Tasmanian Design House guidebook

Rachel & Jet
Rachel & Jet
Tasmanian Design House guidebook

Dining

Van Bone offers a high-end intimate dining space with a set menu of up to 14 courses. They suggest you allow 3 to 4 hours for the experience at this "destination restaurant".
9 locals recommend
Van Bone
357 Marion Bay Road
9 locals recommend
Van Bone offers a high-end intimate dining space with a set menu of up to 14 courses. They suggest you allow 3 to 4 hours for the experience at this "destination restaurant".
With sweeping views of the Port Arthur Historic Site, 1830 Restaurant & Bar is a perfect place to enjoy a long, relaxed meal, whether or not you visit the historic site. The menu uses fresh seasonal produce sourced from local growers and producers, and features a range of Tasmanian wines, craft beers, whiskies and spirits.
14 locals recommend
1830 Restaurant and Bar, Port Arthur
14 locals recommend
With sweeping views of the Port Arthur Historic Site, 1830 Restaurant & Bar is a perfect place to enjoy a long, relaxed meal, whether or not you visit the historic site. The menu uses fresh seasonal produce sourced from local growers and producers, and features a range of Tasmanian wines, craft beers, whiskies and spirits.
Popular for lunch, but equally great for dinner, the Cannery is located on the waterfront with great views across the bay.
11 locals recommend
The Cannery
4 Imlay St
11 locals recommend
Popular for lunch, but equally great for dinner, the Cannery is located on the waterfront with great views across the bay.
Great for lunch - sometimes open for dinner - and located by the canal and opening bridge in Dunalley, the Seaside Market offers spectacular fish and chips and a scenic spot to eat them. The choices are likely to be limited, with the Market deciding on the mix of fish, scallops, calamari, and chips that make up the "meals" on offer.
34 locals recommend
Dunalley Fish Market
17 Fulham Rd
34 locals recommend
Great for lunch - sometimes open for dinner - and located by the canal and opening bridge in Dunalley, the Seaside Market offers spectacular fish and chips and a scenic spot to eat them. The choices are likely to be limited, with the Market deciding on the mix of fish, scallops, calamari, and chips that make up the "meals" on offer.
From January 2024, the Dunalley Hotel is undergoing renovations and will re-open with new management. It previously offered large and comforting pub food, with a well-patronised dining area. We hope that the new operators will be as good as the last but we are yet to form a judgement.
18 locals recommend
Dunalley Hotel
210 Arthur Hwy
18 locals recommend
From January 2024, the Dunalley Hotel is undergoing renovations and will re-open with new management. It previously offered large and comforting pub food, with a well-patronised dining area. We hope that the new operators will be as good as the last but we are yet to form a judgement.
Part of the Stewarts Bay Lodge property, the "On The Bay" restaurant is a fine place to sit back, relax and enjoy a drink from the bar with a fabulous meal.
11 locals recommend
Gabriel's on the Bay
6955 Arthur Hwy
11 locals recommend
Part of the Stewarts Bay Lodge property, the "On The Bay" restaurant is a fine place to sit back, relax and enjoy a drink from the bar with a fabulous meal.
If you can get past the fake-tudor, anti-historic nature of the building, the food and atmosphere at the Fox and Hounds make it a nice place to have a satisfying meal.
Fox and Hounds Restaurant
6789 Arthur Hwy
If you can get past the fake-tudor, anti-historic nature of the building, the food and atmosphere at the Fox and Hounds make it a nice place to have a satisfying meal.
With the feel of a traditional seafront hotel, the Lufra does a good roast dinner, alongside fantastic water views and a nice selection of local wine. The Tessellated Pavement is right outside.
15 locals recommend
Lufra Hotel and Apartments
380 Pirates Bay Dr
15 locals recommend
With the feel of a traditional seafront hotel, the Lufra does a good roast dinner, alongside fantastic water views and a nice selection of local wine. The Tessellated Pavement is right outside.
With a great lunch menu in a pleasant and spacious environment, the lavender might not seem like the main attraction.
46 locals recommend
Port Arthur Lavender Farm
6555 Arthur Hwy
46 locals recommend
With a great lunch menu in a pleasant and spacious environment, the lavender might not seem like the main attraction.
Several days a week, Phoenix Farm opens to visitors for a country cooking food experience. Much of the food and wine comes from the farm and local suppliers with a focus upon traditional country cooking and Tasmanian seafood - with a few contemporary touches.
Phoenix Farm Tasmania
Several days a week, Phoenix Farm opens to visitors for a country cooking food experience. Much of the food and wine comes from the farm and local suppliers with a focus upon traditional country cooking and Tasmanian seafood - with a few contemporary touches.

