How to Create the Perfect Tassie Cheese and Wine Picnic
Explore with a local hamper.
Tasmania is a food lover’s paradise, known for its world-class cheeses, fresh seafood, seasonal fruits, artisan breads, and award-winning wines. At Stewarts Bay Lodge, we encourage guests to embrace local flavours by creating a DIY Tassie hamper, a hand-picked selection of regional delights perfect for a relaxed picnic in nature.
- Discover Local Tassie Goodies
Start by exploring nearby farmers’ markets, local grocers, or specialty food shops. Look out for:- Tasmanian Cheeses: From rich, creamy brie to sharp, aged cheddar, Tassie’s artisan cheese scene has something for everyone. Look out for local favourites from Bruny Island Cheese Co., Pyengana Dairy, Wicked Cheese Co., and Grandvewe Cheeses.
- Fresh Artisan Breads & Crackers: Ideal for pairing with cheese, spreads, and seafood.
- Seasonal Fruit: Depending on the time of the year, you can enjoy cherries, apples, pears, berries, and stone fruits like peaches and plums.
- Tasmanian Honey & Chutneys: Add a touch of sweetness or spice to your hamper with locally made honey and chutneys. Popular picks include The Tasmanian Honey Company (famous for its leatherwood honey), Wild Hives Honey, The Honey Pot, and Range Tasmania for premium handmade chutneys. Drizzle honey over brie, pair it with blue cheese, or enjoy with fresh fruit for the perfect picnic treat.
- Fresh Seafood: Tasmania is famous for oysters, smoked salmon, abalone, and scallops. Pick up ready-to-eat options like cold-smoked salmon, freshly shucked oysters, or even seafood pâté.
- Local Wines: Whether it’s a crisp Riesling, elegant Pinot Noir, refreshing sparkling, or a smooth Chardonnay, Tassie wine never disappoints. Local wineries and bottleshops near Stewarts Bay Lodge include:
- Bream Creek Vineyard – 321 Marion Bay Road, Bream Creek (45-minute drive from Stewarts Bay Lodge)
- McHenry Distillery – 229 Radnor Road, Port Arthur (10-minute drive from Stewarts Bay Lodge)
- The Fox And Hounds Bottleshop – 6789 Arthur Hwy, Port Arthur (5-minute drive from Stewarts Bay Lodge)
- Pick Your Perfect Picnic Spot
Once your hamper is ready, grab a blanket and explore these scenic spots near Stewarts Bay Lodge:- Tasman Arch – 15-minute drive from Stewarts Bay Lodge. Enjoy sweeping views over rugged cliffs and a dramatic coastline.
- Devil’s Kitchen – 15-minute drive from Stewarts Bay Lodge. A short walk from Tasman Arch reveals this dramatic natural chasm with powerful ocean views.
- Tasman National Park Lookout – 25-minute drive from Stewarts Bay Lodge. A stunning vantage point that offers panoramic views of the Tasman Peninsula and beyond.
- Waterfall Bay Lookout – 26-minute drive from Stewarts Bay Lodge. Accessible via a short walk, this spot offers serene views of waterfalls cascading into the ocean, perfect for a peaceful picnic.
Prefer to stay close? Our lodge grounds also offer peaceful picnic spots, just steps from your room.
- Cheese & Wine Pairing Tips
Want to get the most out of your hamper? Try these pairings:- Brie or Camembert + Sparkling Wine or Riesling
- Aged Cheddar or Gouda + Pinot Noir
- Add honey, fruit, or chutney for an extra flavour boost.