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Cygnet

Black swan and cygnets, Australian Geographic

Population 840

Cygnet was originally named Port de Cygne Noir by French admiral Bruni D'Entrecasteaux – after the black swans in the bay. However, in 1915 two local troopers were assaulted in a pub brawl and, in an attempt to avoid eternal infamy, the town name was changed to Cygnet. Now it is a fruit-growing and alternative-lifestyle community. In spring, the surrounding area blooms with magnificent wattle, apple and pear blossom.

Visitor Information

Huon River Jet Boats and Visitor Centre, Esplanade, Huonville; (03) 6264 1838

www.huonjet.com

Nearby national parks

  • Hartz Mountains National Park

    At Hartz Mountains National Park icy waterfalls cascade over dolerite, panoramic views are incredible and glacial lakes are breathtaking....more

  • Southwest National Park

    Rarely visited by Europeans for nearly 200 years, in the 1970s Tasmania’s south-west became the inspiration of wildlife photographers...more

  • South Bruny National Park

    Created in 1997, this beautiful national park takes in the massive dolerite sea cliffs around Bruny’s southern capes, with the highest...more

Nearby towns

  • Geeveston

    Geeveston, on the cusp of enormous Southwest National Park, is driven by thriving timber and forestry industries, and slow-moving timber...more

  • Huonville

    Huonville produces more than half of Tasmania's apples and is surrounded by blossoming fields of apples, cherries, plums, pears, berries...more

  • Kettering

    The area around Kettering, in the state's south-east, was first explored in 1792 by Bruni D'Entrecasteaux, after whom the surrounding...more

In Town

Living History Museum: memorabilia, historic photos; open Thurs–Sun; Mary St. Trading Post: antiques, second-hand treasures and collectibles; Mary St. Town square: Presbytery, Catholic church (with stained-glass windows dedicated to lost miners) and convent; popular photo spot. Phoenix Creations: turns recycled materials into one-off furniture and crafts; Mary St. Near and Far: handcrafts and gifts; Mary St.

Nearby

Birdwatching: black swans and other species inhabit Port Cygnet; viewing areas off Channel Hwy. Wineries: many including Hartzview Wine Centre, known for pinot noir, ports and liqueurs. There are cellar-door tastings and sales; Gardners Bay; 10 km SE. Beaches: good boat-launching facilities and beaches at Randalls Bay (14 km S), Egg and Bacon Bay (15 km S) and Verona Sands (18 km S). Nine Pin Point Marine Nature Reserve: reef; near Verona Sands; 18 km S. Fishing: sea-run trout and brown trout from the Huon River; west and south of town. Berry orchards: orchards with pick-your-own sales.

Fishing spots near town

The Springs 37 km

Visitors to Hobart who are short on time can get a trout fix less than 20 mins’ drive from the CBD at an exclusive fishery called The Springs. It is a year-round fishery and is restricted to a maximum of two... Find out more


Salmon Ponds 45 km

Most Australian trout anglers regard Tasmania as the nation’s premier trout destination. It’s like Tasmania was purpose-designed for trout, with hundreds of lakes and a cooler climate. Mother Nature... Find out more


Twin Lakes 74 km

I always thought the title of John Gierach’s entertaining book Where the Trout are all as Long as your Leg was a little farfetched, until I realised it related to a time when he was five years old. I am a little... Find out more


Bronte System 117 km

Trout anglers probably already know that Tasmania’s Central Highland lakes are among the best in the world. Many offer fly- fishers an opportunity to sight-fish for tailing trout around the lake margins.... Find out more


Arthurs Lake 130 km

Tasmanians claim that ‘even novices can catch trout in Arthurs Lake’. This probably explains why this waterway is Tasmania’s most popular trout fishery, hosting more anglers than any other water... Find out more


Little Pine Lagoon 133 km

Little Pine Lagoon is not much to look at, but is highly regarded by fly-fishers for its springtime tailing trout and summer dun hatches. Some anglers rate it Tasmania’s premier fly-fishing water. This small water... Find out more


Great Lake 134 km

A year-round trout fishery, Great Lake is one of Tasmania’s best known waters and a thriving centre for holiday homes. Brown trout were first released here in 1870 and they still dominate the fishery with an... Find out more


Lake River 141 km

‘Tasmania is in drought, we simply don’t have enough water,’ said my guide Roger Butler as we departed Hobart for Lake River, which joins the Macquarie River south of Launceston. We reached our... Find out more


St Helens 225 km

Most mainlanders once regarded Tasmania’s east coast seaport of St Helens as a gamefishing destination, and little else. Anglers came here to head offshore in search of marlin, tuna and sharks. However, the... Find out more