Coffee, take-away, and snacks

If the signs are out on the highway on the drive to Eaglehawk Neck, you should definitely turn off to visit the Cubed Espresso coffee van. The magnificent coffee is locally roasted and accompanied by some sweet treats but it is the location that cannot be matched. The Eaglehawk Neck lookout has views of the Neck extending south all down the rugged eastern coast of the Tasman Peninsula including Pirate's Bay, Cape Hauy, and the Hippolyte Rocks. If the weather's terrible, they won't be open.
25 locals recommend
cubed espresso bar
98 Pirates Bay Dr
25 locals recommend
If the signs are out on the highway on the drive to Eaglehawk Neck, you should definitely turn off to visit the Cubed Espresso coffee van. The magnificent coffee is locally roasted and accompanied by some sweet treats but it is the location that cannot be matched. The Eaglehawk Neck lookout has views of the Neck extending south all down the rugged eastern coast of the Tasman Peninsula including Pirate's Bay, Cape Hauy, and the Hippolyte Rocks. If the weather's terrible, they won't be open.
Located in the orchard beside the Pear Shed Gallery, the Pickers Pantry offers a relaxed setting to enjoy wonderful plant-based snacks and coffee. Check opening times.
The Pickers Pantry
Located in the orchard beside the Pear Shed Gallery, the Pickers Pantry offers a relaxed setting to enjoy wonderful plant-based snacks and coffee. Check opening times.
A fantastic food truck based in Port Arthur with generous opening hours, the kebabs or the other various Indian food on offer might be exactly the quick fix you are looking for.
Tasman Kebabs and Takeaway
A fantastic food truck based in Port Arthur with generous opening hours, the kebabs or the other various Indian food on offer might be exactly the quick fix you are looking for.
With a friendly atmosphere and honest food, you'll feel welcome at the Blue Seal Cafe. Now with added food truck! Check opening times carefully as it isn't open year-round.
Blue Seal Cafe
5131 Arthur Hwy
With a friendly atmosphere and honest food, you'll feel welcome at the Blue Seal Cafe. Now with added food truck! Check opening times carefully as it isn't open year-round.
The most incredible coffee and fabulous breakfast and lunch. Great selection of organic and local provisions too. We are there every other day! THE LANTERNS Coffee - Food - Provisions Seasonal Fare • Tasmanian Goods Organic Produce • Eco Essentials & Wares Mon - Fri 7:30 - 3 | Sat - Sun 8 - 3
The Lanterns - Coffee, Food, Provisions
The most incredible coffee and fabulous breakfast and lunch. Great selection of organic and local provisions too. We are there every other day! THE LANTERNS Coffee - Food - Provisions Seasonal Fare • Tasmanian Goods Organic Produce • Eco Essentials & Wares Mon - Fri 7:30 - 3 | Sat - Sun 8 - 3

