Experience Tasmania’s stunning natural beauty and the provenance of their cuisine on this foodie and wine exploration tour
Including our Hobart Storytellers hotel right on the wharf, Bruny Island foodie daytrip, charming Strahan staying absolute waterfront with a distillery enroute (of course!), a magical Gordon River cruise deep in the National Park, proudly local food-focused Launceston, an outstanding Josef Chromy cellar door wine tasting, plus Freycinet Lodge Eco-retreat, where you will also cruise Wineglass Bay, finishing in Hobart.
Bryce’s Tasmania knowledge is up to date, his last trip there was November 2022.
Highlights: Mary Mary bar in Hobart, visit to MONA with wine-matched degustation lunch, and the history of Port Arthur.
You will see the best Tasmania has to offer on this 8 night self-drive itinerary across Australia’s island state, hand created by Bryce, Your Tassie Specialist.
2 nights Movenpick Hotel Hobart with breakfast daily in a Superior Waterfront King room
Option: The breeze along Hobart’s waterfront carries a thousand captivating stories of those here before us – a cast of remarkable characters, each with an intriguing story to tell. In this place, the Mouheneenner people fished and forged dreams in the Derwent shallows; the first Europeans set foot ashore Van Diemen’s Land and an industry was borne amid the bustle of Hunter Island. Today, this precinct is home to MACq 01 where the stories of these colourful characters are shared in a setting of informal luxury. This is a storytelling hotel and centrally located with gorgeous views of downtown Hobart & the Derwent River from its luxurious waterfront rooms and suites.
Includes:
Free Wi-Fi.
Free History and Storytelling Tours for in-house guests.
Free In-Room Movies.
All rooms feature an open bathroom concept.
24 Hour Reception.
24 Hour Room Service.
Gym.
Guest Laundry.
Onsite Restaurant, Lounge and Bar.
Car Hire – Economy Automatic All-Inclusive
Ageing Barrel Tours – Tour, Tasting and Lunch Package – Tour Starts at 11:00am
Options to explore the Coal River Valley, Huon Valley, Derwent Valley and East Coast Wine Regions. Home to not only gourmet Winemakers but also some of Tasmania’s finest Apple Cider crafters, Whisky, Gin and Vodka distillers and cheese makers. So not just wine, you will have a broader experience to encompass ciders and local cheeses to complement the Wine Tours In Hobart.
2 nights Strahan Risby Cove with breakfast daily in a Deluxe waterfront suite
Nestled along the waterfront on the former site of the Risby Bros. housed on an old pine sawmill, lies Risby Cove, a small boutique hotel and restaurant offering an elegant, peaceful setting in the heart of Strahan. Risby Cove is only 600m from the main wharf and cruise boat terminals, 1.2km from the West Coast Wilderness Railway and 100m from the start of the Hogarth Falls rainforest walk. Dine in the award winning restaurant overlooking Macquarie Harbour. Unwind and relax in pure comfort, with the often wild, untamed beauty of the west coast with its everchanging water reflections and sunsets just outside your door… literally!
Gordon River Cruise including lunch
Be first on the water and witness the magical reflections of the Gordon River when you cruise with Gordon River Cruises and our custom-built vessel, designed to have minimal impact on the environment. Enjoy dedicated on-board guides and step ashore in the rainforest at Heritage Landing and again at Sarah Island as well as visiting salmon farms and Hells Gate at the mouth of Macquarie Harbour.
Tour Includes:
First access to the Gordon River each day
Cruise into Tasmania’s UNESCO World Heritage Area
Dedicated on-board guides and on-board commentary
Complimentary audio tours
Buffet lunch
Heritage Landing interpretation and Sarah Island guided tour
Quiet cruising on the Gordon River under electric motors
Tour Details:
Departs daily from the Gordon River Cruises terminal at 8:30am (check-in at 8:00am)
Returns to Gordon River Cruises terminal at 2:30pm.
2 nights Sebel Launceston
The Sebel Launceston is a 4.5 star CBD hotel offering large self contained 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom suites with spacious bedrooms, separate bathrooms, furnished balconies and free WiFi. Many suites offer a spa, full kitchen and laundry. Bluestone Bar & Kitchen the onsite bar/restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Features:
Onsite Restaurant and Bar.
Gym.
Free WiFi.
Guest Laundry.
Air Conditioning.
Room Service.