Eco-friendly activities around town

Tahune AirWalk 29 km

Located 29 kilometres from Geeveston, this unashamed public relations exercise for Forestry Tasmania starts on the serpentine drive out to the AirWalk, where signs clearly state when an area was last logged. There are... Find out more


Mount Wellington Walks 32 km

You can quite easily pick up a map and explore Hobart’s wilderness playground on your own but, for initiates, the maze of tracks may be best travelled with a guide who will show you bushfoods and wildlife, teach... Find out more


Salamanca Market 36 km

With so much excellent fresh produce in Tasmania, you should consider picking up some local organic fruits and vegetables and cooking up your own feast. Try the famous Salamanca Market (Saturday 8.30am–3pm) or City... Find out more


Island Cycle Tours 37 km

This innovative company offers guided and self-guided cycling tours, ranging from three-hour jaunts in and around Hobart, to three-week expeditions on the west coast. There are trips to combine cycling and hiking, and... Find out more


Diving in Fortescue Bay 72 km

One of the most coveted Tasmanian diving experiences is through the towering kelp forests found along areas of the east coast. These plants can grow as much as a metre a day, reaching heights of nearly 50 metres in some... Find out more


Freycinet Adventures 152 km

One of the best ways to experience the Freycinet environment is a morning paddle with Freycinet Adventures. You glide across Great Oyster Bay to a beautiful secluded beach, indulging in a scrumptious morning tea with... Find out more


Diving and snorkelling along Tasmania's east coast 174 km

Although diving might not be your first thought when you head south to Tasmania, the temperate waters usually provide much greater visibility than tropical waters, and offer a surprisingly rich and diverse range of flora... Find out more


Tarkine Trails 178 km

Delve deeply into the temperate rainforest of the Tarkine Wilderness on a multi-day bushwalk with Tarkine Trails. Unashamedly made up of conservation activists, the company is keen to show you why the Tarkine area should... Find out more


Beachcombing near Strahan 181 km

Wander the wilds of Ocean Beach on the west coast, its shores battered by waves and winds, and strewn with kelp. This is western Tasmania at its finest.... Find out more


Trowunna Wildlife Park, Mole Creek 186 km

One of the most respected and long-running wildlife parks in Tasmania, Trowunna is involved in conservation, education and rehabilitation. There is a wide range of wildlife on display, including devils, reptiles, quolls... Find out more


Golf courses around town

Royal Hobart Golf Club 48 km

Royal Hobart Golf Club has come a long way from humble beginnings. It started out at Sandy Bay, not far from where Wrest Point Casino stands today, in 1896. Known as the Newlands course, it was an incredible par- 89:... Find out more


Tasmania Golf Club 51 km

The challenge a golf course presents can often be measured by the quality of player it produces. At Tasmania Golf Club, the name Goggin crops up regularly on the honour boards. Lindy Goggin, a three-time Australian... Find out more


Barnbougle Dunes Links 240 km

Bridport used to be a sleepy fishing village on Tasmania’s north-east coast. That all changed in 2004. In December of that year Barnbougle Dunes Links opened for play on the eastern outskirts of town – and... Find out more


Barnbougle Dunes Links (Lost Farm course) 241 km

When Barnbougle Dunes opened for play in 2004 it did have a few critics who suggested it was too far away from the golfing masses to be financially successful. How wrong they were. If a golf course is good enough,... Find out more


Cafes & restaurants around town

Lotus Eaters Cafe

Food critics consistently applaud this contemporary casual eatery, and for good reason. There’s no set menu because dishes are inspired by the day, the season and the abundance of local produce. Sometimes that... Find out more


The School House Coffee Shop

This quiet, casual cafe with friendly table service is set in one of Cygnet’s lovely heritage buildings. The outdoor dining area surrounded by pretty gardens is a perfect place to relax on a warm summer’s day... Find out more


The Red Velvet Lounge

Cygnet has become a foodie’s destination in the last few years and this is the place that started it. It’s part boutique food store, part funky eclectic cafe/restaurant, with a clientele of knowing gourmets,... Find out more


Nearby eco-friendly places to eat

Purple Possum Wholefoods and Cafe 197 km

Purple Possum is in the great little town of St Marys, midway between St Helens and Bicheno. The cafe is wholly vegetarian, and you can take away a range of organic fruit and vegetables and locally grown supplies.... Find out more


Nearby breweries

Cascade Brewery 34 km

It’s impossible not to wax lyrical about the Cascade Brewery. It is the oldest working brewery in the country, one of the quaintest-looking industrial buildings and it’s located in the most picturesque of... Find out more


