Experience the tastes of Tasmania in a culinary journey through Australia’s beloved island state while soaking up its wild, rugged natural beauty. You will absolutely love amazing paddock to plate dining experiences and meet the producers of some of Australia’s best food and wine over 7 days. Also delve into the untouched landscapes of Maria Island and the Bay of Fires.
Wake to your first morning of the Tastes of Tasmania in Hobart, capital of Australia’s southernmost state, Tasmania. After you meet your Journey Director and fellow travel companions after breakfast, before heading out on a walking tour of the city.
Your first stop is Constitution Dock, where you’ll see a vast collection of yachts, punts selling fish and chips and fishing trawlers. The finishing line for the famous Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, the marina’s colourful, friendly and festive atmosphere is the perfect introduction to Tassie. Soak up the sounds and sights of Salamanca Market as you wander past hundreds of stalls overflowing with local produce, crafts, jewellery, freshly baked goods and artisanal cider.
Our next stop is lunch, just 20 minutes out of Hobart. Enjoy a three-course paddock to plate dining experience at the Agrarian Kitchen or, depending on the day, a 3 course seafood feast at Barilla Bay Oyster Farm. Either option will give you a scrumptious taste of what’s to come and ready for your afternoon visit to Australia’s Museum of Old and New Art (MONA).
In the afternoon, visit Australia’s Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). Immerse yourself in the gallery’s weird and wonderful installations and exhibitions, before hopping on the ferry to Hobart and taking in the incredible architecture of MONA from the water. In the evening, explore Hobart at your leisure, soaking up the atmosphere of this relaxed, creative, portside city.
Day 2 sees you head south to discover the rolling hills, lush countryside and apple orchards of the Huon Valley. Admire the spectacular views of Hobart, the Derwent River, Wrest Point Casino and Kingston before your first stop of the day in Cygnet. We then head to the quaint hamlet of Geeveston, Tasmania’s ‘Forest Town’, known for its wooden sculpture trail. The region is one of the world’s most important apple and fruit growing areas and renowned for its fresh fruit, berries and cherries.
Later we’ll pop into Willie Smith’s Cider House for a fun distillery experience – and a taste of Tassie’s finest cider or a snifter of apple brandy. Suitably fortified, we’ll head deep into the Australian bush for an afternoon walk under the giant trees and fern canopies of Tahune Forest, on the banks of the Huon River. Learn about unique Tasmanian timbers and wild rivers as you experience the Tahune Airwalk, an elevated walkway high above the forest floor, taking in stunning views of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area beyond.
Then it’s onto the Honey Pot in Huonville. Treat yourself to a pot of famous Tasmanian Leatherwood honey, fresh honeycomb or a selection of skin care products, beeswax candles and honey inspired gifts for the perfect memento of your trip. After that the night is yours to do what ever you like.
On day 3 you’ll head north to the working port of Triabunna, just in time to catch the noon ferry to Maria Island. Accessible only by ferry, Maria Island National Park is rich in Indigenous history and is a dramatic sanctuary of wide, unspoilt bays, pristine beaches, rugged cliffs and historic ruins.
You’ll be free to enjoy one of the island’s walks, including an exploration of the buildings and ruins of Darlington – with captivating tales of this one-time penal settlement (1825-1832) and convict probation station (1842-1850). Or consider a nature walk through the island’s open woodlands and eucalypt forest. Keep an eye out for wombats, pademelons, Forester kangaroos, Bennett’s wallabies and Tasmanian Devils, as well as seals and whales in the bay.
In the afternoon we’re heading back to Triabunna and your seaside hotel for dinner on Tasmania’s wildly beautiful east coast.
As you head into Day 4 of the tastes of Tasmania tour, we head to Freycinet National Park – and the crystal-clear waters of the Freycinet Peninsula. Choose to hike up to the lookout for iconic, postcard-perfect views of Wineglass Bay, stroll along the boardwalk to the Cape Tourville Lighthouse, or head into the pretty seaside village of Coles Bay.
Lunch is at the Craigie Knowe Vineyard, the oldest vineyard on the east coast of Tasmania. Here you’ll meet your Local Specialist and sample some of the island’s finest wines. There’s time to stroll through the vineyard to learn more about the complexities of viticulture and indulge in a lunch of cured meats and cheeses, perfectly paired with award-winning wine.
