Eat, Drink & Shop Cygnet Like A Local
In southern Tasmania’s verdant Huon Valley, the little township of Cygnet makes for a day trip that’s charming and eclectic in equal measure.
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A qualified art historian and curator, Caroline Davies Choi moved from inner-city Sydney to Tasmania in the mid-2010s, seeking easy access to the great outdoors for her nature-loving young boys. Having now settled in the Huon Valley, 30 minutes from Hobart, the difference between her life in the big smoke and rural Tassie living couldn’t be more stark.
“We used to go to sleep listening to people making their way from one nightclub to another; now we’re on 10 acres of bushland right on the Huon River,” Caroline says. “We love this area, and it made sense to set up our business in Cygnet, which has become a destination in its own right for its vibrancy and diversity.”
While she’d like to recommend more, we asked Caroline to narrow down her hit-list to a sub-10-stop itinerary of the very best eats, drinks, art, design and shopping to enjoy on your next day trip to Cygnet.
Caroline Davies Choi, Founder & Director at CuCKOO Cygnet
HEARTFELT WHOLEFOODS 36a Mary Street
“Run by a couple and their kids, this is a really sweet little wholefoods store at the beginning of the Cygnet main road as you drive in from Hobart. They have all sorts of lovely things to stock your larder with, but what I really love is their chocolate-covered pepitas. They’re so delicious, and I can feel good about having a chocolate-y snack! There’s also Tasmanian-made flour, fresh produce and lots more, so locals can access their pantry essentials without leaving the Huon Valley.”
TROVE 34 Mary Street
“This is a vintage and antique store run by a great woman called Talan, who curates the whole range, from homewares like plates and cups, to vintage clothing pieces and furniture. It’s in the beautiful old Cygnet Post Office building, and is a really interesting place to stop off at for a look.”
Trove (image: Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett)
NEAR AND FAR 30 Mary Street
“The owner of this giftstore, Christine, is French, and she’s got a really global taste - sourcing items locally and further afield. The store is well-known for its rugs imported from overseas, and beautiful hand-felted items.”
POOLISH & CO. 26a Mary Street
“I reckon this artisan bakery does some of the best bread and pies in Tasmania, if not Australia. They’re a really good crew doing great things in the community, including running an initiative that helps to provide bread to people in need. I absolutely love their mushroom ragout pie. I’m not vegetarian, but it’s my top recommendation to those who are - it’s hearty while feeling really nutritious.”
RED VELVET LOUNGE 24 Mary Street
“You can’t talk about Cygnet without mentioning this institution. It’s beloved by the community - both local and visiting - and for goood reason. On Friday nights, they often put on live music and pizzas, and lots of locals get out to support it. In such a little town, it’s pretty amazing to have a place that’s had this level of longevity and legacy.”
Red Velvet Lounge (image: Red Velvet Lounge)
IAN CLARE STUDIO POTTER 10a Mary Street
“Ian has long worked out of his studio a little further out of town in a rustic old building on the wetlands. But he’s recently opened a storefront on the main street, where you can view and purchase his incredible range of ceramics.”
THE PORT HOLE CAFE 1/10 Mary Street
“This is where I usually go for my coffee, because it’s only a stone’s throw from CUCKoO. They do really beautiful salads, too, with herbs, leaves and vegetables that are sourced from local market and home gardeners.”
CYGNET GALLERY 9a Mary Street
“Also known as Lovett Gallery, this collective is run by Paul Thompson, and staffed by the artists who are currently on show. It’s a really hyperlocal space that speaks to the creativity of the Cygnet community.”
CUCKoO 17 Mary Street
“It goes without saying that I’d love every visitor to Cygnet to drop into CUCKoO! My gallery and design space was born out of the CUCKoO Artisan Markets, which I founded soon after we moved to Tasmania. Those markets still run quarterly at Shambles Brewery, but have also evolved into the store in Cygnet, which opened in 2021. Our focus is to showcase the work of local artists and crafts people, as well as to inspire creativity in people by offering access to art and craft materials.”
CUCKoO (image: Paul County)
