Cygnet

What's special about Cygnet?

• Exploring the eastern shores of the Huon River and D'Entrecasteaux Channel
• The annual Cygnet Folk Festival
• Fruit picking opportunities for backpackers and visitors

Cygnet is one of those special places that by its very nature casts a calming spell the moment you arrive. Drive down the Main Street and you'll be met with three sleepy pubs to one side and on the other St James Catholic Church (1840), one of Australia's oldest Catholic churches. At most, the quiet stroll of those heading to trendy cafes for their morning coffee will be all that cross your path.

It doesn't take long to slip into the easy rhythm of Cygnet life, the centre of fruit growing in the Huon Valley where vibrant apple, cherry and berry orchards line the hills. The country township is popular among artists, musicians and those seeking alternative and relaxed lifestyles. The town's residents are creative and dynamic - inspired by pristine scenery.  

For three days in January, the Cygnet Folk Festival brings the township to life when local, national and international acts converge for a lively blend of music and dance. Cygnet is also recognised as an artistic community.  The town houses several craft shops, art studios and galleries.  You can see their works firsthand in a meet the maker experience on the Cygnet Art Trail.  The Red Velvet Lounge offers a unique dining experience in the heart of town - sourcing local produce and preparing wonderful feasts in-house.  

Close by are swimming beaches Verona Sands and Randalls Bay as well as two award-winning wineries - Panorama Vineyard at Cradoc, and Hartzview Vineyard at Gardeners Bay.  At Hartzview, a leisurely stroll through their Heritage Pickers Hut Village will have you experiencing the home of orchard workers and their families, and Italian Prisoners of War in the early 1900s.

Its maximum average daily temperature is approximately 12 degrees Celsius (53.5 degrees Fahrenheit) in June and 20 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit) in January.

More things to do:

Sailing
Pick your own fruits and berries
Cygnet Living History Museum
Sample apple cider at the Welcome Swallow Cyderworks

The story of Cygnet

Due to the prolific number of swans found in the bay on which Cygnet rests, French explorer Bruni D'Entrecasteaux  named the bay Port des Cygnes (Port of Swans) in 1793. Later, William Nichols was the first European settler in the region in 1834, whose grandson John embarked on a ship building business at Port Cygnet. Probation stations for convicts were instituted at Port Cygnet, Lymington, Nicholls Rivulet and Huon Island in 1845.  The first post office opened in 1854, and by 1915, the town became known as Cygnet.

Travel directions

Cygnet is a 50 minute drive (55 kilometres/34 miles) south of Hobart along the A6 and B68 highways.