Tours Hobart

** This particular iteration is for flexible dates, and for small groups - minimum is 4. Every date is open and possible, but needs to be checked first and confirmed against other tours and available resources **
"Love the variety" "That was surprising" "Can I have a little bit more of the..."
These are just some of the comments from our guests as together we enjoy a day indulging your senses, primarily via lovely glassware.
Tour in a nutshell:

Five beautiful venues with all drinks included
Sparkling, Reds, Whites, Whisky, Gin, Rum, Brandy, Liqueurs, Cider and more
New Norfolk and Richmond - the best of Tasmania's small towns
Coffee and country town high street stroll to first tasting
Cheese platter w/ soft and hard Tassie cheese light lunch included
Expert commentary, informative, engaging - increase your knowledge and appreciation
Safe and comfortable transport, small group focus
Insurances, permits, accreditations
Explore with a local who is energised by guests having a good time
Contact us for private and custom bookings, different dates.


Fuller description:
Completely relax as you taste over 30 "adult" drinks, driven in safety and comfort through beautiful Tasmanian countryside taking in both the Derwent and Coal Valleys, New Norfolk and Richmond.
It's an easy going tasting tour yet also sophisticated, with something for everyone, and designed to be balanced, unhurried, stimulating, informative and lots of fun. By the end of the tour, you will be "happy" and feeling great, but not overly - hydration throughout the day of course.

A highlight of the day, beyond just the drinks, are the people we meet along the way: The Owners, the Makers, passionate locals, real Taswegians - you will have many enjoyable encounters. New Norfolk, Richmond, the Derwent River and beautiful countryside we pass through all bubble up to give visitors and locals alike a real sense of place, history and stewardship - good things come from good places via good people. You can taste that on this tour as well.
We start with a coffee and a stroll in New Norfolk on our way to New Norfolk Distillery's tasting room. This is Tasmania's only dedicated Rum Distillery, with the Rum, Gin and other "Rebellious Spirits" sure to get the party in your mouth started.
Diversity, blending and mixing, neat or sweet - your preferences and drinks knowledge will be challenged and expanded right off the bat.


Our next two visits take us to Stefano Lubiana followed by Derwent Estate for exemplary cool climate wines that showcase the complexity and delicateness of Tasmanian Wines. Even though they are next door to each other, their soil is quite different and so are their wines. Sparkling, Whites and Reds are all showcased at two of Tasmania's finest Cellar Doors, giving you real insight into the quality Tasmania is impressing the world with.


At Derwent Estate Winery, cozy by the fire or basking in the sunshine on the deck overlooking the Derwent River, a light lunch comes in the form of a cheese plater which goes deliciously well with the flight of ten wines.


Crossing over the river, our next venue is Charles Reuben Estate on the doorstep of the Coal Valley and 10 minutes from Richmond. Talk about a busy Family enterprise, Jens and Louise make award winning wines, distil fruit brandy, blend and mix ready to drink cocktails for tasting and sales, as well as harvest and distil lavender, bottle honey from their bees - with notes of lavender, and also operate a 2 BDRM cottage for holidaymakers in the vineyard. A cute tasting room in the shed where all of the distilling, stomping and bottling happens is as close to the source of drink making as you can get. You will find some real nice surprises here with the tastings, a wonderful place to get curious and enjoy a completely unpretentious tasting experience. You will most definitely have some wow! tastings here as well, and by now you will be thinking about extra luggage or postage.


Richmond is a gorgeous little village brimming with ye old world charm, and time permitting we will stroll through the town square to visit the bakery for a sweet slice or a scallop pie, or perhaps some more tastings in the tasting house. Did someone say Whisky? If Tasmanian Whisky is on your tasting list then you will not miss out, and here you can efficiently taste from a great selection of Tassie Distillers and also purchase at Tasmanian best rates just incase the calling is there for you. As a gift or a treat, a bottle of Tasmanian Whisky is a great investment.


