Castle Forbes Bay can be explored through several distinct themes: cruises on the Huon River, orchard-growing history, community culture and outdoor trails. When planning, it helps to consider these themes according to their respective focus. A river cruise puts the Huon River centre stage; the history of orchard growing points to different periods, while a trail at Harwoods Common leads to a waterfall. This lets you decide in advance what you would like to focus on during your trip.
River cruises on the Huon River
Huon River Cruises offers a morning and an afternoon cruise on the Huon River. The morning cruise includes locally roasted coffee or tea; freshly baked scones are optional. The afternoon cruise includes a platter of local produce. The time of day and refreshments are the specific differences between the two cruises. Both depart from the private Heriots Point vineyard on the banks of the Huon River. Check the current schedule and refreshments on offer before your trip, as schedules and inclusions may change.
Orchard-growing history and cherry growing today
In 1856, James Reid planted the first apple trees in Honeywood, now Castle Forbes Bay. Today, Reid Fruits’ Castle Forbes Bay Orchard covers more than 50 hectares and produces cherries. These two facts point to different periods and crops: an early apple planting and present-day cherry growing. Anyone interested in agricultural history will find both a precisely dated historical trace and a contemporary connection to orchard growing here.
Community and culture
Castle Forbes Bay Recreation Ground was gifted to the community in the 1920s as a cricket ground. Castle Forbes Bay Recreation Club hosts an annual three-day arts and music event. If this programme is a reason for your trip, check the specific dates in advance. The Recreation Ground and Recreation Club are distinct points of reference: one connects to the history of the cricket ground, the other to the recurring arts and music event.
Trails and ongoing improvements
At Harwoods Common, a trail leads to a waterfall at the upper end of the grounds. At the same time, the Common is undergoing long-term improvements: weeds are being removed and trees planted to attract native animals back to the area. The work is ongoing. Another walking trail in Castle Forbes Bay is the Yellow Boot Walk; check trail conditions before your visit.
Planning your stay
If you are still deciding on your travel dates, you can distinguish between two time-specific events: the cruise schedule determines your choice of river cruise, while the event date determines whether you can attend the three-day cultural programme. The history of orchard growing and the gift of the cricket ground provide background, but do not in themselves set a day’s itinerary. You can first settle on a specific event and then decide which other themes suit your stay.
Discover more destinations: Tinderbox, Moonah, Cygnet, Longford, Meadowbank, Gladstone, Bothwell, Queens Domain.
For the broader travel overview: Tasmania.
