Exploring Tasmania Food and Drink Tours
If you are a food and drink lover looking for an unforgettable experience, then exploring Tasmania’s culinary scene should definitely be on your bucket list. Nestled off the southern coast of Australia, Tasmania offers some of the freshest and most delicious produce in the world due to its unique location, climate, and pristine environment.
In particular, Bruny Island offers stunning scenery and an array of local food destinations, making it an ideal spot for food enthusiasts who also desire breathtaking views and quality accommodation.
Embarking on a food and drink tour is one of the best ways to explore Tasmania’s culinary offerings. There are several reputable companies that offer guided tours tailored to different interests and preferences, such as wine tasting, craft beer sampling, whisky distilleries, or farm-to-fork dining experiences. Join one of these tours to discover Tasmania’s taste sensation, including world-class cheeses, seafood, premium wine, single malt whisky, and much more. Tasmania.com offers bookings for desirable food tours and accommodations and can recommend must-see sites in the area.
You could start your exploration by joining the Tastes of Tasmania tour, which visits Hobart’s Salamanca Market – held every Saturday – to indulge in some artisanal food products while taking in the lively atmosphere and stunning views of Hobart’s waterfront.
Apart from the mainstream options, there are several unique and unusual food experiences that you could choose from. Savvy travellers seeking new gastronomic experiences may want to try wallaby meat pies or Tasmanian pepper berries, known for their unique flavour profile with a spicy kick.
Whether you have a sophisticated palate or just love hearty pub grub, Tasmania has something for everyone. With over 880 walking tracks available throughout the island state complemented by breathtaking natural landscapes from mountains to beaches, make sure you factor enough time into your itinerary to explore everything Tasmania has to offer, including the picturesque Bruny Island.
Eating and Drink Tour Facts:
- In 2022, a report by Australia Tourism revealed that approximately 1.6 million tourists visited Tasmania, with food and drink experiences being a major draw for visitors, inspiring many to make bookings for their culinary adventures.
- According to Wine Tasmania, there are over 230 vineyards across the island, producing more than 7.5 million bottles of cool-climate wines annually.
- A survey conducted in 2021 found that 60% of tourists who visited Tasmania participated in food or drink-related activities, such as brewery, winery, or distillery tours.
What to Expect on a Tour
Tasmanian food and drink tours are particularly popular among tourists who want a comprehensive introduction to Tasmania’s culinary offerings. However, each tour is different, and it’s important to know what to expect before you sign up to ensure the itinerary matches your interests and preferences.
A typical day on a Tasmanian culinary tour may start with breakfast at a local café, followed by visiting local farms and markets. You might then head over for lunch at a winery or brewery followed by an insightful visit to the distillery or cheesery. Rest assured that most tour companies pay strict attention to detail ensuring the venues on whatever tour you choose are some of the most reputable in Tasmania.
The guides running these tours are often foodies themselves, which means they’re passionate about providing visitors with an authentic experience and showcasing regional cuisine while also taking into account accommodation and local sites for a well-rounded trip.They will be happy to share their expertise and insider information regarding the history of Tasmania’s culinary heritage, including delectable chocolate experiences and succulent meats like lamb and beef.
One thing many visitors appreciate is the opportunity to meet the purveyors of Tasmania’s top ingredients personally; farmers and other artisan producers often make appearances at various points throughout these tours. This contact allows you to gain firsthand insight into all aspects of the ingredient supply chain – from their local cultivation and harvest techniques to custom picking produce ready for market, such as chocolates and fruit.
Although these tours can be pricey, they do provide exceptional value for money. Where else will you get such exclusive access to private tastings and behind-the-scenes views of some of Tasmania’s best food venues? Instead of spending time navigating your way around multiple food outlets or worrying if you’ve made reservations at recommended eatery spots, a tour takes care of all this, leaving you free to indulge all your senses on tantalizing culinary delights.
If you’re interested in joining a Tasmanian food and drink tour, keep reading as we’ll take you through some of the best regions for food and drink in Tasmania.
Tasmania.com Tour Summaries:
Some highlights from the tours you can find on Tasmania.com. Remember if you don’t see what you are looking for here, our concierge team of Tasmanian travel agents can build custom packages.
Taste of Tasmania Tour
This tour package is a 7-day food and wine tour in Tasmania, Australia. Participants explore Hobart’s historic docks, visit Salamanca Place, and indulge in a three-course dining experience at the Agrarian Kitchen. They also visit the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) and enjoy the vibrant Salamanca Markets. The tour continues to the Huon Valley, where participants taste fresh produce, visit the Tahune Airwalk, and savour local ciders at Willie Smiths’ Apple Shed. A ferry takes them to Maria Island, where they discover convict-built townships and abundant wildlife. Freycinet National Park offers wine tastings, scenic hikes to Wineglass Bay, and beach relaxation at Freycinet Lodge. The east coast exploration includes the Bay of Fires, Pyengana Dairy Farm Gate for cheese tastings, and a visit to the Legerwood Carved Memorial Trees. In Launceston, participants enjoy a full day of tasting hazelnuts, hot smoked salmon, and spirits from Western Tiers Distillery. The tour concludes with a Farewell Dinner and optional tours before departing from Launceston.