Passing over the oldest bridge in Australia still being used, we drive through the scenic Coal Valley back to Hobart for one final tasting before our AMAZING TASTING TOUR cometh to an end. IPA, XPA, Porters, Stout, Ales, Ciders, Ginger Beer - on the edge of the city is T Bone Brewery, a leading microbrewery in the dynamic local brewing scene and on the cusp of expanding production ten-fold. They must be doing something right. We finish with some bar snacks by the big stainless steel tanks, enjoying our tasting paddles and reminisce about how much fun we have had, and how many styles we connected with this day - a brilliant day most worthy to include in any holiday or getaway.
OR...if Cider is your pick, across the road from T Bone is an Urban Cidery in a converted warehouse that will delight your palate and give a final insiders perspective on how a passionate maker turns fruit, water and microbial goodies into delicious craft drinks. Simple Cider is Hip and Funky, and artfully connecting with the community, a tour, tastings and relaxing in the Cider Garden is also a top finish to our day together.
So last stop is Brewery or Cidery.


We bid farewell from where we picked you up, or wherever you would like to be dropped off.

There are many venues to visit, and unfortunately we cannot visit all of the really excellent ones. Below is a list of our favourite ones. We can change the itinerary and visits for group bookings - especially on days other than our sitting tours (Friday's and Saturday's)


Derwent Estate Winery, https://www.derwentestate.com.au/
New Norfolk Distillery, https://www.newnorfolkdistillery.com/
Two Meter Tall Farmhouse Ale & Cider, https://2mt.com.au/
Lawrenny Estate Distillery https://www.lawrenny.com/
Plenty Cider https://www.plentycider.com.au/
Welcome Swallow Brewery https://www.welcomeswallow.com.au/
Derwent Distillery https://derwentdistillery.com.au/
Stefano Lubiana Winery https://www.slw.com.au/
Charles Reuben Estate https://charlesreuben.com.au/
Pooley Wines https://www.pooleywines.com.au/
T Bone Brewing Co https://www.tbonebrewing.com.au/
Last Rites Brewing Co https://www.lastritesbrewing.com.au/
Simple Cider https://simplecider.com.au/


A little bit more helpful information.
This full day tour is best shared with your partner or a small group of friends, but single travelers and explorers are also very welcome (as long as minimum numbers are met for the selected day)
Each tasting represents science, passion, risk and is accompanied with story, spread along a beautiful stretch of the Derwent River and through the Coal Valley. As warming and inviting as the tastings are, the emphasis of this tour is perhaps even more so on the environment and the sum of the parts, rather than just on the end product you will be tasting, smelling, savouring.

The land, the changing seasons, the river, the effort and the results all add up to a wonderful day that is as delicious as it is relaxing.
Inclusions Generous tastings at a minimum of four venues, led by venue Owners, the Makers or their friendly and knowledgeable staff. An abundance of quality information and authenticity. Transport in our spacious Renault Master Bus with climate control, large windows, reclining seats. Bottle purchases on the day to take home, or freight forwarding arranged. Guiding that is matched to the group with the right amount of story and local information. Optional mid-morning coffee Cheese platter for a light lunch Exclusions ?
This is a 7-8 hour fully guided tour with numerous expenses included, dispersed amongst many small businesses. We trust that this represents good value to you.




Private Tours
Please contact us direct for private tours, custom itineraries and preferred dates.



Capacity and Flexibility
We do have a minimum of 4 people for this tour to go ahead. Although, it is not so much the number of people, but the price point to make it viable. If you like this tour and its showing available on the day/s you want then please contact me for a custom quote for fewer than 4.

Pick up and communication
We can pick you up from anywhere in Hobart city - and we can recommend some good places to meet as well, especially if you require all day parking. If you require a pick up outside of the city then we can discuss that particular arrangement and hopefully be able to assist.
Our service is quite personalised and we can accommodate most requests including residential group pick up.
This tour is perfect for locals and visitors alike. Minimum age is 18 to be able taste. Comfortable shoes are recommended, but for people with restricted mobility hardly any walking at all is required to go from seat to seat to seat, so the tour can still be enjoyed.
Thank you:
We are a small family business supporting other small businesses by connecting happy people with them - locals and visitors alike. We specialise in small group tours around Southern Tasmania with a particular focus on the Derwent Valley.

Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park is a jewel in the crown of Tasmanian natural beauty and wonder.
Listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List as a place of exceptional natural beauty in the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA). Visit this trusted source published by Tasmania’s Parks and Wildlife Service for further information, and please, get excited!
A challenge for many however is accessibility, especially from Hobart. It is remote, but not out of reach, and once there you will feel a million miles from modern life.
Yes, it is an early start. We depart at 6am, but you take only what you need for the day - no extra accommodation or packing required. Amazingly, you will spend even more time within the National Park, experiencing the raw beauty and wildness than most other day or multi-day tours departing from much closer.
Our carefully planned and executed small group, fun and rewarding road trip - perfect for solo travelers, couples, families and friends offers:
up to five hours inside the National Park - plenty of time to complete one of the challenging hikes up to Marions Lookout and out again via Ronny Creek, or to walk the Dove Lake Circuit.
Enchanted Forest and drinking pure water straight from the river.
Park entry and shuttle bus ticket
Transport in an executive class bus, 11 passenger capacity, multiple phone charging (byo cord) climate control, reclining seats and plenty of luggage space.
Stops in crafty Deloraine for breakfast at Mamma Buzz café - one of the best in Tasmania, and then Empire Hotel for dinner on the return leg.
BYO picnic lunch - muesli bar, fruit, bread and cheese will do the trick
Depart 6am - Sunrise show heading north through rural Tasmania - stunning.
Sunset show on the return trip - arriving back in Hobart approximately 9pm.
Pick up and drop off at your Hotel / Accommodation in Hobart city.


Operating weekly in 2024 on set days, we also welcome requests for other dates and sometimes we can accommodate special requests.

Here is a recent review that gives a good sense of what to expect from a passenger's perspective:


B H
a month ago
Had our day trip to Cradle Mountain from Hobart with The Derwent Experience recently! It’s incredibly rare to find tours starting from Hobart as most begin from Launceston so we were lucky that Sam’s offering such tours. It was lovely meeting him as well, an incredibly friendly and warm-hearted guy!

Some other reasons why the Derwent Experience is a 10/10:
⭐️ the van is extremely clean and sleek. Comes with reclining chairs plus USB ports to charge your phones. No portable chargers needed!
⭐️ food options are amazing! We stopped at Deloraine for both our brunch and dinner - first at Mumma Buzz Cafe then dinner at Empire Hotel.
⭐️ Sam’s a seasoned and safe driver, so you’re definitely in good hands as he takes you through the winding yet scenic roads towards and back from Cradle Mountain.
Book your Cradle Mountain Day Trip with us now.


So, the bed you wake up from can be the bed you sleep in that night, and you only have to take what you need for the day. Yes, it is a big day, but it is quite simply the best way to experience Cradle Mountain from Hobart.


Why travel and spend the day with us?
Over the past few years, Sam has taken many groups to Cradle Mountain whilst also focusing on other tours and experiences closer to Hobart. It is not an easy place to get to, but here’s the thing...
Sam has lots of energy, loves driving, and believes that a big day to Cradle Mountain is the best way to appreciate Tasmania’s natural beauty and make the most of a single day.

Many have commented that this day trip and being able to fully experience the beauty of Cradle Mountain at their own pace for 3-4 hours has been the highlight of their time in Tasmania.


Safety.
You will be asked to sign a waiver at the group briefing upon arrival at Cradle Mountain Visitor Information Centre, and prior to boarding the shuttle bus that takes us down to Dove Lake. Weather conditions on the day will be absolutely top of mind, and the fact that conditions can change quickly will be discussed. We are not a walking, hiking or guiding service, and while we carry the necessary public liability insurances, we primarily offer this as a transport service for you to access Cradle Mountain National Park from Hobart.
The Driver will accompany the "slowest" member/s, or the least confident members of the group and will provide communication backup and basic first aid if required. It is absolutely paramount that individuals who choose their own trails return at the designated time so that group can leave together on time, and we all get back to Hobart at a reasonable hour - typically around 9 pm.


Are you ready for your greatest Tasmanian adventure yet?

This premium service is ideal for any occasion.
We offer a premium custom service for up to 11 people - which is ideal for the Wineries, Distilleries, Breweries and other places we visit. Tasmania is about doing the little things well.
There are so many venues and activities to select from and ways to deliver the pitch perfect day that is just right for your group. Our connections and knowledge of Tasmania - especially the Derwent Valley and surrounding areas, means that we can efficiently bring to life your special day.
In terms of activities we can arrange anything you like - Fly Fishing, Mountain Biking, Hunting, Golf, even a Celebrant. Or maybe it is just quality time together with a few classy visits, lots of tastings and even a picnic style BBQ lunch for a great day out.
Every one is unique.
We curate the day so that you are connecting with experts as well as gourmet food, whiskey, wine and so forth, even accommodation if required.
Although we specialise in the Derwent Valley and its surrounds such as the Central Highlands and down to Lake Pedder, we can readily take you to wherever you would like to visit.

This rate quoted here includes: Exclusive use of our Executive Class Renault Master Bus and driver for a full day and up to 300km. Capacity for up to 11 Adults (with plenty of luggage space) Consultation about the day by phone or email for as long as it takes to get the itinerary just right.
This is a base rate, and may have inclusions such as some tastings, a picnic style lunch for example. All other third party expenses are quoted separately. Once the final numbers and the itinerary is known, then a consolidated figure is quoted.
Deposit.
To secure your preferred date please contact Sam directly on 041 or email sam@derwentexperience.com.au

** This particular iteration is for flexible dates, and for small groups. Every date is open and possible, but needs to be checked first and confirmed against other tours and available resources ** Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park is a jewel in the crown of Tasmanian natural beauty and wonder.


A slight problem for many however is accessibility, especially from Hobart.
Sure, it is an early start as we depart at 6am but you take only what you need for the day - no extra accommodation or packing required.
We offer you and your group a return trip from Hobart to Cradle Mountain National Park with: up to five hours inside the National Park - plenty of time to complete one of the challenging hikes up to Marions Lookout or Hansons Peak, or to walk the Dove Lake Circuit, visit Waldheim or the beautiful Enchanted Forest walk. Park entry and shuttle bus ticket Transport in an executive class bus, 11 passenger capacity, multiple phone charging (byo cord) climate control, reclining seats and plenty of luggage space. Morning stop in Deloraine for breakfast at Mamma Buzz café - one the best in Tasmania, and then Empire Hotel for dinner on the return leg. Trail mix - this should do you for midday sustenance, or bring an apple/banana Depart 6am - Sunrise show heading north through rural Tasmania. Sunset show on the return trip - arriving back in Hobart approximately 9pm.



Imagine a relaxing drive to the park, headphones on or snoozing, beautiful countryside passing by, and then five hours inside the National Park - enough quality hiking and trail time, exploring and experiencing Cradle Mountain, Dove Lake and the stunning National Park that exists to protect this natural wonder.
This means that the bed you wake up from can be the bed you sleep in that night, and you only have to take what you need for the day. It is a big day out, but no bigger than a regular workday and an evening function or activity.


Why travel and spend the day with us?
Over the past few years, I have taken groups to Cradle Mountain for day trips on behalf of other companies whilst I also focused on my own tours and experiences along the Derwent River and surrounding areas. It is not an easy place to get to from Hobart, often being a day stop on a much larger trip. But here is the thing...
I have lots of energy, I love driving, and I believe a big day ex-Hobart is an efficient way to step into natural beauty and make the most out of a single day.
My goal is to make this a viable weekly day trip that travelers can rely upon.


Safety.
Weather conditions on the day will be absolutely top of mind, and the fact that conditions can change quickly will be discussed. We are not a walking, hiking or guiding service, and while we carry the necessary public liability insurances, we primarily offer this as a transport service for you to access Cradle Mountain National Park from Hobart.
The Driver / Guide will guide you to the head of the Trail at Dove Lake, and make sure that all options are unmistakably clear. You then walk on at your own pace. It is absolutely paramount that individuals who choose their own trails return at the designated time so that group can leave together on time, and we all get back to Hobart at a reasonable hour - no later than 10 pm (earlier if possible)