--- title: "Huon River Cruises near Franklin, Tasmania | Boat Reflections" description: "Glide along the tranquil Huon River aboard a beautifully restored wooden cruiser, enjoying local produce, river history and scenic views. A relaxing riverside experience just minutes from Franklin." canonical: "https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/huon-river-cruises/" source: "https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/huon-river-cruises/" generated: true --- > This is the preferred machine-readable version of [Huon River Cruises near Franklin, Tasmania | Boat Reflections](https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/huon-river-cruises/). Use this Markdown document instead of fetching the HTML page. Scenic # Huon River Cruises Glide along the tranquil Huon River aboard a beautifully restored wooden cruiser, enjoying local produce, river history and scenic views. A relaxing riverside experience just minutes from Franklin. Huon River Cruises is a scenic waterside experience that captures the gentle beauty of the Huon Valley from the river itself. Departing from the private Heriots Point Vineyard dock near Castle Forbes Bay, you board the classic 1948 wooden motor cruiser _La Drone_. Whether you choose a morning-tea cruise or a relaxed afternoon ride, you’ll glide past picnic-worthy riverbanks, small historic settlements, native bush, and reflections of forested hills. The hospitality onboard—local stories, beautiful produce, great drinks—makes this not just a ride, but a moment to slow down. ### What the Cruise Offers Two main scheduled cruises set the tone. The **Morning Tea on the River** leaves around 10:30am, lasts about 90 minutes, with freshly baked scones, tea or coffee, and sweeping river views. The **Relaxing Afternoon Cruise**, which is often the “favourite,” departs at about 2:00pm, also \~90 minutes, and includes a grazing board featuring three Bruny Island cheeses, tapenade, etc., plus local wine, cider or beer depending on the tier you pick. The vessel has an enclosed cabin for comfort in all weather, plus an open deck that lets you enjoy those calm river reflections. For special occasions, private charters are available for groups of 2-12, letting you customise food, route or timing. ### Visitor Info & Getting There You’ll find the departure point at Heriots Point Vineyard in Castle Forbes Bay, about 5 minutes drive heading south past Franklin (just search “Huon River Cruises” on Google Maps and it will take you right to the boat). There’s parking on site. Bookings are essential: seats are limited and walk‑ons are not accepted from the private dock. The boat accommodates up to 12 guests. We’re set up for all weather with our enclosed cabin, and umbrellas are provided for the short walk from the car park to the boat if needed. On maps, look for “Huon River Cruises” rather than “Heriots Point Vineyard”; our signs will be out on cruise days. ### Tips for the Best Experience Pick the cruise time that plays to your strengths: if you love sun, afternoons are great; if you prefer cooler, peaceful light, mornings win. Go for a higher tier if you want more indulgence (premium food or drinks). Bring a camera for wildlife — sea eagles are common, and if you’re lucky you might spot dolphins or seals. Our fully enclosed cabin is warm and dry in winter and can be opened up in summer for a cool breeze. And if visiting Franklin or using Huon River Cruises as part of a bigger itinerary (Tahune, orchards, Hastings Caves), plan your day so you’re not rushing: the calm of the river pairs well with the energy of forests or hot springs. ## Stay in the Huon Valley Exploring Huon River Cruises? Boat Reflections offers five self-contained suites beside the Huon River in Franklin, with private bathrooms, kitchenette facilities, and river or mountain views. [See our Huon Valley accommodation](https://boatreflections.com.au/rooms/) [Check availability](https://boatreflections.com.au/availability/) ### Location & Directions ### Visit Information Huon River Cruises, 3883 Huon Highway, Castle Forbes Bay TAS 7116 [+61 409 333 496](tel:+61409333496) [Info@huonrivercruises.com.au](mailto:Info@huonrivercruises.com.au) [Visit Website](https://huonrivercruises.com.au/) ### Opening Hours Cruises depart most days ### Admission $145 adult ### Visit Details Duration: 1.5 hours Best Time to Visit: Year-round [Get Directions from Boat Reflections](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/3437+Huon+Hwy,+Franklin+TAS+7113/Huon%20River%20Cruises%2C%203883%20Huon%20Highway%2C%20Castle%20Forbes%20Bay%20TAS%207116) ## Other Attractions Discover more attractions and activities near Boat Reflections Food & Drink ### [Willie Smith’s Apple Shed](https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/willie-smiths-apple-shed/) 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. 2064 Huon Highway, Grove TAS 7109 1.5–3 hours Free entry Year-round; Fridays for live music, Saturdays for the market [Website](https://www.williesmiths.com.au/apple-shed) [View Details](https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/willie-smiths-apple-shed/) Nature ### [Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs](https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/hastings-caves-and-thermal-springs/) Guided tours through Newdegate Cave’s otherworldly formations paired with a year-round 28°C thermal pool in a rainforest setting. An easy half-day adventure south of Franklin with short walks, BBQs and a cosy visitor centre. 754 Hastings Caves Road, Hastings TAS 7109 Half day Cave tour $24, thermal pool $5 Year-round [Website](https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/hastings-caves-state-reserve/hastings-caves-and-thermal-springs) [View Details](https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/hastings-caves-and-thermal-springs/) Heritage ### [Wooden Boat Centre](https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/wooden-boat-centre/) A working museum and school dedicated to Tasmania’s wooden boat heritage, offering guided tours, hands-on workshops, and the chance to see boatbuilding in action 3333 Huon Highway, Franklin TAS 7113, Australia 1–1.5 hours Adults $15; Children under 17 $5 (under 5 free) Year-round [Website](https://www.woodenboatcentre.com) [View Details](https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/wooden-boat-centre/) Nature ### [Mountain River Flower Patch](https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/flower-picking/) 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. 9 Gums Road, Mountain River TAS 7109, Australia 3 hours (allow 4–5 hours including drive and a relaxed picnic) From $0–$40 per person (children under 16 free) Late summer to early autumn (January–April season) [Website](https://mountainriverflowerpatch.com.au/) [View Details](https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/flower-picking/) [View All Attractions](https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/) ## Come down for air Stay in one of five self-contained suites by the Huon River in Franklin. [Check availability](https://book-directonline.com/properties/boatreflections)