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Top 7 Tasmania Food Experiences

Tasmania – the island state, home to the Tasmanian Devil, and renowned worldwide for its breathtaking wilderness and stunning scenery. But more than just an adventure seekers dream getaway, Tasmania is a food mecca when it comes to fresh produce and fine wines.

Tasmania is resplendent with epicurean delights to satisfy even the most fastidious foodie. From coast to coast you will find a comprehensive selection of farm gate, cellar door, and fresh seafood offerings to some of the best restaurants in Australia.

So, satiate your tastebuds and experience food in new and exciting ways with a trip to Tasmania.

Hobart and Surrounds

The heart of Tasmanian produce. Nestled between Mount Wellington and the Derwent River lies the state’s capital, Hobart. This storied city steeped in history boasts some of the finest eateries in Australia. Well-matched with world-class dining experiences you might expect to find in Sydney or Melbourne. 

Showcasing the magnificence and majesty of Tasmanian food, you can take in all the flavours the state has to offer from a number of top restaurants in and around the city. Start your foodie tour of Hobart on the wharf, with a bite from Aloft at the Brooke Street Pier, before heading up the road to the city centre for a menu filled with locally sourced produce and wine from Dier Makr. Next, tempt your palate with a trip to North Hobart and local favourite Templo, then top off your day of delicacies with a Tasmanian whiskey from world-class merchant Lark Distillery .

With an endless array of fine foods, first-rate restaurants, and the freshest offerings available anywhere in Australia, the city of Hobart alone makes Tasmania a must-visit when you are planning your next escape.

When it comes to experiences with Tasmania food, few can come close to the innovation, creativity and daring of MONA. Just a short 15-minute drive from Hobart, the flagship fine dining restaurant, The Source, now has some fierce competition in David Walsh’s new offering, Faro, presenting tapas in a way you have never encountered nor imagined you would encounter ever in your life.

Where The Source is an artistic restaurant within an art museum, Faro is an art installation in and of itself. The restaurant is incorporated within the new wing of the museum, Pharos, and along with a unique interpretation of tapas dining, you will be taken on a visual and visceral journey from the minute you step within the doors.

Tassie local and architectural/lifestyle photographer, Adam Gibson, and Gourmet Traveller favourite, captures the uniqueness of Faro perfectly in his latest work. From the opulence of the food to the overall ambience of the surroundings, his images pique interest in the extraordinary environment and entice lovers of art and foodies alike to visit this fun and wild way to enjoy food.

The Deep South

With its tumultuous past and world heritage historic site, a day trip to the town of Port Arthur in the state’s southeast is certainly worth the 90-minute drive from Hobart. The mystery and magnificence of your surroundings will be complemented by a Tasmanian whiskey and gin experience at Nonesuch Distillery where you can join in the process of decanting a vat or assist with bottling. Or for a bite to eat while enjoying sweeping views over the former convict penitentiary, drop into 1830 Restaurant & Bar and sample the fresh, seasonal produce sourced from local growers.

Another day trip definitely worth investing your time is located 30 minutes from Hobart in the Huon Valley. Giving a name to Tassie’s colloquial Apple Isle moniker, the Huon Valley boasts some fantastic cider-based experiences that should not be missed. Willie Smith’s Apple Shed, in Grove, features both restaurant and bar inside an old apple packing shed and is bookended by an apple museum and display of around 400 apple varieties. Pagan Cider Cellar Door and Frank’s Cider House also offer a delicious glimpse into the history and versatility of cider produced and sourced in the local area.

Lastly, for a one-stop tour of local produce, Bruny Island is a short 20-minute ferry ride from the mainland of Tasmania. This self-contained foodie haven (off the coast of a self-contained foodie haven) produces artisan delights ranging from cheese, chocolate, honey, fudge, and freshly shucked oysters that are all grown on the island. So, make the trip to Bruny and soak up the rugged scenery as you sample all the gourmet delights the mini-mecca has to offer.