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5 Day Wild Tasmanian Seafood Tour
Experience the ultimate 5-Day Wild Tasmanian Seafood Tour: cruise pristine waters, indulge in the freshest seafood, visit abalone and oyster farms, explore Wineglass Bay, and dine at top seafood restaurants. Unforgettable highlights include catching and cooking seafood, scenic cruises, and savoring Tasmania’s culinary delights amidst breathtaking landscapes. A must-do for seafood lovers seeking a remarkable adventure.
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Warm Winter Food and Wine Tour
Commence on the Warm Winter Food and Drink Tour: indulge in Hobart’s world-class cuisine, cruise the Gordon River, explore Cradle Mountain’s wilderness, and visit the stunning Freycinet Peninsula. Highlights include city exploration, Gordon River Cruises, Cradle Mountain’s natural beauty, and the renowned Wineglass Bay. Experience Tasmania’s culinary delights and breathtaking landscapes on this unforgettable journey.
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5 Day Signature Gourmet Trail Tour
Embark on the 5-Day Signature Gourmet Trail, exploring Tasmania’s culinary treasures. Highlights include MONA art gallery, wine and beer tastings, Bruny Island’s gourmet indulgence, Salamanca Market, Wineglass Bay Cruise, and a 4×4 Gourmet Tour. Immerse yourself in local produce, stunning landscapes, and luxurious accommodations. A delectable journey for food and art enthusiasts in Tasmania.
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3 Day Signature Gourmet Trail Tour
Start on the 3-Day Signature Gourmet Trail in Tasmania, indulging in whisky and beer tastings, a gourmet adventure on Bruny Island, and exploring the vibrant Salamanca Market. Highlights include luxurious accommodations at the Henry Jones Art Hotel, sampling local produce and beverages, encountering rare white wallabies, and immersing in the cultural ambience of the market. A delectable journey for food and beverage enthusiasts in Tasmania.
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Best Regions for Food and Drink in Tasmania
As you can see in our summaries, Tasmania has an abundance of fresh produce and natural resources that make it a foodie’s paradise. With fertile soil, clear waters, and sustainable farming practices, Tasmania has become one of the world’s leading gourmet destinations. From its rich soils and green pastures to the sparkling blue ocean, there are many regions throughout Tasmania that offer unique tastes.
One of the most iconic regions for food and drink in Tasmania is the Huon Valley ( Taste of Tasmania Tour ). Nestled in the foothills of the Hartz Mountains, this region boasts mouth-watering apples, cherries, walnuts, honey, berries, and even chocolates. The valley is also home to many vineyards, producing fine wines such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc. Apart from these delicacies, visitors can also taste freshly caught seafood and sample savory lamb and beef dishes. The Huon Valley stands out for its unadulterated beauty and diverse range of offerings.
Apart from Huon Valley, another popular region is Tamar Valley. Situated in northern Tasmania near Launceston, the Tamar Valley is known for its award-winning wines and locally produced cheese. The cool climate in the valley produces some of Australia’s best Pinot Noir wines. It is also home to several vineyards where you can taste wines such as Chardonnay, Riesling, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sangiovese.
In addition to wine-tasting opportunities, visitors can savour juicy fruits plucked straight from the orchards or taste artisanal cheeses crafted by local dairy farmers. Tamar Valley stands out not only for its exceptional wine but also for cheese lovers who enjoy rich blends like Blue Vein cheese with matching fermented beverages.
The Derwent River Valley region cannot be left behind when discussing Tasmania’s golden food and drink regions. It has slowly, but surely etched its name on the world’s culinary map due to its cool climate that nurtures the growth of fresh berries, cherries, stone fruits, and grapes alongside notable freshwater fish varieties like rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon. Although not as well known as some other regions, the Derwent Valley boasts a network of small-scale farmers who work passionately to produce top-quality products, including artisanal chocolates, that attract consumers from all over the world.
Talking about Tasmania’s best food and drink regions would be incomplete without mentioning the gorgeous East Coast Wine Route, where stunning beaches meet fertile farmland, and quaint cafes offer refreshing juices and delicious ice cream and gelato.
East Coast Wine Route
The East Coast Wine Route is roughly a 200-kilometer journey along Tasmania’s eastern coastline. It is a region famous for its incredible beaches, sparkling blue ocean waters, and mild climates. Here visitors can taste award-winning wines while taking in the breathtaking coastal views and enjoy a wide range of local delights, including visiting charming cafes and indulging in ice cream and gelato.
