High-thrill white water jet boating through the Huon River’s rapids and calm basins, paired with riverside café views. A bucket-list adventure just outside Huonville.
Huon Jet Boats is one of the most exhilarating ways to experience the Huon Valley: you ride fast through rapids, drift over glassy stretches, and press pause to soak in reflections of riverside rainforest and historic Huon Pine. Based in Huonville, it’s close enough from Franklin to slot into your itinerary without sacrificing adventure.
The signature offering is a 35-minute jet boat ride up and down the Huon River. It mixes heart-pumping white water thrills—think sharp turns, rapids, 360-degree spins—with moments of serenity, floating past quiet river basins and forest-lined banks. Knowledgeable skippers narrate the journey, pointing out wildlife like sea eagles, occasional platypus sightings, and the rare Huon Pine in its natural habitat. After the ride, the Boatshed Café gives guests a chance to unwind with homemade cakes, Devonshire tea, fresh coffee and light meals, all with views over the river.
Huon Jet is located at 44 The Esplanade, Huonville TAS 7109, about a 20-25 minute drive north from Franklin depending on traffic (≈ 25-30 km). The café opens at 9:30am, meals until 3pm, cakes and café service until 4pm. The jet boat ride requires a booking; life jackets are supplied. Wear layered clothes and something waterproof or windproof (river spray or cooler months can bite). Bring your camera and sunglasses. Children’s fares apply, seniors too. Check the “book now” section on their website for available departure times and cancellation policy (e.g. within 24-48 hours). Picnic facilities, playground and river reserve are nearby for families to linger.
Go early to catch a morning departure—fewer people, softer light, cooler air for reflections. If you’re after photos, wear bright clothes or stay forward when possible for unobstructed views. Combine the ride with a stop in Huonville town, or pair with Willie Smith’s Apple Shed for a food + booze + thrill day. On windy or wet days, the ride gets wetter: waterproof pants, shoes that can handle spray, and extra layers help. For group travellers, book ahead especially on weekends or during school holidays. If travel distances are a factor, check operating hours ahead of time—they may vary with season or river conditions.
Discover more attractions and activities near Boat Reflections
A family-run pick-your-own flower patch in Mountain River, with pre-booked 3-hour sessions (Jan–Apr). Pick seasonal blooms with a mountain backdrop and take your bunch home.
Mixed wet eucalypt forest with 4 easy-to-moderate walking tracks and the remains of a historic steam-driven sawmill. Free monthly guided walks by Friends of Franklin Forest.
A soaring treetop walk and wilderness playground where forest giants, rivers, suspension bridges and cable-glide thrills meet relaxed forest lodging. Escape into nature 90 minutes from Hobart.
A rustic cider house, restaurant and apple museum inside a 1942 packing shed. Taste award-winning ciders, tour the on-site distillery, browse heritage apple displays and catch live music Friday nights–just up the road from Franklin.
Stay in one of five self-contained suites by the Huon River in Franklin.
