food tourist tasmania

Tasting Trail

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Welcome to the Tasting Trail, a food and drink self drive trail designed to assist you and your taste buds in discovering the finest produce that Tasmania’s North West has to offer. 

Whether you’re into sweet treats, fresh produce, fine wines or other delicious delights, our easy-to-use site will guide you to award-winning produce, cellar doors and farm stalls, and the personalities behind them. 

By using our interactive map and itineraries, you’ll unfold the delights of the Tasting Trail. With rolling green hills and stunning coastal vistas as a backdrop, you will be welcomed into a world of berry sweet possibilities, paddock-to-plate dairy, dark fudge desires and malty cheer. 

Whether it is a self drive tour or you would prefer one of our professional guided tour operators to guide you, your taste bud adventure awaits.

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Josef Chromy Wines, Relbia, Tasmania © Rob Burnett, Tourism Tasmania

A 10-day taste of gourmet Tasmania

Wrapped in ocean and the world's purest air, Tasmania's produce and menus are as fresh as its mountain scenery. The island state is a true food lover's delight.

By Andrew Bain

Take a flavour-filled journey around Tasmania, mixing the island's top sights with its top restaurants and best produce. This drive encompasses much of the state, taking in the epicurean treats that are a major focus of the Tasmanian experience.

What to expect

• Dine at Tasmania's finest restaurants and sample delicious local produce
• Picnic on the famously perfect sands of Freycinet Peninsula
• Stay in unique, gourmet hotels and explore heritage villages
• Time: 10 days
• Distance: 1,500 kilometres (930 miles)
• Transport: car
• Nearest major city: Hobart
• Price: $$$$

Day 1: Hobart

Templo, Hobart, Tasmania © Osborne Images

Pinched between Mt Wellington and the Derwent River, the city of Hobart is Tasmania's capital and one of Australia's culinary centres. Begin the day at cosy  Pigeon Hole Café  for a paddock-to-plate brunch direct from the owner's farm. If you're visiting Hobart on a Sunday, wander down to the city centre (10 minutes away) for the  Farm Gate Market  - make sure you try Lady Hester's sourdough doughnuts and Bury Me Standing's pot-boiled bagels. Spend the afternoon wandering the many galleries and boutique stores along historic Salamanca Place at the city centre's edge, then head to Shambles Brewery to watch the brewing process as you enjoy an ale. Have dinner at a local favourite, Templo , before resting your head at the sophisticated  Islington Hotel . 

Day 2: Huon Valley

Willie Smith's Apple Shed, Huon Valley, Tasmania © Samuel Shelley

Spend a day just an hour's drive south of Hobart in the lush green of the Huon Valley, where most of Tasmania's apples are grown. Make a stop at popular  Willie Smith's Apple Shed , a ciderhouse-turned-museum in the heart of the groves. In the relaxed town of Cygnet, lunch at small Red Velvet Lounge , one of Tasmania's finest country cafés, before a tasting of the sheep cheeses (and sheep whey vodka!) at  Grandvewe Cheeses . Return to Hobart for dinner and drinks at Fico , where the line is blurred between fine dining establishment and traditional Italian bistro. 

Day 3: Port Arthur

Bangor Wine & Oyster Shed, Dunalley, Tasmania © Alice Bennett

Combine gastronomic stops with a visit to the World Heritage-listed former convict penitentiary at Port Arthur, a 90-minute drive southeast of Hobart on the Tasman Peninsula . Get a taste of Tasmania's burgeoning whisky and gin industry at  Nonesuch Distillery  - phone ahead and you might get a chance to decant a vat or help with bottling. At the  Bangor Wine & Oyster Shed , on one of Tasmania's most storied rural properties, enjoy wine and oysters in view of both the vines and the oyster farm. After visiting Port Arthur, return to Hobart to dine at sophisticated  Peacock and Jones . Filling a cosy niche inside a dockside warehouse, this restaurant specialises in Tasmanian produce and wine.

Day 4: Hobart to Freycinet Peninsula

Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park, Tasmania © Tourism Tasmania

Drive north from Hobart for Tasmania's dazzling, beach-lined east coast. Just past the town of Swansea (approximately two hours from the city), try the old and new of Tasmanian cellar-door experiences - the striking modernist design of  Devil's Corner  provides a great contrast to the convict-built stables housing Spring Vale Wines . A further 30 minutes away, turn onto Freycinet Peninsula for a night of glorious luxury at  Saffire Freycinet . Dine at the on-site restaurant and indulge in Saffire's Le Pique Nique experience, walking along the emblematic Wineglass Bay beach to a private picnic prepared by the lodge's chefs. Alternatively, sleep in style in Freycinet National Park at  Freycinet Lodge , and visit Freycinet Marine Farm to sample the region's gorgeously fresh oysters and see an oyster shucking demonstration.

Day 5: Freycinet Peninsula to Launceston

Cataract Gorge, Launceston, Tasmania © Rob Burnett

Continue driving for 90 minutes north to St Helens (you may wish to duck into the Bay of Fires to see some of Tasmania's finest beaches), before swinging inland through rainforest. Take the five-minute detour to the  Holy Cow Café  beside the milking sheds at Pyengana Dairy - try the cloth-wrapped cheddars and the hand-made ice cream - before lunch at nearby  Weldborough Hotel . This remote pub stocks beer from every craft brewer in Tasmania. Drive two hours to stroll Tasmania's second city, Launceston , and dine in farm-to-fork style at Stillwater , inside a renovated flour mill near the mouth of picturesque Cataract Gorge.

Day 6: Tamar Valley

Jansz Tasmania, Tamar Valley, Tasmania © Adam Gibson

The Tamar Valley, running north from Launceston, is Tasmania's premier wine region. Head along its east bank to sample the sparkling wines at the  Jansz Wine Room , then sip a pinot noir - Tasmania's signature wine variety - from the state's oldest vineyard at  Providence . Linger over a lunch platter at  Leaning Church Vineyard  before crossing to the west bank for a lazy chardonnay afternoon under the tall trees at Goaty Hill Wines.With more than 30 vineyards to choose from, the circuit drive will fill most of the day. When you arrive back in Launceston, head for the  Black Cow Bistro , which specialises in Tasmanian steaks.

Day 7: Launceston to Stanley

41 South Tasmania, Deloraine, Tasmania © Adam Gibson

The Bass Highway takes you west to tonight's destination, the colourful fishing town of Stanley. But on the way, take a short detour to the pretty, historic village of Deloraine , where you will find eco-conscious  41 South Tasmania , a salmon and ginseng farm where you can wander the property's paths and wetlands and taste its fine produce. Continue west for 90 minutes to Cradle Valley and Tasmania's most famous view - the bowed figure of World Heritage-listed  Cradle Mountain . From here, you have a 2.5-hour drive to Stanley, a coastal town located at the base of the Nut (a volcanic plug rising from the sea). Touchwood has an excellent restaurant, with the likelihood of seeing penguins shuffling ashore through its windows while you dine.

Day 8: Stanley to Hadspen

Red Feather Inn, Hadspen, Tasmania © Rob Burnett

Turn back towards Launceston along the Bass Highway and into the seaside town of Penguin, just over an hour away, for a tasting and tour of the ethically raised, heritage-breed pork at  Mt Gnomon Farm . Nearing Latrobe (a half hour drive), there are Belgian-style chocolates at the  House of Anvers , and family-run  Ashgrove Cheese  uses local produce to craft its unique wasabi, bush pepper and lavender cheeses. For a gourmet stay, the boutique  Red Feather Inn  in historic Hadspen has a cooking school and delicious degustation dinners paired with Tasmanian wine.

Day 9: Hadspen to Hobart

Tasmanian Whisky Week - Old Kempton Distillery, Kempton, Tasmania © Lusy Productions

The Midlands is Tasmania's agricultural heartland, and the 2.5-hour drive back to Hobart curls through its pastures. Pull off at Kempton, where you can taste whisky in period surrounds inside the colonial inn that houses  Redlands Distillery .  Old Kempton Distillery  is another must-visit before you leave town. Head for historic Richmond, making a stop here to walk across Australia's oldest bridge, before entering the vineyard-lined Coal Valley. Lunch with a view over the vines at  Frogmore Creek Wines , but save room for a taste of the triple cream brie or chilli camembert from nearby  Wicked Cheese .

Day 10: Hobart

The Source Restaurant at Moorilla, MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), Hobart, Tasmania © Moorilla Estate

Make a classic Hobart start to your final day with breakfast at stylish bakery  Jackman and McRoss  in the city's oldest suburb, Battery Point . Afterwards, head to Hobart's waterfront and board the ferry to MONA  (Museum of Old and New Art) - Hobart's famed subterranean art gallery. Let art turn to appetite at MONA's impeccable Source restaurant, with its wall of windows peering over the Derwent River. Head to the North Hobart café precinct for dinner (and tequila) at dark and delightful  Pancho Villa , before settling in for a few fine wines at intimate  Willing Bros Wine Merchants .

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The Ultimate Guide to Food and Wine Travel in Tasmania

Josef Chromy Wines – Effervescence Tasmania. Image: Liza-Jane Sowden

Australia’s Top Food and Wine Destinations in Tasmania

Tasmania’s untouched natural beauty and culinary delights are unparalleled in all Australia. With the purest waterways and cleanest air in the world, the water yields the freshest seafood and the soil is primed for producing exquisite wines.

Map of Tasmania’s Wine Regions and Top Destinations

Tasmania’s burgeoning wine regions are spread across its spectacular landscapes, from the coastal wine trails of the North West to the lichen-splashed East Coast.

The Tamar Valley is Tasmania’s principal wine producing region, yielding Chardonnays, aromatic whites and Pinot Noir. Here you’ll find the Pipers River micro wine region, with a climate close to that of Champagne in France, and home of Tassie Sparkling. The East Coast region produces some of the state’s freshest berries and seafood, paired with Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling along with Sparkling.

In the Southern Wine Trail you’ll find the Coal River Valley and Derwent Valley. The cool climate of the Coal River Valley produces sensational Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, while historic towns, ancient rainforest and white-wine varieties are the specialty in Derwent Valley.