Josef Chromy Wines
Arrive in the beautiful grounds of Josef Chromy Wines and take a stroll through the gardens established in 1888. Enjoy a complimentary tasting at the Cellar Door and then retire to the restaurant for a two course lunch of fine Tasmanian produce matched with wines.
Includes:
Wine tasting, 2 course lunch with matching wines
Freycinet Lodge – with breakfast daily in a Premier Spa King Cabin
Uniquely set within Freycinet National Park, Freycinet Lodge is a superb base for exploring Tasmania’s amazing East Coast. Enjoy wandering pristine beaches, climbing the granite peaks of The Hazards mountains and touring the local area, knowing you are returning to a relaxing waterfront eco-lodge at the end of the day, with cabins in a quiet bushland setting.
Features:
Free WiFi in Main Lodge, Bar and Restaurants.
Eco-Friendly Cabin Accommodation.
Free Off Street Car Parking.
Providore and Gift Shop.
Local Tasting Experiences.
Direct Beach Access.
A National Parks Pass is required to stay at this property – included
Ask about the optional Wineghlass Bay Cruise (not included in price)
Wineglass Bay Cruise – Sky Lounge (Adults Only – 18+ Years)
Cruise the spectacular coastline of Freycinet National Park from Coles Bay to Wineglass Bay. Be enthralled by the stunning granite coastline, including the dramatic pink peaks of the Hazards range. Discover a coast dotted with sparkling white sand beaches, including Cooks and Bryans beaches, only accessible by water or a full day bushwalk. Explore the inner passage of remote Schouten Island, home to little penguins and short tailed shearwaters, before heading into the Tasman Sea towards Wineglass Bay. Look out for various hidden sea caves, blowholes and waterfalls amongst the sheer granite cliffs. Take in the sheer beauty of Wineglass Bay from the rarely seen perspective of the water, a shimmering crescent of white sand fringes spilling into glassy turquoise waters. Uncover the rich history of the region, including aboriginal heritage and tales of early explorers and entrepreneurs. The waters surrounding Freycinet National Park are home to diverse and remarkable wildlife. Keep a look out for sea eagles roosting on the granite cliffs, pods of dolphins surfing the bow wave and cormorants manning the crags of Schouten Passage plus Australian fur seals hauling out along the coast. Join in the search for whales such as the humpback and southern right as they migrate between September to December and May to July. Spot diverse birdlife, including albatross, shearwaters, diving gannets, terns, little penguins and cormorants.
Sailing on the vessel Schouten Passage II, a Tasmanian built luxurious 150 seat catamaran ideal for exploring the East Coast of Tasmania.
Tour Includes:
Sightseeing, dolphins, migrating whales and birdlife
Commentary of the area’s history
Morning tea, lunch and beverages are included in your Sky Lounge ticket.
Enjoy plump local oysters, alongside salmon and smoked meats, breads, cheeses and salad served (individual platters) with the East Coast’s renowned wines and artisan brews
Tour Details:
• The cruise operates between 9:50am – 2.30pm and departs from the booking office located in downtown Hobart.
• check-in by 9.30am
• Free parking is available and warm jackets are provided
Based on travel 1 April to 30 September 2024Perhaps investigate these other Tasmanian hotel options:
Contemporary Classic: Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge. Located in one of the world’s most precious parks is one of Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Most Extraordinary Places To Stay, right on the edge of World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. It overlooks a hinterland filled with birds, plants and ancient forest. At this fine hotel, the layout of the Lodge Cabins and Suites places you right amongst the alpine wilderness. Some have a fireplace and each one is comfortable and cosy, from the intimate Pencil Pine or Spa Cabin to the spacious Spa and King Billy Suites. With a strong Tasmanian focus the Highland Restaurant follows a paddock to plate philosophy, sourcing produce almost entirely within a 160km range, showcasing the region splendidly.
Boutique Character:
The Henry Jones Art Hotel, right in Hobart on the wharf no room is the same. This boutique accommodation ensures that when you push open the door you are met with a world of contrasts, where old meets new. The interior is an industrial rawness, grand beams of rough-hewn timber and hand-cut stone walls, art by local Tasmanian artists cover the walls. Multiple dining options available that are sure to suit a variety of tastes. I have eaten at their Peacock and Jones resutarant for teh degustation – an outstanding innovative meal! 2022 Travellers’ Choice Award Winner: 8 in Australia’s Top 25 Luxury Hotels.