Paddock to Plate

With inherent rural foundations, you will find the freshest produce on offer all throughout Tasmania. But if you are seeking the true farm to fork experience there are a few must-visit locales that stand out.

Approximately 45 minutes south of Hobart, Cygnet is home to Fat Pig Farm. Run by owners, Matthew Evans and Sadie Chrestman, the 70-acre family farm is the source of your dining experience. Direct from the surrounding paddock and gardens you will be served honest, breathtaking food hand grown, nurtured, and delivered from the farm gate to your table. Interspersed with your feast, you will be taken on a guided tour of the farm. Definitely, an experience to remember!

The Agrarian Kitchen is another first-class farm gate journey that is worth the 40-minute drive from Hobart. With a focus on produce sourced from the direct vicinity, New Norfolk plays host to this fine dining experience where you will be treated to some of the best offerings the local area can provide. You will literally taste the town as you work your way through the specially formulated menu of seasonal delights.

Seafood Bonanza

Fresh seafood is the epitome of opulence and extravagance when it comes to Tasmania food. Surrounded by sea, there is no end to where you can find the most delectable array of oysters, abalone, scallops, rock lobster, and salmon. All fresh, all flavourful, and all plucked from the sparkling blue waters of Tasmania.

The Freycinet Peninsula, located on the state’s east coast, is one such region where fresh seafood is available in abundance. At Freycinet Marine Farm you will experience oysters and mussels harvested fresh from the farm, with the opportunity to don a pair of waders yourself, head out to the oyster farm and harvest your own oysters direct from the racks. It doesn’t come much fresher than that!

Launceston and the Tamar Valley

Heading to the north of the state, Launceston and the Tamar Valley offer a range of high-quality restaurants and dining experiences that expertly showcase local produce in all its exquisite beauty. From paddock to plate style dining at Stillwater, located in a renovated flour mill beside the mouth of the Cataract Gorge to the panoramic vistas and endless vines of Josef Chromy Wines, situated on 61 acres just south of Launceston, in Relbia, you will find a stunning selection of local wines, fresh flavours, and artisan foods that will quite literally take your breath away.

The Tamar Valley provides the ideal climate for grape growing, making the area a renowned wine region, producing some of the state’s finest drops. Spanning over 60kms northwest of Launceston and running along both sides of the Tamar River, the fertile valley is famous for its chardonnays, sparkling, pinot noir, and aromatic whites. You will find a number of cellar door options within the region meaning you can purchase directly from the grower, sample the wares, and take in the picturesque surroundings from world-class wineries such as Holm Oak, Tamar Ridge, and Goaty Hill.

Italian Delicacies

Tasmania has a rich and vibrant relationship with Italian food, and you will find the strong cultural connection on display at some of the state’s top Italian restaurants.

From new up and comer Fico , along with Battery Point stalwart Da Angelo Ristorante, Hobart and it’s surrounds boast a plethora of authentic dishes that encompass a passion and commitment to gourmet Italian fare.

So, be transported as you dine your way across Italy during your next trip to Tasmania . You won’t be disappointed.

Self-Drive 8 Night Taste Tasmania

      Josef Chromy Wines  

      Risby Cove, Strahan  

      Ageing Barrel Wine Tour  

      Gordon River Cruises  

      Tesoro, Movenpick Hobart  

      The Sebel, Launceston  

8 Night Taste Tasmania - Gourmet Food Tour

Winter bonus offer.

Stay in a Deluxe Room at Mövenpick Hotel Hobart to receive complimentary breakfast each morning. Please mention this deal at the time of booking to receive this offer.

To all our self-confessed foodies out there, this Taste Tasmania itinerary is specifically designed just for you! Emphasising the sensational produce of our island this is the perfect holiday package to indulge your senses. Premium hotel accommodation, matched with first-class gourmet day tours will leave you fully satisfied.

