Tasmania- once considered the end of the earth and an isolated island popular among retirees.
But those days are far gone, with the nation's island state now considered Australia's epicentre of culture, food and wine, the home of one of the best museums in Southern Hemisphere and the cleanest air in the world.
My parents never took me to Tassie. My dad was obsessed with the Formula One and my mum, sister and I were forced to take the annual 12-hour road trip to Adelaide in his rickety old Alfa Romeo.
So when I had the chance to visit to the only state I've never visited in Australia, I was delighted. And when I found out it was a food and wine tour, it was a no-brainer. Give me all the cheese.
My trip to Tasmania started with a Virgin flight into Launceston.
After an on-time, seamless one hour and 50 minute flight, I hopped off the plane and breathed in that famous air - you could make make a fortune bottling it.
Peppers Silo Hotel was forged from Launceston's iconic landmark Silo and converted into a sophisticated nine-storey 108-room hotel
It was a little chilly arriving from a humid Sydney, but armed with a warm blazer, a cardigan and some comfy and stretchy pants, I was ready for some serious eating and drinking.
Looking at the endless dining options ahead of me, my greatest fear was the 5kg I was going to gain and I am not talking about carry-on luggage. 'Where is the gym please?' I asked when we arrived at our first accommodation in Launceston.
Peppers Silo Hotel was forged from the city's iconic landmark Silo and converted into a sophisticated nine-storey 108-room hotel.
Housed in the original silos, the North Tower offers beautifully appointed hotel rooms all with modern amenities, including complimentary WiFi, a LCD TV with Chromecast and Foxtel channels, a mini bar and guest en suite.
Taking in sweeping views over the meandering river, the Gorge River Rooms and Premier Suites boast private balconies where you can soak in Launceston's natural ambience.
Reporter Jade Watkins visited 15 must-see restaurants, wineries, distilleries and hotels in just three days
Stillwater Restaurant is housed inside an 1830s flour mill by the banks of Kanamaluka/Tamar River and has been awarded one hat in the Good Food Guide three years in a row
Boutique accommodation is located above the restaurant, with seven stunning rooms on offer
I chose three signature dishes from the menu - Rannoch Farm quail (left) with corn custard for my entrée, the house gnocchi with ricotta and kale (right) for the main and shared desserts
I judge a size of a hotel by the amount of cartwheels I can fit in it, and this one allowed an impressive three.
Popping some champagne and a complimentary white chocolate truffle in my mouth, I slipped into a relaxing bath to get ready for the first three-course meal for the night.
Our tour guide for the weekend was Di Hollister - a pint-sized five foot two woman in her late seventies who had more energy than a twenty-year-old and somehow managed to operate a 12-seater mini van ferrying eight of us on our tour from Launceston to Hobart.
She is also a historian with seriously extensive knowledge of Tasmania.
A stickler for punctuality, Di raced across town to our first stop on the our culinary tour, Stillwater Restaurant.
Stillwater is located in an 1830s flour mill by the banks of Kanamaluka/Tamar River and has been awarded one hat in the Good Food Guide three years in a row.
Boutique accommodation is located above the restaurant, with seven stunning rooms on offer including one which allows pets.
Greeted with a glass of crisp Italian Prosecco, the group we were shown to our private dining area in the eatery's very moody and sexy cellar.
With a day of eating and drinking ahead on day two, I was thrilled to get some activity in with a hike at Launceston's most famous natural attraction, Cataract Gorge
The Gorge has walking tracks, a swimming pool, the world's longest single-span chairlift, a restaurant, café, and a suspension bridge with panoramic lookouts
I chose three signature dishes from the menu -Rannoch Farm quail with corn custard for my entrée, the house gnocchi with ricotta and kale for the main and shared desserts.
Now I am not usually fan of baby birds, but this succulent entrée was by far my most favourite and memorable on the trip.
And while I usually avoid heavy carby pasta dishes in the evening, true to the waiter's word the gnocchi was pillowy soft delectable heaven.
Barely able to squeeze another thing in - our group shared all the equally delicious desserts on the menu and it was time to roll on back to the hotel.
Somehow I woke up with an empty stomach, ready to go again.