Peppers Silo Hotel: In Launceston, bringing history alive on the banks of the idyllic Tamar River is this unique characterful hotel. Dating back to the 1960’s, the heritage building which spanned 35 metres high containing grain in four large silos, now an iconic landmark converted into a sophisticated 9 storey hotel providing a unique place to stay in Launceston. Designed within the original silos and the new North tower are beautifully appointed modern hotel rooms. Plush interiors are decorated with earthy tones to compliment the surrounds. Taking in sweeping views over the meandering river, the Gorge River Rooms and Premier Suites boast private balconies where you can soak in Launceston’s natural ambience.
Luxury: 5 star Saffire Frecinet. One of the top lodges in Austalia. Distinct in its design, exclusive in its features and set apart by its approach to individually tailored experiences and services, Saffire features 20 accommodation suites, each with sweeping views of Great Oyster Bay and the Hazards Mountains and complete privacy from the neighbouring suites. Saffire’s restaurant, Palate, prides itself on showcasing the best Tasmania has to offer, and provides tailor-made experiences to suit all guests. The Tasmanian devil experience offers guests the rare opportunity to encounter devils in a nature setting. I have seen this property – if you want the best of the best this is it.
LUXURY MELBOURNE STAY AND GOLF PACKAGE: Combine a luxe Melbourne Hotel, Wineries, Gin and a country cottage stay inclusive golf at a Greg Norman course. Luxe Melbourne City and Country Golf package here.
MELBOURNE CUP 2023! The race that stops a nation, it sells out every year! Be part of the glitz, glamour and spectacle of this amazing buckletlist event, with our Deluxe package: airfares, transfers, 5-star luxe accommodation including Club Level accommodation and evening drinks and canapes, wineries with lunch, shopping, Melbourne Cup transfers and entry with all day food, even drinks included – of course! Go here for Luxury Melbourne Cup 2023 package information
LUXE 5 STAR MELBOURNE AND HAYMAN ISLAND PACKAGE: Delight in our Club Level 5-star Melbourne hotel with many inclusions in your exclusive area including afternoon drinks, partake of some Yarra wineries with lunch, then head to Whitsundays Hayman Island to soak up the sun and relax in paradise with our free resort credit and sparkling wine on arrival! 5-star Melbourne and Hayman island package itinerary here.
ADELAIDE, BAROSSA AND OUTBACK SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SPECTACULAR: This offers all of the best of South Australia (I was there late 2021) featuring the multi-awarded Sky City EOS, a boutique Barossa Wineries cottage escape and Outback experience too. South Australia Luxury City, Country and Outback Escape package here
THE BEST OF THE BEST SOUTH AUSTRALIA & ADELAIDE LODGE PACKAGE: This is the Ultimate in Southern Australia Lodge experiences, I have stayed at stunning Adelaide Hillas Sequoia, the restaurant is one of the best in Australia, plus in the award-winning Adelaide EOS, and the Barossa’s Louise is immaculate after a 35 Million makeover. For the ultimate in indulgence look at the South Australia Lodge Package here.
SYDNEY AND HUNTER VALLEY WINERIES BOUTIQUE ESCAPE: Enjoy the charm of our hand-picked Sydney hotel inclusive à la carte breakfast and evening cocktail and canapés, then head to the delights of the Hunter Valley to relax and partake of our Ultimate Hunter Valley Wine Experience. Boutique Sydney and Hunter Valley winery package details here.
SYDNEY, SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS AND CANBERRA WINE & FOODIE DELUXE TOUR : Take in all Sydney has to offer then head off to Canberra via the Southern Highlands on this boutique accommodation exclusive private adventure for 2 ( or more) with many inclusions! Sydney to Canberra and South Highlands Wine and Foodie tour here.
Spring (September to November):
Summer (December to February):
Autumn (March to May):
Winter (June to August):
No matter the time of year, Tasmania offers plenty of exciting and unique experiences for visitors.
MONA. Take the ferry from the harbour to Mona, the Museum of Old and New Art, for a day of thought-provoking art and entertainment. It has been famously described by its creator David Walsh as a “subversive adult Disneyland.” Alongside its permanent collection and exhibitions, this unconventional museum also features The Source Restaurant, the Moorilla Winery, and Moo Brew Beer, as well as hosting the annual MOFO and Dark MOFO (details here) music festivals. It is the largest privately funded museum in the Southern Hemisphere. MONA houses ancient, modern and contemporary art from the David Walsh collection. Note: Parts are not for the faint-hearted, it’s known for its central themes of sex and death. MONA Museum details here. You can get the ferry from downtown Hobart – the “Posh Pit’ ticket entitles you to beverages and canapes en route…
40 minutes south of Hobart is Hartshorn Distillery an eclectic distillery using primarily sheep whey as a base – it’s worth a peat (pun intended). They produce Gin, Vodka (one with peat overtones) and a ‘Whey-Sky’, to be released in 2025 as well as assorted liquors and flavoured spirits. Have a look at the range, and location here.
