Experiences at Villa Talia
Helicopter flights
We work with award-winning local company Tasmanian Air Tours to provide scenic flights as well as transporting guests to our private helipad.
Kayaking
Kayaks, paddles and PFD’s (life jackets) are available for hire at your own risk. Watch the weather, stay close to shore, paddle in company if possible and always wear a PFD.
Biking
Bikes and helmets are available for hire at your own risk. You are required by law to wear an approved bicycle helmet.
Yoga & Meditation
You’ll find mats in the bedroom wardrobes. Ideal for use out on the main front area, facing the water and mountain to complete the experience. With some early notice we can arrange for a local yoga teacher to come to Villa Talia, depending on the availability at the time of your request.
Fishing
There is good shore access to the Huon River at many locations between Huonville and Port Huon, on both sides of the river. Please take note that upstream from Castle Forbes Bay, an inland waters angling licence is required. Downstream from that point, no licence is required. Try your luck for sea-run trout and escapee Atlantic salmon.
Bushwalking & Wildlife
There are some wonderful walks in the Huon Valley region to suit all interests and ability levels. During your visit, you may spot some of Tasmania’s wonderful wildlife – keep an eye out for wallabies, quolls and echidnas on the ground – watch for dolphins at sea – and look up to see wedge-tail eagles, sea eagles and many other species of Tasmania’s unique birdlife.
Experiences in the region
Fat Pig Farm
If you’ve seen Matthew Evans on the SBS program The Gourmet Farmer, you’ll know about Fat Pig Farm – it’s at Glaziers Bay, not far from Villa Talia and if you’re here on a Friday, you might like to join one of their famous Friday Feasts.
Port Cygnet Cannery
Situated 15 minutes drive from Villa Talia, in the historic port town of Cygnet, Tasmania, Port Cygnet Cannery is the home of Cannery Kitchen and Bar and Sailor Seeks Horse winery and cellar door. The building was formerly an apple canning factory and is now evolving into a hub of food, beverage and agricultural businesses.
Home Hill Winery
Set among vineyards on a hillside above Ranelagh, an impressive rammed-earth, timber and glass building houses an award-winning winery and restaurant. Home Hill is recognised as one of Australia’s leading producers of pinot noir.
Willie Smith's Apple Shed
This 1942 apple packing shed in Grove is the home of Willie Smith’s award-winning cider house and distillery. Browse in the museum, see the display of heritage apples, enjoy a cider tasting, sample the delicious food and check out their Saturday morning produce market.
Pagan Cider
Near Cygnet is Australia’s southern-most cider cellar door, where you can taste the range of apple, pear and cherry ciders, as well as their limited-release seasonal blends, such as quince, blueberry, strawberry and peach. During summer from Wednesday to Sunday, The Pandemonium Cafe is also onsite, serving traditional French crepes and waffles.
Grandvewe Cheeses
At Peppermint Bay near Woodbridge you’ll discover Tasmania’s only sheep milk cheesery – meet the sheep, taste up to 15 different cheeses and enjoy a wine while viewing the whole process of cheese making and maturing.
Tas-Saff
You’ll find Tas-Saff perched high on the hill overlooking Glaziers Bay. Tas-Saff pioneered the saffron industry in Australia in the late 1980s. Saffron is harvested each year during April and May. Tas-Saf offer free saffron gin and saffron tea tastings.
The Old Bank Of Geeveston
In the town’s original bank building you’ll find excellent coffee, cakes and pastries as well as artful breakfasts and lunches, all featuring fine local produce and best consumed on the deck beneath huge old cherry-blossom trees.
The Wooden Boat Centre
On the banks of the Huon at Franklin, the centre is the focal point of Australian wooden boat-building – the nose-tingling pine aroma rising from beautifully handcrafted boats under construction is a bonus. Sailing cruises on the river are a highlight.
Tahune Adventures Tasmania
Walk high above the forest floor on the thrilling Airwalk, with its cantilever platform overlooking the meeting place of two wild rivers; get close to a Huon pine on one of the riverside tracks; glide across the water on the Eagle Cable Hang Glider; enjoy a bouncy ride through the rapids on a raft. It’s all at Tahune Adventures Tasmania, a short drive into the forests from Geeveston.
Hastings Caves & Thermal Springs
Ranger-guided tours take you through the passages and caverns of an extensive dolomite cave system, with spectacular and cleverly-illuminated limestone decorations including stalactites, stalagmites, shawls and flowstone. Bring your bathers – the thermal pool is fed by natural springs heated deep below the surface of the Earth.
Huon Valley Midwinter Festival
A Huon Valley winter highlight each July, the festival celebrates the region’s apple picking heritage by scaring evil spirits out of the orchards with song and the banging of metal pans! There’s plenty of feasting and cider drinking too.