Your 8 Night Taste Tasmania Includes:

• 2 Nights Movenpick Hotel – Hobart
• 2 Nights Risby Cove – Strahan
• 2 Nights The Sebel Launceston – Launceston
• 1 Night Freycinet Lodge – Coles Bay
• 1 Night Salamanca Suites OR Salamanca Terraces - Hobart
• Ageing Barrel Wine Tour OR Apple Isle Wine Tours Including Lunch
• Gordon River Cruises – Premier Upper Deck Including Lunch
• Josef Chromy Wines – Let’s Do Lunch Experience
• 6 Days All-Inclusive Economy Automatic Car Hire with Budget Rent a Car^
• National Parks Pass – Allowing Entry into Statewide Parks
• FREE Chocolate Hour at Movenpick Hotel Hobart

^Car hire pick up from Hobart City, prior departure to the west coast of Tasmania

For travel outside of the above dates, please enquire for pricing .

*Subject to availability. These packages are seasonal ‘from’ prices only and will vary depending on the date of travel and style of accommodation chosen and are subject to availability. Prices based on land content only. Packages are valid year round and rates for other date ranges are available in the 'Dates & Prices' tab. Included tours may not run 7 days a week or year round. Specific room types, minimum night stays and event period block out dates or higher pricing may apply. All prices listed here are either per person twin share, per family including 2 adults and 2 children up to 12 years, or per person four share. Car hire with Drive Car Rental is fully inclusive of zero insurance excess (standard vehicles) and all the fees and charges excluding fuel and any additional counter products or fees. Car hire with Budget Rent a Car is fully inclusive of excess reduction coverage and all fees and charges excluding fuel and any additional counter products or fees. ^Car pickup from CBD included after conclusion of Hobart stay. Free parking and inclusive breakfast are based on particular properties only and may be unavailable at time of booking. For further terms and conditions check with your Tasmanian Vacations Travel Expert.

Tailor Your Own Tour

Want to extend your Tasmanian travel package? Want to hire a campervan? Want to add more attractions? Contact a Tasmanian Vacations Travel Expert to customise this package

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7 of Tasmania's best food and wine trails

These great road trips offer a taste of gourmet Tasmania, from reverently produced cheeses to its wines, beers and whiskies.

By Andrew Bain

Tasmania 's international culinary reputation is well deserved. The island state produces an astonishing array of excellent produce, from beer and berries to pork and pinot noir. These regional routes head to the source of  Tasmania 's famous flavours.

Delicious taste of Tasmania

Tasmanian cider trail.

Once known as the Apple Isle for its superb crops, Tasmania continues to celebrate the apple with the  Tasmanian Cider Trail . The trail links ten cider producers across the state, from the southern  Huon Valley , where 80 per cent of the state's apples are grown, to cideries in the north around the wine-producing  Tamar Valley . There are also detours to other cider producers in the capital city of  Hobart , as well as upstream from  Hobart  in the Derwent Valley, and in the apple-producing northern town of Spreyton, just over a one-hour drive north-west of  Launceston . The drive from the Huon Valley to the Tamar Valley is about 300 kilometres (187 miles).  

Tasmanian Beer Trail

Breweries abound in  Tasmania , and are the focus of the  Tasmanian Beer Trail , which brings together more than 20 breweries on one hop-filled journey around the state. Begin in the capital city of Hobart, driving along the state's beach-lined east coast and through the northern cities of  Launceston  and  Devonport  and you'll get to taste a great variety of hoppy creations. The trail incorporates tours of the state's two largest breweries - the  Cascade Brewery  in Hobart and  Boag's Brewery  in Launceston - as well as a number of small craft brewers that offer intimate tastings.  

Tasmanian Whisky Trail

Tasmania produced the world's best single malt whisky in 2014, and  this trail  connects almost 20 distilleries throughout the island. As well as providing plenty of whisky tastings, it gives you the chance to take in the likes of the former convict prison at  Port Arthur  and postcard-worthy beaches along the east coast. The drive from the capital city of Hobart around to the northern town of  Burnie , returning past a trio of distilleries in the rural Midlands, covers about 900 kilometres (559 miles).  

Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail

Cradle Mountain  is one of Tasmania's biggest natural drawcards, and sits in a region that tastes as good as it looks. The  Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail  extends across the north-west of Tasmania, from the city of Launceston to the town of  Smithton , taking in wineries, restaurants, providores, cheese makers, olive growers and more. The straight journey is little more than 200 kilometres (124 miles), but it's worth stretching it over a few days to experience and taste it fully. There are more than 20 producers along the way, as well as farmers markets in Launceston and  Ulverstone , and some great accommodation options linked to the trail.  

Made on Bruny Island Gourmet Trail

Long and spectacular  Bruny Island  is like a snapshot of all things great about Tasmanian food, distilled into one smaller island. The  Made on Bruny Island traveller trail  passes many of Bruny's most spectacular sights, including beaches, cliffs and wildlife, as it connects the island's terrific tastes. A full day itinerary will take you past a famed cheese maker, an oyster farm, a whisky house, and a berry farm where you can pick your own fruit. For a gourmet trip mixed with walks and exclusive accommodation, book yourself onto the three-day  Bruny Island Long Weekend  tour. Bruny Island is reached on a short car-ferry crossing from the town of Kettering, about a 30-minute drive from the Tasmanian capital of Hobart.

Great Eastern Drive

The  Great Eastern Drive  runs spectacularly along Tasmania's eastern edge from the quiet beach town of Orford to the fishing centre of St Helens. The 180-kilometre (112-mile) drive is as beautiful as any in Australia, but one of its prime attractions is the opportunity to enjoy the produce that comes from the surrounding land and sea. North of the holiday seaside town of  Swansea , the drive threads between a handful of vineyards. On Freycinet Peninsula, there's fresh-from-the-leases seafood at the  Freycinet Marine Farm , while further ocean treats await at the dockside seafood punts at the drive's end in St Helens.   

Tamar Valley Wine Route

A driving loop through Tasmania's foremost wine region, the  Tamar Valley Wine Route  links almost 30 cellar doors north of the likeable city of Launceston. The circuit covers about 170 kilometres (106 miles), running along both banks of the Tamar River. Most vineyards have cellar doors with regular opening hours, while several also offer platters of local produce to complement the wines. The signature wine variety of the region is Pinot Noir, but there are also wonderful sparkling wines, Chardonnays, Rieslings and even fortified wines to taste along the drive.

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Palawa Kipli

Tasmanian aboriginal  inspired food and bush tucker  experiences.

Lutruwita / Tasmania's Bush tucker tour has now launched! kipli takara tours

kipli takara piyura kitina-ta (bush foods walk at Risdon Cove). Taste the timeless palate of piyura kitina. kipli takara is a 90-minute bush tucker tour offered on Aboriginal land at piyura kitina/Risdon cove. This tour invites guests to walk the culturally rich landscape with palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) guides across this abundant natural pantry that has been returned to Tasmanian Aboriginal ownership since 1995. Throughout this experience guests are treated to a 90-minute guided walk of this unique property, hearing about the history and current story of the area. Along the way guests are able to taste the native bush tucker currently in season along the track and get a first-hand glimpse into how palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal people) continue to enjoy cultural foods and undertake culturally-centred land management across lutruwita/Tasmania. The ‘kipli takara’ experience ends with a unique tasting of native flavours from palawa kipli (the Tasmanian Aboriginal owned and operated catering company) kipli takara tours are $90 per person with ticket price including: - access to piyura kitina - guided walk -  catering of native foods and drinks kipli takara is also open for private group bookings with prices starting at $1,300 – get in touch today at [email protected].

Huon Aquaculture to invest $110 million to boost land-based production at Port Huon, Tasmania

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• Huon will expand its land-based salmon farming facilities with a new Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) at its Whale Point site, in southern Tasmania.
• Huon has pioneered land-based aquaculture and off-shore farming in Tasmania.
• Increasingly raised in world-leading RAS, Huon salmon can spend longer on land than they do in the ocean.
• The proposed expansion supports the Tasmanian Government’s Salmon Industry Plan.
• The investment will generate about 150 construction jobs and support new jobs in the Port Huon community.

