Cygnet - Huon Valley, Tasmania.
Cygnet is another of those idyllic little Tasmanian outposts which time, and to a large extent progress, seem to have passed by.
With great beaches, excellent fishing and myriad safe anchorages nearby it is probably best known as the centre of the Huon Valley fruit industry, mainly apples, cherries and various berry varieties.
First settled in 1834 it’s also something of a centre for the arts. Much favoured by artists & musicians and those seeking an alternative life-style, Cygnet is home to numerous craft shops, studios & galleries and each January hosts the Cygnet Folk Festival.
The region is home to two award winning wineries - Panorama Vineyard at Cradoc, and Hartzview Vineyard at nearby Gardeners Bay, and also boasts some excellent accommodation options for travelers.
Cygnet was discovered and originally named in 1793 by the French navigator Admiral Bruny D’Entrecasteaux as he searched for a missing explorer and compatriot Jean de la Perouse.
Astounded by the masses of Black Swans in the bay D’Entrecasteaux used his native tongue to name the inlet Port de Cygne Noir, Black Swan Port. This was later Anglicised and shortened to become Cygnet.
I have a theory that La Perouse was never really lost. Rather he stumbled upon Cygnet and chose to forego the challenges of world exploration in favour of life in this mariner’s paradise. Perhaps his spirit remains, mesmerised by the serenity and the modern-day fleet bobbing gently at anchor.
Cygnet is a 50 minute drive south of Hobart via the A6 and B68 highways.
This Tassie Local snapshot was produced by Footloose Photographic & Media Solutions
Things to see around - Cygnet
Cygnet - Huon Valley, Tasmania