1. Taste the Food and Wine of Tamar Valley on a Guided Tour 2. Make Your Own Sparkling Wine at Josef Chromy Wines 3. Explore Cataract Gorge Natural Reserve 4. Celebrate Tasmanian Food, Wine and Music at Festivale 5. Sample the Pipers River Wineries 6. Indulge in Wine and Coastal Views at Devil’s Corner 7. Discover the Bays of Freycinet National Park 8. Cruise Spectacular Wineglass Bay 9. Enjoy a Pizza with Premium Wine at Pooley Wines 10. Taste Your Way Through Richmond 11. Experience a Day of Art, Food & Wine at Moorilla 12. Savor Fresh Tasmanian Seafood on a Gourmet Cruise 13. Enjoy a Seven-Course Tour of Bruny Island Produce 14. Meet Tasmanian Wildlife at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Follow our Tasmania Wine Regions map for the best destinations for food, wine and incredible natural scenery.

1. Taste the Food & Wine of Tamar Valley on a Guided Tour

Jansz Tasmania. Photo: Adam Gibson

You deserve a day of indulgence, and Tamar Valley is just the place. Located on the doorstep of Launceston, Tasmania’s second largest city, Tamar Valley is known for sensational Chardonnay and award-winning Pinot Noir.

Guided tours of scenic Tamar Valley take you through several wineries and artisan shops producing gourmet cheeses, ciders, beers, truffles and hazelnuts, giving you a little taste of everything. With over 30 wineries and award-winning cellar doors, it’s Tasmania’s premium wine region – and secretly one of Australia’s best.

Besides, to fully enjoy a day of good wine it’s always best to let someone else behind the wheel.

2. Make Your Own Sparkling Wine at Josef Chromy Wines

Josef Chromy Wines – Art of Sparkling Experience. Image: Osborne Images

Experience the Art of Sparkling at Josef Chromy Wines and learn the process behind making Sparkling. You can even create your own bottle of Sparkling to enjoy, perfect for the amateur winemaker.

Josef Chromy is a powerhouse in the Tasmania wine scene, bursting into Australia’s ranks as the country’s best Pinot Noir in 2017 and 2019. Its passion for Sparkling, however, undeniably poses Tasmania as Australia’s Sparkling capital, often remarked as second only to Sparkling produced in Champagne, France.

The Art of Sparkling experience takes you on a tour of the vineyard and winery, where you’ll create your own Sparkling to enjoy on the day. The wine continues to flow with tastings and a 2-course lunch with matched wines.

3. Explore Cataract Gorge Natural Reserve

Cataract Gorge. Photo: Jarrad Seng

Take a break in Launceston after tasting your way through Tamar Valley. A heritage gem set within sumptuous hills, ancient forests and scenic waterways, Launceston blends natural splendor with historic charm.

The locals’ favorite hangout is Cataract Gorge, a natural wilderness reserve combining historic landmarks, bushland trails and parklands along the banks of Tamar River.

Take a ride on the chairlift over the Gorge, the largest single-span chairlift in the world, or explore the landscaped Victorian garden on the northern Cliff Grounds of the Gorge. The Tasmanian summers are perfect for a dip in the public swimming pool on the southern side of the Gorge.

4. Celebrate Tasmanian Food, Wine and Music at Festivale

Festivale. Image: Adam Gibson

If you visit Tasmania on the first week of February, add Festivale to your list!

Festivale is Tasmania’s premium summer event, a three day celebration showcasing the very best of Tasmanian food, beverages and entertainment. Staged in Launceston’s iconic City Park, the festival hosts over 80 vendors, cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, master classes and live music.

It’s the perfect opportunity to meet local winemakers, distillers, cheese makers, truffle growers and craft brewers, and learn about the art and passion behind their processes.

Sample wines from boutique wineries, innovative craft beers and ciders, and the most delicious food imaginable. Join a master class such as cheese and beer pairing or watch a master chef demonstrate how to use unique ingredients, before enjoying an evening of local musicians and headline acts.

5. Sample the Pipers River Wineries

Pipers Brook Vineyard. Image: Jarrad Seng

From Launceston you can easily reach the Pipers River wine region of the Tamar Valley, where cool climate wines brimming with the wild flavors of Tasmania are the specialty. This little corner is colloquially known as “Sparkling Tasmania,” for its production of world-class Sparkling.

Pipers Brook is considered the flagship winery of this region, producing a range of Sparkling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Riesling. Stop by for divine wine tastings with knowledgeable and friendly staff.

Taste premium vintage Sparkling from Jansz, one of the most highly regarded sparkling winery in all Australia. For exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, make an appointment at Dalrymple Vineyards.

6. Indulge in Wine & Coastal Views at Devil’s Corner

Devil’s Corner Cellar Door. Photo: Lisa Kuilenburg

Wine with a view – it doesn’t get better than that. At Devil’s Corner and Lookout, a glass of wine and incredible coastal views await to exhilarate your senses.

Devil’s Corner Cellar Door sits in the East Coast region of Tasmania, overlooking Moulting Lagoon and The Hazards mountain range. Its range of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Cuvee captures the elements of its wild location, sitting beside the deep blue sea.

With an onsite cafe and seafood kitchen, grab a wood-fired pizza or freshly farmed oysters with paired wine and drink in the view.

7. Discover the Bays of Freycinet National Park

Wineglass Bay. Photo: Tourism Tasmania

As you make your way through Tasmania’s east coast, stop by one of Tasmania’s most treasured natural gems – Freycinet National Park.

Its white sand beaches, sparkling turquoise bays and pink granite cliffs create a coastal splendor unparalleled in all Tasmania. Secluded coves and bays carve into the untouched white sands of the park. Pristine bushland grows over walking trails, proving a slight challenge rewarded with breathtaking views.

Explore Freycinet on your own or join a guided tour, hitting the must-see highlights of this unique spot.

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8. Cruise Wineglass Bay

Wineglass Bay Cruise

Wineglass Bay is the undisputed gem of Tasmania’s east coast.

Sparkling turquoise waters perfectly scoop into pristine white sands, shaped exactly like a wineglass. The trek to the lookout for panoramic views of the bay may prove challenging, but are absolutely worth it.

Scenic cruises depart from Coles Bay into Wineglass Bay, with a stop at the beach for a chef-prepared lunch of fresh Tasmanian produce.

9. Enjoy a Pizza with Wine at Pooley Wines

Pooley Wines

From the east coast make your way south to the Coal River Valley, characterized by heritage towns and wineries.

Stop by Pooley Wines in Richmond for award-winning Rieslings, Pinot Noir and other varietals set in a gorgeous historic estate.

This family-owned cellar door has won multiple awards including Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine’s “Best Small Cellar Door.” But the true prize lies within its wood-fired pizzas fresh from the glowing oven.

10. Taste Your Way Through Richmond

Tasmanian Craft Cellars, Richmond. Photo: Tourism Tasmania & Brian Dullaghan

This picture-perfect historic town is a popular food, wine and art destination in the Coal River Valley. Here you’ll find Australia’s oldest gaol (jail) and Richmond Bridge, the oldest sandstone bridge still in use in Australia.

Browse the traditional bakeries, shops and cafes set in gorgeous heritage buildings, offering everything from specialty Tasmanian fudge to gourmet lunches made of local produce. Sweets & Treats is a popular candy shop where wall-to-ceiling displays of treats make it hard to resist temptation. Break for tea at Ashmore House, a beautiful tearoom in a colonial-style building serving innovative and fresh dishes with generous servings.

If you’re feeling parched, head to the local wineries and breweries dotted throughout Richmond and Coal River Valley. Puddleduck Vineyard is perfect for a graze of cheese with a glass of delicate vino and Tasmanian Craft Cellars offers an excellent selection of local beers, cider and spirits.

11. Experience a Day of Art, Food & Wine at Moorilla

Museum of Old and New Art (Mona)

Travel across to the Derwent Valley to Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, and home to the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona), one of the world’s most controversial museums.

Located on the Berriedale peninsula in Hobart, the museum is actually located beneath Moorilla Winery. Its exclusive Posh-As Day Out experience combines wine, food and art for a super luxe day of indulgence.

The experience includes private exploration of the museum, a private tour of Moorilla Winery with tastings and a two-course lunch at the onsite Source Restaurant with matched wines. After your Posh-As Day Out, no other wine and art experience will come even close.

12. Savor Fresh Tasmanian Seafood on a Gourmet Cruise

Tasmanian Seafood Seduction. Image: Poon Wai Nang

Enjoy a feast of succulent rock lobster, oysters, abalone and sea urchin plucked straight from the sea.

Departing from Hobart, this popular small-group cruise navigates the crystal waterways of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, yielding the freshest seafood. The rock lobster, locally known as crayfish, is extremely sought after and exported all over the world. The fresh oysters are shucked and enjoyed straight from the shell, with a handful also cooked in sparkling wine. It’s simply not possible to buy seafood this fresh and delicious anywhere else.

After gathering the day’s catch, a spread of local breads, salads and artisan cheeses matched with Tasmanian wines, local beers and ciders awaits.

13. Enjoy a Seven-Course Tour of Bruny Island Produce

Bruny Island Cheese Co. Image: Tourism Tasmania and Andrew Wilson

Travel down the channel from Hobart to Bruny Island, a destination of spectacular landscapes and gourmet local produce. Enjoy a delicious day out on this guided tour, where every course on the menu is a stop on your journey.

Bruny Island is a perfect mix of Australia’s best qualities – amazing coastal landscapes, dense rainforests, rare wildlife and great food. Sample artisanal cheeses, handcrafted whiskies and gin, fresh oysters and local chocolates as you visit Bruny Island staples.

Highlights include cheeses from Bruny Island Cheese Company, fresh oysters from Get Shucked, tastings at Bruny Island Premium Wines and single malt whiskeys from Bruny Island Whiskey.

14. Meet Tasmanian Wildlife at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary – Greg Irons. Image: Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett

Home to unique Australian animals, Bonorong is a Tasmania-wide wildlife rescue. Here you can meet Tasmanian devils, wombats, quolls and hand-feed kangaroos on a Sanctuary Tour.