Turner Stillhouse is a small batch craft spirits distillery located in the world famous Tamar Valley
The distillery is owned by Justin Turner, an American who married a Tasmanian from a multi-generational farming family and has cultivated an obsession with the area's spirits and food ever since
This gin does not mess around. The two heroes - the founder's and distiller's release - has won multiple awards in Australia and the US
With a day of eating and drinking ahead, I was thrilled to get some activity in with a hike at Launceston's most famous natural attraction, Cataract Gorge.
The Cataract Gorge Reserve on the South Esk River is a unique natural formation just minutes from central Launceston.
The Gorge has walking tracks, a swimming pool, the world's longest single-span chairlift, a restaurant, café, and a suspension bridge with panoramic lookouts.
When Di said Cataract Gorge dosn't look real, she was right. The spectacular scenery appeared AI-generated and I felt like I was in an American Western film.
Hiking through the trails we got up close and personal with some of the most incredible wildlife I have ever seen, including dozens of royal blue and emerald peaco*cks andTasmanian Pademelons - the state's native wallaby.
Next stop was Turner Stillhouse - a small batch craft spirits distillery located in the world famous Tamar Valley.
Timbre Kitchensits among the grapevines at Launceston's famous Velo Winery
My top picks - the chicken, almond and salsa verde (pictured) and the best dessert I have ever eaten in my life - the miso caramel mousse with honeycomb and brown butter crumb
The distillery is owned by Justin Turner, an American who married a Tasmanian from a multi-generational farming family and has cultivated an obsession with the area's spirits and food ever since.
Born and raised in Northern California, Justin's family owned and operated a family winery that also produced brandy and other spirits – distilling is in his blood.
This gin does not mess around.The two heroes - the founder's and distiller's release - has won multiple awards in Australia and the US.
While I am usually a wine drinker, I could not get enough of the botanical rich brew and after a few nips we were feeling well on our way and ready for some foodat Timbre Kitchen.
Nestled between some of the Tamar Valley's oldest vineyards, Timbre Kitchen sits among the grapevines at Launceston's famous Velo Winery and is headed up by award-winning chefMatt Adams.
Shared dining is encouraged at this eatery and the ever-evolving menu is based around the wood-fired oven.
From the goodwill of Adams and his staff, we were served a banquet of every dish on the menu.
My top picks - the chicken, almond and salsa verde and the best dessert I have ever eaten in my life - the miso caramel mousse with honeycomb and brown butter crumb.
Stoney Rise is the brainchild of Lou Holyman and her husband Joe, who spent more than a decade selling and making wine interstate and overseas before the couple returned to their native Tasmania in 2004. His wines reflects his experience
We enjoyed our tasting inside the newly-opened Stoney Rise Cellar Door, which was designed by local and popular architect studio Cumulus and overlooks the Tamar River
We tried six testate-grown and made wines, one made by the couple's teenage son and given a name only a 18-year-old boy could dream up - 'No Clothes'
If you are not after lunch, I highly recommend visiting to Timbre Kitchen just for this dessert with a hearty red.
Speaking of wine, our next stop was Stoney Rise winery.
Stoney Rise is the brainchild of Lou Holyman and her husband Joe, who spent more than a decade selling and making wine interstate and overseas before the couple returned to their native Tasmania in 2004.
We enjoyed our tasting inside the newly-opened Stoney Rise Cellar Door, which was designed by local and cult architect studio Cumulus and overlooks the Tamar River.
We tried six testate-grown and made wines, including 'Yes Miss' pinot noir made by the couple's son Oscar at the age of just 16.
After a few glasses it was time for a much-needed lie down.
Hotel Verge! is Launceston's newest boutique accommodation and located in the heart of Launceston, adjacent to the City Park
The hotel's contemporary design references the precinct's early industrial heritage and features 86 spacious and well-appointed hotel rooms, a large function room, boardroom, gym and guest laundry
Hotel Verge is Launceston's newest boutique accommodation and located in the heart of Launceston, adjacent to the City Park.
The hotel's contemporary design references the precinct's early industrial heritage and features 86 spacious and well-appointed hotel rooms, a large function room, boardroom, gym and guest laundry.
It it also conveniently around the corner from our next stop, Du Cane, Launceston's first brewpub.
While I almost never drink beer, I was keen to see what all of the hype was about.