Starting from Hobart city, you’ll head north via Triabunna towards Maria Island ferry terminal, where you can indulge in local crayfish at restaurants lining the coast. Along the way, you might find the perfect place to stop for a refreshing juice or an ice cream treat. Continuing on to Bicheno seaside village, located on a stretch with fine sand beaches which stretch out in every direction. This is home to oyster farms that produce the freshest oysters in Tassie. Next is St Helens, one of Australia’s most pristine bays with sandy shores and clear water great for sailing or taking a fishing charter. You won’t want to miss Iron House winery, where you can enjoy a glass of their critically acclaimed Pinot Noir while overlooking vineyards that stretch towards Tasmanian aquamarine ocean waters.
The final stop on this route is Coles Bay – gateway to Freycinet National Park, which contains architectural marvels such as Saffire Freycinet lodge, which overlooks Great Oyster Bay and offers some of the best seafood dishes in Tasmania alongside typically Australian wines. Visitors can also explore Freycinet’s local vineyards, wildlife, natural wonders, and indulge in activities like kayaking, boat tours, bushwalking, cycling, and more.
The East Coast Wine Route is not just a wine tour but an overall experience where visitors can immerse themselves in Tasmania’s gastronomy while exploring its beautiful coastline filled with attractions that cater to every interest. From scenic walks through national parks to experiencing firsthand how their beer is made at Iron House Brewery and enjoying delightful juices and ice cream at cozy cafes along the way.
Whether you prefer hiking through rolling green hills or indulging in fine cheese and wine, Tasmania has something to offer. An unforgettable food and drink tour awaits on this beautiful island that blends nature, art, and culture into everything it produces.
Tamar Valley Gourmet Trail
The Tamar Valley is located just a short drive north of Hobart and offers a gourmet trail that is not to be missed. This region is well-known for its wine, cheese, and fresh produce, making it perfect for foodies looking for an indulgent experience.
The first stop on the Tamar Valley Gourmet Trail should be at Josef Chromy Wines. Here you can taste delicious wines while overlooking the stunning surrounds of this winery. Do not leave without trying their Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir; it won the trophy for Best Australian Sparkling at the Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships in London in 2018.
While enjoying your wine, take a look around the vineyard – it is known for its beautiful gardens and lush green hills. After tasting the wine, you can also enjoy a meal at their onsite restaurant and savor a delightful gelato or ice cream dessert.
Next up on the Tamar Valley Gourmet Trail is Ashgrove Cheese Factory. Here you can sample some of the best cheeses in Tasmania, all made with fresh milk from local farms. It’s as if you have stepped into a fairy tale world full of charmingly crafted dairy products and enchanting cafes serving scrumptious ice cream and refreshing juices!
Do not miss out on tasting their rich and creamy Waxed Caerphilly Cheese or their award-winning Blue Cheese from the beautiful country of Wales. With an abundant area for dairy production, they offer more than 15 different types of cheese for purchase, so there’s a lot to choose from when picking up some treats to take home.
Some may argue that after all of this cheese and wine tasting, they feel overwhelmed. However, if you are pacing yourself and taking breaks between stops, some feel it actually enhances the enjoyment of your experience. You get to fully savor each flavor and savor every moment spent without rushing or overindulging as you explore this gastronomic country.
If you’re a foodie looking for an indulgent experience, the Tamar Valley Gourmet Trail in a breathtaking area should be on your list of places to visit. The region is famous for its wine, cheese, and fresh produce, and the Josef Chromy Winery and Ashgrove Cheese Factory are two must-visit stops. Take breaks between tastings to fully appreciate and savor every flavor, and don’t forget to pick up some treats to take home!
Taste Buds: Highlighted Flavors and Stops
The Tasmanian food scene is quickly gaining recognition all over the world due to its unique flavors and locally sourced cuisine. In this diverse country, you will find some of the finest seafood, cheese, and wine in the world, as well as a growing diversity of cuisines from around the globe.
For an exceptional culinary experience, add Puddleduck Vineyard to your itinerary. Here you can taste award-winning wine paired with platters featuring local products such as freshly shucked oysters & salmon pate made with Tasmanian whiskey. The picturesque view of the river from their cellar door enhances this dining experience further.
At Fat Pig Farm, guests can dine on farm-grown meats and a variety of seasonal vegetables straight from their garden, all served in a single table format. This rural area setting gives everyone a chance to connect while enjoying home-cooked family-style meals. They also host events including organic gardening opportunities and cooking classes for those that want hands-on gastronomical experiences.
If you are a beer lover, experiencing some of Tasmania’s best craft beers should be on your agenda. One stop worth mentioning is Two Metre Tall Company, which brews their beer using only fresh ingredients sourced locally. With its quaint lot, it’s like stepping into a countryside village brewing company!