Moo Brew 41 km

With its striking, glass and steel brewhouse perched high above the Derwent River, Moo Brew is probably the best-appointed microbrewery in the land. It’s also part of Moorilla Estate, situated on the outskirts of... Find out more


Two Metre Tall Company 48 km

Ashley Huntington actually is 2 metres tall – probably taller if you include his mop of curly hair – and his generous height is also the name for the craftbrewing enterprise he runs from the Derwent... Find out more


Boag's (J.Boag & Son) 191 km

With several different owners over the past 100 years, J. Boag and Son typifies the sometimes turbulent history of Australian brewing and the minor miracle of surviving at all into the 21st century. Scotsman James Boag... Find out more


Iron House Brewery 203 km

When White Sands Resort came on the market a few years ago it proved too tempting for Devonport businessman John White, who already runs several companies bearing his surname. Rebranded as White Sands Estate, the... Find out more


Campsites around town

Cygnet Holiday Park

Cygnet is the Huon Valley’s top foodie destination and accommodation can be hard to find at peak times. On top of that, each Jan thousands of music lovers come to town for Cygnet’s lively summer folk... Find out more


Shipwrights Point Regatta Ground and Recreation Reserve 8 km

Within an hour’s drive from both the Tahune AirWalk and Hastings Caves, this informal foreshore camping area has plenty of room for the kids to run around, as well as a small playground to keep them occupied. The... Find out more


Franklin Foreshore camping and caravan area 8 km

After a day touring the gourmet delights of the Huon Valley, this riverside park is a good central location to camp. There are sites all along the foreshore just a short walk from Franklin’s main street. Facilities... Find out more


Dover Beachside Tourist Park 18 km

This popular beachside caravan park has everything from cabins and camp sites to WiFi access and it ticks all the boxes for family fun. The kids will love the playground and the sheltered beach across the road,... Find out more


Esperance camping area 21 km

Adjacent to the Hastings Forest picnic area beside the Esperance River, these forest campsites have fireplaces, soft mossy ground and a trickling stream to lull you to sleep after your walk to Duckhole Lake or Adamsons... Find out more


Arve River picnic and camping area 22 km

Along the Arve Rd, 14 km west of Geeveston, this streamside picnic and camping area is tucked away in a forest reserve beside the pretty Arve River. There are lovely spots to put up your tent as well as limited space for... Find out more


Walk-in camping 25 km

Walk-in bush camping is allowed almost anywhere in the park, except close to roads, day-use areas or around Osborne and Esperance lakes and Ladies Tarn. You will need to be self-sufficient and bring your own drinking... Find out more


Bruny Island Neck camping area 26 km

The Neck is a narrow sandy isthmus joining north and south Bruny, with a great lookout, a penguin colony and a surf beach. The camping area is among trees behind the dunes at the more sheltered southern end of the beach.... Find out more


Tahune Forest Reserve camping area 29 km

In the forest beside the Tahune AirWalk carpark there are a handful of sites where you can set up camp in a campervan or caravan to enjoy this magnificent riverside reserve. If you’re looking for a tent site, head... Find out more


Cloudy Corner camping area 35 km

At the far end of Cloudy Bay, this isolated campsite is accessible only to 4WD vehicles and involves driving 3 km along the beach at low tide. Camping is a short walk from the beach and there is water in a creek but it... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Snug Beach Cabin and Caravan Park 18 km

A quality seaside park south of Hobart, this place is tourist oriented and has good facilities at a good price. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Treasure Island Caravan Park 41 km

Located about 9 km north-west of the city, this is a quiet, off-highway park on the banks of the Derwent River. It is close to the Cadbury Factory, a popular tourist attraction, and close to shops. This is an older park... Find out more


New Norfolk Caravan Park 42 km

Across the road from the Derwent River, the park is in a picturesque location just 1.5 km from the centre of town. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Barilla Holiday Park 47 km

This is a quality park on the outskirts of greater Hobart. It has most facilities for the discerning traveller including an eatery, and a ‘putt-putt’ golf course that is worth seeing. We like this park.... Find out more


White Beach Tourist Park 54 km

This popular, quality park is only 1 km from historic Port Arthur. Sitting high above the water it has good facilities and large shady trees. It is very busy during holiday periods and bookings are required at these... Find out more


Port Arthur Holiday Park 64 km

This is a high-quality park with good facilities, close to the beach. The area is popular for surfing, fishing and bushwalking and is a good base for exploring the Tasman Peninsula. Bookings are required in peak periods... Find out more