Named 2023 New Brewing Company of the Year, Du Cane is run by head brewer and founder Will Horan and co-owner Sam Reid.
Having previously worked as a mountain guide who spent most of his winters travelling, Du Cane reflects Will's own nomadic lifestyle and, aptly, the brewpub replaced what was once a Tent City.
The venue operates as an on-site brewery featuring function spaces, a private dining room and a cellar door hub - all built around a state-of-the-art pizza oven.
Named 2023 New Brewing Company of the Year, Du Cane is run by head brewer and founder Will Horan and co-owner Sam Reid
We tried almost every beer on the menu over Will's mountain tales and and the most delicious pizza I have had outside of Napoli.
After a heavy dose of eating and drinking and the deepest sleep at Hotel Verge!, we woke up the next day early to visit the Launceston Harvest Market.
Every Saturday morning in the heart of the Tamar Valley, Harvest Launceston Community Farmers' Market brightens a quiet inner-city car park and brings the farm gate to it's customers.
With a full belly from the day before, I was not there for the food, but to check out most beautiful blooms courtesy of The Green Flower Farm, run by Anne and Thomas Greene.
Every Saturday morning in the heart of the Tamar Valley, Harvest Launceston Community Farmers' Market brightens a quiet inner-city car park and brings the farm gate to it's customers
With a full belly from the day before, I was not there for the food, but to check out most beautiful blooms courtesy of The Green Flower Farm, run by Anne and Thomas Greene
While I sadly could not take the flowers home, it was great to chat and connect with the couple, especially Thomas, who like Di, is a proud Tassie historian.
Armed with a world-famous Morning Bun from award-winning local bakery Bread + Butter, our group hopped in the bus for the drive to Hobart.
While it usually takes two and a half hours to drive to Hobart from Launceston, we had two very important and exciting stops on the way which included, you guessed it, more food and wine.
First up was Callington Mill Distillery, located in the historic sandstone village of Oatlands, Tasmania.
Callington Mill Distillery is located in the historic sandstone village of Oatlands, Tasmania
A distillery on a scale like no other in Tasmania, Callington Mill offers immersive and unique single malt experiences
Stepping foot into the distillery is like stepping into a state-of-the-art science lab - it was pristine, sleek and grand
We toured of the entire mill before enjoying a whiskey tasting paired with a delectable platter of meats and cheese
A distillery on a scale like no other in Tasmania, Callington Mill offers immersive and unique single malt experiences.
Stepping foot into the distillery is like stepping into a state-of-the-art science lab - it's pristine, sleek and grand.
We toured of the entire mill before enjoying a whiskey tasting paired with a delectable platter of meats and cheese.
While I avoid drinking whiskey (that's another story!) I took small sips of the rich golden brown honey and spiced elixirs and an additional nip of the distillery's triple award winning drop - Poltergeist Gin.
It was now time for the most-anticipated stop on my trip - The Agrarian Kitchen.
Founded by Rodney Dunn and Séverine Demanet, The Agrarian Kitchen was opened to bring lightness to a dark period in Tasmania's history - New Norfolk's Willow Court, Australia's largest mental asylum
The building also houses a cooking school and just metres behind, within the walls of the asylum's old exercise yard, a secret garden. One acre in size, it is a space to grow fruit, vegetables, herbs and even flowers for the restaurant, kiosk and classes
Simple dishes come to life thanks to the freshest ingredients from the garden.The co*cktails are also not to be missed, including an Instagram-worthy chilled gin with lemon drop
Founded by Rodney Dunn and Séverine Demanet, The Agrarian Kitchen was opened to bring lightness to a dark period in Tasmania's history - New Norfolk's Willow Court, Australia's largest mental asylum.
Tasmania was the first state in Australia to de-institutionalise all patients it housed and closed the doors of Willow Court and Royal Derwent Hospital in late 2001.
The Agrarian Kitchen is located in the beautiful Bronte building and these days the space is now filled with keen diners, many who travel hours just to experience Head Chef Stephen Peak incredible dishes.
The building also houses a cooking school and just metres behind within the walls of the asylum's old exercise yard, a secret garden.
One acre in size, it is a space to grow fruit, vegetables, herbs and even flowers for the restaurant, kiosk and classes.