The sanctuary’s aim is to nurse animals back to health and release them into the wild. Run by volunteers and housing species extinct everywhere in the world but Tasmania, Bonorong is truly special.

Besides, no trip to Tasmania is complete without meeting its extraordinary wildlife.

Ready to Explore Tasmania?

As one of Australia’s best kept secrets, Tasmania has wine, food, wildlife and class. What it doesn’t have are the fully booked tables and month-long wait lists.

For more recommendations and tips on what to do in Tasmania, contact one of our Destination Specialists. As experts in Australian travel, we can plan the perfect Tasmania food and wine trip for your Australia vacation.

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Top 10 Things You Must Eat and Drink in Tasmania

From scallop pies to wine and some of the best freshly shucked oysters around, there is plenty to eat and drink with our foodie guide of the top 10 things you must try when in Tasmania!

If you’re lucky enough to visit the stunning state of Tasmania, you simply can’t go past the sensational dishes and produce this island has to offer.

To help you on your journey of discovering one of Australia’s finest foodie destinations, we’ve tasted and tippled our way through the best things to do in Tasmania with our guide of the top 10 offerings you must eat and drink when in Tasmania this year:

Bakery 31, Scallop Pies

The number one must-try foodie treat is a Tasmanian scallop pie. Simply put, it’s a Tassie staple. Fresh Tasmanian scallops are cooked in a creamy curry sauce and are gently encased in deliciously buttery and crispy pastry. The absolute standouts are the scallops sourced from Bicheno scallop fisheries then lovingly put together at Bakery 31 in Ross. You won’t be disappointed!

National Pies, Meat Pies

Sticking to the theme of pies – how can we forget the humble yet equally classic Aussie meat pie?! Tasmania’s famous National Pies are best eaten piping hot straight out of the oven. Each pie is made with 128 layers of puff pastry and wrapped around their butchers’ best cuts of Tassie meat. A simple yet stunningly perfect all-in-one meal you must taste whilst travelling.

Flinders Island, Lamb

At the moment Tasmania looks like a very carnivorous state…we do promise this is the last meat-laden item! However, Flinders Island lamb is the most succulent piece of meat you’ll ever eat. Tassie’s best restaurants use the tender milk-fed lamb in a number of dishes for the ultimate and decadent experience. No chewy bits here we promise.

Tasmanian Vinters, Wine

Previously known as Winemaking Tasmania; today, Tasmanian Vinters sources only the best fruit from vineyards to produce some of the best drops Tasmania and Australia has to offer. Sub-branched as ANON and Terra Verde, we would recommend either the 2017 Terra Verde Pinot Noir that has fresh flavours of cherry and raspberry; or the 2018 ANON Pinot Noir Rosé which has a nose of fresh watermelon, wild strawberries and fine citrus aromas of pink grapefruit.

R. Stephens Apiary, Leatherwood Honey

The enchanting wilderness surrounding Cradle Mountain is home to Leatherwood Honey. Cradle Mountain itself is a spectacular place to explore, and can be improved with a stop at R. Stephens Apiary Mole Creek where you can taste and purchase the deliciously sweet and natural honey straight from the factory door![

Ashgrove Cheese

Believe it or not Tasmania grows wild wasabi, and the clever team at Ashgrove Cheese have infused the zingy goodness with their smooth cheddar, which is made from the milk of happy grazing cows. You can buy the addictive block from supermarkets, however nothing beats eating it straight from the Ashgrove Cheese farm gate, where you can meet the cheesemakers and see the beautiful cows for yourself. The Pickled Onion & Chive Infused Club Cheddar is a definite must-try too!

Cradle Coast Olives, Olive Oil

You can’t go wrong with a generous slug of olive oil with some freshly made sourdough – it’s a fact. Thanks to the rich volcanic soils and a cool climate, Tasmania is able to produce some of Australia’s best olives and, to no surprise, Cradle Coast Olives are up there with some of the best! Located under a two-hour drive north-west of Launceston, Cradle Coast Olives’ cellar door is open Monday – Friday for tastings of their renowned olive oil range. Our favourite is the Cradle Coast Medley – a blend of Cradle Coast Olives’ top-quality oils.

Get Shucked, Oysters

We all know that when it comes to finding a great oyster, the fresher the better. You won’t be able to find oysters any fresher than the ones grown and harvested on the shores of beautiful Bruny Island. And, to help foodies taste some of the best Australian oysters, Get Shucked is a locally owned and operated oyster farm and bar in North Bruny that harvests and serves-up oysters at their Oyster Bar daily to ensure you are only eating the best of the best! This is one not to miss.

41 Degrees South, Salmon

Sticking with the foodie treats from the sea, we can’t forget the outstanding salmon our little state produces. 41 Degrees South is a working salmon and ginseng farm in Deloraine, run by farmer Ziggy Pyka. He raises the salmon in tanks and then smokes them himself. If you’d like to spend a little more time you can also take a self guided tour or bus tour around the farm to see how everything works. The small licensed cafe is also a must try, with a variety of salmon sandwiches, platters and burgers on offer. The real stand out – the salmon rillettes.

House of Anvers, Chocolate

Last but not least, chocolate. What foodie experience would be complete without a dash of the good stuff? Well how about a whole chocolate experience?! Explore the chocolate museum at the House of Anvers and watch the confectionery experts at work. Not only will it have you in awe, but it will have you drooling for more. Lucky for you, you can taste some moreish samples and purchase the ones you loved.

Ready to explore more of what this beautiful state has to offer? Start by discovering these 10 unique getaway gems around Tasmania . Or, if you’re just here for the food, these 8 best steak restaurants and these top 8 quirky bars in Hobart are a must-visit in 2021 .

We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.

Feature image: Cape Tourville, Freycinet Peninsula, Tasmania. Photographed by Andrii Slonchak. Image via Shutterstock.

This article was first published on january 06 2019. it was updated and edited by hunter and bligh on april 12 2021..

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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.

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• Which Food Specialities is Tasmania Famous For?

Surrounded by rich oceans and blessed with ample rainfall, fertile soils, plentiful sunshine and a moderate climate, it’s no surprise that Tasmania produces some world-class food and drink.

• ​​​​​​​From the Farm
• Bounty of the Ocean

From the Fields

Read on to find out which foods, in particular, Tasmania is most famous for, as well as some suggestions for where to try them. Be sure to include any that take your fancy on your Tasmanian itinerary , because some of them you won’t be able to find anywhere else on Earth!

On this list:  

Meat pies, Scallop pies, Lamb, Lobster, Salmon, Shellfish, Apples, Leatherwood honey, Olive oil, Black truffles

From the Farm

1 Meat pies

Tasmania’s plentiful rainfall and lush pastures allow year-round grazing for cattle, which has led to the island state garnering a reputation for raising some of the very best beef in the country, as well as excellent butter and dairy. Those ingredients are partnered perfectly in Tasmania’s national dish: the beautiful meat pie, which combines buttery puff pastry with succulent Tasmanian beef. Although you can find great pies all over this pie-loving island, National Pie in Hobart is the state’s most iconic bakery, pumping out thousands of pies a day, which you can enjoy here straight out of the oven.

Tasmania has some of the lushest pasture in the world (enriched with a “salt-grass” effect, from sea-spray, in certain areas) with a long sheep-farming heritage. This results in high quality (and high reputation) of Tasmanian lamb. The most revered comes from Flinders Island, whose grass-fed lamb fetches high prices across Australia and the world. But local cuts from elsewhere around Tassie also feature prominently on restaurant menus across the state. Better yet, you can go straight to the source and visit Richard and Riley, from Lamb of Tasmania, near Cressy in the northeastern plains; or, get a taste of the “salt-grass” spray effect on meat quality at Wild Clover Lamb , on the northwestern coast.

Bounty of the Ocean 

3 Scallop pies

Highly regarded and ubiquitous as they are, meat pies may not even be the most famous Tasmanian pie. They battle for that crown – a lofty one – with scallop pies. A distinctly Tasmanian delicacy, scallop pies typically feature fresh local scallops simmered in a creamy curry sauce and wrapped in buttery puff pastry. They have reportedly been a daily staple in seaside Tasmanian towns since the 19th century, and the best time to try them is during local scallop season, from late April to July. If you’re not heading to a small seaside town, pick one up from Smith’s or Jackman & McRoss near Hobart’s Salamanca Market, or stop in at Bakery 31 in Ross, roughly halfway between Launceston and Hobart in the Midlands

Crayfish is a staple on any Tasmanian Christmas table, and habitat loss and overfishing have contributed to a decline in stocks of native freshwater crayfish (the largest freshwater invertebrate in the world), there are still plenty of places to enjoy the less endangered Southern Rock Lobster. Flinders Island is a great place to go if you’d like to catch your own, with recreational crayfish season open from November. Or, if you’re planning an East Coast Tasmanian itinerary , pop in and see Sara and Marcus at the Lobster Shack , in beautiful Bicheno, for a delicious “farmgate” experience.

The marriage between introduced Atlantic salmon and the onset of large-scale aquaculture in the clean, cool harbours of Tasmania – where these species thrive – has catapulted salmon above shellfish and crustaceans in the pecking order of famous Tasmanian seafood. Tasmanian salmon farming has come under environmental scrutiny in recent years, but it’s still a major industry and international brand. For any visitors keen to get it at the source, seek out salmon farms and suppliers who adhere to the WWF-sanctioned ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) regulations; or, ask the friendly staff at The Salmon Shop, near Salamanca Market in Hobart, where you can learn (and taste) what all the fuss is about!

6 Shellfish: Oysters and abalone

It’s not only in recent years that people have figured out the singular quality of Tasmanian oysters, as Aboriginal peoples have been enjoying native Angasi oysters for millennia. Today, however, after early European colonists nearly drudged the Angasi into extinction, it’s the Pacific oyster that dominates menus, oyster farms, and seafood festivals around Tassie. Conveniently, many of the best places to taste oysters in Tasmania double as idyllic seaside settings: such as Get Shucked oyster farm on Bruny Island, the Freycinet Marine Farm on the doorstep of Freycinet National Park, or the iconic Melshell Oyster Shack in Dolphin Sands, where eating local oysters is, according to their slogan, “like French kissing a mermaid”.

