The 10 Most Popular Lunch Experiences In Hobart

Hobart is a city that offers much more than just good coffee and hearty meals; it’s a place where lunch becomes an experience. Whether you crave fresh seafood with ocean views, a scenic island escape, or a private behind-the-scenes tour of Tasmania’s distilling craft, Hobart’s diverse options won’t disappoint. We’re particularly fond of the Maria Island Cruise and Guided Walk for its wildlife encounters and convict history, and the Bruny Island Tour for its unbeatable mix of food, scenery, and local tales. For a truly indulgent day, the Tasmanian Seafood Gourmet Cruise combines fresh shellfish with scenic waterways. Whatever your style, Hobart’s lunch experiences promise memorable flavors and sights that go beyond the plate.

Quick Overview

Our list covers a wide range of lunch experiences: from full-day cruises including gourmet seafood, to island tours with local tastings, scenic flights over rugged wilderness, and exclusive distillery visits. Each offers an authentic taste of Tasmania’s natural beauty and culinary delights. For instance, the Maria Island Cruise and Guided Walk provides wildlife sightings and convict history, while the Bruny Island Tour combines lighthouse views with cheese, oysters, and local wines. Below, we explore each experience in detail to help you choose the perfect Hobart lunch adventure.

1. Maria Island Cruise and Guided Walk Day Tour with Lunch and Drinks

At number 1 on our list, this eight-hour day tour offers a rare blend of scenery, wildlife, and history. You’ll cruise Tasmania’s scenic isles, with the chance to spot fur seals, albatross, dolphins, and whales during migration. The cruise is complimented by a guided walk around Maria Island’s UNESCO-listed convict settlement, where you’ll see relics of Tasmania’s penal past. The tour includes lunch at a remote beach and live commentary that enriches every moment.

What makes this experience stand out is its combination of wildlife encounters and geological wonders, along with the chance for free time or a structured historic tour. The crew is praised for their professionalism and the trip’s comfort, with reviews highlighting dolphins “playing alongside the boat” and seals “napping on the rocks.” This trip suits nature lovers and history buffs alike, especially those eager to escape the city for a full day of rugged beauty and native animals.

Bottom Line: A full-day, wildlife-rich, scenic cruise with optional history walk and a remote lunch spot—perfect for active travelers wanting to see Tasmania’s wild side.

2. Hobart: Bruny Island Tour with Hotel Lunch & Lighthouse Tour

Spending a day on Bruny Island guarantees a combination of spectacular landscapes and local flavors. This 10-hour guided tour includes a visit to Cape Bruny Lighthouse, one of Tasmania’s iconic landmarks, and a delicious lunch at Hotel Bruny. You’ll also indulge in fresh oysters, cheese, honey, and fudge—real treats for food lovers.

The guide has led thousands of tours, making the experience both smooth and insightful. The Cape Bruny Lighthouse Tour is a highlight, with scenic vistas and stories from a local who grew up nearby. The food stops are carefully curated, emphasizing the region’s artisan producers. Reviews rave about the “great views,” “friendly service,” and “delicious food,” making it a top choice for those seeking a blend of outdoors and gourmet tastings.

Bottom Line: Full of scenic views and local tastings, this tour is ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with the best of Tasmanian produce.

3. Southwest Tasmania Wilderness Experience: Fly Cruise and Walk Including Lunch

For adventure and wilderness fans, this eight-hour tour offers a rare chance to see Tasmania’s largest national park by land, air, and water. It starts with a scenic flight from Hobart, flying over the rugged Southwest National Park, part of the Tasmania Wilderness World Heritage Area. After landing, you’ll cruise Melaleuca Inlet and Bathurst Harbour, then stretch your legs on a bush walk through untouched forests.

What sets this tour apart is its combination of scenic flight and remote wilderness exploration. The reviews highlight the “insane views” and “fabulous pilots,” with many describing it as “epic” and “a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” The lunch, included in the tour, features local Tasmanian produce in an awe-inspiring setting. This experience suits travelers who love nature, adventure, and cutting-edge scenery away from crowds.

Bottom Line: Perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers wanting to see Tasmania’s wilderness from the sky and ground—an unforgettable day.

4. Peppermint Bay Cruise & Lunch

This half-day cruise from Hobart is all about relaxing on the water and enjoying lunch at Peppermint Bay Hotel. Departing from Hobart, you’ll travel by catamaran along the Derwent River, with the chance to see dolphins, seals, and possibly whales during the cruise. Once ashore, a sit-down lunch with local ingredients awaits, offering a taste of Tasmania’s seafood and produce.