Wineries and distilleries

A great place for lunch, and winner of the Gold Award for Wineries and Distilleries at the 2023 Australian Tourism Awards. Quality food, amazing wine and oysters complemented by the most beautiful panoramic water views. On a sunny day, the outdoor areas are a wonderful place to spend some quality time.
71 locals recommend
Bangor Vineyard Shed
20 Blackman Bay Rd
71 locals recommend
A great place for lunch, and winner of the Gold Award for Wineries and Distilleries at the 2023 Australian Tourism Awards. Quality food, amazing wine and oysters complemented by the most beautiful panoramic water views. On a sunny day, the outdoor areas are a wonderful place to spend some quality time.
Cape Bernier is a family owned vineyard overlooking stunning Marion Bay and is renowned for producing award-winning cool climate wines. Enjoy a couple of glasses accompanied by a cheese platter.
6 locals recommend
Cape Bernier Vineyard
230 Bream Creek Rd
6 locals recommend
Cape Bernier is a family owned vineyard overlooking stunning Marion Bay and is renowned for producing award-winning cool climate wines. Enjoy a couple of glasses accompanied by a cheese platter.
These award-winning potato farmers decided to try their hand at distilling vodka. What a great idea! It's a favourite and it's no surprise to us that they continue to collect international awards for both their vodka and their gin.
8 locals recommend
Hellfire Bluff Distillery
55 Craigs Hill Rd
8 locals recommend
These award-winning potato farmers decided to try their hand at distilling vodka. What a great idea! It's a favourite and it's no surprise to us that they continue to collect international awards for both their vodka and their gin.
McHenry was an early entry into Tasmania's modern distillery scene and this family-run operation is Australia’s southern-most whisky distillery . In Tasmania, you can be assured a place is good when it features a Tesla charging station. The cellar door is open most days but check the website for a distillery tour.
18 locals recommend
McHenry Distillery
229 Radnor Rd
18 locals recommend
McHenry was an early entry into Tasmania's modern distillery scene and this family-run operation is Australia’s southern-most whisky distillery . In Tasmania, you can be assured a place is good when it features a Tesla charging station. The cellar door is open most days but check the website for a distillery tour.
The Dunalley Bay Distillery offers something for everyone: coffee, wine, gin, chocolate, cheese, and more. It might feel a bit disconnected but the location by the beach with views back to Hobart is perfect for a day with nice weather.
Dunalley Bay Distillery
3530 Arthur Hwy
The Dunalley Bay Distillery offers something for everyone: coffee, wine, gin, chocolate, cheese, and more. It might feel a bit disconnected but the location by the beach with views back to Hobart is perfect for a day with nice weather.

Activities

Explore the incredible coastline of the Tasman Peninsula on a jet boat. A Tasman Island Cruise will be a well-organised adventure, combining wildlife and nature, that will not easily be forgotten.
25 locals recommend
Tasman Island Cruises
6961 Arthur Hwy
25 locals recommend
Explore the incredible coastline of the Tasman Peninsula on a jet boat. A Tasman Island Cruise will be a well-organised adventure, combining wildlife and nature, that will not easily be forgotten.
The Tasman Peninsula is home to world-class scuba diving sites such as the waterfall bay caves, historic wrecks, giant kelp forests and huge schools of fish. Eaglehawk Dive Centre provides qualified and experienced instructors to help you get the most out of your dive experience.
7 locals recommend
Eaglehawk Dive Centre
178 Pirates Bay Dr
7 locals recommend
The Tasman Peninsula is home to world-class scuba diving sites such as the waterfall bay caves, historic wrecks, giant kelp forests and huge schools of fish. Eaglehawk Dive Centre provides qualified and experienced instructors to help you get the most out of your dive experience.
The Tasmanian Design House is the perfect place to prepare for or recover from the 48 kilometre trek of the Three Capes Experience, spread over 4 days of cliff-hugging wildness.
36 locals recommend
Three Capes Walk - Life's An Adventure
6955 Arthur Hwy
36 locals recommend
The Tasmanian Design House is the perfect place to prepare for or recover from the 48 kilometre trek of the Three Capes Experience, spread over 4 days of cliff-hugging wildness.

Animal parks

If you don't have the opportunity to go to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in Brighton near Hobart, and you'd like to see the unique Tasmanian Devils up close, the Unzoo will meet your needs.
42 locals recommend
Tasmanian Devil Unzoo
5990 Arthur Hwy
42 locals recommend
If you don't have the opportunity to go to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in Brighton near Hobart, and you'd like to see the unique Tasmanian Devils up close, the Unzoo will meet your needs.