Some say that food tours can be expensive and not worth it, but we argue that investing in an unforgettable food tour in this diverse country is worth every penny. It provides an opportunity to experience many different tastes in one trip while also learning about local cultures and customs surrounding food production.
Wineries, Breweries, and Distilleries
Tasmania’s reputation for world-class food and drink is built in part upon its winning distilleries, breweries, and wineries. A Tasmanian tour of this region would be incomplete without a tour of the following stops:
Lark Distillery, located in Hobart, offers an extraordinary tasting of Australian whisky (often spelled ‘whiskey’ in Tasmania) from barrel to glass. Explore this renowned area and leave with a wealth of culinary experience. The team here has won countless awards both nationally and internationally since opening in 1992. The Distillery operates tours every day except on Christmas Day and their door is left open so that everyone can pop their head in and learn about the distillation process.
A delightful stop on the East Coast Wine Route is Ironhouse Point Brewery and White Sands Estate, known for award-winning microbrews and wine varieties. One can indulge oneself with an expert-guided brewery tour on-site whilst sampling some delicious local flavors. Stroll around the lighthouse on site – it’s one of Australia’s tallest pieces of architecture, giving you stunning views of picturesque locations.
A few local breweries like Two Metre Tall Company are rooted in farm-to-table traditions, presenting organic beers created entirely from locally sourced ingredients – malts grown on the farm where they operate, hops grown within a 100km radius. This produces a delicious but uniquely flavored brew that stands out from commercial beers.
An exciting stop along the Tamar Valley Gourmet Trail is Timbre Kitchen, which doubles as a winery and cost-effective catering service. They produce good quality wines with a difference, using all things locally sourced either from their kitchen garden or nearby farms to create gourmet dishes that have exceptional taste & presentation.
Choosing a Memorable Tasmanian Tour Experience
There are various packages, pricing options, and guides to accompany your Tasmanian tour. Keep in mind your travel preferences, budget, and interests while selecting the right guide and package for you.
Many guided tours provide experiences that are tailored to personal tastes, like paddock-to-plate tours or eco-tours for hikers or avid climbers. Some of the most popular include the “5 Day Wild Salmon Tasmania’s Seafood Tour”, which includes a road trip where visitors can explore wine routes, oyster farms, cider houses and dine in celebrated restaurants.
If you are interested in going it alone, then car rentals with GPS enable you to explore Tasmania’s highways at leisure without being bound to rigid schedules. Tasmania also has public transportation, including buses that run between towns and cities provided by TassieLink and Redline.
One shouldn’t miss MONA when in Hobart: this privately-funded art museum deliberately subverts traditional conventions & encourages out-of-the-box thinking. And don’t forget some exciting alternatives if galleries aren’t your thing, including wildlife sanctuaries like Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, where one can see kangaroos or Tasmanian devils up close.
A good tour guide is essential when exploring unfamiliar locations. Choosing a responsible agency like Tasmania.com eliminates headaches with booking policies and organization worries allowing tourists to focus on soaking up everything Tasmania has got to offer. Imagine somebody else doing all the legwork so you can just enjoy an unforgettable tour!
No visit to Tasmania is complete without indulging in food & drink tourism here, so book now before others start planning their trips!
Selecting the Right Guide and Package
Choosing a guide or package for your Tasmanian food and drink tour can make all the difference in the success of your trip. With so many options available, it’s important to consider a few key factors before making your decision.
First, think about your budget. Tours vary in price depending on factors such as length, number of stops, and level of luxury. Determine what you are willing to spend before starting your search to help narrow down your options.
Next, it’s important to research the reputation and experience of the tour company or guide. You can rest assured that our Tasmania travel agents only provide the best tours available in Tasmania.
Another consideration is whether you want a private or group tour. Private tours may be more expensive but offer a personalized experience where you can fully customize your itinerary. On the other hand, group tours can be more affordable and give you the opportunity to meet new people with similar interests.
Choosing a guide or package for your Tasmanian food and drink tour is like selecting ingredients for a recipe. You want to choose high-quality ingredients that complement each other well to create a delicious dish. Similarly, selecting a reputable guide or package that fits your budget and interests will result in a memorable trip with great food and drinks.
Finally, consider any additional experiences or activities offered by the tour company or guide. Some may offer extras such as visits to local farms or cooking classes, which can enhance your overall experience in Tasmania.
In conclusion, taking time to research and select the right guide or package for your Tasmanian food and drink tour can greatly enhance your overall experience. By considering factors such as budget, reputation, tour style, and additional experiences offered, you can ensure a memorable trip with delicious food and drinks. Whichever way you decide to explore the Food and Wine in Tasmania, rest assured Tasmania.com is here to make your trip as easy as possible to book.
