Australia is known for its amazing food and wine, but for a true taste of the decadent delights of this land, you must embark on a gourmet escape to Northern Tasmania. Savour the freshest produce and quench your thirst on only the best beverages as you explore Launceston to Cradle Mountain and everywhere in between.
Where to begin – Launceston
Book a flight into Launceston Airport, approximately 15 minutes from the city centre, or hop on the ferry to Tasmania (Spirit of Tasmania) from Melbourne for the cruisy 10 hour journey arriving in Devonport, just over one hour from Launceston.
If arriving by ferry, hire a car and head out en route to Launceston. Along the way, be sure to stop at The Cherry Shed in Latrobe to try one of the many cherry delicacies on offer. Once a greenhouse, the Tasmanian Food and Wine Conservatory is now a stylish café in the town of Sassafras, with plenty of natural light and character, gin tastings, amazing fare and more.
Credit: Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett
Head to the Harvest Launceston Farmers Markets, held every Saturday at 71 Cimitiere Street (in the car park opposite Albert Hall). Grab a coffee, sample fresh produce, mingle with other foodies and chat with local farmers from the Tamar Valley and surrounding regions.
Credit: Rob Burnett
For lunch, head to Stillwater, one of the most awarded Launceston restaurants for a sharing feast. Afterwards, stroll through Kings Park and Royal Park to James Boags for a James Boag Brewery Tour.
Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Chris Crerar
If you want to head out of the city for the afternoon, both Josef Chromy Wines and Sharmans Wines are within 20 minutes from Launceston, offering wine tastings, tours and more.
Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett
Credit: Liza-Jane Sowden
Stillwater’s sister restaurant Black Cow Bistro, is one of the best restaurants in Launceston and the place for dinner serving up the finest Tasmanian beef including Cape Grim beef and beef from the Bass Strait. Make sure you book a table well in advance!
Before leaving the Launceston area, don’t forget to check out the world-renowned Cataract Gorge with its scenic chairlift, inclinator, Cliff Grounds and Gorge Restaurant, all within a 15-minute walk from the city centre.
Launceston to Cradle Mountain
Whether it’s for chocolate coated raspberries, a raspberry latte or a country breakfast with raspberry sausage, a stop at Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm in Elizabeth Town, just a 40 minute drive from Launceston, is a definite must. If there’s a way to incorporate raspberries, they’ve done it!
Credit: Danielle Prowse
A little further down the road, is the Ashgrove Cheese factory and farm. Stock up on delicious cheese, milk and butter or try their very own creamy ice cream.
Next, venture to the popular Seven Sheds Brewery in Railton to learn about how to make beer whilst sipping on your favourite variety.
Continue on the winding road past stunning scenery and dense forest to the dramatic Cradle Mountain. Put on your hiking boots and set out on the Dove Lake track, through Ballroom Forest, stopping at the boatshed, a 1940 relic and popular place for a photo. Keep an eye out for the ever-so-cute Tasmanian Devils (Tassie devils) on your walk, but don’t approach them!
Credit: Emilie Ristevski
Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Andrew McIntosh, Ocean Photography
After a busy day, you’ll have worked up an appetite, so book a table at the highly acclaimed Highland Restaurant, showcasing some of Tasmania’s finest ingredients from Perrigold Truffles to Petuna Seafood.
Credit: Matt Glastonbury
Launceston accommodation
Peppers Seaport Hotel: Built on the site of an old dry dock and designed in the shape of a ship, this centrally located hotel offers contemporary accommodation overlooking the city or Tamar River. For superb dining options without stepping foot outside, head to Mud Bar and Restaurant or Cube Café.
Peppers Silo Hotel: Originally four large silos rising 35 metres over the Tamar River, this hotel is now an iconic landmark in the city of Launceston and quickly becoming one of the most recognised Launceston hotels. Enjoy rooms with earthy décor and modern amenities as well as a paddock to plate offering at Grain of the Silos Restaurant, located onsite.
Cradle Mountain accommodation
Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge: Located on the edge of World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, these cosy lodge cabins and suites feature fireplaces, contemporary furnishings and are surrounded by nature. For a gourmet experience, dine at Highland Restaurant, or soak up the ambience at Tavern Bar & Bistro while enjoying a glass of Tasmanian wine or beer.
Book your Tasmania accommodation here.
*Please drink responsibly and nominate a designated driver if required.