Traveling through Tasmania doesn’t have to mean spending hours at museums or hiking rugged trails—sometimes, the best way to experience a region is through its food and drink. The Burnie Tasting Trail Tour offers a relaxed, flavor-packed journey that takes you behind the scenes with local artisans, from wineries and distilleries to truffle farms and historic orchards. It’s a taste adventure designed for those who love discovering authentic producers and savoring regional specialties without feeling rushed.
What we particularly appreciate about this tour is its focus on small, passionate producers who are eager to share their stories—plus, the variety of tastings at each stop. The inclusion of award-winning wines and ciders, along with premium whisky and fresh truffles, makes this a well-rounded experience. The seamless pickup from your cruise means no fuss, and the relaxed pace allows you to truly appreciate the flavors without feeling overwhelmed. The one potential drawback? With only 25 minutes at some stops, you might wish for a little more time to chat with the makers or linger over the tastings.
This tour is perfect for food and drink lovers, especially those curious about Tasmania’s gourmet scene. It suits travelers who enjoy authentic experiences, artisanal crafts, and a bit of scenic countryside combined with quality tastings. If you’re after a fun, intimate introduction to Tasmania’s culinary gems, this could be just the ticket.
Key Points
- Small-group, relaxed pace with plenty of tasting opportunities
- Authentic local producers including vineyards, distilleries, orchards, and farms
- Diverse tastings of wines, ciders, whisky, chocolates, and truffles
- Ideal for lovers of regional food and drink with a keen interest in storytelling from makers
- Seamless cruise ship pickup and drop-off ensures convenience
- Quality value considering multiple tastings and engaging visits, all within a 6-hour window
A Closer Look at the Tasting Trail Tour Experience
The Burnie Tasting Trail Tour is designed to showcase the best of Tasmania’s northwest region through its delicious products. It’s a sampling of everything from sweet chocolates to earthy truffles, crisp ciders, and smooth whiskies. Each stop is carefully curated to give travelers a well-rounded taste of local craftsmanship, with enough time to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.
You can also read our reviews of more food & drink experiences in Burnie
Scenic Drive & First Stop: Anvers Chocolate Factory
The tour begins with a scenic 40-minute drive from Devonport to Tasmania’s most famous chocolate destination, the House of Anvers. As you arrive, the aroma of melting chocolates and fresh confections greets you—an instant mood booster. Watching expert chocolatiers craft Belgian-style chocolates offers a fascinating glimpse into their process, and a quick sampling of handcrafted chocolates is a sweet start.
While only a 25-minute stop, this initial treat sets the tone for the day. It’s a good way to kick things off with something familiar yet indulgent, and browsing the shop afterwards allows you to pick up some gourmet souvenirs. Expect some samples offered, which many visitors find a delightful preview of what’s to come.
Truffle Farm: An earthy delight
Next, a 20-minute drive leads to a boutique truffle farm run by Ina and Tino. Their passion for these earthy gems shines through in their storytelling, making this a memorable part of the tour. The 35-minute visit includes a tasting of fresh truffles and insights into how they’re cultivated—an educational experience that adds depth to your palate.
You’ll likely find it fascinating how such a prized ingredient is grown and harvested, especially if you’re a foodie interested in the farm-to-table journey. The farm offers lovely rural views, providing a peaceful contrast to the earlier chocolate stop.
Vineyard Visit: A Mother-Daughter Success Story
A brief 5-minute drive brings us to the House of Hargreaves, a small vineyard with a compelling story. Meet Coral and Savannah, the mother-daughter duo behind this 5-hectare winery, and enjoy a tasting of their handcrafted wines, including Schönburger, Chardonnay, Rosé, and Pinot Noir. The tasting is accompanied by a Tasmanian Platter, which complements the wines beautifully.
Spending about an hour here allows time to relax on the deck with scenic rural views and engage with the passionate producers. Non-alcoholic options are available, making the experience inclusive. Visitors often praise the “heartwarming story” behind this boutique vineyard, adding a personal touch to the tasting.