Wayatinah Lakeside Caravan Park 97 km

This is a neat lakeside park with basic facilities at a budget price and suitable for a night or two. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Ross Caravan Park 129 km

Close to the centre of town, on the banks of the Macquarie River and adjoining historic buildings, this small, appealing park is one of the better parks in the midlands. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Lake St Clair Lodge 137 km

This park, on the southern shores of Lake St Clair, is 5 km from Derwent Bridge. It has basic national park-style amenities and is located next to the interpretive centre within the park boundary. A national park permit... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Bellabunka

Perched on a hillside, this B&B is in a separate wing of a modern house, offering stylish accommodation with antique furniture and brave splashes of colour. Outside, the visual excitement continues with views... Find out more


Cygnet Bay Waterfront 
Retreat

Set in an idyllic location on the water’s edge, this peaceful and exclusive retreat is a private two-bedroom ground-floor apartment in a three-storey country house. Guests have exclusive use of this modern,... Find out more


Cygnet Hotel

Known locally as the ‘top hotel’, this well-loved country pub has classy refurbished heritage rooms and a warm and welcoming atmosphere at a budget price. If the collection of games and books in the guest... Find out more


Hartzview Vineyard

This Federation-style two storey homestead in the rolling green hills of Hartzview vineyard is available for exclusive occupancy, so guests can be assured of complete privacy. There is room for six in self-contained... Find out more


Riverside

This modern, riverside house with three bedrooms, polished floors and light-filled windows is in a serene location next to the Huon Estuary, looking across to southern Tasmania’s distant forests and wilderness... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Peppermint Ridge Retreat, Woodbridge 11 km

Even without the stunning views over the D’Entrecasteaux Channel from 6-metre-high windows, the pademelons that hop around, or the free-range eggs and organic vegetable garden that guests are allowed to raid in... Find out more


Curringa Farm 70 km

Near Hamilton, about an hour’s drive west of Hobart, this eco-accredited 300-hectare property gives visitors a taste of sustainable farming practices.Give a couple of day’s notice and you can tour the farm,... Find out more


Waldheim Cabins 192 km

You can steal a march on everyone else in the morning by staying in historic cabins at a beautiful spot within Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, operated by the Parks and Wildlife Service. The cabins are... Find out more


Cradle Mountain Lodge 197 km

Live in the lap of luxury – old style – with a warm and welcoming central lodge, surrounded by individual cabins. Like nearly any large lodge, it does not have a perfect environmental record, but this... Find out more


Rainbow Retreat 200 km

The owners of this 30-hectare nature reserve at St Marys are wildlife carers who rehabilitate then release wildlife on the property, so there are plenty of their old friends wandering around, including wombats,... Find out more


Mountain Valley, Loongana 213 km

Mountain Valley is off the beaten tourist track, situated around 64 kilometres south-west of Devonport (due south of Burnie). Visitors here stay in rustic cabins with open fireplaces on a private and remote 60-hectare... Find out more


Rest areas around town

New Norfolk Park Area 42 km

Middle of town Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S42 46.653 E147 04.256... Find out more


Gretna Park Area 54 km

Middle of town Small area adjacent to the highway next to the sports oval and fire station. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S42 40.711 E146 56.161 ... Find out more


Dunalley Park Area 66 km

South side of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S42 53.444 E147 48.332... Find out more


Murdunna Park Area 69 km

Middle of town Large parking area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S42 56.913 E147 51.981... Find out more


Hamilton Rest Area 69 km

Middle of town Large grassed area just off the highway on the banks of the Clyde River. Good facilities including laundry (key from council offices with deposit). Limited shade. GPS: S42 33.571 E146 49.859... Find out more


Kempton Camp Area 70 km

South end of town   Large area just off the highway. Good facilities.   GPS: S42 31.940 E147 12.112... Find out more


Fortescue Bay Camp Area 73 km

T/O 15 km S of Eaglehawk Neck (L) or 4 km N of Port Arthur (R) Large campground located 12 kilometres east of the highway in a natural bush setting near the foreshore in Tasman National Park. Good facilities and shade.... Find out more


Bethune Camp Area 74 km

T/O 7 km SE of Ouse (R) or 7 km NW of Hamilton (L) Large grassed area 2.3 kilometres south-west of the highway via Dawson Road. NOTE: Self-contained vehicles only. GPS: S42 32.135 E146 43.837... Find out more


Ouse Rest Area 80 km

East side of town Large grassed area adjacent to the highway at Grace Nicholson Apex Park. Limited shade and facilities. GPS: S42 29.125 E146 42.859... Find out more


