Tasmania

Seven incredible food and wine experiences in Tasmania

The Neck, Bruny Island. Image: Getty.

Courtney De Bono

Posted July 06, 2021

With top-notch restaurants, bustling cafes, world-class wineries and fresh produce galore, Australia’s smallest state is bursting with epicurean adventures perfect for your next getaway.

Whether you're looking to recharge the batteries on a weekend away or a longer holiday is in store, you'll love taking in the spectacular scenery while eating and drinking your way across the island. Just be sure to pack your appetite and your RACV membership for special offers and discounts at local attractions.

Sate your appetite on a Bruny Island food tour

A short 20-minute ferry ride off the mainland, Bruny Island is famed for its rugged beauty and fresh local produce. While on the tour you’ll sample the best of Bruny’s artisan offerings, including cheese, chocolate, honey, fudge, whisky and freshly shucked oysters that are all grown, made or harvested on the island. Meet the passionate producers behind the gourmet goods, enjoy a restaurant lunch at Adventure Bay and soak up the scenery with stops at The Neck Lookout and Mavista Rainforest – home to rare white wallabies.

Set sail for fresh seafood

For seafood lovers, it doesn’t get better – or fresher – than this picturesque seafood cruise. Departing from Hobart and cruising along the picturesque Bruny Island coastline, you’ll pull wild oysters straight from the pristine water at Great Bay and watch your guide dive for abalone and gather sea urchin. The day’s catch is prepared and served on deck as part of an extravagant seafood smorgasbord, including salmon and mouthwatering southern rock lobster – all washed down with local wines and boutique beer. Cruises depart seasonally between 1 September - 31 May. 
 

View of Josef Chromy Wines vineyard

Josef Chromy Wines is the perfect place to unwind.

 

Discover the art of fine wine

Set on a sprawling 1880s homestead estate just 15-minutes from Launceston, Josef Chromy Wines produces some of the Tamar Valley’s most delectable drops. Take a tour behind the scenes of the cellar door and learn how the award-winning cool-climate varietals are made, sampling the goods along the way. You can even try your hand at winemaking, creating your own signature blend of sparkling. You won’t be able to resist picking up a bottle (or two!) to enjoy at home as you reminisce on your Tasmanian adventure. Tours include a two-course lunch with paired wines.

Cruise the Tamar Valley

There’s no better way to experience the tranquil beauty of the Tamar Valley than from the water. Sit back and relax as you mingle with native water birds, enjoy informative expert commentary, and take in views of Tamar Island, vineyards and Batman Bridge. Cruising into the magical Cataract Gorge and through Launceston’s riverfront precinct, you’ll be treated to a Tasmanian cheese and fruit platter, local beer and wine tastings, morning tea and a light lunch. Cruises depart seasonally between 1 September - 31 May. 

Eat paddock to plate at Fat Pig Farm

Each week, owners Matthew and Sadie (you might recognise them from SBS’s Gourmet Farmer) gather their guests around a communal table for a long, leisurely lunch staring seasonal ingredients grown and reared on their 70-acre Huon Valley property. Between courses, you’ll tour the market garden, apple orchard and olive grove and pay a visit to the pigs, cows and chooks. Knowing the story behind every bite means the homegrown feast is both bursting with flavour and nourishing for the soul.
 

Cataract Gorge.
Blue Hills Honey.
Bruny Island Cheese Co. Image: Adam Gibson

Try a Tassie tasting trail

Hire a car and hit the road, taking in views of the countryside as you taste your way through Tasmania. On the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail (which encompasses the bountiful North West region), you can fulfil your cravings for farmgate fare, sampling cheese, honey, raspberries, seafood, truffles, handmade ice cream, and so much more. Fancy a tipple? There are trails mapped out across the state dedicated to Tassie’s world-class wineries, breweries and distilleries.

 Sample a scallop pie

Move over meat pies! This unique Tasmanian delicacy places premium local sea scallops in a creamy curry sauce, all encased in delightfully flaky pastry. One of the best places to tuck in is at Jackman & McRoss in Hobart’s historic Battery Point. The popular bakery also serves up a tempting selection of bread, pastries, breakfasts and light lunches. After your meal, take a stroll around the neighbourhood, which has remained largely unchanged since the 1800s.
 

RACV Members receive exclusive offers and discounts at RACV Hobart Hotel, conveniently located in the heart of the city, when booking direct.
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