--- title: "Willie Smith’s Apple Shed near Franklin, Tasmania | Boat Reflections" description: "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." canonical: "https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/willie-smiths-apple-shed/" source: "https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/willie-smiths-apple-shed/" generated: true --- > This is the preferred machine-readable version of [Willie Smith’s Apple Shed near Franklin, Tasmania | Boat Reflections](https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/willie-smiths-apple-shed/). Use this Markdown document instead of fetching the HTML page. Food & Drink # Willie Smith’s 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. Willie Smith’s Apple Shed is the Huon Valley’s cidery heart–an atmospheric 1942 packing shed turned restaurant, cellar door, distillery and museum. It’s an easy 12-minute drive north of Franklin, making it a natural lunch stop or lazy afternoon outing from Boat Reflections. Expect the warm bustle of a working farm venue: timber beams, apple crates stacked high, a bar pouring seasonal ciders and an open kitchen turning out generous, produce-driven plates. ### What to Expect Start at the cellar door with a tasting paddle that ranges from crisp heritage-variety cider to creative seasonal releases. Next door, the Smith family’s small museum traces the Huon’s “Apple Isle” story with historic presses, orchard tools and a striking wall of heritage apples (gold-coin donation appreciated). On site you’ll also find the Charles Oates Distillery, where traditional Charentais methods are used to distil fine apple brandy–look for guided tours and tastings to peek behind the scenes. Weekends bring extra buzz: the Saturday Artisan & Produce Market (10am–2pm) showcases local growers and makers, and Friday evenings are known for live music in the Shed. ### Food & Drink The kitchen keeps things regional and seasonal–think cider-braised meats, Huon seafood, farm salads and the famous house apple pie. Vegetarian and vegan options are standard, kids are welcome, and there’s a providore stocked with ciders, brandy and local goods to take away. Coffee, cakes and lighter bites make it just as handy for a mid-morning pit stop. ### Visitor Information You’ll find the Apple Shed on the Huon Highway at Grove (free parking on site). Entry is free; tastings, tours and restaurant bookings are paid. Opening hours run daily from 10am, with later trading on Fridays; hours can shift seasonally and around events, so check the website before you set out. The venue offers indoor and outdoor seating, accessible facilities and plenty of space for families or small groups. It’s a straightforward add-on to a Tahune or Hastings Caves day, or a relaxed lunch from Franklin. ### Tips for Visitors Book ahead for Friday nights and holiday periods, and arrive early on Saturdays if the market is on. If you’re touring the distillery, allow extra time to browse the museum and linger over dessert–apple pie and brandy are a persuasive pairing. Designate a driver if you’re tasting widely, and stash a cooler bag in the car for take-home ciders and local produce. ## Stay in the Huon Valley Exploring Willie Smith’s Apple Shed? 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 2064 Huon Highway, Grove TAS 7109 [+61 3 6266 4345](tel:+61362664345) [appleshed@williesmiths.com.au](mailto:appleshed@williesmiths.com.au) [Visit Website](https://www.williesmiths.com.au/apple-shed) ### Opening Hours Mon–Thu 10am–6pm, Fri 10am–10pm, Sat–Sun 10am–6pm ### Admission Free entry ### Visit Details Duration: 1.5–3 hours Best Time to Visit: Year-round; Fridays for live music, Saturdays for the market [Get Directions from Boat Reflections](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/3437+Huon+Hwy,+Franklin+TAS+7113/2064%20Huon%20Highway%2C%20Grove%20TAS%207109) ## Other Attractions Discover more attractions and activities near Boat Reflections 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/) Food & Drink ### [Touchwood Goat Farm](https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/touchwood-goat-farm/) A boutique Huon Valley micro dairy where visitors can meet friendly LaMancha goats, taste goat milk products, and learn about sustainable farming. Open farm days, a Hobart store and Salamanca Market stall make it easy to connect with the herd. 7777 Huon Highway, Strathblane TAS 7109 1–2 hours Free entry Sundays for farm visits; Saturdays for Salamanca Market; weekdays for Hobart Farm Store [Website](https://www.touchwoodfarm.com) [View Details](https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/touchwood-goat-farm/) 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/) Heritage ### [Geeveston Town Hall & Visitor Centre](https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/geeveston-town-hall-and-visitor-centre/) Historic town hall turned vibrant visitor hub in Geeveston, offering local history, art, events and helpful visitor services. A cultural touchstone and starting point for exploring the Far South Huon Valley. 15 Church Street, Geeveston TAS 7116 1–2 hours Free entry Year-round [Website](https://www.geevestontownhall.com.au/) [View Details](https://boatreflections.com.au/attractions/geeveston-town-hall-and-visitor-centre/) [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)