When it comes to food and wine destinations we want to explore this year, Tasmania has got us talking.
Despite its location at the bottom of Australia, this foodie destination is at the top of our list for good times and great wines (and whisky, beer, seafood, artisan products and produce).
Follow our guide on where to start, what to see and how to sample the best of Tasmania’s food and wine trail for your next foodie adventure.
The North Coast is as good as any place to start the Tassie food and wine trail. Here you’ll find the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail which stretches across the north-west of Tasmania from Launceston to Devonport and onto Stanley and Smithton, capturing the region’s best wineries, restaurants, providores, olive growers and cheese makers.
While Tasmania is only a small island, you’ll need at least a few days to explore all this tasty North West region has to offer. (Handy hint: this is one of the best trails to explore for members exchanging at Shearwater Resort in Devonport.)
Close to Devonport, be sure to visit Ashgrove Farm Cheese and the Cherry Shed, then on to the region’s highlights including raspberry farms, salmon, boutique wineries and distilleries. You’ll want to leave plenty of room for sampling fresh produce from the farm gates and roadside stalls.
Tasmania’s capital, Hobart is teaming with food-filled events, from the long-running Taste of Tasmania festival held every year over summer to the weekly Salamanca Markets held on Saturdays at the city’s waterfront.
So, what better to do in this food-obsessed city than follow your tastebuds? Be sure to get a reservation at some of the city’s hottest restaurants (Dier Makr, Fico and Franklin to name a few). Then take advantage of the proximity of Tasmania’s best southern wineries – fun fact: Hobart has the closest vineyards to a capital city anywhere in Australia. Head for Coal Valley Vineyard and Pooley Wines to start, with a stop at The Wicked Cheese Company (because, cheese).
Of course, no visit to Hobart is complete until you’ve experienced the weird and wonderful world of MONA – the Museum of Old and New Art. A strikingly personal collection by eccentric owner, David Walsh, you can trawl the eclectic exhibits with a free handheld device – and even vote whether you Love or Hate it. It’s a Hobart must.
Featuring more than 20 vineyards over a 60km stretch from Launceston to the coast, you can self-drive the Tamar Valley in a day – making it one of the most popular scenic drives in Tassie. Our recommendation? Take your time and hit the Tamar Valley Wine Route – voted one of the 10 best wine routes in the world! This extended route covers 170km and more than 30 cellar doors, so slow down to a leisurely pace as you explore the Tamar Valley over a few days.
You’ll want to stop at a couple of the best-known Tasmanian wineries (hello Penfolds, Clover Hill and Jansz), but make sure not to miss a few of the hidden gems of the region. Goaty Hill Wines is a small family owned operation where you can enjoy fine wines along with cheese plates and vineyard platters. Just 25 minutes out of Launceston, find Stoney Rise – home to some of the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the land and recently named a 5-star winery in the 2019 Halliday Wine Companion.
We’ll cheers to that!
<p class="MsoNormal">Regent Park Apartments will more than fulfill your holiday dreams. Nestled in the trendy suburb of Sandy Bay, the 14 units are surrounded by a charming garden, with public transport and several beaches just a stone's throw away. Conveniently close to the historic Battery Point district, the city of Hobart, Wrest Point Casino, and offers stunning views of the Derwent Estuary and Kunanyi/Mount Wellington.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">No matter where you explore in southern Tasmania, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, history enthusiast, nature lover, foodie, or a fan of wine, beer, whisky, and cider. Bushwalkers and those seeking scenic beauty will also find plenty to enjoy.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">You could easily spend a week uncovering the delights of Hobart, with its historic sandstone warehouses, narrow lanes, and colonial-era cottages. Be sure to visit the Cascade Brewery, Mawson’s Hut, and the Female Factory. Your experience at the internationally renowned MONA Museum will leave you in awe. Kunanyi/Mount Wellington offers breathtaking views year-round, while the Derwent Estuary is perfect for boat cruises and relaxing at waterside cafés and galleries. You might even find your visit coinciding with one of the many local festivals or events, witness the southern lights in the picturesque beach suburb of Kingston, or spot a majestic southern right whale.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bruny Island is a scenic wonder, featuring stunning views from the Neck and the Lighthouse, along with some of the best oysters you’ll ever taste. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy here too. The Huon Valley leads to the southernmost point of Australia, where you can’t miss Tahune Adventures, the Apple Shed Museum, Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs, and the stunning reflections in the Huon River framed by the Hartz Mountains on a calm day. The Tasman Peninsula, best viewed by helicopter or boat, offers much more than just Port Arthur and nearby geological wonders. Our staff can share hidden gems and provide discounts to many attractions.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Returning visitors often find it hard to resist another trip to the picture-perfect village of Richmond and the boutique wineries in Coal River Valley. Don’t forget to explore the eclectic antique shops in the Derwent Valley and visit Mount Field National Park, home to the iconic Russell Falls and Horseshoe Falls. For a little adventure, consider a trip to the Wall in the Wilderness (often called Australia’s Sistine Chapel), marvel at the Gordon Dam, or hike around Lake St Clair.</p>
Nestled in an idyllic location on Tasmania's ruggedly beautiful north coast, the award-winning Shearwater Resort is central to some of the Island State's most spectacular tourist attractions. Set in beautiful gardens on 30 acres, adjacent to the resort's 16-hectare golf course, you'll be just short stroll from the water's edge at Freers Beach. <br /><br />The studio, one and two-bedroom self-contained units come equipped with TV, foxtel and STD/ISD phones. Prepare a home-cooked meal on your bench cooktop, or make popcorn in your microwave to go along with a movie. All kitchen essentials are provided for your convenience. As you'd expect, the resort boasts a fine choice of amenities, including a bistro and an al fresco dining and entertainment area. Relax by the pool and plan a day of sightseeing you'll never forget.<br /><br />Proximity to both Devonport Airport and the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal makes reaching the resort easy by both air and sea. A car will help to enhance your holiday experience, because you'll want to visit Cradle Mountain, nearby waterfalls, National Parks, wineries, caves, beaches and quaint country towns. Fairy Penguins, Narawntapu National Park and Squeaky Point are all close by.<br /><br />You'll find there's no better place to unwind, indulge, revitalise and refresh than Shearwater. It's sheer pleasure.