For Beer and Cider with a difference try Two Metre Tall’s Farm Bar, where the Snakebite brew is a legend – a blend of apple cider and dry-hopped farmhouse ale. About an hour West of Hobart they make a great pit-stop, and you can BYO food from any of the roadside offerings enroute too. Pack a picnic, or use the BBQ. Maps and details on Two Metre Tall Farmhouse here
Hellfire Bluff Distillery is another dream destination, offering gin and liqueurs in an idyllic coastal farm location. Directions and details on Hellfire Bluff Distillery here.
The Tasting Trail is a food and drink-focused route from Launceston to Smithton in the north that showcases the culinary offerings of Tasmania, you can experience the unique food and drink culture through a range of gourmet offerings. It’s a trail for visits to local vineyards, distilleries, craft breweries, and food producers, where you can taste and purchase a wide range of artisanal products, or meals made from fresh local produce at restaurants, cafes, and food markets along the way. Click link here for the Tasting Trail – a great way to experience the rich food and drink culture of Tasmania, a must do for foodies, wine lovers, and anyone looking to explore the island’s scenic countryside – perfect!
HOBART AND SURROUNDS – Restaurants:
SUZIE LUCK’S CANTEEN & COCKTAIL BAR 2 Salamanca Place, Battery Point | 03 6224 2554
Vibrant and relaxed Pan Asian dining experience.
HONEY BADGER DESSERT CAFE 7 Salamanca Place, Battery Point | 03 6288 8592
All day dessert cafe, brunch until 3pm.
BALL & CHAIN GRILL 87 Salamanca Place, Battery Point | 03 6223 2655
Tasmania’s only authentic charcoal grill, specialising in Tasmanian beef, poultry and fish.
ROCKWALL 89 Salamanca Place, Battery Point | 03 6224 2929
Sophisticated or casual dining. The menu showcases the amazing textures and tastes that Tasmania has to offer. Modern Australian cuisine.
CARGO 51 Salamanca Place, Battery Point | 03 6223 7788
Home to Hobart’s premier wood fired gourmet pizza and award-winning wine bar.
BOTANICA BAR 23 Salamanca Square, Battery Point | 0488 666 404
Featuring the best local distilleries, breweries and delicacies.
BANJOS BAKERY Salamanca Square, Battery Point
Casual dine-in or take away bakery providing sandwiches, pies, coffee and sweets.
DA ANGELO’S 47 Hampden Road, Battery Point
Authentic Italian restaurant. In true Italisn fashion just about everything is freshly made on the premises. Dine-in or take away.
| 03 6223 7011
URBAN GREEK 103 Murray Street, Hobart | 03 6109 4712
Provincial Greek style with a modern twist.
ETTIES 100 Elizabeth Street, Hobart | 03 6231 1165
Wine bar, lunch and dinner.
CRITERIONS CAFE 10 Criterion Street, Hobart | 03 6234 5858
This buzzing cafe offers beautiful meals accompanied with either a nice glass of wine or coffee.
PEACOCK AND JONES 33 Hunter Street, Hobart | 1800 375 692
Restaurant and wine bar on Hobart’s waterfront open for dinner, focusing on local wine and produce. I’ve eaten here – recommend! Click for website.
FRANK 1 Franklin Wharf, Hobart | 03 6231 5005
Offers a lively and unique Australian take on the culinary passions inspired by Argentina.
THE GLASSHOUSE Main Deck, Brooke Street Pier, Hobart | 0437 245 540
Locally sourced menu. Elegant cocktails, line-caught sashimi, international flair and 280 degree water views. Their website here.
MURES LOWER DECK Victoria Dock, Hobart | 03 6231 2121
Casual seafood restaurant offering fish & chips, plus grills, salads, oysters, share platters, soup & pizza. 32 flavours of ice cream.
THE SAFFRON Shop 2, 15 Hunter Street, Hobart | 03 6231 4150
Authentic waterfront Indian restaurant. Halal, seafood and fluten free meals also available. Dine-in and takeaway.
