Why Tasmania should be on your Australian bucket list
Picture this: You're in a campervan, cruising along scenic coastal routes, immersing yourself in the lush wilderness, and stopping off at charming towns. You're experiencing the thrill of van travel in Australia. But you're not just feeding your wanderlust - you're also indulging in a delectable exploration of Tasmania's incredible food scene. Welcome to travelling Tasmania in a campervan.
From freshly caught seafood and artisan cheeses to cool-climate wines and crisp craft beers, Tasmania serves up a veritable smorgasbord of flavours that rivals many major global food hotspots. But what sets Tasmania apart is its remarkably rich flavours of the local produce, nurtured by the island's pristine environment. Best of all, you can easily hire a camper in Hobart or, even better, explore more of Australia by picking up in Melbourne and travelling by sea on the Spirit of Tasmania. The 10-hour ferry journey will safely deliver you to Devonport, ready to begin a self-drive tour. Safe to say, when planning your Australia road trip, Tasmania deserves a spot on your Australia bucket list.
Image: Samuel Shelley
The best areas in Tasmania to visit as a foodie
Tasmania may be small in size, but its culinary scene packs a big punch. Each region has a distinctive character and culinary focus, offering unique flavours and specialities. Here are some of the top regions to visit on your journey through Tasmania.
Devonport
Devonport, located on Tasmania's northern coast, is often the starting point for many travellers who take the ferry from the mainland. As such, this is a fantastic starting point for your foodie adventure. With its rich agricultural hinterland and superb access to fresh seafood, Devonport offers a smorgasbord of foodie adventures. First, enjoy a delightful breakfast at Drift Cafe & Restaurant, where the coffee is just as tantalizing as the food. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh, local produce, and its menu boasts everything from hearty sandwiches to beautifully crafted pastries. If you are keen to sample the fresh fish this region is famed for, the seafood at Shark's, particularly the Fish 'n' Chips, is a must-try.
The Tamar Valley
Touring the Tamar Valley in a campervan is the best way to experience the treasures of Tasmania's fertile wine country – giving you the freedom and flexibility to stop off wherever the road takes you. On the way, we highly recommend travelling through Deloraine, Launceston and along the edges of highland lakes and protected forests. Here you can stop at breweries and wineries like Boags and Tamar Ridge, or visit one of the many microbreweries and boutique distillers specializing in whisky, ginger beer and cider. Last but not least, The Red Cow Dairy will tickle your taste buds and fill your belly with its diverse range of cheeses.
Image: Tourism Tasmania
The East Coast
If you're a lover of fresh produce, Tasmania's East Coast will be your heaven. St. Helens' berry farms invite you to pick fresh, juicy berries straight off the bush. Bicheno, a picturesque coastal town, is known for its succulent oysters, while the wineries around Swansea add a splash of vino-tastic joy to your journey. But the crown jewel of the East Coast's food scene is undoubtedly Great Oyster Bay. Here, you'll taste some of the freshest, most delicious oysters Tasmania has to offer.
Tasman Peninsula
The Tasman Peninsula offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and gastronomic pleasures. Start your day with a visit to the McHenry & Sons distillery, Tasmania's southernmost whiskey distillery. Continue your journey of flavours at the Federation Chocolate Factory and Museum, where you'll learn about the bean-to-bar process while indulging in their exquisite chocolates. Then, enjoy a fantastic cheese-tasting experience at the Pyengana Dairy. Complete your day with a comfortable stay at the top-rated Port Arthur Caravan Park, where you can cook up your own Tasmanian feast.
Hobart
Hobart, Tasmania's vibrant capital, boasts a food scene as diverse as it is entertaining. Start your culinary tour of this southern city with a visit to the ultra-modern Morilla Vineyard, where the wines are considered drinkable art. Then, don't miss the opportunity to sample the unique flavours of Tasmania's whisky at the city's premier distilleries. Continuing onwards to the Cascade Brewery, discover the island’s brewing heritage at the island's largest beer maker.
Then comes the food. Venture over to discover the unrivalled atmosphere of the Salamanca Market. This vibrant street market is filled with local produce, gourmet foods, live performers, crafts, clothing and an impressive variety of homemade jams and chutneys. Lastly, don't miss the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). MONA is practically an Australian institution and should be included on any Hobart itinerary. Among a number of fantastic eateries on-site, The Source is renowned for its moss-covered tables, seasonal dining and sweeping views of the city – a must-do on any campervan trip to Tasmania.
Top 10 culinary experiences in Tasmania
Now that we've explored the regions, let's dive into some of the best restaurants, cafes and wineries to check out when you rent a van to travel across Tasmania.
Dier Makr, Hobart
Nestled in the heart of Hobart's vibrant city centre, Dier Makr encapsulates the essence of innovative and sensory dining. The restaurant's minimalist, contemporary decor perfectly complements its complex and evolving menu. With a strong emphasis on locally sourced, organic, and seasonal ingredients, each dish is a testament to Tasmania's rich bounty. From Bruny Island oysters to Huon Valley mushrooms, the offerings reflect the chef's commitment to showcasing the finest Tasmanian produce. Pair your meal with their carefully curated natural wines or creative cocktails, each element enhancing the dining experience to create an evening to remember.