Before our lunch we were taken on a stunning, albeit spooky, tour of the yard and nearby gardens by local gardener Dan. It is hard to believe a mental asylum was once this now colourful space.
The kitchen sources ingredients from the land around it, it's own garden, the community garden across the road or a network of local producers, farmers and fishermen.
Nestled in the heart of the historic Hobart waterfront, MACq 01 is Australia's first storytelling hotel and throughout the halls and across the walls of the hotel you'll find engaging pieces of history, tales and fables that make up the remarkable history of Tasmania
The waterfront rooms have views of both the River Derwent and Mount Wellington, and the yachts, docks, convict-built sandstone warehouses and a vast expanse of open water
I was staying the Martin Cash room, named after the notorious Irish-Australian convict bushranger who was known for escaping twice from ominous Port Arthur
Simple dishes come to life thanks to the freshest ingredients from the garden, and my top picks were the gem lettuce with Alpine cheese, sugar snap peas, paprika and hemp seed, burrata + fermented lemon, fennel salami, lamb loin, nettle and onion and a palate cleansing buttermilk gelato with berries.
The co*cktails are also not to be missed, including an Instagram-worthy chilled gin with lemon drop.
By now I was fit to burst and ready to arrive at the world-famous MACq 01.
Located on the heart of the historic Hobart waterfront, MACq 01 is Australia's first storytelling hotel and throughout the halls and across the walls of the hotel guests will find engaging pieces of history, tales and fables that make up the remarkable history of Tasmania.
Institut Polaire is Tasmania's coolest locale which takes inspiration from the Southern Ocean and proximity to Antarctica with its long white marble bar and cool-climate wines and 'cold-hearted liquor'
Martinis are this inner-city bar's specialty and I enjoyed one in a chilled chic metal glass along with caviar bumps, Bottarga toast and Oeufs mayo with Pepperberry Salt
I was staying the Martin Cash room, named after the notorious Irish-Australian convict bushranger who was known for escaping twice from ominous Port Arthur.
The room was breathtaking and fitted a very spacious five cartwheels, as well as a pair of golden handcuffs at the door in a nod to Cash.
The waterfront room had views of both the River Derwent and Mount Wellington, and the yachts, docks, convict-built sandstone warehouses and a vast expanse of open water.
While steeped in history, Hobart has a very cosmopolitan vibe. Many Melburnians relocated during Covid and it is evident from the city's very chic and buzzing bars and restaurants.
Before our last supper we went for a co*cktail at the glamorous Institut Polaire -Tasmania's coolest locale which takes inspiration from the Southern Ocean and proximity to Antarctica with its long white marble bar, cool-climate wines and 'cold-hearted liquor'.
At Peppina,Chef Massimo has created an uncomplicated menu, reflecting what the producers are growing seasonally
We were treated to a banquet featuring charcuterie, cheeses, pastas and meats and desserts for days, and while we were well and truly stuffed, we had seconds and thirds off this moorish menu
Martinis are this inner-city bar's specialty and I enjoyed a chilled one in a chic metal chalice along with caviar bumps, Bottarga toast and Oeufs mayo with Pepperberry Salt.
While that was a meal in itself, it was time to enjoy Italian the Tasmanian way over at Peppina near the Salamanca Markets.
Chef Massimo has created an uncomplicated menu, utilising wood-fired grills and seasonal producer local farmers and growers have on offer.
Once again, we were treated to a banquet featuring charcuterie, cheeses, pastas and meats and desserts for days, and while we were well and truly stuffed, we had seconds and thirds off this moorish menu.
Virgin Australia currently operates up to 101 return services per week into Tasmania, with 39 direct services into Launceston and 62 direct flights to Hobart
A suspected few kilos heavier, it was time to fly back to Sydney on our Virgin flight the next day after a well-earned 10-hour sleep at Macq01.
Unfortunately for me my Virgin flight from Hobart to Sydney was on-time and my Tassie adventure was over.
Was it time to make the move like hundreds of thousands of other Aussies have over the past few years?
My tastebuds say yes, but I need to check in with my waistline.
Ready to book your flights to Tasmania? Virgin Australia currently operates up to 101 return services per week into Tasmania, with 39 direct services into Launceston and 62 direct flights to Hobart.