Later we’ll travel to the Bay of Fires, on the northeastern coast of Tasmania, stopping at the Bicheno Blowhole on the way, to watch this natural granite ‘geyser’ throw seawater high into the air in a sometimes playful, sometimes powerful display of the ocean’s force.
In the evening, connect with locals Anna and Tom at the intimate family run bush retreat nestled amidst the trees and just minutes from the iconic Bay of Fires. You’ll enjoy a rustic dining experience – sand in your toes and hearty local fare – while seated around a camp table in their purpose-built kitchen. Your bespoke accommodation tonight is in stylish Bell Tents.
On day 5 we explore the Bay of Fires, a startlingly beautiful and windswept corner of Tasmania. Known for its deep blue waters and orange lichen-covered boulders, the bay was given its name in 1773 by Captain Tobias Furneaux, who saw the fires of Aboriginal people dotting its coastline.
We’ll visit Big Lagoon and Cosy Corner, before enjoying freshly shucked oysters in Skeleton Bay and exploring the gulches (pools) at Binalong. Our morning of beachcombing at an end, we’ll head inland to the Pyengana Valley – where Local Specialist Donna Coulson hosts us for a delectable lunch at the Pyengana Dairy Farm Gate Café.
In the afternoon we take a leisurely drive to the small village of Legerwood, and its incredible memorial of carved trees, each honouring a soldier killed in World War I. From there we continue on to Tasmania’s ‘northern capital’ of Launceston. Enjoy an orientation tour of the city and then Afterwards, the night is yours. You can head to Charles Street for alfresco dining, or simply return for an early night at your hotel, as a full day of gourmet food and wine tasting awaits!
Day 6 is when the fresh flavours, scenic delights, local colour and rich heritage of Tasmania really come to life as we embark on a full-day food and wine tour of Launceston and northern Tasmania. Taste award-winning wines in the oldest vineyard in Relbia at Sharmans Wines and sample the island’s finest sauces and jams at the Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company in historic Evandale, on the banks of the South Esk River.
Enjoy a coffee at the home of hazelnuts at ‘Hazelbrae’, before moving on to the 41 Degrees South Salmon Farm, to taste what is arguably the best hot smoked salmon in Tasmania. We’ll enjoy a two-course lunch and berries galore at the delightful Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm – as well as a cheese tasting at the award-winning Ashgrove Farm. There is one last stop on our way back to Launceston, an unforgettable visit to Bell and Gong winery, situated on an 1830s homestead near Longford in northern midlands of Tasmania.
Your epic tastes of Tasmania is nearly over, but there is still time for a Celebration Dinner and drinks at characterful Launceston’s Peppers Silo. Share a few laughs with your Journey Director and fellow travellers, as you gaze out at the idyllic Tamar River.
The morning of day 7 after breakfast, you’ll say a final farewell to your newfound friends as your holiday comes to an end. The tastes of Tasmania is an amazing foodie experience and from just $4100pp twin share, this is outstanding value. For bookings and enquires simply click below.
What’s Included:
- Hand-picked accommodation, selected to immerse you in your destination
- Most meals, including Local Dining Experiences. See Dining tab below
- Complimentary refreshments throughout the journey
- Travel by bespoke vehicle with reclining seats, WiFi and air-conditioning
- A maximum of 22 guests to share your journey
- Expert Driver Guide escorts
- All entrance and National Park fees
- Sustainable Travel Kit, including refillable water bottle and backpack
- Exclusive immersive activities and interaction with local communities
- Built-in leisure time, to explore destinations as you wish
- Airport transfers (see Flight Information below)
- 6 Full buffet breakfasts
- 4 Lunches
- 3 Dinners with wine, including one Local Dining Experience
What To Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- Warm layers in cooler months and for evenings
- Camera
- A sense of adventure
Flight Information:
Flights are not included in the Tastes of Tasmania price, but we can certainly help you out with them. If you don’t buy your flights through us just note the below information.
- Day 1: Flights to arrive prior to 7am into Hobart Airport (walking tour begins at 8:30am, pre-accommodation recommended)
- Day 7: Flights to depart anytime from Hobart Airport