Before salmon and whisky stole the show, Tasmania was best-known to those on the Australian mainland (and beyond) as “the Apple Isle''. Although long past its post-colonial heyday, Tasmania’s apple industry is still alive and well, producing a massive range of local heirloom varieties whose diverse taste characteristics are a world apart from bland, modern, standardised supermarket apples. Visit Glenburn Orchards , near Hobart, or Millers Orchard , near Launceston, for quality apples straight from the tree. Or, sample Tasmania’s apple heritage in another form: through the famous Tasmanian apple sponge cake (often sour as well as sweet), or by visiting one of the many apple-cider cellar doors that dot the plains and valleys emanating from Launceston and Hobart

8 Leatherwood honey

It may not be as famous overseas as varieties such as New Zealand manuka honey, but the bees buzzing between bountiful leatherwood trees of Tasmania’s west coast rainforests quietly go about their business, producing a truly unique, complex honey that is quietly gaining acclaim around the world. There’s no other place on Earth to taste it straight from the source, so any honey-loving travellers visiting Cradle Mountain, the Tarkine rainforest, the Central Highlands, or the northwest coast on their Tasmanian itinerary will want to make a point of stopping in at Mole Creek , Blue Hills , or one of many other honey farms and factory doors across the region.

9 Olive oil

Like leatherwood honey, Tasmanian olive oil is building a stronger and stronger reputation among health-conscious eaters and discerning diners around the world. Renowned for a higher-than-average oleic acid content, plus low levels of saturated fat, Tasmanian olive oil is among the healthiest oils you can find on the market. The trouble is: most of it doesn’t make it past local markets. Therefore, don’t miss the chance to snare some from one of Tasmania’s local farmer's markets while you’re here. Or, head straight to the source at Riverstone Olives near Freycinet National Park, Lentara Grove in the Tamar Valley, or Cradle Coast Olives in the northwest.

10 Black truffles

Since first being inoculated into local tree roots in the 1990s, highly prized black truffles (known as Périgord truffles in France) have proven perfectly suited to the fertile soils, moderate seasonal climate, and pristine air of central-northern Tasmania. You will find Tasmanian truffles at restaurants in Hobart, Launceston, and across the state, but for a really special experience, take it a step further and accompany the dogs (note: not pigs, as is done in Europe) on a truffle hunt at the Truffledore on Cradle Country Farm , in the foothills of Cradle Mountain, or at Tasmanian Truffles and The Truffle Farm , on the way to the fabulous Great Western Tier mountains.

If you like the sound of these famous Tasmanian foods, visit FLT’s Tasmania blog page for more inspiration and information on where to say, what to see and what else to do while tasting them in Tassie.

There’s also a range of expertly arranged self-drive itinerary packages to choose from, many of which already incorporate a chance to taste the foods mentioned above.

Or, feel free to contact FLT’s travel-planning experts directly. They’ll be able to answer any questions, or help you plan your own customised Tasmanian travel itinerary!

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7 Day Luxurious Tasmania Romantic Getaway

If you are seeking a romantic getaway, there couldn’t be a more ideal place to disconnect from daily life and reconnect with your loved one than Tasmania. Your Holiday resorts, wilderness lodges and coastal retreats are found away from the hustle and bustle - on the edge of national parks or perched high on a clifftop overlooking the ocean.

8 Day Tasmania Wine and Dine Self Drive Tour

Tantalize your tastebuds on this gourmet eight-day self-guided tour of Tasmania, taking you to some of the island’s most iconic sites via local wineries and food producers. Fine-wine connoisseurs and gourmands will be in their element as they savour some of the finest drops and morsels in the Tamara Valley and stunning Bruny Island . Other Highlights Include:   a Wineglass Bay Cruise.

7 Day Tasmania Wildlife and Wine Romantic Escape

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4 Gourmet Adventures Every Food Lover Needs To Tick Off In Tasmania

By Amy Mills

25th Feb 2021

Australia’s smallest state is known as the Apple Isle but—as any good foodie will know— Tasmania  has far more than just apples. There’s an abundance of fresh produce and gourmet delicacies grown and handcrafted on the island, as well as incredible fresh seafood from Tassie's cold, clean waters.

The fine-dining scene is fantastic but Tasmania’s real point of difference—and appeal—is the short distance between paddock/trawler and plate, and the chance to meet the passionate distillers, winemakers, chefs, fishermen, providores and fromagers who call this community-minded, culinary haven home.

Jaw-dropping scenery aside, trust us when we say Tasmania’s food scene is worth the trip alone. Here are four of our favourite authentic gourmet adventures in Tasmania to add to your bucket list.

Skip Between Cellar Doors

When the toughest decision of the trip is which of Tasmania’s four wine trails to take, we know we're onto a good thing. Pick a trail that sparks your interest (spoiler, they’re all amazing) and hit the road to sample cool-climate wines in cellar doors ranging from convict-built stables to sleek designer digs. The Tamar Valley, Tassie’s oldest winegrowing region, is renowned for pinot noir and its sparkling wines, due to its similar growing conditions to Champagne in France. The Tamar Valley Wine Trail links almost 30 cellar doors, including House of Arras, Josef Chromy Vineyard ,  Tamar Ridge  and  Holm Oak . The beautiful east coast is home to boutique producers and picturesque wineries linked by the East Coast Wine Trail. Take in staggering views overlooking Freycinet National Park from  Devil's Corner Cellar Door , or taste top drops at family-run wineries including Gala Estate ,  Freycinet Vineyard  and Spring Vale .

Devil's Corner Cellar Door

Visit A Farm Gate And Meet The Makers

The real beauty of visiting Tassie is the opportunity to slow down, savour in the tastes of the island and meet its passionate producers, providores, winemakers, distillers and food artisans.  Our advice? Arrive hungry. In the south, wind through farms, orchards and cideries on a slow drive in the Huon Valley. In the north west, feed your appetite on the self-guided Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail . Among a rollcall of regional producers on the trail, taste Tassie’s unique leatherwood honey at Blue Hills Honey , pop into  Cradle Coast Olives  for oil and visit Mount Gnomon Farm , known for its focus on ethical farming and high quality smallgoods. On the Tasmanian Whisky Trail , learn how Tasmania’s only triple-distilled whisky is produced at the convict-built  Shene Estate & Distillery . And drop in for a pint of hand-pumped ale or cider and tastings at  Two Metre Tall Farmhouse Ale & Cider , which wild-ferments its own farm-grown ingredients. 

Don Waders And Tuck Into Freshly-Shucked Oysters

A visit to Tasmania is not complete without sampling delicious, creamy Pacific oysters shucked straight from the sea. They call it Great Oyster Bay for a reason, and the oysters come fresh from the baskets to the cafe deck at Freycinet Marine Farm . Don waders for a two-hour tour of the farm with the knowledgeable guides from Oyster Bay Tours where guests can venture into the waters and harvest oysters straight off the rack for an authentic oyster farm tasting experience—pure bliss.

There are farm-fresh oysters served straight from the leases at Get Shucked on Bruny Island, and also at  Barilla Bay Oyster Farm , close to Hobart airport. Take an hour-long tour of the Barilla Bay farm before long-lunching at its on-site restaurant, or simply take away a dozen from the shop and continue on your oyster-eating odyssey.

Freycinet Marine Farm

Check Out These Food Markets

Fill your baskets for a memorable gourmet picnic from one of the island’s many farmers’ markets, and mingle with producers, makers and friendly locals. Every Sunday morning in Hobart’s CBD, Bathurst Street is transformed into Farm Gate Market , a bustling gathering of producers selling everything from fresh berries and pickles to heirloom apples and sourdough. It’s a weekend ritual for Hobartians, and it maintains its decade-long philosophy: if you can’t eat it, drink it, grow it or meet the producer, you won’t find it here.

Get a delicious snapshot of northern Tasmanian life and flavours at the vibrant Harvest Launceston Community Farmers' Market  in the heart of this northern city on Saturdays. Meet the people behind family-run businesses including Hazelbrae Hazelnuts , Lentara Grove and Seven Sheds Brewery . Stock up and learn more about the region’s food culture from passionate local producers. 

The Penguin Undercover Market —how can we not visit a town with a name like Penguin!—is the largest of its kind in the state and boasts more than 50 stalls selling vintage treasures, ceramics and fresh local produce.

The best way to immerse yourself in a new place? Through food, of course! And in Tasmania , you're never too far from the source. Pack your bags, it’s time to forage and feast. 

Image credit: Samuel Shelley (hero image of whisky tasting at Shene Estate’s roadside stall), Lisa Kuilenburg (Devil's Corner), Andrew Wilson (Freycinet Marine Farm)

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Tasmania — Come Down For Air and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.

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Clown Bar – Great Food and Wine

Clown Bar – Introduction The Clown Bar is both a bar à vins and a restaurant with a tiny kitchen in the 11th arrondissement in Paris. The food is stunningly good and the wine list beyond interesting with an excellent range of natural wines.To understand the Clown Bar it is […]

Substance – Stunning coffee

Substance – Introduction Substance is a very good café and place to enjoy a serious coffee in Paris. Their coffee beans are sourced from a number of countries including Costa Rica, Colombia, Panama and Ethiopia (that we have seen on the menu). They also always seem to have the Geisha […]

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A West Virginia–size island situated 150 miles south of mainland Australia, Tasmania has a way of captivating the imagination. The state invented the Australian bushranger, established the world’s first Green Party, and inspired the Looney Tunes character Taz, based on a small (non-twirling) carnivorous marsupial called the Tasmanian devil. Tassie is promoted as the Natural State for good reason: More than a third of its landmass is protected in reserves, World Heritage areas, and national parks. In recent years, Tasmania has become increasingly renowned for quality food, drinks, and art.