More Great Tours NearbyOrchard & Cider Tasting
Next, a 10-minute drive takes us to Spreyton Cider, a family-owned orchard established in 1908. Here, you’ll learn how crisp apples and pears are transformed into award-winning ciders. The 35-minute stop includes a guided tasting of various ciders—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options—offering a refreshing contrast to wine and spirits.
This stop emphasizes Tasmania’s agricultural roots and showcases how traditional techniques blend with modern craft. Visitors often comment on the relaxed rural setting and the opportunity to sample some of the best ciders Tasmania has to offer.
Final Stop: Hellyers Road Distillery
The tour concludes with a 40-minute drive back to Burnie and a visit to Hellyers Road Distillery, one of Australia’s most acclaimed boutique distilleries. Enjoy a tasting of their premium single malts, understanding the distillation process from a knowledgeable guide. The 25-minute tasting session is well-received, with many noting the whisky’s smoothness and craftsmanship.
This final stop wraps up the experience on a high note, especially for whisky lovers, and offers a chance to purchase bottles before heading back to your cruise. The short drive back ensures you arrive on time for your ship, making this a seamless end to your flavorful day.
Why This Tour Offers Real Value
Considering the number of stops and tastings included, this tour offers good value for money. Each visit provides a hands-on sample and a story that makes the tasting memorable. The small-group format ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere, which many reviewers appreciate. The seamless pickup and drop-off from your cruise ship eliminate logistical worries, allowing you to focus on enjoying the experience.
While the tour is priced to include multiple tastings, the brief time at each stop might leave some wishing for a bit more in-depth tasting or conversation. However, the variety and authenticity of the producers more than compensate for this, especially if you’re simply eager to taste the region’s best offerings.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is perfect for culinary explorers, wine and spirits enthusiasts, and anyone interested in Tasmania’s local producers. It’s an excellent way to combine scenic drives with authentic tastings, offering a taste of both the products and the passionate people behind them. It suits those who prefer a smaller, more intimate group and enjoy engaging with makers and their stories. If you’re after a relaxed, engaging, and flavorful half-day with a good mix of sweet, savory, and spirited treats, this tour hits the mark.
The Sum Up
The Burnie Tasting Trail Tour provides a genuine, flavorful look at Tasmania’s artisan scene. It combines scenic drives, engaging stories, and a variety of tastings that showcase the best of local food and drink. Whether you’re a wine lover, whisky enthusiast, or simply curious about Tasmania’s culinary culture, this tour offers a delicious taste of the region’s craftsmanship.
The experience stands out for its authentic stops and the opportunity to meet passionate producers. Travelers who appreciate quality, storytelling, and a relaxed pace will find this tour both enjoyable and memorable. While the tasting stops are brief, the variety and authenticity make up for it—delivering great value in just half a day.
If your idea of travel includes savoring local flavors and discovering regional stories, this tour is highly recommended. It’s a fine way to deepen your understanding of Tasmania’s food scene while enjoying stunning rural scenery along the way.
FAQ
How long is the Burnie Tasting Trail Tour?
It lasts approximately 6 hours, including transportation, tastings, and time at each stop.
Is the tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, the tour offers seamless pickup and drop-off right at your cruise ship, making it very convenient.
Are non-alcoholic options available?
Absolutely. Non-alcoholic tasting options are available at the vineyard and cider stops.
How many tastings are included?
There are tastings at every stop: chocolates, truffles, wines, ciders, and whisky—making it a well-rounded experience.
What’s the group size?
While not explicitly stated, the tour is designed as a small-group experience, ensuring personalized attention.
Can children participate?
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues, due to the nature of tastings and walking involved.
Is there a chance to buy products?
Yes, most stops offer the chance to purchase wines, chocolates, ciders, or whisky before returning to your ship.
This tour is tailored for those who love good stories, authentic products, and a relaxed day of tasting. For travelers seeking a taste of Tasmania’s finest producers without the fuss, it’s a delightful choice.
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