Best of the channel

Kick off your day at Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, a combined art gallery, herbarium and museum where you can learn about Tasmania's history and heritage.

Then set off south and 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. First stop for lunch at Willie Smith's Apple Shed, where they pair Huon Valley's apple-growing history with their own cider and restaurant, all in an original apple packing shed.

Continue driving south and swing by Pagan Cider 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.

Overnight at Cygnet at 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.

If you fancy a pinot noir or chardonnay, take up a seat at Mewstone Wines and enjoy the serenity on your way back to your accommodation at Cygnet.

For an art fix, pop in to the Lovett Gallery showcasing work from a local artist collective, and Cuckoo for more locals arts and crafts. Or pre-book a visit to Lavender Goat Farm, an organic farm with sustainable practises that offers farm visits, workshops and lavender products amongst the goats. 

On the return to Hobart, stop in for lunch in a converted barn at The Kiln in Ranelagh (bookings recommended) and finish off the day with a stroll through the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.