CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT : Four generations of apple farmers have tended the orchard at Willie Smith ’ s ; Try four different ciders with a tasting paddle , and settle in for a feast of Huon Valley flavours at Willie Smith ’ s Apple Shed ; The Bowmont in Franklin is an intriguing old building where gritty glamour prevails ; The Kiln in Ranelagh is a popular dining spot set within a historic building with a fascinating past .
boutique vineyards and charming farm-totable eateries . The Huon Valley helped earn Tasmania the moniker “ the Apple Isle ,” with its apple cultivation roots tracing back to the 19th century when settlers first recognised its ideal climate and fertile soils . Pioneering orchardist William Smith planted some of the early apple trees in the valley in 1888 , and left a lasting legacy upheld by generations of the Smith family . Today , their certified organic farm is renowned for producing some of Australia ’ s finest ciders . A visit to Willie Smith ’ s Apple Shed in Grove is a must , where we relish a schooner of their finest ciders , immersing ourselves in the valley ’ s apple-growing tradition before continuing toward Huonville . Our journey includes a late lunch reservation at The Kiln , a renowned dining spot nestled just outside Huonville in Ranelagh . Housed in a beautifully transformed 1862 barn with a distinctive
1911 oast house tower , The Kiln offers a unique culinary experience centred around shared plates infused with global influences . It ’ s the perfect setting to indulge in a diverse array of flavours amidst warm , rustic surroundings . Continuing our journey along the Huon Highway , we reach the charming village of Franklin , on the banks of the Huon River . Franklin is renowned for its rich tradition of wooden boat building , where skilled artisans meticulously craft elegant vessels from locally sourced timber . A visit to the Wooden Boat Centre provides a captivating glimpse into this cherished aspect of the Huon Valley ’ s maritime heritage . We ’ re staying overnight in Franklin at The Bowmont , a century-old building that was once the Commercial Bank of Tasmania , now lovingly restored by owners Michelle Crawford and her husband into boutique accommodation . Michelle , a talented stylist and photographer , has
PHOTOS : WILLIAM SMITHS & SONS ; SAMUEL SHELLEY ; ALI NASSERI ; MARNIE
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