Burnie Shore Excursion: Tasting Trail Tour

Thinking of exploring Burnie, Australia, through its culinary delights? This Tasting Trail Tour offers a hands-on taste of Tasmania’s most loved treats and beverages, all packed into a six-hour adventure. It’s an experience designed for travelers who appreciate authentic local flavors, small-group charm, and a little bit of education along the way.

What we love about this tour are the variety of tastings—from handcrafted chocolates to boutique wines—and the intimate setting that allows you to connect with passionate local producers. The chance to see how these products are made, paired with generous samples, makes this a memorable experience.

However, be aware that the tour involves a fair amount of driving and walking, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day of sensory indulgence.

This tour is ideal for food and drink lovers, curious travelers eager to learn about Tasmania’s renowned food scene, or anyone who wants a relaxed, guided exploration of local producers. If you’re after a structured, engaging way to sample some of Tasmania’s finest, this could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Diverse Tastings: From chocolates and truffles to cider, wine, and whisky, the tour covers Tasmania’s top culinary products.
• Authentic Experiences: Meet passionate local producers and learn how their products are crafted.
• Small Groups: Max 50 travelers, ensuring a more personalized and engaging experience.
• Value for Money: For around $215, you get multiple tastings, expert guides, and memorable sights.
• Flexible Sampling: Non-alcoholic options are available, making this inclusive for all guests.
• Beautiful Coastal Drive: Enjoy scenic views en route to each stop, adding a visual layer to your tasting adventure.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Start at Anvers Chocolate Factory

We begin at Tasmania’s most iconic chocolate destination—the House of Anvers. The 40-minute coastal drive from Devonport sets a lovely tone, with views that tease the palate before you even arrive. Once inside, you’re greeted with the smell of rich, handcrafted Belgian-style chocolates. Watching chocolatiers at work adds a tangible sense of craftsmanship, and the samples are plentiful—perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

This stop offers more than just tasting; it’s an insight into the art of chocolate making. According to reviews, visitors love the opportunity to see the process and sample different flavors. One guest noted, “It’s a real treat to watch the chocolatiers and then enjoy the samples—they’re so fresh and delicious.”

The Truffledore Boutique Truffle Farm

A short 20-minute drive takes you to a charming truffle farm run by Ina and Tino, who are clearly passionate about their earthy delicacies. Here, the focus is on hands-on tasting and sensory experiences. You learn how truffles grow and are harvested, and you’re invited to enjoy a tasting that stimulates all your senses.

Because truffles are such a luxury ingredient, this stop feels quite special. It’s a chance to appreciate the meticulous effort involved in producing these culinary treasures. Multiple reviews praise this part for being educational and sensory-rich, with one guest commenting, “I never realized how complex and labor-intensive truffle harvesting is, and tasting them right from the farm was a highlight.”

House of Hargreaves Vineyard

A quick five-minute drive brings you to a boutique vineyard run by a mother-daughter duo. Here, you’ll sample award-winning wines, with a tasting focused on Tasmania’s cool-climate vintages. The setting is intimate, and the hosts are knowledgeable and friendly, making it an ideal environment to learn about local wine production.

Expect a relaxed hour of tasting and conversation. Guests often appreciate the quality of the wines and the local platter included, which complements the drinks nicely. One traveler noted, “The wines were outstanding, and I loved the personal touch—feels like visiting friends’ cellar.”

Spreyton Cider Co

Next, a brief 10-minute drive to Spreyton Cider Co takes you into a family-run orchard established in 1908. Here, learn about the tree-to-bottle process as you taste a variety of award-winning ciders made from local apples and pears. Non-alcoholic options are available, appealing to those who prefer to skip alcohol but still want to enjoy the crisp, refreshing flavors.

Guests appreciate the insight into cider production and the opportunity to sample different styles. One review mentions, “The ciders are delicious and very refreshing; I loved learning about how they make each batch.”

Hellyers Road Distillery

The tour concludes with a 40-minute drive back to Burnie, where Hellyers Road Distillery awaits. Recognized as one of Australia’s top boutique distilleries, it offers a whisky tasting flight that showcases their premium spirits. The guide explains the distillation process, adding context to each sip.