Image: Tourism Tasmania
The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery, New Norfolk
In the scenic town of New Norfolk, you'll find The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery, a culinary gem housed within the rustic charm of a repurposed mental asylum. The Agrarian Kitchen is a paddock-to-plate restaurant – growing and sourcing their produce locally, maintaining a tight bond with seasonal cycles. From cultivating rare-breed Wessex Saddleback pigs and milking goats for the cheese to growing heirloom vegetables and foraging local wilderness for wild edibles, every menu item narrates a tale of Tasmania's wild (and delicious) landscape.
Stillwater, Launceston
Perched on the edge of the serene Tamar River, Stillwater presents a seamless blend of heritage charm and contemporary Tasmanian cuisine. The restaurant is located in a beautifully restored 1830s flour mill, offering the rustic charm of the restored building with panoramic views of the water. Their menu (which changes daily) always surprises and delights with an array of dishes that showcase the finest local produce in the hands of their talented chefs. This is casual fine dining at its best.
The Source, Moorilla Estate
Situated within the boundary-pushing, eclectic Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), The Source restaurant offers an equally unique foodie adventure. With floor-to-ceiling glass windows that offer a mesmerizing view of the Derwent River and the vineyards, all while sitting at a table of living moss tables – dining here is a feast for all the senses. The seasonally inspired menu features innovative dishes with unusual flavour combinations, like their truffle cheese toastie and sea urchin butter linguini. From wild-caught fish to local farm-raised meats, every dish is a celebration of Tasmanian produce. The impressive wine list, featuring Moorilla Estate's own wines and other selected labels, is equally exceptional.
Frogmore Creek, Cambridge
Frogmore Creek Winery provides more than just wine; it's a tribute to the produce of Tasmania and kitchens from around the world. Sitting amidst a picturesque backdrop of vineyards and water views in Cambridge (around 20 minutes from Hobart), the venue's restaurant boasts an exquisite menu categorised beautifully into ‘Land’, ‘Sea’, and ‘Garden’. Their commitment to sustainable agriculture ensures that every bite and sip encapsulates the essence of Tasmania. If that wasn’t enough, to help you along your tasting journey, each menu item offers a wine suggestion – so you will never have to worry about souring the flavours of your chosen dish!
Image: Tourism Tasmania
Mures Upper Deck, Hobart
Seafood lovers will find their heaven at Mures Upper Deck in Hobart. With seafood caught daily by the Mures family themselves, dining here is a truly authentic sea-to-plate experience. With a commitment to sustainable fishing practices, Mures offers an array of freshly caught seafood, including oysters, fish, and Tasmanian rock lobster. Enjoy panoramic views of the bustling harbour as you feast on local seafood delicacies –from oysters and sashimi to their famous Tasmanian scallop pie. The warm, nautical-themed interior, coupled with an extensive menu and wine list, makes for a truly immersive Tasmanian dining experience.
Farm Gate Market, Hobart
For a real taste of Tasmania's rich produce, head over to the Farm Gate Market in Hobart. Held every Sunday, this bustling market is home to some of the island's freshest and finest local produce, artisanal products, and delicious street food. From artisanal cheeses and freshly baked bread to organic fruits and vegetables, locally made honey, and more - there's something for every foodie. This is the perfect opportunity to explore the stalls, interact with the passionate producers, and stock up on a few local items so you can create your own Tasmanian foodie adventure in your campervan with the freshest ingredients Tasmania has to offer.
Pilgrim Coffee, Hobart
Kickstart your day in Hobart with a visit to Pilgrim Coffee. This award-winning cafe is a firm favourite among locals and tourists alike. This specialty coffee shop takes pride in serving exceptional coffee made from carefully selected beans. Apart from its exceptional brews, Pilgrim offers a fantastic breakfast menu, featuring classics with a twist, like the avocado toast with miso and furikake. The relaxed, hip ambience, combined with the aroma of freshly brewed (barista-approved) coffee, makes this cafe a must-visit spot for coffee lovers.
Bay of Fires Winery, Pipers River
Nestled in the Pipers River region of northeast Tasmania, the Bay of Fires Winery offers an unparalleled wine-tasting experience. Famous for its premium maritime Tasmanian wines, the winery's cellar door provides an inviting, friendly environment where you can enjoy tastings with panoramic views of the vineyards. The acidity balanced with the steadily riping sweetness of these grapes creates a delicate Reisling and the more complex Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs find their feet in the delicate dance of the cooler climes.
Image: Tourism Tasmania
Drift Cafe & Restaurant, Devonport
Back in Devonport, cap your Tasmanian food journey with a meal at Drift Cafe & Restaurant. Located at Bluff Beach, this waterfront restaurant is known for its excellent service and relaxing atmosphere. Their menu is a delightful blend of modern Australian cuisine and classic sharable plates like tacos, shares and sides. Whether you're craving a wholesome breakfast, a light lunch, or a decadent dinner, Drift is the perfect spot to satiate your appetite.
Ready to explore the best places to eat in Tasmania?
From artisanal cafes and bustling top-rated Australian markets to award-winning restaurants and wineries, Tasmania offers a foodie adventure at every turn. And the best part? With a maui motorhomes, you can indulge in Tasmania's food scene at your own pace, in your own style.
Ready to explore the best places to eat in Tasmania? Book your maui motorhome online today and pick it up from any maui branch to start your journey through Tasmania, one delicious destination at a time. Looking for more tips for your campervan holiday, choosing the right motorhome, what to pack, and more? Head to the maui blog for everything you need to make this the best Australia road trip yet!