The Huon River is located in southern Tasmania, Australia, rising on the slopes of Mounts Wedge, Bowen, and Anne. It flows south before turning east, joined by the Weld and Picton rivers below Huon Gorge, then passes through Huonville — the limit of navigation — before entering a wide estuary that bends eastward at Geeveston to flow into the D'Entrecasteaux Channel. The river's total course is approximately 170 kilometres. The river was named in 1792 by French admiral Bruni d'Entrecasteaux in honour of his second-in-command, Huon de Kermadec.

The Huon is generally considered a kayak-friendly river. Documented paddling sections include Blakes Opening to Tahune (Grade 2, 10 km), Tahune Bridge to Southwood Bridge (Grade 1–2, 11 km), Southwood Bridge to Judbury (Grade 2, 16 km), and Judbury to Huonville (Grade 2, 14.6 km). A popular shorter option is launching at Judbury and exiting at the Helen Street canoe launch site near Ranelagh, a downstream paddle of approximately 9 km. The tributaries — the Picton and Weld rivers — run through scenic forest and are Grade 3 whitewater, offering more technical alternatives for experienced paddlers.

Access points along the river are noted as surprisingly limited. The Huon Valley Council has installed a dedicated canoe launch site at Helen Street on the river near Ranelagh, providing a formal put-in and take-out option. Paddlers are advised to consult paddling notes from Paddle Tasmania when planning the Judbury to Helen Street section or other more challenging trips.

The lower valley and surrounding Huon Peninsula are known for apple growing heritage, craft cider production, and fruit cultivation, giving the river corridor a distinctly agricultural character in its lower reaches. Tahune Adventures, located along the Arve Road near Geeveston, sits at the confluence of the Huon and Picton rivers and features Huon pine trees and an elevated airwalk through the forest canopy, making it a notable landmark for paddlers on the upper sections. The river valley is accessible from Hobart via the Huon and Channel highways, roughly 40 minutes from the city.