Tasmania's deep south set to flaunt its arts and crafts

 The Huon Valley, the southernmost region in Australia, is known as a hub for quality food and drink.

But the deep south of Tasmania is also home to a plethora of talented craftspeople and artisans across a range of disciplines.

From makers of wooden rocking chairs to paintings, designer knitwear, sculptures, pottery, stained glass and hand-made one-off handbags, the Huon is dotted with innovative creatives.

 
Over 60 artists and artisans will be showcasing their work at the annual Huon Valley Studio Art Trail 2026 to run across southern Tasmania from October 23-25.

Destination Southern Tasmania CEO Alex Heroys said the Huon Valley Studio Arts Trail gives visitors the opportunity to meet artists and makers at their studios.

“This year there will be double the number of artists from last year opening their studios or gathering in artist hubs,” Heroys said.

“People come from all over Tasmania and interstate to enjoy authentic behind-the-scenes experiences, with the opportunity to see artists at work.”

The three major hubs will be located at Willie Smith's Apple Shed in Grove - where today's launch was held - at The Kiln in Ranelagh and at The Artisan’s Hand at Balfour House, Cygnet.

Heroys said the Trail is a 150 km journey of discovery through spectacular southern Tasmanian landscapes.

Convenor Kerrie Rhodes from the Artisan's Hand said this year's event would be the biggest ever.

“Travelling between studios is a chance to experience the great southern beaches, the picturesque Huon River lined with orchards, valleys and mountains," she said.

“The artist hubs are an exciting addition to this year’s trail.

“There will be several hubs featuring multiple artists and makers in the one location providing welcoming gathering points to discover artists, artwork and trail information, and help visitors plan their journey."

The Huon Valley Art Trail will be easy to navigate with the launch of a new interactive website with artists profiles, an interactive digital map, as well as the traditional printed souvenir map to accommodate all preferences of travel.

Whether you are interested in ceramic arts, weavers, spoon carvers, musical instrument makers, or jewellery, a multitude of styles will be on offer.

For details see https://www.huonvalleystudioarttrail.org.au/