Guests rave about the quality of the whisky and the professional but friendly atmosphere. One reviewer said, “The whisky flight was top-notch, and I appreciated learning about what makes Hellyers Road unique.”

Practical Details and Travel Experience

This tour is designed to be both educational and leisurely, with a pace that allows time at each stop without feeling rushed. The total duration of around six hours means you can enjoy each tasting without tension, although it’s a full day of eating and drinking.

Transportation is via comfortable coach, with small groups (up to 50 people) that foster a more intimate environment. The tour starts at 13 Wilmot Street in Burnie and ends back there—perfect for cruise ship passengers or those staying locally.

Cost at $215.17 per person is reasonable considering the number of tastings, the quality of experiences, and the personal attention. For wine, whisky, and cider enthusiasts, or anyone simply wanting to indulge in authentic Tasmanian flavors, this tour offers good value.

Authentic Experiences and Highlights

What sets this tour apart are the personal interactions with local producers. Meeting owners like Ina, Tino, Coral, and Savanna makes the experience more genuine than just tasting commercial products. The variety of flavors—from sweet chocolates to complex wines—means you’ll leave with a real sense of Tasmania’s culinary diversity.

Many reviews emphasize the delicious food and tapas-like platters, which round out the tastings nicely. The quality of the products and the passion of the producers make each stop feel special.

While the price might seem high to some, the inclusiveness of multiple tastings, expert guides, and scenic drives make it a worthwhile investment for those interested in Tasmania’s food scene. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who enjoy learning about local craftsmanship and savoring authentic flavors in a relaxed setting.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for foodies, wine and whisky fans, curious travelers, and small-group seekers. If you enjoy tasting new things and want to see how Tasmania’s renowned products are made, you’ll find plenty to love. It’s also suitable for those who prefer a paced, guided day that combines scenic views with delicious discoveries.

It might not be ideal for those with very tight schedules or those who don’t like alcohol or sweet treats, but even then, the non-alcoholic options make it accessible. Travelers who appreciate authentic, small-batch products and are interested in supporting local producers will find this tour especially rewarding.

The Sum Up

The Burnie Shore Excursion: Tasting Trail Tour offers a flavorful overview of Tasmania’s best-known edible gems. From artisan chocolates to boutique wines, handcrafted ciders, and premium whisky, it’s a well-rounded day for anyone keen to explore Tasmania through its culinary creations.

The experience combines educational insights, genuine interactions with passionate producers, and ample tasting opportunities. It’s a logical choice for those who want to indulge without sacrificing authenticity, and the relaxed pace allows you to savor each stop.

While it’s not a cheap outing, the variety and quality of tastings, along with the scenic coastal drive, deliver good value for food and drink enthusiasts. Whether you’re into wine, spirits, or just love discovering new flavors, this tour promises a memorable taste of Tasmania.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 6 hours, with time allocated at each stop for tasting, learning, and enjoying the scenery.

What is included in the price?
You’ll enjoy multiple tastings—chocolates, truffles, wine, cider, and whisky—as well as a local platter at the vineyard and guided visits.

Are there non-alcoholic options?
Yes, non-alcoholic cider tasting options are available, making the tour inclusive for those who prefer not to drink alcohol.

What’s the group size?
The tour accommodates up to 50 travelers, which strikes a good balance between intimacy and social atmosphere.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at 13 Wilmot Street in Burnie, making it convenient for cruise ships or local accommodation.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While primarily tasting-oriented, children may enjoy the scenic drives and the opportunity to see how products are made, but direct tastings are mainly for adults.

How much does the tour cost?
It costs $215.17 per person, which covers all tastings, guide services, and some local food.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and shoes for walking and standing during visits; layers are advisable as Tasmania’s weather can vary.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility in your travel plans.

This detailed review aims to help you decide if this Tasting Trail Tour matches your interests. It’s a flavorful way to experience Tasmania’s local producers and enjoy a day filled with delicious discoveries—and, with a little planning, it can be a highlight of your Burnie visit.