Huon is preparing to invest $110 million to expand its existing freshwater Atlantic salmon nursery, building a new Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) at its Whale Point site in Port Huon.

The Whale Point expansion will allow Huon to continue growing fish longer on land, which means fish that go to sea will be larger and spend less time in the marine environment.

This project highlights Huon’s continuous innovation; pioneering technology and practices which cement the company as a global leader in aquaculture.

The project is a significant investment in regional Tasmania, generating about 150 jobs during construction and 8 permanent jobs at Huon once the facility is operational. Huon plans to start building the new facility in early 2025, pending approvals, and aims to be fully operational by 2027.

Huon led the use of RAS facilities in Tasmania with the opening of its first nursery at Whale Point in 2019.

Huon Aquaculture CEO Henry Batista said the $110 million investment will enable Huon to deploy cutting-edge technology to grow bigger fish on land.

“Huon salmon can already spend most of their lifecycle on land and this expansion strengthens our land-based farming capabilities,” Mr. Batista said.

“This investment will also further improve water use at Whale Point, increasing the amount of water recycled in the RAS to 99%. The remaining one per cent of water is used in our aquaculture operations and filtered waste from the facility is used by local farmers to grow produce like cherries.

“This investment allows us to utilise our existing land and offshore marine farming sites to meet growing demand for our premium Tasmanian salmon, while providing a significant boost for the construction industry and local businesses,” Mr. Batista said.

“We have about 140 employees across our nursery, net maintenance and marine operations based in Port Huon and this $110 million expansion will create another 8 full-time jobs, cementing Huon as one of the biggest employers in the region,” Mr. Batista said.

Huon proudly employs about 1000 people across its Australian operations.

BC Electrical is among the local businesses set to work on the project and Automation Engineer Ryan Flint said the new RAS facility would generate ongoing work for his company.

“During the construction phase of this project, we’re predicting that we will need to employ an additional 5-10 staff members. Beyond the construction phase, the new facility will create additional ongoing work for our business particularly in maintenance work, once the new nursery is operational,“ Mr Flint said.

“Like many Huon Valley businesses, we see this $110 million dollar investment in the region as a massive boost to the local economy. This industry employs thousands of people in regional parts of Tasmania from both the aquaculture sites themselves, and local businesses such as transport and takeaways. It also keeps many families based in these regional locations, boosting schools and communities.”

Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz said the Tasmanian Liberal Government welcomed Huon’s investment announcement.

“As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future we are backing in industry to grow jobs and invest in projects around Tasmania,” he said.

“The expected benefits to the region from the construction and operational phases of this proposed world leading hatchery would be far-reaching, boosting regional employment, bolstering business confidence and giving the community certainty into the future.”

Huon is offering free tours and information sessions for the local community to learn more about the proposed expansion. Timeslots need to be pre-booked at: https://events.humanitix.com/whale-point-expansion-project-general-public-q-and-a- sessions

Media Contact

[email protected]

About Huon Aquaculture

Huon Aquaculture has proudly operated in Tasmania for over 35 years and currently employs 1000 people, including more than 850 Tasmanians. The $1.3 billion salmon industry is nationally significant, contributing to our nation’s food security and supporting over 5,000 jobs.

Huon’s journey began in the picturesque waters of Hideaway Bay, starting as a local fish farming business in the Huon Valley, Tasmania. With a strong sense of community, passion, and care for quality, Huon grew from one pen of fish in 1986, into one of Australia’s leading aquaculture businesses. After proudly growing the company for more than 35 years, Huon became part of the JBS Australia Group in 2021.

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‘Addicted to the commercialisation’: Karl Stefanovic backs NSW retail trading ban on Anzac Day

A decision to ban retail trading on Anzac Day next year has sparked an awkward debate between Karl Stefanovic and a retail expert.

