For some, Tasmania is regarded as the end of the earth but, for those in the know, it’s just the beginning of many wonderful adventures. Among the incredible national parks, cultural gems and historic sites is a bounty of gourmet providores and a dining scene that rivals Australia’s most cosmopolitan cities. Move over Victoria – ‘Tassie’ is now the epicurean capital of choice and the Apple Isle’s treasured Bruny Island is ripe for foodie exploration.
Australia's Southernmost Gem
If you can tear yourself away from the splendour of Hobart, a stunning landscape of jagged cliffs, pristine beaches and rolling hills awaits. Made up of two land masses connected by an isthmus known as ‘The Neck’, Bruny Island is easily reachable by vehicular ferry from Kettering – 30 minutes drive from Hobart. While the 100-kilometre stretch is best explored over 48-hours (accommodation options abound here), you can easily sample your way along the ‘Made on Bruny Island’ food trail in a day.
Pates, Preserves and Peat
Tasmanian single malts rank high among the world's best whiskeys
Bruny Island Smokehouse (BISH) is the first stop on the 'Made On Bruny Island' itinerary. Set within a sandstone building overlooking the water, this purveyor of fine foods, restaurant and bottle shop is famous for its hot smoked Tasmanian seafood, pates and preserves. BISH is also a whiskey connoisseur’s heaven. Pull up a seat at the bar and prepare to have your tastebuds tantalised with a flight of Tasmania’s best single malts.
By The Dozen
Half a dozen of Bruny Island's finest
Get Shucked is an island institution. The cellar door setup (complete with a drive-through) lures visitors with the promise of freshly shucked oysters, which can be enjoyed while overlooking their leases on the Great Bay. The folk at Get Shucked are on a mission to increase Australia’s oyster eating average from six oysters per year to 12 per year, and I guarantee you'll make a significant contribution to their goal within minutes.
The Big Cheese
Cheese wheels galore at Bruny Island Cheese Company
There’s no more iconic sign on Bruny Island than that of the cheesery’s gumboot logo. A champion of artisan cheese, Bruny Island Cheese Co was inspired by cheese maker Nick Haddow’s travels around Europe. Talk with the makers over a tasting, or sit down at a picnic table and enjoy a selection of their signature cheeses paired with a glass of Tassie Chardonnay.
Cool Climate Wines
Further afield, you'll find Bruny Island's only winery. Passing through bush and farmlands where the sun peeks out from behind gum trees, Bruny Island Premium Wines rests on a tranquil vineyard on the outskirts of Lunawanna. You can drop by for a taste of their acclaimed pinot noirs, or graze on tapas expertly matched with their cool-climate wines on the terrace.
Berry, Berry Good
Made on Bruny Island gourmet food and wine trail
If you need a break from all that wining and dining, why not head to the Bruny Island Berry Farm and ease into your afternoon with a spot of berry picking? The 12-acre farm at Adventure Bay grows an abundance of strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. Sweet-tooths can indulge in all kinds of homemade treats, and those who haven’t had their fill from Bruny Island Premium Wines can try a glass of the farm's strawberry champagne.
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