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PHOTO BY TOURISM TASMANIA & GRAHAM FREEMAN

Can’t miss things to do in Tasmania

Hobart, Tasmania’s picturesque capital city, unfolds between the Derwent River and Mount Wellington. It offers such highlights as the enormous Salamanca Market and the famous Museum of Old and New Art (MONA).

Launceston is the second-largest city; it sits at the entrance to the Tamar Valley wine region, which makes for a lovely day trip.

The main reason people come to Tasmania, however, is nature. Cradle Mountain is the state’s most popular peak as well as the starting point for the 40-mile Overland Track. Bruny Island is known for oysters, cheese, and scenic coastlines; the Freycinet Peninsula is home to the gorgeous crescent of sand that is Wineglass Bay; and Maria Island is one of the best places to experience Tasmania’s unique wildlife.

Food and drink to try in Tasmania

Isolation from mainland Australia has made Tasmania self-reliant and sustainable when it comes to food and drink. Tasmania has long been known for apples and pears, and a resurgent cider industry is reviving these crops. The state also produces some of the country’s finest seafood, meat, dairy, wine, and single-malt whiskey, and newer Tasmanian products to look out for include saffron, cherries, and blueberries. Like the rest of Australia, Tasmania has a thriving café culture, marked by a strong focus on local and organic ingredients. Memorable meals can be enjoyed in the cities as well as the bush, and a growing number of cooking schools are sharing state secrets with travelers from around the world.

Outdoor Adventure

First settled by convicts and then followed by whalers, miners, and now artists, mountaineers, and foodies, Tasmania (originally dubbed Van Diemen’s Land) is adventurous, prospecting, creative, and sometimes irreverent. Since much of the state is undeveloped wilderness, there’s a huge outdoor scene fueled by trekkers, mountain bikers, kayakers, and rafters. Fishing, yachting, and sailing are also popular pursuits, and the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is one of the biggest cups in sailing. Artisan foods, drinks, and crafts have taken over the state in recent years, and the Museum of Old and New Art has spurred something of an artistic awakening. Still, Tasmania remains as laid-back and welcoming as it is inspiring.

Culture in Tasmania

Tasmanians are resourceful and creative, and it shows in their food products and crafts as well as their fashion and accessories. On Saturday in Hobart, don’t miss the Salamanca Market—one of the largest outdoor markets in Australia—or the cutting-edge summer crafts market at the MONA museum. The Harvest farmers’ market in Launceston is another nice Saturday out. The Salamanca Arts Centre in Hobart features artist studios and boutiques ranging from the Rosalie Malham jewelry shop to the Bruny Island Cheese Co. From late October through early November, the town of Deloraine, southwest of Launceston, hosts one of the largest craft fairs in Australia.

Practical Information

• Summer (December to March) offers the best weather in Tasmania, though new events such as Dark Mofo are giving travelers good reasons to brave the winter.
• Direct flights to both Hobart and Launceston run from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, and the Spirit of Tasmania ferry travels overnight from Melbourne to Devonport.
• Once you arrive in Tasmania, it’s recommended that you rent a car—just remember to drive on the left side of the road.
• As in mainland Australia, English is the official language, and the currency is the Australian dollar.
• Tipping is not customary unless you receive standout service.

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7 of the best food and wine experiences in Tasmania

Posted February 16, 2023

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, hit the open road on a driving holiday or enjoy a longer break, you'll love taking in the spectacular Tasmanian scenery while eating and drinking your way across the island. Just be sure to pack your appetite and your RACV membership for special discounts for Tasmania's best attractions . For spacious accommodation in the heart of Hobart, make RACV Hobart Hotel your base for your days and nights in Tasmania’s capital. The hotel is situated just a short stroll down to the historic Salamanca Market and harbour, where you’ll find galleries, craft shops and restaurants thriving in the grand setting of 1830s Georgian warehouses. Here are the top seven food and wine experiences to enjoy across Tasmania.

Best food and wine experiences in Tasmania

Sate your appetite on a Bruny Island food tour

Experience the wonder of Bruny Island on this gourmet food and sightseeing tour , which will get you sampling the island's fresh local produce and rugged scenery. For morning tea, you'll chow down on Bruny Island Cheese, wood-fired oven breads and fresh local oysters. Highlights of the tour include exploring Cape Bruny Lighthouse, spotting the rare white wallabies in the Mount Magana rainforests, and enjoying a selection of seafood and local meets at Hotel Bruny overlooking the d'Entrecasteaux Channel. In between stops, you'll also sample honey, chocolate, fudge at local tastings.

Set sail for fresh seafood

For seafood lovers, it doesn’t get better – or fresher – than this full day  Tasmanian Seafood Seduction Cruise . Departing from Hobart and cruising along the picturesque Bruny Island coastline, gathering the freshest seafood to enjoy at your very own seafood smorgasbord. You'll eat freshly-shucked oysters  and see your guide dive for abalone and sea urchin. Enjoy an extravagant feast served on deck, including mouth-watering rock lobster, sashimi and smoked salmon – all washed down with local wines and boutique beer.

The Seafood Seduction Cruise will open your eyes to the true wonder of seafood. Image: Tourism Tasmania & Peter Aitchison

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 an exclusive  behind-the-scenes tour  of the vineyard and winery and observe the winemaking process from grape to glass, with a unique opportunity to taste wines in their unfinished state. You'll then indulge in a two-course lunch paired with award-winning wines in an idyllic location surrounded by lakes and vineyards. If you're a sparkling fan, you can even try your hand at winemaking by creating your own signature blend of sparkling after learning how traditional method sparkling is made, complete with a premium wine tasting, two-course lunch, and behind-the-scenes winery tour. Either way, you won’t be able to resist picking up a bottle (or two!) to enjoy at home as you reminisce on your Tasmanian adventure.

Cruise the Tamar Valley

There’s no better way to experience the tranquil beauty of the Tamar Valley than from the water. On a Tamar River lunch cruise , sit back and relax as you mingle with native water birds, enjoy informative expert commentary, and take in views of Tamar Island, Cataract Gorge, and Launceston's riverfront precinct. On this four hour cruise along Australia's longest navigable estuarine river, you’ll be treated to a local beer and wine tastings, morning tea, a Tasmanian fruit and cheese platter, and a light lunch. Cruises depart seasonally between 1 September - 31 May.

Fat Pig Farm specialises in long, seasonal lunches. Image: Alice Hansen

Eat paddock to plate at Fat Pig Farm

Fat Pig Farm is a 70 acre family farm in the beautiful Huon Valley south of Hobart, where chef Matthew and his family Sadie and Hedley have turned the one-time apple orchard into a farm full of pigs, cows, goats, ducks, chickens, bees, and gardens. Since 2016 they've also opened their farm restaurant, where visitors sit round the farmhouse table and enjoy a long, leisurely lunch starring seasonal ingredients. Make sure to sign up for workshops and events after lunch so you can 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 that this homegrown feast is both bursting with flavour and nourishing for the soul.

Try a Tassie tasting trail

After a self-guided Tasmanian adventure?  Hire a car  and hit the road on the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail, taking in views of the rolling green hills and coastal vistas as you satisfy your cravings for farmgate fare like 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. More:   Why Tasmania makes for an electrifying road trip

Jackman & McRoss is one of Hobart's most popular bakeries. Image: Tourism Australia & Ellenor Argyropoulos

 Sample a scallop pie

Move over meat pies! Hobart has a famous delicacy: premium local sea scallops in a creamy curry sauce, all encased in delightfully flaky pastry. One of the most popular places to sample a scallop pie is Jackman & McRoss, close to Salamanca Market. This bakery also serves up tempting pastries, bread loaves, breakfasts and light lunches: all traditional meals and baked goods with a fine dining twist. After your meal, take a stroll around the historic Battery Point neighbourhood, which has remained largely unchanged since the 1800s. 

RACV Members receive exclusive offers and discounts at RACV Hobart Hotel. Book your stay →

Related reading

Guide to travelling on Spirit of Tasmania

What to see and do on a trip to Tasmania

Why Tasmania makes for an electrifying road trip

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16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Tasmania

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

For those who haven't visited Australia's smallest state, Tasmania or "Tassie," seems shrouded in mystique. Perhaps it's the state's far-flung location, some 300 kilometers south of the Australian mainland across stormy Bass Strait. Maybe it's the vast expanses of windswept wilderness. Almost half of Tasmania's land mass lies in national parks and World Heritage Areas, with sparkling alpine lakes, wild rivers, and mist-cloaked peaks.

Perhaps it's the bizarre wildlife – from real life Tasmanian devils to the extinct thylacine, the Tasmanian tiger. Or is it the haunting convict history and beautifully preserved heritage towns, which seem frozen in time? Today, this mystique lures more and more tourists who are discovering the island's many jewels.

Shaped appropriately like a heart, Tasmania is also a foodie's delight. Gloriously creamy cheeses, crisp fruits, and succulent seafood are just some of the mouthwatering local treats on offer, and hanging out at a waterfront café or restaurant is one of the top things to do in the port city of Hobart.

If you're looking for a unique way to arrive on the island, you can travel from Melbourne to Devonport by sea on the Spirit of Tasmania . Best of all, you can bring your car with you. If you choose this option, check out a Tasmania attractions map, and plot a scenic road-trip.

Explore this enchanting state with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Tasmania.

See also: Where to Stay in Tasmania

1. Explore Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park

2. get a culture fix in hobart, 3. port arthur historic site, 4. hike through freycinet national park, 5. see the views from kunanyi/mount wellington, 6. tasman national park, 7. walk the three capes track, 8. cataract gorge, launceston, 9. stroll around salamanca place, 10. visit bruny island, 11. mona museum and art gallery, 12. mount field national park, 13. franklin-gordon wild rivers national park, 14. marvel at the scenery on maria island, 15. richmond, 16. climb the nut, where to stay in tasmania for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in tasmania.

In the north of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park is the jewel in the crown of the state's many natural wonders. Glacier-carved crags; glittering lakes; beech forests; alpine heathland; and jagged dolerite peaks, including 1,616-meter-high Mount Ossa (the highest point on the island), are some of its most breathtaking features.

