Gourmet Getaway

This is a 4-day itinerary for a gourmet getaway in Tasmania. Exploring the Tamar Valley and Southern Wine Regions, as well as experiencing some of Tasmania's finest restaurants and fresh produce.

Arrive in Devonport either by air or by the "Spirit of Tasmania" passenger ferry (with the added advantage of being able to bring your car across from the mainland with you). From Devonport travel towards Launceston, on the way stop at the Ashgrove Cheese Factory located about halfway and easily spotted on the side of the highway. Once you arrive in Launceston check-in to Peppers Seaport Resort, before visiting the James Boags Beer Factory a short walk from the hotel. In the afternoon enjoy a pleasant walk through the Cataract Gorge and maybe consider a ride on the longest single-span chairlift in Australia. In the evening visit Stillwater Restaurant located very close to the Cataract Gorge which is a multi-award winning restaurant (for good reason).

Today set off from Launceston northwards to tour the Tamar Valley Vineyards which consist of some of the premier Australia wineries . Make sure to stop at the Rosevears Estate to enjoy some their excellent pinot noir and other grape varieties before enjoying lunch in the gourmet Rosevears Restaurant. There are a multitude of other wineries in this region which have been likened to wines produced to the Alsace and Burgundy regions in France.

Once you have a decent cellar of wine in the boot of your car head south and then east to Freycinet (which should take about 3 hours by car). Check-in to the Freycinet Lodge for the evening and enjoy the beautiful sunset while sipping on one of newly acquired Tamar Valley vintages.

Today enjoy a morning stroll through the Freycinet National Park to see the stunning Wineglass Bay, before returning to the Bay Restaurant in Freycinet Lodge for a gourmet buffet breakfast. Next stop are the Freycinet Region Wineries, stopping along the way at the Freycinet Marine Farm to buy some freshly harvested oysters, mussels or lobster.

After an afternoon of wine and seafood, make your way down to Hobart (about 2 hours drive) and check-in to the Henry Jones Art Hotel for a deluxe nights accommodation on the Hobart waterfront.

Start the last day of your gourmet getaway in Tasmania with another excellent gourmet buffet breakfast at Henry's Restaurant. If you're lucky enough to have timed your gourmet getaway to end on a Saturday, check out the Salamanca markets which are a short stroll from the Henry Jones. With plenty of fresh local produce for sale in hundreds of stalls, you are definitely spoilt for choice.

It also worth considering trying to tie your gourmet getaway to Tasmania in with one of Tasmania's gourmet festivals including the "Taste of Tasmania" (over the New Year period) and Festivale (at Launceston, in February).