrecasteaux Channe and the majestic Huon River.

Where exactly

Around 50 minutes south of Hobart, Cygnet lies in Tasmania’s Huon Valley.

Population

Around 1000

What’s it all about

Named in the 18th century by Bruni d’Entrecasteaux for the swans that graced its waters, the pretty town of Cygnet is known for its bountiful produce, in particular apples, cherries and berries, as well as hazelnuts, salmon, cheeses and cool-climate wines. It is home to the SBS series Gourmet Farmer and has become popular for its arts and crafts scene.

Writer and producer Posie Graeme-Evans is very fond of Tasmania, having lived here on three separate occasions – the most recent as innkeeper of bespoke accommodation Frenchman’s River in the beautiful hamlet of Cygnet.

Together with her former production designer husband Andrew Blaxland, their 80-hectare farm is home to two gorgeous and cosy adults-only retreats that boast views of pastures, the open sky and the serenity of Cygnet Bay.

Here Posie shares her perfect day in Cygnet.

8am

A favourite place for breakfast is the Conservatory Café in Cygnet Old Bank. Sit outside in the pretty garden beside the stream. The locally sourced and house-prepared food is delicious and Sharon, the owner, is a delight. Say Posie sent you!

Conservatory Café is a local favourite for breakfast

9.30am

Saunter next door from the cafe to Three Twigs. Sisters Jackie and Karen will be delighted to show you the homewares, lovely clothes in natural fibres, stylish bags and more.

10.30am

Wander down to Trove, situated in the old Cygnet post office. Curated by owner Talan Atkins, it has an eclectic collection of (mostly) 20th-century furniture, objects, crockery, paintings and antique homewares.

11am

Head over the road to Huon Art.

Owner/curator Carlene de Très specialises in local art, as well as artists from the mainland. Magnificent canvases by local artists Richard Stanley and Sue Miller can be found hanging beside works by celebrated watercolourist Roger Murphy and northern Tasmanian artist Rachel Howell.

11.30am

Time for a coffee stop at Cygnet’s celebrated vegetarian restaurant, The Red Velvet Lounge.

Stop for a coffee at Red Velvet lounge

12.10pm

If you’re here on a Friday book ahead for Fat Pig Farm’s Friday Feast.

It’s a lovely drive of about 10 minutes up the road to Glaziers Bay. Featuring paddock-to-plate cuisine, all produce is from the farm and prepared in the open kitchen. Between courses you’ll be invited to walk through the gardens, orchards and paddocks with Matthew Evans, the ‘gourmet farmer’ himself, or his partner Sadie Chrestman.

Share a plate at Fat Pigs farm

Keep an eye out for their cooking classes and other special events, too.

4.30pm

Back in town, visit Bec at the Cygnet Garden Larder to pick up some local fruit and veggies, organic milk, eggs, cheeses and other delicious goodies (honey, sweets, preserves).

5.30pm

It’s time to retire to your accommodation at Frenchman’s River.

Views on the Frenchman river

Whether you’re staying in the Writer’s House or the Helmsman’s House, you’ll find a bottle of local pinot, rosé or chardonnay to enjoy on the terrace as you watch the sun set over Cygnet Bay. In the paddocks below you’ll see the cows head to the dairy to be milked for the triple cream brie you’re eating from Mt Cygnet Dairy (the pantry is generously stocked for all guests).

A classic room inside Helmsman’s House

Local food miles? None that you’d notice.

Tourism Tasmania and Jetstar have launched a huge airfare sale from five major Australian cities

Slurping the world’s freshest oysters on Bruny Island, hiking the iconic Overland Track, admiring the contemporary art at MONA and swimming in the pristine waters of the Bay of Fires – it might be Australia’s smallest state, but there’s so much to do all year-round in Tassie, it’s almost overwhelming.

And now, it’s easier and cheaper to experience The Apple Isle’s bounty as Jetstar has announced a huge sale with flights starting from as little as $46 one way.

Visit stunning beaches like Wineglass Bay Beach. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Discounts on flights from all five major cities have dropped, with one-way prices including:

– Melbourne to Launceston starting from $46

– Melbourne to Hobart from $54

– Sydney to Launceston from $55

– Adelaide to Hobart from $85

– Brisbane to Launceston from $95

– Gold Coast to Hobart from $105

Oysters and wine on a wine barrel overlooking a mountainous view.

Tasmania is renowned for its fresh oysters. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Tasmania offers an incredible range of things to do throughout the year, from unique cultural attractions and spectacular natural wonders to world-class wineries and gourmet food experiences. During the warmer months, make the most of the longer days by exploring idyllic beaches like Larapuna/Bay of Fires, named Tourism Australia’s Best Beach in 2025.

Adventurers can take on the Three Capes Walk, a breathtaking multi-day hike along the dramatic coastline of the Tasman Peninsula, spotting migrating whales, echidnas, wallabies, seals and birds along the way. Meanwhile, food lovers can savour the region’s flavours at Festivale, Launceston’s vibrant three-day celebration of local produce, wine and entertainment.

Catch the Aurora Australis over Tasman Island. (Image: Luke O’Brien Photography)

During the “off season”, get cosy by a log fire in an alpine national park cabin or step outside to admire the Southern Lights as 2025 and 2026 are predicted to offer some of the best Aurora Australis viewing opportunities. For something special, visit Tassie in late April and May for “the turning of the fagus” where Tasmania’s only native-winter deciduous tree brings spectacular autumnal colours to Tasmania’s highlands.

Cradle Mountain is perfect for nature lovers. (Image:
Cultivate Productions)

Jetstar’s sale to Tasmania applies to one-way flights only and excludes checked bags. Discounted fares are available on select dates from 16 October 2025 to 1 July 2026, subject to travel conditions.

Whether it’s a relaxed weekend escape or a thrilling multi-week adventure, now is the perfect time to fly south to this diverse island.

What to do in Cygnet, Tasmania