Hiking in Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park is legendary. Favorite day walks include the Lake Dove Walk , with magnificent views of Cradle Mountain (1,545 meters), and the Weindorfer Walk , a six-kilometer circuit through dense forests. If you're wondering what to do in Tasmania for a week, a hiking trip here could more than fill your days.

The northern part of Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, is particularly beautiful. From the summit of Cradle Mountain, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the central highlands. The famous 80-kilometer Overland Track runs south from Cradle Valley to stunning Lake St. Clair , the deepest lake in Australia .

Official site: http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/indeX.aspX?base=3297

Tasmania's capital has transformed itself from a sleepy backwater with a turbulent convict history to a hub of cutting-edge culture. Its beautiful setting between the sea and the soaring peak of kunanyi/Mount Wellington has, no doubt, inspired many of its talented artists in all genres.

Opened in 2011, MONA: Museum of Old and New Art pushes the art world envelope with its provocative and confronting exhibits, while the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery takes a more traditional look at the country's art, as well as its natural history.

Foodies will also find plenty to smile about. The city's waterfront precinct buzzes with hip cafés and restaurants, and you can eat around the world on the restaurant strip in North Hobart.

Delving into the city's rich convict history is another one of the top things to do in Hobart. Visit the Hobart Convict Penitentiary, and explore the historic sandstone warehouses at Salamanca Place , now filled with shops, cafés, and antique dealers. From here, you can also follow the Battery Point Sculpture Trail to see elegant convict-built architecture.

Natural attractions are also never far away from the city buzz. Climb kunanyi/Mount Wellington to really appreciate Hobart's picturesque setting, and gaze out at the World Heritage wilderness in the distance.

Read More: Best Tourist Attractions in Hobart

The old convict settlement of Port Arthur offers a sobering look at Tasmania's turbulent past. About an hour's drive southeast of Hobart, the ruins are part of the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property . Here, in 1830, Governor Sir George Arthur established a brutal penal settlement where convicts were forced to hew coal in the mines and fell timber.

In spite of a devastating fire in 1897, the remains of many buildings still stand, including the guard tower, church, model prison, and hospital. You can also browse fascinating documents and relics of the penal settlement in the museum, or visit the nearby Coal Mines Historic Site. Admission tickets give you two days to explore all the attractions here, and they also include an introductory walking tour and 25-minute harbor cruise.

Looking for unique things to do in Tasmania? Consider joining an evening lantern-lit "ghost tour" of the ruins .

After touring Port Arthur, take a drive along the coast to explore the soaring sea cliffs and sheltered coves of the spectacular Tasman peninsula.

Address: 6973 Arthur Hwy, Port Arthur, Tasmania

Official site: http://portarthur.org.au/

World Heritage-listed Freycinet National Park, on Tasmania's relatively sunny east coast, is one of Australia's oldest nature reserves and one of its most beautiful. Hiking the many scenic trails here is the best way to explore the park.

The star of this picturesque peninsula is the perfect curve of powder-white sand and azure sea at Wineglass Bay – one of the top beaches in Australia . Wander through pristine bushland to secluded bays and lookouts, or tackle the Wineglass Bay Circuit, one of Australia's top hikes . Along the way, keep a look out for some of the many birds in the park. Black cockatoos, kookaburras, and sea birds are just some of the resident species.

Take the 20-minute walk from the lookout to the southern end of Wineglass Bay to admire beautiful views of the Hazards , three striking pink granite crags rising out of the sea. The peaks are best photographed at sunrise and sunset when their color deepens in the golden light.

At the entrance to Freycinet National Park, the little beach resort of Coles Bay is a good base for walks and climbs in the surrounding hills, and you can also explore the entire region on the East Coast Escape scenic drive.

Official site: http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/indeX.aspX?base=3363

Undulating to the west of Hobart, the comforting presence of 1,270-meter-high kunanyi/Mount Wellington is a constant reminder of the unspoiled wilderness that lies on the doorstep of this waterfront capital.

Follow a winding 21-kilometer mountain road to the Pinnacle, often sprinkled with snow, for breathtaking views over Hobart, the Derwent Valley, and the D'Entrecasteaux Channel. At the summit, boardwalks lead to panoramic viewpoints, and a pavilion displays old photographs of Hobart and Mount Wellington.

The mountain is a popular spot for biking and hiking through the temperate rain forests, and the distinctive Organ Pipes , a dolerite cliff, is renowned for its excellent rock climbing. Standing atop the summit and admiring the sweeping views is one of the best free things to do in Tasmania, but dress warmly as the weather here is notoriously fickle.

Official site: http://www.wellingtonpark.org.au/

On the wind-lashed Tasman Peninsula, 56 kilometers east of Hobart, Tasman National Park protects some of Australia's most spectacular coastal scenery. If you look at a map of Tasmania, this park cloaks the far southeast tip of the state, with nothing but ocean between here and Antarctica.

It's a place of raw beauty. Towering dolerite cliffs plunge 300 meters to the sea, islands shimmer just offshore, waterfalls tumble to the sea, and contorted rock formations wear the relentless forces of wind and water.

The Blowhole and Tasman Arch are two of the park's most famous features. Other top sites include Remarkable Cave , Waterfall Bay , and the Devil's Kitchen – a collapsed rock arch.

Wildlife also scores top billing here. Apart from many species of rare birds, the area plays host to Australian fur seals, dolphins, whales, fairy penguins, and possums. A popular way to explore this stunning national park is by hiking the Three Capes Track (see below).

You can also explore some of the top attractions by car, or hop aboard a boat to glimpse the soaring cliffs from sea level, or cast a line – fishing can be excellent here. In the southern end of the park, climbers scale the dolerite cliffs, and Pirate's Bay is popular with hang-gliders.

Nearby lies the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur , one of Australia's most poignant historic sites.

Official site: http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/indeX.aspX?base=3868

Starting and ending in World Heritage-listed Port Arthur, the stunningly scenic Three Capes Track slices through more than 48 kilometers of awe-inspiring wilderness in Tasman National Park . A boat delivers you to the trailhead from Port Arthur, where you'll walk along the edge of the continent, with breathtaking views of the Tasman Sea from the cliff-top trail.

Along the way, you'll walk through pristine eucalyptus forests and windswept heathland; see spectacular dolerite columns rising from the sea; encounter wildlife like wombats, wallabies, and echidnas; and stay in comfy eco-friendly cabins.

Every hiker receives a guidebook with maps and notes about the journey, as well as stories to read as they sit on strategically placed benches along the track. This four-day, three-night hike is suitable for all levels of hikers – even children. It's one of the best things to do in Tasmania in spring, fall, or summer, although hardy hikers could also tackle it in winter if they dress appropriately.

Official site: https://www.threecapestrack.com.au/experience.html

A mere 15-minute stroll along the river from Launceston's city center, the wild and romantic Cataract Gorge is a deep chasm carved over many centuries by the South Esk River. Offering striking scenery, the gorge is one of the top attractions in Launceston .

Precipitous walking paths, first built in the 1890s, cut into the cliff face on both sides of the gorge, offering heart-stopping views of the river far below.

The less adventurous can hop aboard the world's longest single-span chairlift, and the Kings Bridge and Gorge Restaurant also afford fine views. On the south side, you can relax at a café and paddle in the bush-fringed swimming pool.

At Cliff Grounds on the northern side, lies a beautiful Victorian garden replete with ferns, strutting peacocks, and wallabies. River cruises offer another perspective of this popular attraction.

If you're looking for things to do in Northern Tasmania, Cataract Gorge deserves a spot on your travel itinerary.

Official site: http://www.launcestoncataractgorge.com.au/

Salamanca Place, with its lovingly restored sandstone buildings, is a tourist hub in the heart of Hobart's historic waterfront. Built by convicts between 1835 and 1860, these beautiful Georgian buildings were once warehouses along the commercial center of old Hobart. Today, they house art galleries, cafés, restaurants, and shops.

You can dine alfresco along this cobblestone strip; shop for antiques and souvenirs; or visit the galleries, performing arts venues, and ateliers of the Salamanca Arts Centre . Every Saturday, tourists and locals alike flock to the Salamanca Markets , where more than 300 vendors sell everything from handcrafted jewelry and woodwork to fresh produce.

Nearby Constitution Dock is a favorite spot to buy fresh seafood, and one of the most popular things to do in December here is watch the yachts cruise in after the iconic Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

From Salamanca Place, you can also descend Kelly Steps to Battery Point , a picturesque seaside suburb with heritage houses.

About 55 minutes from Hobart by car and ferry, Bruny Island is a popular day trip from the city for foodies and nature buffs. The island lies across the D'Entrecasteaux Channel from the seaside town of Kettering. It's famous for its delectable gastronomic treats, such as handmade chocolates, local berries, artisan cheeses, and succulent seafood, which you can sample on island tasting tours.

South Bruny National Park, on the island's southern tip, offers beautiful coastal scenery, with soaring green sea cliffs, sheltered beaches, and challenging surf breaks.

You can explore the park on an eco-cruise or hike the many nature trails. Keep an eye out for wildlife. Fur seals and fairy penguins swim offshore, and wombats, wallabies, and echidnas are often spotted on land. Built by convicts between 1836 and 1838, Cape Bruny Lighthouse offers beautiful views of the surging Southern Ocean.

Cutting edge and controversial, the MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) in Hobart made a splash on the Aussie art scene when it opened in 2011. Its Tasmanian owner, David Walsh, described the thought-provoking collection of art and antiquities as a "subversive adult Disneyland."

After entering the museum's foyer at ground level, art lovers descend a spiral staircase to a subterranean gallery, where exhibits range from Sidney Nolan's Snake to an Egyptian sarcophagus and a machine that turns food into brown sludge. Portable touch screen devices provide commentary on the works.

Also on-site are entertainment venues, a trendy restaurant, library, cinema, and accommodation pavilions. The most popular way to travel to MONA is a 30-minute ferry ride along the Derwent River, which drops you off directly at the museum's steps.

Note that you need to buy tickets in advance. Check the website for details and opening hours.

