A Foodies Guide to Launceston, Tasmania

Tasmania’s second city was once overlooked and merely seen as a gateway to tourist hotspots. But Launceston is actually the perfect destination for foodies and is now being recognised for its food culture, with ingredients being grown and sourced locally.

If you are a foodie, then here is a guide to help you experience this side of the city:

Red Feather Inn 

If you are looking for accommodation that is fit for food connoisseurs, then book a room at Red Feather Inn. With car hire from Launceston Airport and you can take the 15-minute scenic drive to this luxurious bed and breakfast. As well as tasting the delicious food that has been sourced from the garden, at the restaurant, there is also a cookery school. Here you can learn to cook new dishes as well as mastering existing ones.

Launceston Harvest Farmers Market 

This community farmers market takes place every Saturday morning from 8:30am until 12:30pm. The market, which started more than seven years ago and now boasts more than 60 stalls, can be found in the car park opposite Albert Hall. You can sample coffee and ice cream as well as picking up meat, fruit and vegetables. All produce is local and you can even try before you buy. A wonderful way to spend a morning.

Stillwater 

If you want to enjoy contemporary Tasmanian cuisine, then make sure you book a table at Stillwater. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a menu that changes with the seasons. You can expect plenty of meat and fish-based dishes this spring including whole baked snapper and Tasmanian Wallaby topside. You’ll enjoy your meal in this restored 1830s flour mill against a backdrop of the beautiful Tamar River. You know you are in for a treat, this is the most awarded restaurant in Tasmania. There is also an extensive drinks menu to wash it all down.

Bryher 

If you are looking for breakfast or brunch, to fuel you for the day, look no further than Bryher. The food here also changes with the seasons and is locally sourced, or created on the premises – including pastries, yoghurts, sauces and chutneys. You’ll find this cafe on George Street – it’s open every day except Tuesday.

Black Cow Bistro 

If steak is your favourite dish, then you don’t want to miss this restaurant which specialises in Premium Tasmanian Beef. Take a seat in the former Art Deco Luck’s butchery shop and choose from various steaks such as eye fillet, rib eye, porterhouse or rump. Then browse the Tasmanian wines and find one that you can enjoy alongside it.

Taste Walk Talk 

If you want to ensure you don’t miss the best foodie locations then join this tour with a knowledgeable guide. There are various ones to choose from including ‘The best of Launceston tour’ which lasts four hours and visits up to seven producers. Alternatively, you can go on the ‘Launceston snapshot tour’ which is two hours long and visits three producers. There is also the ‘Saturday Harvest Market and more tour’ or the ‘Sunday brunch tour.’ You also have the option to choose your own route and stops on a ‘bespoke tour’ – these tailored experiences are for up to four people.

Is your mouth watering at the thought? Then it’s time to start planning your trip and see the delicious side of Launceston.