EATING OUT
Whether you’re looking for a pub with killer brews and views or a restaurant almost on the sand, there’s no shortage of top spots right on the water
Our definitive list of the top bars and restaurants to enjoy a brew or a fresh catch of seafood this summer
We’re lucky in Tasmania to be so close to nature. So often, busy lives hold us back from connecting with all the goodness the outdoors has to offer. Here’s how to wring the most out of the longest summer days in Australia. Kick off your heels, relax, and head for these places where you can eat and drink with sand between your toes.
HOBART The Glass House
Luxurious furnishings and the 270-degree water view across Sullivans Cove add to the old-school glamorous vibe. Locally sourced food (including Huon salmon sashimi, Flinders Island lamb and Scottsdale pork), wine, craft beer, whisky and cocktails are served at this waterfront dining bar. It’s a place to take visitors, or have a pre-show dinner or drink. Brooke St Pier; open daily, noon-late, kitchen closes at 10pm. 6223 1032
Cornelian Bay Boathouse
Soak in the beautiful views over the bay to Tasman Bridge from a heritage-listed boatshed five minutes from the CBD. Try the popular Boathouse seafood chowder, scallops and prawns. Open daily for lunch from noon, and for dinner Wednesday to Saturday, from 6pm. 6228 9289
Seagrass Long Point, Sandy Bay
The former team from Catch reopened this Sandy Bay dining venue (formerly Prossers On The Beach) as a casual all-day cafe in September. A perfect location if you want sunrise with brunch or a sandy walk after your miso salmon belly. Open daily, 8.30am-4.30pm, and on Fridays until 8pm. 6295 5370
The Salty Dog Hotel, Kingston
Where kedgeree meets mirror ball! A makeover on this 1970s beachside pub has upped the vibe at Kingston Beach. Watch the waves break on the sand from the airy front dining room, or get your live music fix on Sunday afternoons in the north-facing beer garden, where dogs are welcome on leads. Kingston; open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-10pm. 6229 6185
SOUTH EAST Peppermint Bay Hotel, Woodbridge
Just a 35-minute drive from Hobart, perched on the water’s edge with views of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and Bruny Island. Lunch or dinner on the terrace is especially special when a pod of dolphins turns up in the bay. Open daily, 9am-5pm, and for dinner Thursday to Saturday, 5.30-9pm. 6267 4088
NORTH EAST / EAST Bridport Bunker Club, Bridport
Popular with locals, it’s stiff competition for the best table on the deck looking over the white sands of Bridport and Anderson Bay. Fresh local seafood is a feature; try the pankocrumbed Bridport scallops. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 11am-7pm, and Sundays for lunch only. 6356 1146
Barnbougle Spa, Bridport
The Taste of Vitality Spa ($55 per person for one hour by appointment for 1-3 people) includes a glass of Jansz and killer views over white dunes, green trees and aqua Bass Strait. Or book a table at Lost Farm restaurant perched on top of a dune. Open daily. 6356 0094
Lichen Restaurant Cafe, Binalong Bay
A welcome reopening of Binalong Bay’s only eatery serving wood-fired pizzas, breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.
Early online reviews suggest there might be a bit of bedding in to do after the spring opening but it would be hard to spoil the beach view from the balcony. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 9am-late. 6376 8086
Brewhaus Cafe & Bar, White Sands Estate, Four Mile Creek
If you’ve found your way here, you might want to book a room, too, especially as the resort comes with a pool overlooking the East Coast’s white sands. Chef John T. Bailey heads up the kitchen here. Open daily, 11.30am-late. 6372 2228
Edge of the Bay Resort, Coles Bay
Do you want the views of Saffire without having to pay the room price? Next door’s Edge of the Bay Resort restaurant is open to the public every evening, seven nights a week, and offers naked oysters and ‘fish of the moment’ along with your local East Coast sparkling. Open daily for dinner, from 5.30pm. 6257 0102
Piermont Retreat, 3km south of Swansea
Open to non-guests (subject to availability) and lunch from Christmas to April. Try fine-dining outdoors and book an Argentinian asado barbecue (for groups of 15) overlooking the Hazards and Great Oyster Bay. Open daily for dinner, from 6pm, and from 10am for lunch from December 21. 6257 8131
Hazards Bar & Lounge, Freycinet Lodge, Coles Bay
Local beers, wines and ciders, and whisky tastings to boot ($37.50 per person). One of the best spots to view sunset from the Hazards, and just a short stroll from the golden sands of Richardsons Beach. Open daily, 3pm-late. 6257 0101
NORTH Coxswains Cafe, Low Head
A tiny gem of a cafe at river’s edge in the Low Head Pilot Station precinct. You’ll find romantic white sands and driftwood at nearby Pilots Bay. Open daily, 10am-4pm. 0467 822 826
Riley’s On The River, Swan Point
The former old shop at the river’s edge that reopened last winter as a cafe is proving a popular spot for West Tamar locals. Just a few steps and you’re strolling on Paper Beach. Open Friday to Monday, 9.30am-4.30pm. 0401 723 656 Cove Restaurant & Bar at Peppers York Cove, George Town A top spot, overlooking posh yachts moored at the marina, to watch the setting sun and rising moon reflected in the Tamar River. Open for inside and outside dining. Share plates for two are the go (at $70-$80), starring local seafood, produce and meats. Open Monday to Saturday, 5-8pm, for dinner. 6382 9990
NORTH WEST Beach Hut Coffee, Ulverstone
Tucked out of the way almost in the dunes at Buttons Beach, a dog-friendly, relaxed cafe known for its healthy meals, coffee, ice-creams and Sunday brunches. Open daily, 9am-4pm. 6425 9387
Drift Cafe & Restaurant, Devonport
Doors open straight onto the beach at Mersey Bluff; sandy feet and wetsuits welcome. Study the separate burger menu (includes a soft-shell crab slider in a brioche bun). Open daily, 11am-4pm, Fridays until 10pm, Saturdays 8.30am-10pm, Sundays 9am-4pm. 6424 4695
Le Mar Cafe Providore, Turners Beach
The corn fritters are TripAdvisor favourites at this relaxed beachside cafe, which serves homemade deli delights, all-day brunches, fresh juices and smoothies, and vegan options. You can dine in or take away. Open daily, 7am-4pm, Fridays until 5pm, and Sundays from 8am. 6428 3621
Splash Cafe, Wynyard
In an old boatshed next to a caravan park with views of Table Cape; locals go for the squid, scallops and fish and chips with their seal and whale watching, just 20m from Wynyard Beach. Open daily, 8.30am-3.30pm, and Saturday to Sunday, 8am-4pm. 6442 5333