THE LOUNGE BY FROGMORE CREEK 18 Hunter Street, Hobart | 03 6274 5844
A la cart menu available in the elegant restaurant with the lounge bar providing a sophisticated but casual bar menu.
T 42° Elizabeth Street Pier, Hobart | 03 6224 7742
T 42 has been on the waterfront since 1997. Inspired by amazing Tasmanian produce and what is in the sea around us.
FISH FRENZY Elizabeth Street Pier, Hobart | 03 6231 2134
Famous for its delicious, daily fresh fish and chips, grilled seafood, salads and amazing hot seafood chowder.
SUSH TRACK 1 Franklin Wharf, Hobart | 03 6234 6650
Sushi Train with over 100+ menu items, including train items, desserts, drinks and an a la Carte menu.
BLACK FOOTED PIG 8 Brooke Street, Hobart | 03 6224 2222
Tapas Bar & Kitchen tucked away from the main street in Hobart’s waterfront.
OLD WHARF RESTAURANT MACq 01, 18 Hunter Street, Hobart | 03 6210 7602
Delivers a menu that hingdes on Tasmania’s pure produce and latest catch.
Tasmanian Vacations – 93 Salamanca Place, Hobart, Tasmania 7000 | P 1300 827 822 or (03) 6234 4666 | W www.tasvacations.com
Launceston & The North
SYRA 8 Salamanca Square, Battery Point | 03 6287 6286
Located in the heart of Salamanca specialising in modern Australian cuisine with Middle Eastern influence.
KOSATEN JAPANESE RESTAURANT 17 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point | 03 6135 4018
Traditional Japanese food with a fash of creativity.
TI AMA 13 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point | 03 6281 9390
Rustic modern Italian restaurant serving sourdough wood fired pizza, antipasto, salads and fresh house made pasta.
MALDINI 47 Salamanca Place, Hobart | 03 6223 4460
Intelligent, well-crafted Italian cuisine, focusing on quality Tasmanian ingredients.
MEZETHES GREEK TAVERNA Salamanca Square, Battery Point | 03 6224 4601
Traditional Greek style dishes, all prepared using the best-quality Tasmanian ingredients.
AL0FT Top Floor, Brook Street Pier, Hobart | 03 6223 1619
Fine food, a relaxed ambience and stunning views. Al0ft isn’t just a restaurant – it’s an experience
WATERLINE Brooke Street Pier, 12 Franklin Wharf, Hobart | 03 6135 5457
Focusing on fresh, locally sourced produce with the intention to share, in our relaxed waterside location.
NORTH HOBART (Elizabeth Street)
Popular strip of restaurants, cafes and take-aways – too many to list! Every cuisine imaginable including Italian, Japanese, Mediterranean and more.
Some points of historical interest about Tasmania:
BONORONG WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Bonorong is a sanctuary for wildlife run by a passionate team of like-minded people. A visit to the sanctuary is a chance to come closer than ever to something wild and fragile. You’ll come face to face with animals extinct long ago in other parts Australia, and by walking through the old wooden gate you’ll become part of something special. Options from entry to full VIP.
JOSEF CHROMY WINES
“The Art of Sparkling Experience” Guests will be taken through the sparkling wine making and disgorging process, then work in the comfort of the Cellar to trial their own liqueur d’expedition dosage and craft a bottle of sparkling to their exact taste.
WALK ON KUNANYI
Departs Hobart. Discover a mountain of stories on Kunanyi /Mt Wellington, Tasmania’s most visited natural attraction. In the care of experienced guides you’ll navigate the web of trails, listen to a mountain of stories and take in the epic views. Offering a range of walks for all abilities all of which are fully gourmet catered with the best local produce.
HOBART HISTORIC TOURS
Discover Hobart by foot and hear the fascinating stories of how Tasmania’s capital city was established and how it became the vibrant waterfront city it now is. Choose your preferred walking tour and explore Hobart with your local guide on the Hobart Historic Walk, the Old Hobart Pub Tour or the Grand Hobart Walk.
Enquire about one of the holidays featured on our site or tell us where you’re keen to go for a customised experience.
Bryce will call to chat about your holiday goals, then create a fully customisable itinerary tailored to your budget.
Everything’s taken care of for you, so all you have to do now is make sure your passport is up to date, and enjoy your trip away.
Need more info or want to have a chat so we can fine-tune things to your requirements? Let’s explore – I’d love to hear from you!
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