By Laura Rancie.
As the chilly embrace of Winter has well and truly settled upon Australia, the island state of Tasmania continues to captivate the food senses.
With its pristine landscapes, fertile soil and bountiful seas, Tassie offers an abundance of delectable culinary experiences, from farm-fresh produce and award-winning wines to artisanal delicacies and chocolate festivals.
Follow along for an adventurous Winter foodie trail around our beloved Tassie, exploring the island’s unique culture, flavours and heart-warming delights only Tasmania can offer.
AgriCULTURED - Meet the Producers Dinner. Photo credit: Ness Vanderburgh
WEST AND NORTHWEST (and we’re not Kardashian members, either!):
Tasmania’s raw West and Northwest coasts become even more rugged in Winter and are known as foodie heaven even with off-season flavours in this lush agricultural country. Cosy up beside a roaring fire and feel protected from the primal wilderness, or venture into the frost-capped High Country for a heart-warming wildlife encounter. Race goats through the countryside, eat just-shucked oysters and tour eerie convict ruins after dark.
Here are our top two picks:
August 13: Chocolate Winterfest in Latrobe will indulge, inform, astound and amuse but above all, celebrate chocolate as you escape from the bleakness of Winter. Be indulged by events individually or successively as you immerse in this chocolate experience.
Tarkine Fresh Oysters - the farm is nestled on the Northwest coast of Tasmania in Smithton, where oysters are grown in some of the cleanest air and water in the world. Stop in here where you can have half a dozen succulent bivalves shucked before your eyes, harvested from the crisp waters of Duck Bay.
LAUNCESTON & THE NORTH:
From crackling fires and vibrant Pinot Noirs to the pungent aroma of truffles and afternoons gazing at moody ocean swells, a Winter jaunt across Northern Tasmania will warm your heart and soul. Point your compass north, then go with the flow.
See our top 3 below:
King Island Coastline, Photo credit: Emilie Ristevski
July 30, Tassie Scallop Fiesta - head north to the seaside town of Bridport and celebrate the new scallop season - there’s a sweet, salty scent in the air as fresh seafood is seared on the grill.
Until July 29, Visit the Truffle Farm and join a Winter warmer truffle hunting tour, then enjoy the warmth of the fire pit while fuelling your soul with fresh truffle pizza and a glass of beer or wine.
Brady’s Lookout Cider - West Tamar. Sniff, taste and sharpen your senses over blind cider tastings in the cosy back cellar, then upskill and create your own ‘Méthode Traditionelle’ cider to take home.
Wukalina Walk, Launceston. Photo Credit: Jesse Hunniford
EAST COAST:
See our top two places to visit on a road trip along Tasmania’s East Coast. Even in Winter, the weather here is usually drier than elsewhere in the state, with a cheery serve of sunshine. Along the coast, local businesses join the Winter revelry with enticing off-season offers to help guide your adventures.
Freycinet Marine Farm: Follow the aroma of simmering seafood near Coles Bay and tuck into local mussels served with hot chips, matched with a Bicheno Ale, for the Tasmanian take on Belgian moules frites.
Waubs Harbour Distillery: Further north at Bicheno, you can experience whisky tasting by the fire, overlooking the wild Tasman Sea; a few Tasmanian oysters (so succulent) complete your single-malt session.
HOBART & THE SOUTH:
Alongside a host of events and festivals, local operators supercharge their Winter offerings with a range of intimate experiences to warm your days and nights. Rug up and head outdoors on a deep-south adventure or take us up on our top two suggestions below:
Festival of Voices - Farmers Market. Photo Credit: Lusy Productions.
August 4-13: Beaker Street Festival - where science and art intersect. Join curious minds to hear talks from world-renowned scientists and hands-on science experiments. On August 5, Sam Elsom (Sea Forest) and one of Australia’s great science communicators, Tim Flannery, will host a seaweed-inspired lunch prepared by MONA’s Vince Trim to highlight the potential of this incredible sea plant to help the fight against climate change.
Tasmanian Walking Company: To truly earn your meal, join in on a 48 km Three Capes Track feast to remember; enjoy a degustation dinner with matched wines at Cape Pillar Lodge alongside a live instrumental performance.
Cataract Gorge, Launceston. Photo Credit: Emilie Ristevski
Conclusion: Tasmania, with its breathtaking landscapes and exceptional culinary offerings, largely thanks to its unique climate and growing conditions, invites foodies to embrace the flavours of Winter.
From farm-to-table feasts showcasing the island’s seasonal produce to the abundance of delicacies and fireside dining experiences, Tassie offers a diverse range of culinary adventures sure to please all palates. Bundle up and embark on a culinary journey where Winter flavours will leave you with unforgettable memories of this amazing part of Australia.