Address: 655 Main Road, Berriedale, Hobart, Tasmania

Official site: http://www.mona.net.au/

About 80 kilometers from Hobart, Mount Field is one of Australia's oldest national parks. Here, you can explore magnificent rainforests, tall swamp gums, alpine moorland, and stunning waterfalls.

Beautiful walking trails wind throughout the park, which is often dusted with snow in the high moorlands until summer. The short Russell Falls Nature Walk to these triple-tiered cascades is suitable even for wheelchair-users. You can also hike around Lake Dobson , and experienced bushwalkers have a choice of more challenging routes.

One of the popular things to do in Tasmania in winter is cross-country skiing, and this is an ideal place to indulge, only a 90-minute drive from Hobart. In the fall, the park ignites with yellow, orange, and red-leafed trees. This is also the site where the last Tasmanian tiger was captured in 1930.

Official site: http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/indeX.aspX?base=3589

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the spectacular Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park has become a symbol of one of Australia's most famous conservation victories. In the 1970s and 80s, this majestic mountain region of primeval rainforest, steep gorges, and wild rivers was the subject of bitter controversy over a proposal to dam the Franklin River. The opponents of the scheme, with their battle cry "No dams!" were victorious, and the wild beauty of the Franklin River and its surrounding wilderness remains.

Today, the national park is the nucleus of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area , which also includes the rocky 1,443-meter peak of Frenchman's Cap . Its Aboriginal sites are evidence of a rich Indigenous heritage stretching back more than 36,000 years.

White-water rafting enthusiasts come here to tackle the tumultuous Franklin River, one of the top outdoor adventures in Australia , and hikers enjoy the short walks. A highlight is Donaghys Lookout Walk . You can also explore the park by car on the Lyell Highway. Better still, hop aboard a river cruise from the west coast village of Strahan .

Official site: http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/indeX.aspX?base=3937

In a land of wilderness escapes, Maria Island truly stands out. Sitting off the east coast of Tasmania, this pristine, car-free island is a nature-lover's Eden. Among the top tourist attractions are the island's Painted Cliffs . Etched with russet-hued swirls of sediment, the Painted cliffs are a favorite subject for photographers. But you can also explore rugged mountains; wild, windswept beaches; fossil-flecked limestone cliffs; and dense forests.

Are you an animal lover? You'll find plenty of wildlife to ogle here, too, from wombats and wallabies to Tasmanian devils, ringtail possums, pademelons, and potoroos (small marsupials). Maria Island is also one of the top places to visit in Tasmania for bird-watching .

Other popular things to do on Maria Island include hiking the scenic trails, biking around the island, snorkeling and diving (if you can brave the cold waters), and exploring the area's rich history. While you're here, you can visit World Heritage-listed convict sites and learn about the Indigenous Puthikwilayti people, custodians of the land and surrounding waters for more than 40,000 years.

Want to stay overnight? Maria Island accommodation is limited. You can stay in basic bunks at the Penitentiary in Darlington, or pitch your tent in a campsite. But most visitors come here on day trips from Hobart.

If you're traveling here on your own, the ferry ride from Triabunna to Darlington, the island's main settlement, takes about 45 minutes. You won't find any shops here, so you'll need to bring everything you need with you, and pack it all out.

About 25 kilometers northeast of Hobart, Richmond is a kind of living open-air museum. Of all the early settlements in Tasmania, it presents the most complete and homogeneous picture of a Georgian colonial town. It was founded soon after the landing of the first settlers in Risdon Cove in 1803 and soon developed into the commercial center of a very fertile grain-growing district.

Richmond was also an important military post. Inmates from the town's penal colony constructed many of the buildings, as well as the Richmond Bridge , which dates from 1825 and is the oldest bridge in Australia.

Often seen in the background of bridge photos is the timber-topped St. Luke's Church , with beautiful stained-glass windows. It was so well constructed that the convict carpenter responsible was pardoned. A short distance to the north, the neo-Gothic St. John's Church , dating from 1837-59 is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Australia.

Other historic highlights include Richmond Gaol and the well-preserved heritage buildings of Bridge Street. Traveling with kids? One of the top Tasmania attractions for families, the Old Hobart Town model village recreates life in the 1820s.

Many day trips to Richmond from Hobart also include a visit to Bonorong Wildlife Park in Brighton, where you can get up close to favorite Aussie animals like kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and Tasmanian devils.

On Tasmania's northwest coast, the Nut is a 143-meter-high volcanic plug, which looms over the picturesque heritage town of Stanley . Matthew Flinders, who viewed it in 1798, thought it was reminiscent of a Christmas cake with its steep, rounded sides and flat top.

You can climb the steep path to the Pinnacle, which takes about 15 minutes, or hop aboard a chairlift for fantastic photo opportunities. At the top, trails of varying lengths lead visitors through fern-fringed forests and to scenic lookouts with 360-degree views of the curving coastline, the quaint hamlet of Stanley, and surrounding farmland. Look for pademelons and wallabies along the trails, and take a jacket, as the top can be quite windy.

We recommend these wonderful hotels in Tasmania's top tourist spots:

• Saffire Freycinet is a luxury eco-hotel on the Freycinet Peninsula, with spectacular views and floor-to-ceiling glass-encased rooms.
• The mid-range Grand Chancellor Hotel Hobart is in a great location, with harbor views, a pillow menu, and a fantastic restaurant.
• Salamanca Inn is a family-friendly all-suite hotel on Hobart's waterfront, steps from Salamanca Place. Choose from one- or two-bedroom suites with full kitchens.
• About a 10-minute walk from Cataract Gorge and Launceston's CBD, The Mews Motel is a budget hotel in a heritage building. Chat with the friendly management, cook your own meals in the well-equipped outdoor kitchen, then snuggle into a comfy bed at this home away from home.

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Guide to Visiting The MONA Museum in Hobart, Tasmania

MONA Museum, or the Museum of Old and New Art, has been billed as the place that revitalized Hobart and put it high up on the must-see destination list of Tasmania in Australia.

It is the largest privately funded museum in Australia and I’ve been keen for years to see what all the fuss is about. It’s not only a place for art lovers, but it’s a space for entertainment.

The founder David Walsh has described the museum as a “subversive adult Disneyland.” This might be why it’s considered one of the best things to do in Hobart .

I was more interested in the winery and off site brewery attached and the photos of people lazing around on bean bags with beautiful river views that I always see of MONA.

If you’re thinking of visiting MONA but not sure what it’s all about, here is an overview of our experience…

About Mona Museum

• Cost: $35 per adult. Under 18 tourists and concessions $10. Under 12s enter for free.
• Getting There: The MR-1 Fast Ferry takes 30 minutes from Hobart and costs from $20. For other options click here.
• Opening Hours: Open 5 days a week from 10am–5pm. Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They are closed Wednesday and Tuesdays. For holiday periods click here .
• Website: For full details on your visit to MONA visit the MONA website.

The Mona Museum is not just a public art museum. MONA frequently showcases large-scale art and performance events.

It was founded by art collector David Walsh, who built the museum on the banks of the River Derwent, on the Berriedale Peninsula in Hobart.

The museum is accessible via ferry which is just as arty as David Walsh’s collection inside. You can sail in the “Posh Pit” which is a private deck with a wine bar and canapes.

The MONA site also sits on the Moorilla Estate, a huge winery that you can also visit as part of your trip to MONA.

There are also two restaurants and bars, a gift shop, and cafes, as well as luxury accommodation pavilions where guests can stay.

The architecture is impressive. It contrasts against the landscape with its hard, angular, and industrial-looking facade. It has a podium, a grassy lawn area, and a garden with native plants. There’s also a tennis court.

In the summer, they host two festivals; the summer festival in January, Mona Foma, which has a mix of music and art. In June, there is the Dark Mofo winter festival, which showcases centuries-old winter solstice rituals. It celebrates darkness through art, music, food, and film.

You can get a guided tour of MONA from Hobart which includes your entrance ticket, ferry ride and a knowledgable guide.

Our Experience Visiting MONA

Our trip to MONA started on the ferry, which is an experience in itself. You can reach MONA by road, but we felt a trip up the Derwent River would make the experience all that more special.

The weather wasn’t helping out so much, but the sheep seats did. Kalyra and Savannah were instantly put into the right joyful mood to enter an art gallery with.

We pulled up to the dock and got an inkling of the architectural grandeur of the building carved into the cliff face.

Inside the museum entrance is a spiral staircase that leads down to three larger levels of display spaces built into the side of the cliffs.

It made the experience inside the gallery that more special, walking down into the cavernous depths to be confronted by graphic images, ones that caused you to dig a little deeper into your thought recesses, and those that were a little more playful.

The MONA museum is not just about standing there and staring at a painting on the wall, hoping to get a chance to read what it’s about or figure it out yourself. You’re a part of the experience as you move through.

I’m not one for art galleries or museums so wasn’t sure that it would wow me.

You’re given an O – which is an iPod device. It helps you discover what each of the artworks is with some thoughts from the founder David Walsh and sometimes the artist’s voices themselves.

There were exhibitions such as the pulse, which gives you the chance to have a light bulb measure your pulse.

Or a trampoline you can jump on to create music with the bells hanging below.

These were the first exhibits we saw and the girls were hooked. So was I.

It’s by far the best, most interesting, and fun art gallery I’ve ever been to.

It was made even more special that the girls enjoyed doing it as well. The only complaint that was heard was when we had finished. Kalyra whined that she wanted to go back in and see more.

Even though the art and the concepts were above her head, I loved the exposure the trip to MONA gave her to art and the idea that the world can be interpreted in many different and fun ways, and from that perspective, you can create pieces of work that people from around the world flock to in their thousands to see.

My favourite exhibits were the weather instrument – a machine that was powered by the wind, which moved a pencil that created a drawing – an artwork by the wind. I LOVED it!

I also loved the concept of the fat car – an obese Porsche showing the effects of consumerism.

There was also a mummy room called the Pharos Wing, which featured underground galleries and some large-scale artworks by James Turrell which has a light show at sunrise and sunset.

In 2017, a tunnel called Siloam, was built connecting to the Pharos Wing and cost $18 million to make. Here you can see the work of Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, who was famously convicted and jailed for the art he made.