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Karl Stefanovic has clashed with a guest on the Today show over the decision to ban retail trading across NSW on Anzac Day.

Premier Chris Minns announced on Wednesday that retail trading restrictions would be extended until midnight on Anzac Day from next year.

Previously, retail trading restrictions in the state were lifted at 1pm on Anzac Day.

The move was made to stop a “creeping commercialism” cheapening the day, Mr Minns said.

The restrictions do not apply to small businesses and business not considered retailers or with exemptions such as markets, cafes, chemists, newsagencies and takeaway restaurants. Pubs and clubs are also exempt.

“For Australians, no occasion could be more solemn or significant than Anzac Day,” Mr Minns said.

“As of next year, NSW will extend our retail trading restrictions across Anzac Day to make sure our veterans are recognised and free to take part in services throughout the day.

“It might be inconvenient for a few hours, but closing our biggest corporate shops for a single day is a small price to pay for living in a free and open democracy.”

The move has already sparked debate, with University of Sydney retail expert Lisa Asher clashing with Stefanovic on the Today show on Wednesday.

Ms Asher said she was “deeply surprised and concerned” that trading had been banned for the whole day, claiming it will put “greater burden on NSW residents in terms of trying to manage their life”.

As a working mother who goes to the supermarket “most days”, the option to go to the shops and catch up on “life admin” after paying respects was important, Ms Asher said.

“If we choose to spend the day to reflect and remember, then we should be allowed that choice. It shouldn’t be taken from us,” she said.

Stefanovic asked if she could instead just “plan” for the closures and questioned whether Ms Asher also had a problem with Christmas Day.

“You’re just addicted to the commercialisation of the Australian society,” Stefanovic said.

“It’s Anzac Day … I don’t mind everything shutting down on Anzac Day, I’ve just got no problem with it.”

Ms Asher fired back and asked if Stefanovic was in charge of his household shopping before the segment came to a close.

“I disagree vehemently with you, but that’s the sign of a good democratic show, isn’t it?” Stefanovic said.

Acting Industrial Relations Minister Tara Moriarty questioned why retail trading was allowed in the afternoon when afternoon and sunset services occur.

“We can’t be half-hearted about Anzac Day,” she said.

Retail union Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association (SDA) state secretary Bernie Smith has hailed the move as common sense for “such an important day”.

“Anzac Day is a solemn day of significance for the whole community, including retail workers, to commemorate the sacrifices of Australia’s service men and women,” Mr Smith said.

“Opening shops at 1pm on such an important day was out of step with how we treat other significant days with trading restrictions that apply across the whole day.

“We owe our veterans and current serving ADF personnel a debt of gratitude for their sacrifice 365 days a year. We can all stop shopping for one whole day to commemorate that sacrifice.”

Public polling commissioned by the SDA also found only 17 per cent of respondents attended food or retail shops on Anzac Day, with most supporting the decision to shut shops.

“Australians agree that Anzac Day is for remembering, not shopping. That’s why it’s time to return retail trading restrictions to the whole of Anzac Day,” Mr Smith said.

A review into Anzac Day trading restrictions began last year and a public consultation period ran from September to October.

A majority of submissions supported full-day restrictions, including support from veterans, veterans’ organisations and members of the public.

Given the significance of the day, most Australian states impose Anzac Day trading restrictions.

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The announcement comes before Thursday’s Middle East Area of Operations Commemoration.

“Tomorrow, 11 July at 11am we will as a community pause to remember the 43 members of the ADF who lost their lives in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait. It is a timely reminder that a new generation of veterans from East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan often go unseen,” Mr Smith said.

“The new memorial announced by the NSW government today is important in recognising this generation of veterans and their families.”

Children’s pyjamas have been pulled from the shelves of H&M stores around Australia for failing to pass fire safety standards.

Locals in one multicultural jewel are clucking with anger over plans for a new KFC restaurant in the area, with fears “little guys” could be pushed out.

Customers wanting a refund after changing their mind about a purchase from Kmart or Target need to be aware of this new change.