Best of the channel

Take your time. Though it takes only 50min to drive from Hobart to Cygnet, the joy of the Southern Edge is the chance to celebrate the hand-picked and the homemade. Swing by Pagan Cider, for example, for in-depth tasting discussion and the chance to try distinctive ciders, including a Pagan-only cherry cider, made from fruit grown next door mixed with dry apple cider.

High on a hill overlooking Glaziers Bay, Tas-Saff is a pioneering saffron farm growing purple crocus flowers prized for high-quality saffron. Drop in at its farm shop for tastings of saffron tea and saffron-infused vodka and gin.

Mingle with locals, farmers and makers at Cygnet Market, held year-round on the first and third Sunday of the month. Or get creative in the kitchen with classes staged at the Farmhouse Kitchen.

Work up an appetite on a bike on the popular Cygnet Coast Road, hugging the Huon River. The full twisting circuit is about 30km.

Overnight at Cygnet, where options include the Cygnet Old Bank B&B.

Tap into the creative energy of Cygnet, a town full of musicians, dreamers and artists. 

Dawdle due east through rolling hills to the Channel town of Woodbridge, on Peppermint Bay, best viewed from a table at its namesake, the sleekly designed Peppermint Bay Hotel.

On the way, drop by Hartzview Vineyard, with its chapel-like tasting room and views across the Huon River to the Hartz Mountains.

There are more surprises close by at Art Farm Birchs Bay, a working farm that hosts exhibitions, artist residencies, workshops and a popular sculpture trail. Visitors are welcome to wander through Tasmanian native pepperberry, orchards and an extensive kitchen garden.

Overnight at nearby Kettering, the departure point for Bruny Island ferries. Dinner options include the Oyster Cove Inn, and accommodation options include Parnella Kettering, The Cove Kettering and Arjuna Ridge Retreat. If you fancy a pinot noir or chardonnay, take up a seat at Mewstone Wines and enjoy the serenity.

In bush near Kettering, book ahead for a private tour of the Raptor Refuge, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to rehabilitating injured birds and advocating for their protection. Up to 90 birds are brought in for treatment each year, including sea eagles, peregrine falcons, masked owls and the endangered Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle.

Chase a waterfall, though you’ll hear this one roar long before you see it. In Snug Tiers Nature Recreation Area, take the 6km return Pelverata Falls Track through dense rainforest to see water spilling about 100m into a deep valley. An insider’s tip is peaceful Coningham Nature Recreation Area, important habitat for wildlife including sea eagles, wedge-tailed eagles and little penguins.

On the return to Hobart, stop for a spot of antique and secondhand hunting at the Margate Train. There are thousands of local artefacts held at the Channel Museum. And birdwatch at Inverawe Native Gardens; it’s said all 12 of Tasmania’s endemic bird species have been spotted here.