Beaches

Sommers Bay is our local glamour beach. Visit when the tide is low and the beach will stretch out for hundreds of metres. At all times, the shallowness means that it is the perfect place for safe swimming. Sommers Bay is perhaps best avoided when there's a strong southwesterly wind unless you want to experience the wild weather coming from the Southern Ocean.
Sommers Bay
Sommers Bay is our local glamour beach. Visit when the tide is low and the beach will stretch out for hundreds of metres. At all times, the shallowness means that it is the perfect place for safe swimming. Sommers Bay is perhaps best avoided when there's a strong southwesterly wind unless you want to experience the wild weather coming from the Southern Ocean.
Pirates Bay is the sandy surf beach at Eaglehawk Neck. The main carpark near the start of Blowhole Road has toilet facilities but the beach can be accessed in many places including the Tessellated Pavement, the Eaglehawk Neck Historic Site, and points further south along Blowhole Road.
Pirates Bay
Pirates Bay is the sandy surf beach at Eaglehawk Neck. The main carpark near the start of Blowhole Road has toilet facilities but the beach can be accessed in many places including the Tessellated Pavement, the Eaglehawk Neck Historic Site, and points further south along Blowhole Road.
Marion Bay is a wonderful "locals" beach. It's not unusual to have 7km of pristine beach to yourself with great views out to Maria Island.
11 locals recommend
Marion Bay
11 locals recommend
Marion Bay is a wonderful "locals" beach. It's not unusual to have 7km of pristine beach to yourself with great views out to Maria Island.

Convict history

World-heritage-listed Port Arthur is Tasmania's major heritage destination, shedding light on Tasmania's and Australia's convict history. While all of Tasmania (known then as Van Diemen's Land) was a place of exile for offenders from Britain, Port Arthur housed those men who continued to offend; a prison within a prison. The historic site is over 100 acres (40 hectares) of gardens and grounds featuring some 30 or more ruins in various states of repair to explore. The entry ticket, which lasts for two days, includes a 25 minute boat cruise around the harbour. Allow a minimum of 3 hours; visitors often choose to return on the second day of their ticket.
67 locals recommend
Port Arthur Historic Site
67 locals recommend
World-heritage-listed Port Arthur is Tasmania's major heritage destination, shedding light on Tasmania's and Australia's convict history. While all of Tasmania (known then as Van Diemen's Land) was a place of exile for offenders from Britain, Port Arthur housed those men who continued to offend; a prison within a prison. The historic site is over 100 acres (40 hectares) of gardens and grounds featuring some 30 or more ruins in various states of repair to explore. The entry ticket, which lasts for two days, includes a 25 minute boat cruise around the harbour. Allow a minimum of 3 hours; visitors often choose to return on the second day of their ticket.
The Coal Mines Historic Site is world-heritage-listed as part of the Australian Convicts listing. In comparison with the Port Arthur Historic Site, there is no entry fee and there are a lot fewer visitors. However, there are no guides, little signage, and no facilities beyond a toilet. If you've already been to Port Arthur and have some idea of the history, this is a great place to explore in a relaxed manner. A walk around the site is considered to be another of Tasmania's "Great Short Walks".
32 locals recommend
Coal Mines Historic Site
32 locals recommend
The Coal Mines Historic Site is world-heritage-listed as part of the Australian Convicts listing. In comparison with the Port Arthur Historic Site, there is no entry fee and there are a lot fewer visitors. However, there are no guides, little signage, and no facilities beyond a toilet. If you've already been to Port Arthur and have some idea of the history, this is a great place to explore in a relaxed manner. A walk around the site is considered to be another of Tasmania's "Great Short Walks".
In the convict era, the small piece of land (just over 100m wide) that connects Tasman Peninsula to the rest of Tasmania was the site of a military outpost, and a line of ferocious dogs chained across the isthmus, intended to prevent the prisoners from escaping Port Arthur. The old officers' quarter is reportedly the oldest surviving wooden building in Australia and contains a uniquely quaint do-it-yourself kind of museum. With limited time, a walk past the dog sculpture may be enough to appreciate just how strategic and important this site was.
Eaglehawk Neck Historic Site
In the convict era, the small piece of land (just over 100m wide) that connects Tasman Peninsula to the rest of Tasmania was the site of a military outpost, and a line of ferocious dogs chained across the isthmus, intended to prevent the prisoners from escaping Port Arthur. The old officers' quarter is reportedly the oldest surviving wooden building in Australia and contains a uniquely quaint do-it-yourself kind of museum. With limited time, a walk past the dog sculpture may be enough to appreciate just how strategic and important this site was.