Tasmania’s Best Farm Visits

Eat and DrinkStay

30 Aug

Written By Emma Azon-Jacometti

By Josie Rozenberg-Clarke

From truffle hunting to oyster shucking, here’s where to get your hands dirty down in Tasmania.

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The Berry Patch (image: Tourism Australia)

Whether locally-raised or imports lured by the tree change, farmers are plentiful in Tasmania. The fertile, climate-blessed land is perfect for all sorts of produce: growing fruit, flowers and vegetables; rearing cattle, sheep or pigs; or harvesting seafood in the pristine waters surrounding the island.

Many farms throw their gates open to visitors, so you can pull on the boots, roll up your sleeves, and live like a farmer for the day. The best part? Enjoying your spoils after all that hard work.

THE TRUFFLE FARM

Hanging out with dogs and eating truffles? Sign us up. The Truffle Farm is located just a few minutes out of the quaint town of Deloraine, and runs several truffle hunting experiences, all led by chief hunting dog Doug. You’ll unearth precious black truffles and, of course, get to sample them afterwards. Join the Truffle Hunting and Lunch tour, where you’ll feast on a three-cheese and fresh truffle toastie and truffle ice cream, all washed down with a glass of Tassie wine or beer.

FREYCINET MARINE FARM

Head up the east coast and pull on the waders at Freycinet Marine Farm, to wade out into the cool waters of Swanport estuary and learn all about farming and shucking oysters - before having a go yourself. Then, sit back and enjoy the views of The Hazards moutain range, tuck into fresh oysters and toast to your labours with a glass of local wine.

THE BERRY PATCH

Just 10 minutes out of Devonport on Tasmania’s north coast, you’ll find the peaceful seaside hamlet of Turners Beach and its charming and aptly-named The Berry Patch. Drop in during the warmer months to grab a container and set about picking your own punnet of fresh strawberries, blackberries, blueberries or raspberries in the sunshine. Stick around for a meal at the farm café, or grab a house-made berry ice cream to go.

EARTHENRY

Just 25 minutes’ drive south of Hobart in lower Snug, Earthenry is a seasonal flower farm with more than 100 varieties of blooms. Join a workshop on planting, wreath-making, seed starting or flower arranging, or come to a pick-your-own session to make a bouquet to take home, with great food, drinks and live music on Friday evenings.