While New Zealand would dwarf Tasmania four times over, Australia’s smallest state has a mighty food and drink scene. While experiencing our Rugged Tasmania tour, Natalie from our Marketing team took on the humble task of trying as many foodie delights as possible. Here is everything Natalie ate and drank in Tasmania with Globus.
Locally distilled gin
Tasmania is renowned for its boutique gin distilleries. Whilst perusing the iconic Salamanca markets, I came across the stall for the McHenry Distillery. Located at Port Arthur, McHenry Distillery is regarded as Australia’s southern-most distillery. I’m a gin lover, but McHenry also specialises in whisky and vodka. They were generous with their tastings, and I purchased a bottle of sloeberry gin to take home. Not only is it a gorgeous shade of purple, but it tastes delicious!
Oysters
A day trip to Bruny Island was on our second day. We braved the wild spring winds for spectacular views from The Neck Lookout and Two Tree Point before stopping in at the Bruny Island Cruises Seafood Restaurant for lunch. The restaurant also doubles as a visitor centre with information about Bruny Island and souvenirs available to purchase. We were greeted with fresh, plump oysters upon arrival – what a start to our time in Tasmania!
Fresh fish
Given Tasmania is an island state, you’re never far from fresh seafood. After our oysters, I chose to tuck into the best fish sandwich of my life. Perfect for a chilly day, the crumbed fish was paired with crisp salad ingredients and perfectly salted chips.
Wine
Found just on the outskirts of Launceston city centre, our tour group loved diving into a wine tasting at Josef Chromy estate. Not only were the four varietals we tasted exceptional, but the grounds were, too. Luckily, we had ample time to explore its vineyards, man-made lake and take in the picturesque scenes.
Lunch box during the Wineglass Bay cruise
Conveniently embarking straight from Freycinet Lodge, this included cruise excursion was an opportunity to experience Wineglass Bay and the Freycinet Peninsula from the water. We sailed past sheer granite cliffs, sea caves, and playful sea lions while our knowledgeable skipper entertained us with stories about the area’s history, geology and eco-system. Morning tea was included, as was this huge lunch box! Filled to the brim with local goodies and served with fresh bread, it was the perfect boat-day picnic.
Flash-fried squid
Our tour’s farewell dinner was held at Mures Upper Deck, overlooking the water in the Salamanca neighbourhood in Hobart. With a lively atmosphere, our group reminisced on our favourite memories from the tour while enjoying a 3-course meal. My favourite dish? Flash-fried squid caught fresh from the Bass Strait served with fresh ribbons of cucumber and a black garlic aioli. I couldn’t think of a better way to wrap up this tour than with some more fresh seafood.
You’ll be hard pressed to find another place like Tasmania, full of foodie delights and incredible natural beauty. Find out more about this Globus tour today.
