In February, Svetlana – one of Globus family of brands’ Marketing Coordinator – experienced our Cosmos ‘Tassie Quick Bite’ tour. Below she shares eight of the best food and drink highlights in Tasmania.
Are you the type who likes to travel for food? I certainly am! I was beyond thrilled to recently experience the Cosmos ‘Tassie Quick Bite’ tour – a foodie’s dream. What is better than seeing the natural beauty of the Apple Isle while tasting said apple (or apple cider)?
Tasmania is renowned for its high-quality produce and stunning and contrasting landscapes – from rolling hills, to pristine white beaches, tranquil rainforests, and rugged shores. It is perhaps Tasmania’s unique geographical position that makes these landscapes possible and allows it to be the fertile and plentiful island-state that it is.
While on tour, I sampled what Tasmania has on offer all while soaking in my stunning surroundings. There was so much to be had, but these are eight of the best food and drink highlights from my time in Tasmania.
1. Bruny Island Tasting Tour
I thought I would start with the big one – a whole day of tasting and sightseeing! Located just off the coast of Hobart, Bruny Island is densely filled with remarkable scenery and a long list of local produce that includes oysters, salmon, raspberries, honey, cheese and so much more! We started our visit by working up an appetite as we walked up to the viewing point of ‘The Neck’ – a photogenic isthmus connecting the north and south island.
We were then treated to a beautiful lunch of fresh local seafood at Bruny Island Seafood Restaurant. We had a choice of Tasmanian salmon or the quintessential fish and chips. I chose the latter because there is no better pairing than fish and chips and a sunny day. I also took a Bruny Island beer out on the deck that overlooked our next stop, Adventure Bay.
We went on to explore the sandy beaches of Adventure Bay and the lush, green Mavista rainforest walk followed by a cheeky whisky tasting at the Bruny Island House of Whisky.
After an adventurous day exploring picturesque beaches and tasting the island’s varied local produce, we pick up some fresh oysters from the charming local ‘Get Shucked’ drive thru to devour on the ferry ride back to the “mainland”.
2. Federation Chocolate
Nestled amongst the beautiful colonial sandstone architecture of Hobart is Federation Chocolate – a husband-wife team that have chocolate making down to an art. We could feel their passion as they taught us the science and creativity behind the chocolate-making process, and we could taste it in their final products as we sat down to indulge in an artisanal chocolate tasting, complete with the best hot chocolate I have ever tasted.
3. Old Kempton Distillery
Set in an 1840’s colonial inn just outside of Hobart is Old Kempton Distillery. After being shown the fascinating distillation process on site, we were treated to a hand-crafted gin and whisky tasting. We relaxed in the comfort of leather chairs in our private tasting room and savoured the complex smoky and malty flavours. It was just enough to warm us up as we went on to our next destination.
4. Curringa Farm
There is no better way to understand the link between the landscapes and the produce it creates than to visit a working farm. Curringa Farm is a sixth-generation Tasmanian sheep farm, overlooking Lake Meadowbank. After an impressive sheepdog demonstration and exploring the fascinating world of seed-farming, we were welcomed to a hearty paddock-to-table lunch. We all enjoyed the freshest lamb and country veggies, all while enjoying the natural bushland surrounds that you would almost mistake for oil paintings.
5. Pyengana Dairy Farm
Set in the verdant river valley is the ideal location of this charming dairy farm, known for its creamy milk and farmhouse cheeses. We were lucky enough to observe the milking and cheese-making process and sample a tasting board of their award-winning handcrafted cheeses such as blue cheese and vintage cheddars.
6. Bridestowe Lavender Estate
You may be wondering why I have included a lavender farm as a food highlight of this tour. Besides being a stunning location with a sea of purple flowers and the perfume of lavender in the air, Bridestowe Lavender Estate produces incredible products with its famous oil and extracts, including food products! They offer lavender tea, candies, shortbread, honey, jam, and even lavender ice-cream. It may not be for everyone, but I personally love it! The lavender was not over-powering and has a pleasant botanical flavour, similar to rose or orange-blossom when used in cakes and desserts. The best way to understand this unique flavour is to try it yourself!
7. Tasmanian Wine Country
We were fortunate enough to visit Piper’s Brook Vineyard, located in the northern Tasmanian wine region. This was the perfect way to round off our day’s tasting tour, sitting in the sunny courtyard whilst sipping on a selection of cuvées, bruts and rosés at a generous sparkling wine tasting.
8. Salamanca Markets
One way to sample the produce and take home some goodies for yourself and loved ones (if you are kind enough to share!) is to shop at the Salamanca Markets. Located in the heart of Hobart, the Salamanca Markets are like a tasting board of Tasmania, where many food producers and artisans meet to sell their goods. I went a little nuts shopping here. I bought some jam, honey bush-pepper almonds, Tassie gin and a pepper berry-flavoured tonic (pepper berry is an indigenous botanical ingredient native to Tasmania). You can also find truffles, chutneys, fresh produce, and the famous Tasmanian scallop pie. There is something for all tastes!
As Australia’s food bowl, Tasmania is the ideal location to chase stunning scenery and world-class food. This trip was the perfect balance of adventure and indulgence. I was totally in my element and came back with many memories, amazing photos and many food souvenirs.
I would recommend this trip for anyone who can appreciate a good bite, a good drop and a good time! Click here for the full itinerary.