Pub with no Beer Rest Area 85 km

3 km SE of Bothwell (R) or 18 km NW of Midland Hwy (L) Large open area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S42 23.293 E147 02.645 ... Find out more


Raspins Beach Park Area 94 km

1 km N of Orford (R) or 7 km S of Triabunna (L) Small area near the highway overlooking the foreshore. Toilets located 200 metres south. GPS: S42 32.899 E147 53.082... Find out more


Oatlands Rest Area 98 km

North side of town Narrow open areas on the banks of a shallow lake just off the main street. GPS: S42 18.042 E147 22.559 ... Find out more


St Peters Pass Rest Area 105 km

8 km N of Oatlands (R) or 28 km S of Ross (L) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S42 14.547 E147 24.317  ... Find out more


Nive River Rest Area 107 km

44 km SE of Derwent Bridge (R) or 5 km N of Tarraleah (L) Small area adjacent to the highway on the riverbank. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S42 17.921 E146 27.511... Find out more


Blackburn Creek Rest Area 110 km

29 km SE of Miena (R) or 27 km NW of Bothwell (L) Large open area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S42 10.356 E146 54.285... Find out more


Bradys Lake Camp Area 113 km

36 km SE of Derwent Bridge (L) or 13 km N of Tarraleah (R) Small open grassy area located 1 kilometre off the highway on the shores of the lake. No facilities or shade. GPS: S42 13.920 E146 29.820... Find out more


Little Swanport Rest Area 116 km

21 km N of Triabunna (L) or 28 km S of Swansea (R) Small parking area on the north side of the bridge at Swanport River. Limited shade. GPS: S42 19.915 E147 56.389... Find out more


Lagoon of Islands Rest Area 116 km

T/O 20 SE of Miena (L) or 36 km NW of Bothwell (R) Large area located 4 kilometres east of the highway (turn off at Steppes) on the shores of the lake. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S42 06.677 E146 56.163... Find out more


Bronte Lagoon Rest Area 118 km

28 km SE of Derwent Bridge (R) or 21 km N of Tarraleah (L) Small area adjacent to the highway on the shores of the lagoon. GPS: S42 10.777 E146 30.033... Find out more


Mayfield Bay Camp Area 127 km

34 km N of Triabunna (R) or 15 km S of Swansea (L) Small camp area adjacent to the highway on the foreshore with excellent coastal views. Good shade. GPS: S42 14.436 E148 00.743... Find out more


Ross Park Area 129 km

South side of town Very small area at the historic bridge well off the highway on the road into the township. GPS: S42 01.876 E147 29.401... Find out more


Pumphouse Bay Camp Area 129 km

T/O 13 km SE of Miena (L) or 43 km NW of Bothwell (R) Large open area on edge of the lake 6 kilometres north of the highway via Poatina Road. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S41 59.977 E146 51.076... Find out more


Jonah Bay Camp Area 134 km

T/O 13 km SE of Miena (L) or 43 km NW of Bothwell (R) Large area in a natural bush setting on edge of the lake 10 kilometres north of the highway via Poatina Road and Gunns Marsh Road. NOTE: Access road part... Find out more


Little Pine Lagoon Camp Area 134 km

T/O at Miena via Marlborough Highway Small camping area located 12 kilometres south-west of Miena. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S42 00.005 E146 36.661... Find out more


Spikey Beach Park Area 135 km

42 km NE of Triabunna (R) or 7 km S of Swansea (L) Small area just off the highway on the foreshore. GPS: S42 11.094 E148 04.000  ... Find out more


Franklin River Park Area 135 km

60 km SE of Queenstown (R) or 25 km NW of Derwent Bridge (L) Very small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S42 12.931 E146 01.214... Find out more


Cressy Beach Park Area 137 km

44 km NE of Triabunna (R) or 5 km SW of Swansea (L) Small secluded area just off the highway on the foreshore. GPS: S42 10.149 E148 04.429 ... Find out more


Campbell Town Rest Area 140 km

South side of town Large grassed area just off the highway on the banks of the river. Limited shade. GPS: S41 55.922 E147 29.372... Find out more


Swansea Park Area 140 km

South side of town Small parking area on the Esplanade. Good facilities. GPS: S42 07.865 E148 04.538 ... Find out more


Conara Rest Area 150 km

11 km N of Campbell Town (L) or 37 km S of Perth (R) Large area just off the highway on the road into town. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 49.805 E147 26.332... Find out more


What's on around town

Cygnet Folk Festival: music, dance and art festival; Jan.

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