The pit stop

Take flight to artsy Cygnet, a town bracketed by fruit orchards, the Huon River and a breezy vibe. The main street is a shuffled pack of galleries, stores and eateries, rewarding a day of wandering and grazing, writes Andrew Bain.

The PIT STOP Cygnet

EAT & DRINK

Food miles are more like food metres at Port Cygnet Cannery, a restaurant and bar set inside a former apple cannery at the water’s edge. The menu is driven by what has come from the soil at the Cannery’s own farm in nearby Gardners Bay. Head up the hill towards Huonville to find Pagan Cider cradled inside an orchard. The cellar door has tastings of Pagan’s trio of core ciders – apple, pear and cherry – plus its small-batch ventures into the likes of quince cider and blueberry cider. Sundays drink best, when the cidery often has food vans and bands on site. SHOP

In a street flush with artsy shopping options, Three Twigs and Cuckoo Etc stand out for their eclectic and stylish homewares, gifts, clothing and artisan items. Inside the historic old general store, Huon Art represents Tasmanian artists, predominantly featuring Tasmanian landscapes.

SEE

Grab some baked goodies from Poolish & Co and skip town for a couple of hours to the curiously named Eggs and Bacon Bay (named after a flower, not a breakfast). The bay’s narrow strip of beach is framed in tall bush, the waters are beautifully sheltered, and the view across the mouth of the Huon River is capped by Hartz Peak.

STAY

Step past its street-level cafe and you’ll find Cygnet Old Bank, plumb in the centre of town. Its three upstairs rooms are individually styled and look across the main street. Settle in for the night with a gourmet tasting platter delivered to your room. The Sterling room has an en suite bathroom, while Sovereign and Franc have private bathrooms across the hallway.

ESSENTIAL STOPS

• • • Port Cygnet Cannery Three Twigs Cuckoo Etc

•Huon Art

• • Pagan Cider Eggs and Bacon Bay

CYGNET

TOP TO BOTTOM Overlooking Eggs and Bacon Bay; Cygnet Old Bank; Cuckoo Etc.

Get back to nature

Experience the best of Tasmania with these affordable accommodation options as your base.

FREE RV PARKING AT TALL TIMBERS

Tall Timbers Tasmania is pleased to welcome guests with RVs to the property with free RV parking from October to May each year. Enjoy the expansive grounds and the facilities of the venue whilst visiting. Maximum stay is 72 hours in any 14 day consecutive period. talltimbershotel.com.au or call 1800 628 476

WINGTONS GLAMPING – TAMAR VALLEY

Where a unique Tasmanian experience awaits. Think golden safari tents, Persian carpets steamer trunks and private bathrooms. Sumptuous beds dressed in the finest cotton linen all in front of your own roaring fire by the waters edge. wingtons.com or call 0431 820 729

PURE TASMANIAN WILDERNESS

Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain is the ultimate nature retreat. After a day of exploring the Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park, come back and relax in one of our comfortable cabins. discoveryholidayparks.com.au or call (03) 6492 1395

TAMAR VALLEY ON YOUR DOORSTEP

Minutes from Tasmania’s premier food and wine region, Tamar Valley, sits Discovery Parks – Hadspen. With the peaceful South Esk River flowing nearby, why not escape today? discoveryholidayparks.com.au or call (03) 6393 6391

AT THE MOUTH OF THE TAMAR RIVER

Low Head Tourist Park is situated in Northern Tasmania, approximately 40 minutes from Launceston, and offers a high standard of affordable self-contained accommodation and sites for caravans, motorhomes and RVs. lowheadtouristpark.com.au or call (03) 6382 1573

COUNTRY FEELS CLOSE TO THE CITY

Miss nothing of Hobart’s history nor its inner-city food scene but feel like you’re miles away from it all at Discovery Parks – Hobart. Book your next getaway today! discoveryholidayparks.com.au or call (03) 6243 9879