It also has The Divine Comedy by Alfredo Jaar, which takes visitors on a journey through the three chambers of the afterlife (paradise, purgatory, and heaven).

But the artwork is not restricted to the inside, there’s some outdoor art too. There’s the Charles Ross’ magical Spectrum Chamber where the children can jump on the trampoline and see rainbow colors.

The most fun one was the white cubed room. Inside were 30 TV screens, with Madonna’s biggest fans singing the entire Immaculate Conception album in acapella. It was fun to watch and I almost jumped up and belted out the words to Borderline with them.

The only one I did not like was the human excrement machine, Cloaca Professional by Wim Delvoye. I think we arrived when it was pooping time and the smell drove me out before I could take a good look.

MONA sure is designed to open your mind – it’s a good place to learn about “It’s not better or worse, just different.”

You can do cellar tours of Moorilla Winery, but we opted for a Moo Brew Beer and a glass of wine from the Bogan Bar.

Which was very fitting for me, as I did wear my UGG boots to MONA. True bogan form, at 15 degrees and high winds, I was freezing. And I’m more about comfort than fashion.

If you like wine and art, you will love this tour you can book through Get Your Guide. The Moorilla’s Wine Meets Mona Art Day Tour includes wine tasting at Moorilla Estate, lunch at the Source Restaurant and explore Mona, the Museum of Old and New Art. See rates and availability here or below

Final Thoughts on Visiting MONA in Hobart

MONA gets the big thumbs up from us, despite our apathetic art appreciation. Put it on your Australia list for sure.

BUT, when you do come down here to visit Mona, make sure you tack on a couple of extra weeks to see some other things to do in Tasmania.

This country is SOOOOO great and has so much to offer.

There is so much to take in at Mona, you need at least half a day. We enjoyed lunch in the cafe with views out to the river, before walking to the winery area out the back.

In the summer, there is usually some live music happening outside. There was a big gospel choir event on.

While that is not my thing, it was great to sit on the grass and do some lawn-lounging, while the girls played and danced to some upbeat music.

I can only imagine how great a venue it would be when the MOFO festival takes place in January.

Where to stay in Hobart

• YHA Hostel  – smack bang in the centre of Hobart with an easy walk to everything in the city and waterfront, the YHA is your  best   budget  option. Clean, comfortable and with a variety of room options. We stayed there in a family room with private ensuite and were very comfortable.
• Salamanca Inn  – excellent mid-level accommodation in a perfect location. Stumble 50m to Salamanca Place and enjoy the markets and everything on offer and walk to the best Hobart has to offer. This all-suite hotel with self-contained apartments was great for us as a family. You can read our review here
• Crowne Plaza Hobart, a 4-Star IHG Hotel. Guests love it for room, the location with a short stroll to the Pier and Salamanca Restaurants and markets, fantastic views from the floor to ceiling windows, and great breakfast.

More ideas for Hobart (and nearby destinations)

• A guide to the fantastic Salamanca Markets
• A Guide to Port Arthur and their awesome ghost tour
• 3 Hours of Unspoilt Wilderness on a Bruny Island Cruise in Tasmania
• What to do in Hobart, Tasmania
• How To Get The Best views of Hazards Beach, Tasmania
• Awesome things to do on Bruny Island, Tasmania
• 24 Best Places to Visit in Tasmania

Disclaimer: We visited as guests of MONA, but all thoughts, ideas, and opinions in this guide are our own. You can also read what other travelers have to say at TripAdvisor

• Environment

Snow, 110kmh gusts, heavy downpours forecast for NSW, Victoria, Tasmania as low pressure system deepens over southeast

Multiple southeast states could cop the brunt of a wintery blast over the coming days - which could bring 110kmh winds, heavy rainfalls, dangerous surf and even snow.

‘Below zero’: Wintry blast not over yet

Aussies warned of danger in bin act

‘Rare’ snowfall expected in one state

A dusting of snow could fall on parts of southeast Australia as a low pressure weather system deepens off the coast - with freezing temperatures, strong winds and rain and dangerous surf forecast over the coming days.

Inland parts of NSW, Victoria and Tasmania could cop the brunt of the wintery blast as the low pressure system moves over the southern Tasman Sea.

The Bureau of Meteorology has already forecast multiple warnings and watches for the trio of states well into Tuesday.

Strong winds, rain, snow, and dangerous surf are forecast for parts of #Tas , #Vic and #NSW from late tomorrow due to a low pressure system deepening over the southern Tasman Sea. Weather watches and warnings are already current for some states. Latest: https://t.co/jlOoTZL1iF pic.twitter.com/Yf1SHbs6fw — Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) July 13, 2024

One has already been issued to sheep graziers in the Snowy Mountains forecast district of NSW, along with parts of the Northern Tablelands, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands and South West Slopes forecast districts.

“Sheep graziers are warned that cold temperatures, showers and westerly winds are expected during Saturday and Sunday,” the bureau’s warning, issued on Saturday, states.

“There is a risk of losses of lambs and sheep exposed to these conditions.”

In Victoria, frosts with temperatures down to -1C are forecast for Sunday morning in parts of the North East forecast district.

A severe weather warning has also been issued for multiple areas across Tasmania - including the South East, North East, East Coast, North West Coast, Central North, Central Plateau and Midlands forecast districts - as a result of the system.

The bureau had earlier forecast falls of up to 50mm on the capital, which could spread inland to NSW and Victoria.

Strong to damaging winds with gusts of up to 100kmh are forecast to develop about the southeast Tasmanian coast from late Sunday afternoon, continuing into Monday.

In the Western Tiers and elevated terrain forecast district, and in the northeast and their immediate lee slopes, gusts could reach up to 110kmh.

“As the low pressure system moves closer on Monday morning, broader areas of damaging winds may also develop about other areas of the state, particularly as the wind direction shifts to become southeasterly,” the bureau’s warning states.

“Locations which may be affected include Sheffield and Deloraine.”

Hazardous surf warnings are also in place for Queensland’s Gold Coast region while NSW, Victoria and Tasmania also have marine wind warnings in place.

Maximum temperatures in Sydney are only set to hover around 16-17C for the duration of the week.

The low pressure system could also bring a dusting of snow to the Central and even Northern Tablelands regions, meteorologist Dean Narramore said on Friday.

In Hobart, temperatures will only peak around 10C on Sunday.

The maximum is forecast to drop to 9C on Wednesday, then 11C on Thursday and Friday.

The Tasmanian capital is also forecast to receive rainfall totals of up to 35mm on Monday, set to continue throughout the week.

Melbourne will also cop part of the rain band, with up to 20mm to fall on the city by Monday.

Over the weekend, temperatures will remain around a maximum of 11C, before hovering between 12-13C over the week.

In Queensland, Brisbane is set to remain around the high teens, and up to a maximum of 20C on Sunday.

Temperatures in large parts of Australia hit below zero as a low pressure system over the southern Tasman Sea is set to bring frosty weather.

A council has warned Aussies about a hidden danger tied to a common habit, warning they could be putting essential workers and their neighbours at risk.

Australians are set to shiver through rain and below average cool temperatures this weekend as one state prepares for a “rare” glimpse of snow.

Curator says she faked 'Picasso' paintings that had hung for more than 3 years in an Australian museum

• Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art seemingly hung fake Pablo Picasso paintings in an exhibition.
• Kirsha Kaechele, the museum's curator, said she made the paintings herself.
• Reactions to the stunt have been mixed, with some labeling it "brilliant" and others saying she had taken "people for fools."

An art museum in Australia that was embroiled in a gender dispute involving several "Picasso" paintings has admitted that the works were fake.

The paintings had been at the center of a gender battle that broke out after a man from the Australian state of New South Wales took legal action against the gallery after being refused entry to the museum's "Ladies Lounge" exhibition.

Kirsha Kaechele, the museum's curator, previously told Guardian Australia that the men's "experience of rejection is the artwork" and that she was "absolutely delighted" that the case had gone to court.

The exhibition contained some of the museum's most notable artworks, including some said to have been produced by the Spanish Cubist Pablo Picasso .

After a court ruled that the exhibition violated the state's Anti-Discrimination Act and that "persons who do not identify as ladies" must be allowed entry, Kaechele made headlines after she moved several of the supposed Picassos, which had hung in the exhibition for more than three years, to a female toilet cubicle.

But in a blog post on the museum's website on Wednesday, Kaechele said that the works, which included a copy of "Luncheon on the Grass, After Manet," had, in fact, been painted by herself.

"I knew of a number of Picasso paintings I could borrow from friends, but none of them were green and I wished for the Lounge to be monochrome. I also had time working against me, not to mention the cost of insuring a Picasso—exorbitant!" Kaechele wrote.

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She then said she eventually decided to make the paintings with her "own hands and the (perfectly shellacked) hands of my manicurist's niece, who is far more competent in pen and ink and thus assisted with the etching."

Comments below the blog post show mixed reactions, with some labeling the stunt "brilliant and brave" while others said she was "trying to take people for fools."

Art expert Christopher Heathcote told the Guardian that he thought "the entire episode is childish, unprofessional, and reflects poorly on Mona."

"What is being passed off as an art activist statement is the standard excuse used for attention-seeking sensationalism," Heathcote added.

The forgery prompted a reevaluation of other works displayed in the Ladies Lounge, and Kaechele revealed that some other items were also not genuine.

Kaechele admitted that a "mink rug" supposedly made by "Princess Mary's royal furrier" was actually made of low-grade polyester, and some pieces of "precious" jewelry were made of plastic.

Kaechele signed off her blog post by apologizing to the Picasso Administration.

Business Insider contacted Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art for comment.

It's not the first time that the Australian art world has made headlines this year.

Reports emerged in May that Australia's richest woman had made multiple approaches to the country's national gallery to try to get an unflattering portrait of her taken down.

Gina Rinehart's attempts to remove the painting, which was made by renowned Indigenous artist Vincent Namatjira, backfired spectacularly, with news outlets around the world picking up the story and sharing images of the work.

Watch: Artist creates colorful, abstract work by scraping paint with a squeegee

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