Woodbridge

Woodbridge looks out across Peppermint Bay and the D'Entrecasteaux Channel to the northern end of Bruny Island about 35 minutes' drive (35 kilometres/22 miles) south of Hobart on the B68 Highway. The town is surrounded by small farms and craft makers who have chosen to live in this semi rural area of rolling hills and winding roads. The focal point for visitors is Peppermint Bay restaurant and providore shop along with Woodbridge Hill Handweaving Studio and Gardens, Grandvewe Sheep Cheesery, Regnans art gallery, Fleurty's herb garden and restaurant, and a gathering of bed and breakfast and guest house accommodation. Woodbridge is one of the prettiest small towns on the Channel and is a lovely place to stay while exploring the Huon Valley and Bruny Island. Kettering, the ferry depot for Bruny Island, is just a few kilometres north. The area was first explored by Bruni D'Entrecasteaux in 1792 and was settled in the early 1800s by timber cutters, whalers and sealers. To the north is Oyster Cove where the few remaining Aborigines who survived the Wybalenna settlement on Flinders Island were moved in 1847. Today the area produces apples and stone fruit and the Channel is well known for its Atlantic salmon farms, which you can visit on a Hobart Cruises journey from the city to Peppermint Bay. Woodbridge's climate is similar to Hobart. But remember, no matter what time of year you visit, bring a warm jacket and all weather gear.