The cruise is well-rated, with many reviews praising the “magnificent food,” “friendly crew,” and “beautiful scenery.” It’s a great option for those short on time but still wanting a scenic water experience and a quality meal. The relaxed pace and stunning river vistas make this a family-friendly pick for a laid-back day.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a scenic cruise with a delicious waterfront lunch, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

5. Hobart: Historic Lunch Cruise

This 1.5-hour boat tour offers a quick but charming way to see Hobart from the water, with live captain’s commentary. You’ll pass landmarks like the Tasman Bridge, Salamanca Place, and the Wrest Point Casino. Lunch is served onboard, providing a casual yet scenic setting for a mid-day meal.

Reviews mention the “great views,” and the “friendly, informative crew,” making it a good choice for travelers wanting a taste of Hobart’s waterfront without a full-day commitment. The focus on sights and local stories makes this a practical, well-priced option for a relaxed lunch with a view.

Bottom Line: Short, scenic, and informative—perfect for those with limited time looking to combine sightseeing and a casual meal.

6. Tasmanian Seafood Gourmet Full-Day Cruise Including Lunch

This eight-hour small-group tour is a seafood lover’s dream. Departing from Hobart’s Franklin Wharf, you’ll cruise along waterways toward Bruny Island, where your guides will hunt for sea urchin, abalone, and rock lobster. The gourmet seafood lunch is prepared on board, featuring freshly caught regional delicacies. You’ll also explore deserted beaches and scenic coves.

Guests praise the freshness of the seafood and the knowledge of the guides, with reviews calling it the “best tour ever” and “off the scale in freshness and preparation.” The tour’s small-group size ensures an intimate experience, making it perfect for serious foodies. The only downside might be the price, but most agree it’s worth it for the quality and authenticity.

Bottom Line: For seafood enthusiasts, this full-day gourmet cruise offers a true taste of Tasmania’s ocean bounty in an unforgettable setting.

7. Cambridge Hobart Wine & Spirits Tour- Optional Lunch of Choice

Offering a customizable experience, this 6.5-hour tour takes you to four carefully selected distilleries. You choose three of four options, from single malt whisky at Spring Bay Distillery to boutique gins and rums. Each stop lets you meet the passionate artisans behind Tasmania’s craft spirits.

Guests highlight the “diversity of tastings” and the personalized nature of the tour. The tour includes a lunch of your choice, making it flexible for different appetites and preferences. The guide’s local knowledge adds depth to each visit, and the intimate groups mean you can ask plenty of questions. The only potential issue is the relatively high price, but the quality and education make it worthwhile for spirits aficionados.

Bottom Line: Perfect for spirit lovers eager for a personalized, behind-the-scenes look at Tasmania’s distilling scene, with flexible lunch options.

8. Private Tassie Distillery Tour – Tastings, Lunch and Morning Tea

This full-day private tour offers an exclusive look into Tasmania’s craft distilling world. Starting with morning tea and local cheeses, you’ll visit three distilleries including Spring Bay, Killara, and Hobart Whisky. The experience features tastings of ‘new make’ spirits, and you even get to see whisky in its early stages.

What makes this tour special is its personalized approach—you get to meet the distillers and learn their stories. With a small group, the experience becomes intimate and tailored. One review mentions the “delightful staff” and “fabulous food,” making it clear this is a luxurious, education-focused day. It’s suited for connoisseurs or anyone eager for an in-depth behind-the-scenes view.

Bottom Line: An exclusive, tailored experience for spirits enthusiasts who want a private, detailed look at Tasmania’s distilling craftsmanship.

9. Bruny Island Food, Sightseeing, Guided Lighthouse Tour & Lunch

This full-day tour is a food lover’s dream—perfect for those who want a combination of tasty treats and scenic views. You’ll visit oyster farms, cheese producers, and honey shops, all while exploring Bruny Island’s rugged coastline and landmarks like The Neck and Cape Bruny Lighthouse.

The lunch is a highlight—freshly prepared, featuring local ingredients. Reviews describe the tour as “well coordinated,” with “great scenery,” and “brilliant” for the combination of food and sightseeing. It’s ideal for travelers who want a relaxed pace, plenty of tastings, and natural beauty. The ferry ride is included, adding to the adventure.

Bottom Line: A well-rounded day of food, scenic spots, and lighthouse history—great for foodies and nature lovers alike.

10. Hobart Small Group Shore Excursion – Wildlife, Lunch and Wine

Designed for cruise passengers, this 7-hour small-group tour offers a personal take on Hobart’s wildlife, wineries, and local cuisine. Highlights include a visit to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and a tasty two-course lunch with local wine at Merrick’s General Store.

Travel in a luxury Mercedes and enjoy a relaxed, intimate experience. One review notes the “wonderful day exploring Hobart,” and the guide’s “positive attitude” makes the tour memorable. It’s perfect for travelers with limited time who want a manageable yet rich taste of Hobart’s wildlife and culinary scene.

Bottom Line: An efficient, personable way to combine wildlife, regional wines, and a tasty lunch in a small-group setting.

How to Choose

When deciding among Hobart’s lunch experiences, consider your interests and schedule. