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From the shores of Devonport to the heart of Hobart, Tasmania's gin scene has blossomed into a vibrant celebration of flavor, history, and innovation. What better way to explore it all than by campervan? Travel at your own pace, park near iconic distilleries, and sip your way through Tasmania’s rich botanical heritage.
The story of Tasmanian gin
Gin in Tasmania boasts a rich history dating back to the 1800s, when early settlers introduced the spirit from England. Initially enjoyed by the colonial elite through imports, local distillers soon began crafting their own versions using native botanicals like juniper berries, lavender, and lemon myrtle, resulting in distinct flavors celebrated across small family-run distilleries. Prohibition in the 1920s forced many of these operations to close, but a resurgence in the 1990s revived Tasmania's gin scene, aligning with the global rise of craft spirits.
Today, Tasmania hosts numerous award-winning gin distilleries, renowned for their unique production methods and locally sourced ingredients. Botanicals like Tasmanian Mountain pepperberry and Kunzea are used by distilleries such as Bright Night Gin to create exceptional, locally inspired flavors. Tasmania's stunning natural landscapes, from rugged mountains to pristine beaches, provide an ideal environment for gin production, while the island's vibrant food and drink scene continues to attract visitors eager to taste its distinctive artisanal spirits firsthand.
Tasmanian Gin's Unique Flavor Journey
Tasmania's gin distillers pride themselves on utilizing a diverse array of botanicals, both native and exotic, that contribute to the distinctive flavors of their gins. Among these botanicals, Tasmanian pepperberry is particularly notable for its spicy and fruity notes, akin to black pepper, which lends a bold character to gins like Bright Night Gin's offerings. Lemon myrtle, another indigenous ingredient, adds a refreshing citrusy zest, while Tasmanian native wattle seed introduces a nutty, woody essence derived from the acacia tree, commonly used in Australian cuisine.
Adding to this botanical tapestry is Kunzea, an earthy and herbaceous plant grown locally, enriching Tasmanian gins with its unique flavor profile. These botanicals, alongside traditional juniper and others, collectively define Tasmania's gin as distinctly flavorful and complex. Renowned for their craftsmanship and use of local resources, Tasmania's gin distillers craft spirits that reflect the island's rich natural heritage, captivating gin enthusiasts worldwide with their innovative blends and evocative tastes.
Why Explore Tasmania’s Gin Scene with a Campervan?
Traveling by campervan offers unparalleled freedom to experience Tasmania’s world-class gin distilleries and breathtaking landscapes. From rugged coastlines to lush valleys, the island’s campervan-friendly routes lead you to award-winning distilleries like Southern Wild Distillery in Devonport and Forty Spotted Gin Bar in Hobart. Park nearby, enjoy the local flavors, and settle down for the night surrounded by nature.
Now let's embark on a journey through Tasmania's thriving gin distilleries, where each sip tells a story of innovation, craftsmanship, and the rich botanical tapestry that defines the island's unique gin-making tradition:
A Campervan-Friendly Journey Through Tasmania’s Best Gin Distilleries
Pure Mist in Geeveston
Starting with a unique twist, welcome to Pure Mist, where nature's purity meets the art of distilling. Nestled in Tasmania's pristine Huon Valley, Pure Mist is a brand inspired by the magic of Winter mist, which forms the foundation of our creations. Their award-winning water, crowned World's Best Low Mineral Water (2023 Fine Water Awards), sets the standard for every bottle they craft. It’s this commitment to excellence that has earned Pure Mist its place among the world’s finest gin makers. At Pure Mist, they blend tradition with innovation, capturing the essence of Tasmania in every sip. From thier flagship Lemon Myrtle Gin, a citrusy celebration of summer, to their exclusive and limited-edition offerings, each creation is a story of craftsmanship and place.
Their accolades speak their dedication:
Silver Medal, 2024 Royal Melbourne Spirit Awards (Lemon Myrtle Gin)
Silver Medal, 2024 Mediterranean Gin
Bronze Medal, 2024 Tasmanian Raspberry Gin
Double Bronze, 2024 Gin & Tonic
Silver Medal, 2024 Raspberry Gin and Lemonade
More than just a distillery, Pure Mist is a celebration of Tasmania’s untamed beauty, captured in its purest form. Explore our world of gins, where every drop tells a story of mist, mountains, and meticulous craft.
Southern Wild Distillery in Devonport
Nestled in Tasmania's pristine North-West wilderness, Southern Wild Distillery is a testament to the island's rich history and natural beauty. Since its founding in 2017, Southern Wild has become synonymous with artisanal excellence, crafting exceptional gins that embody Tasmania's adventurous spirit. Whether you're a connoisseur or newcomer, Southern Wild invites you to savor the essence of Tasmania through our meticulously crafted spirits, each sip a tribute to quality, craftsmanship, and the wild spirit of the island.
Forty Spotted Distillery in Hobart
They made waves with their famed Pinot Noir gin. Their innovative spirit extends to the Gin(bar), an inviting haven in Hobart where enthusiasts can savor their entire range at leisure, amidst the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Helfire Bluff Distillery in Boomer Bay
Hellfire Distillery crafts a selection of Tasmanian Gins and Liqueurs, emphasizing premium ingredients and small-batch production for artisanal spirits of exceptional quality. The Hellfire gin collection has garnered acclaim at esteemed competitions globally
Furneaux Distillery on Flinders Island
Renowned not only for their exemplary whisky but also for capturing the rugged allure of Tasmania's maritime heritage in each batch they produce. They also produce a London Dry style with an island twist. Foraged botanicals give a herbaceous depth to a beautifully light juniper and citrus-driven palate.
Killara Distillery in Richmond
Their unique 600-litre copper pot still, designed and built by Aircon Industries in Hobart, features an unconventional top-mounted condenser, reminiscent of my childhood still. This design yields our smooth, distinctive spirit, eagerly anticipated for sharing. Committed to community, they prioritize locally sourced ingredients and partnerships with small, like-minded businesses.This place beckons every second Friday with laid-back afterwork gatherings, offering a perfect opportunity to relish their distinctive gins amidst a warm, welcoming ambiance.
Sud Polaire in Hobart
Crafted in small batches and bottled by hand, Süd Polaire gin epitomizes artisanal distillation in Tasmania. Distilled from the purest hearts of triple-distilled wine spirit, it stands out as an exceptional martini gin. Infused with ten organic botanicals, including juniper, hand-cut lemon and grapefruit peel, Southern Ocean kombu, orris root, cassia bark, and local mountain pepper berries and leaves, each vapor infusion ensures a transcendent flavor experience. Their gin is defined by its glacial purity and the invigorating essence of Antarctica—a dry gin that captures the spirit of the Antarctic winds.
Nonesuch Distillery in Forcett
Champions the essence of "place" with their locally-inspired gins, utilizing botanicals native to Tasmania alongside classic ingredients. Their Sloe Gin, crafted from sloes harvested from historic hedgerows across the state, encapsulates the spirit of Tasmania's diverse landscapes.
Spring Bay Distillery
Located amidst Tasmania's breathtaking coastal beauty, the art of gin-making unfolds, promising a journey through taste and tradition that celebrates Tasmania's natural purity.
Campervan-Friendly Gin Festival in Hobart
Each October, Tasmania hosts its own vibrant celebration of gin at the Gin Festival. This eagerly anticipated event offers attendees an unparalleled experience to indulge in unlimited tastings of Tasmanian and Australian gins, paired sensibly with tonic and soda water.
As you explore stalls from 40 esteemed craft distillers, you'll have the chance to engage directly with these artisans, learn about their techniques, and acquire exclusive bottles to take home. Long Rays mixers, proud sponsors of the festival, ensure that every gin and tonic poured is of the highest quality, enhancing your tasting journey.
With food trucks adding to the festive atmosphere, the Gin Festival promises a weekend where enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the diverse and dynamic world of Australian gins, celebrating everything from classic juniper profiles to innovative flavored creations infused with native botanicals and locally-sourced ingredients.
Top Tips for a Tasmanian Gin Adventure in a Campervan
Plan Distillery Stops: Use Tasvanlife’s itineraries to map out your journey, including must-visit distilleries and campervan-friendly camping spots.
Stay Overnight Nearby: Many distilleries are close to free camping or caravan parks, so you can safely enjoy tastings without the need to drive far afterward.
Enjoy Local Flavors: Many distilleries, like Furneaux Distillery on Flinders Island, incorporate Tasmanian botanicals, offering a unique taste of the island.
Sip in Style: Savor the essence of Tasmania with every sip from your Uprising Glassware collection, created by young Tassie entrepreneur Kurt. These exquisitely crafted glasses honor the breathtaking landscapes of Cradle Mountain, Wineglass Bay, and Bay of Fires, and are designed to enhance the finest flavors of Lutruwita/Tasmania. Plus, 5% of each sale supports environmental conservation efforts—raise a glass to a new adventure!
Book Your Campervan and Explore Tasmania’s Gin Scene
Ready to hit the road? Book your campervan with Tasvanlife and enjoy the freedom to explore Tasmania’s gin distilleries at your own pace. From Devonport to Hobart and beyond, your journey promises a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable flavors.
FAQs for Campervan Travelers Exploring Tasmania’s Gin Scene
Q: Can I park my campervan near distilleries in Tasmania?
A: Absolutely! Many distilleries, such as Pure Mist in the Huon Valley and Southern Wild in Devonport, are located near campervan-friendly camping spots.
Q: How do I plan a campervan-friendly gin tour in Tasmania?
A: Tasvanlife offers tailored itineraries that include distillery visits, scenic camping locations, and insider tips on exploring Tasmania’s gin scene.
To sip it up...
The rise of Tasmania's gin distilleries is a tribute to the island's rich heritage and the unwavering commitment of its distillers. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or an adventurous traveler, exploring these small Tasmanian gin distilleries promises a voyage of discovery—one where every sip reflects Tasmania's spirit and craftsmanship. Raise a glass to the essence of Tasmania in every botanical-infused drop. Cheers to the spirit of exploration and the artistry of Tasmanian gin.
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