Here’s where to dine and drink in the fresh air around our glorious region
East Coast Tasmania is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque places in Australia. Period. So why coup yourself up inside – we’re all about lapping up the outdoors and taking in the stunning coastline, incredible national parks, unspoilt farm land, bush backdrops and world-famous beaches.
There’s a certain quintessential East Coast-ness about sipping a drink in the breeze of a balmy day, or taking your first bite of dinner knowing you’re free from the curse of unflattering overhead lighting. We’ve rounded up some of the best places around the region that you can find a place to find your space, take a breath, and enjoy the serenity around you. [listed from south to north]
ORFORD
Darlington Vineyard
Darlington Vineyard
Your first stop on the East Coast Wine Trail, Darlington Vineyard, producer of fine cool-climate wines. Located a stone’s throw from Prosser Bay, boasting tranquil scenery and of course, great wine.
Elly’s East Coast Kitchen
Enjoy delicious food and Tassie wines while enjoying the stunning water views. Fully stocked with Elly’s Gourmet Confectionery range, homewares and jewellery.
LITTLE SWANPORT
Boomer Creek Vineyard. Credit: Big Shed Studios
Boomer Creek
With picturesque views of both Schouten Island and the Freycinet Peninsula nestled amongst the working farm, platters are available daily alongside lovely wines. Pet friendly.
Me & Mums
A delightful coffee shop and rest stop that offers home baked food, fresh produce, sandwich bar, milkshakes, cakes, terrariums, plants and nursery supplies in a relaxed country atmosphere.
SWANSEA
Melshell Oysters
Kate’s Berry Farm
Kate’s hugely popular Just Desserts Café, with its mouth-watering menu, overlooks rows of berries to breathtaking views across Great Oyster Bay to the world-renowned Freycinet National Park.
Barkmill Tavern and Bakery
The Bark Mill is the perfect destination to stop along the East Coast, providing a diverse range of hospitality options in one venue. Great place to stop with the family with a kid’s playground.
The Waterloo Inn
The kind of place that feels like a home away from home. Overlooking the ocean on Tasmania’s picturesque Freycinet coast, The Waterloo serves up a daily menu celebrating local, seasonal produce.
Melshell Oyster Shack
A must for oyster lovers! Learn about oyster farming whilst enjoying the freshest oyster experience right at the oyster farm. Fully licenced with local wines, beer and a “You Cook” seafood kebab station.
CRANBROOK
Craigie Knowe Vineyard. Credit: Puddlehub
Milton Vineyard
With an extensive range of cool climate wines including an award-winning Pinot Noir, drop in and enjoy a glass on the deck overlooking the vines.
Mel’s Kitchen and Spring Vale Wines
Set among the vines at Spring Vale Vineyard, enjoy lunch, and wines [of course!] in the marquee restaurant soaking up the vineyard atmosphere.
Freycinet Coast Patisserie and Craigie Knowe Vineyard
Pastry, cakes and all things sweet. Relax in the beautiful surrounds of the vineyard and book in for High Tea with perfectly matched wines, every Sunday at 12 noon.
COLES BAY
Freycinet Lodge
Freycinet Marine Farm
Taste some of Tasmania’s best fresh seafood, enjoyed on the deck. Oysters and mussels harvested from the farm daily, scallops, abalone, rock lobster and salmon sourced from local fisherman.
Iluka Tavern
Bar, Bistro and Bottle shop. Great food and wide selection of beer, wines and ciders. Family friendly atmosphere with regular events. Drop in and see for yourself!
Big Pete’s Eats
Tucked away in the clubhouse at the Freycinet Golf Club, Big Pete’s Eats [open late] serves up delicious meals with regular live music and craft beer on tap from Malting Lagoon Brewery.
Freycinet Lodge
This is the perfect spot to have a drink on the deck and watch the sunset overlooking the spectacular Great Oyster Bay.
BICHENO
Lobster Shack Bicheno
Devil’s Corner Cellar Door
Wine, food and views. A destination for sea-faring travellers and those seeking great wine and good adventure and of course, the iconic views that look to the Hazards Vineyard and beyond.
Freycinet Vineyard
Adjacent to the picturesque Freycinet Peninsula, the 16 hectare vineyard is proudly family owned and the wines are 100% grown, produced and bottled on the estate.
The Pondering Frog Café and Ice Creamery
Famous for their delicious hand-crafted ice creams, seafood chowder and garlic prawns, The Pondering Frog is the perfect stop for caravaners and families.
Little Bay Patisserie
With cosy, beautiful boho feels, Little Bay Patisserie is a boutique pâtisserie specialising in creating food using the best ingredients from local suppliers.
Lobster Shack Tasmania
Enjoy fresh-caught, premium seafood, fish and chips. The Lobster Shack is a boutique, farm gate style eatery overlooking the majestic ‘Gulch’ in Bicheno. You can’t go past one of their signature lobster rolls.
Food & Brew
Pizza and pasta lovers’ paradise! Authentic food freshly prepared and delivered by our friendly team and international staff.
Pop-Up Picnic
Choose your own adventure and own dining spot. Order a delicious gourmet picnic platter from Pop-Up Picnic and graze wherever your heart desires. The opportunities are endless.
SCAMANDER
The Surfside
Beers. Burgers. And beds. American style delicious burgers coming hot from the kitchen. Wash it down with a beer from the onsite bar on the oceanside deck.
Located right across from Wrinklers Beach, take the time to stop and enjoy coffee in the sun. Have a break and grab a book from the street library. Serving a delicious blend of locally roasted Tasmanian coffee along with Homemade biscuits and toasties.
White Sands Estate & IronHouse Brewery, Vineyard & Distillery
Kick back with a gin, a wine, a whisky or a beer [or all four!] while soaking up the spectacular view. They say that when the wind blows from the southeast the waves grow and the surfies all head to the IronHouse!
ST MARYS
Purple Possum Cafe, St Marys
Purple Possum Wholefoods & Cafe
A little country town, a cosy café, tasty food, fantastic coffee, tea in a pot… The Purple Possum is a wholefood store, a cafe and a mini-gallery plus a bric-a-brac shed in the garden all rolled into one.
ST HELENS
Sco & Co. and The Lifebuoy Café
Priory Ridge Wines
A boutique vineyard where all the grapes are handpicked. Savour the depth of flavours of the handcrafted cool-climate wines and take in the ambience of property’s rich history of yesteryear.
Raida Restaurant
Outstanding restaurant in the North East of Tasmania serving healthy Japanese Modern Australian food, wine, whisky and sake for hungry locals and MTB’ers!
Sco & Co. and The Lifebuoy Café
All-day breakfast, lunches, homemade cakes, scones and quality coffee. Also home to thoughtful items and gifts for your home, loved ones and little ones. Dog friendly, so bring your pooch!
PYENGANA
Pyengana Dairy Farm Gate Café
Pyengana Dairy Farm Gate Café
The home of award-winning and handcrafted cheese and Pyengana milk. Relax with a gourmet platter overlooking the picturesque dairy farm, for a real paddock to plate experience.
Pub in the Paddock
Literally sitting in the middle of a paddock in the verdant Pyengana Valley, the pub offers hearty country meals or morning and afternoon teas. Call in for a cool drink and meet the locals or stay a little longer and explore the local area.
