Like the first explorer, French navigator, Bruni D'entrecasteaux, modern mariners treasure the hidden bays and sheltered coves of the Channel. Along the road that winds its way south through the waterside hamlets of Snug and Margate, Kettering and Woodbridge, Middleton & Gordon, you'll glimpse sails and spinnakers of cruising yachts, hard-working fishing boats plying their trade and salmon farmers busy in their runabouts. On the waterside of the winding road at sea-level, and higher up into the surrounding hills, the land's fertility is obvious with the abundance of orchards and pastures. The hills ablaze with apple blossom in spring time are a glorious sight. As well as apples, other fruit crops abound in the Channel region including, blueberries, cherries, and raspberries. The round trip down the Channel coast to Cygnet then through the Huon Valley to Huonville (or the other way around) is one of the most popular scenic short drives from Hobart.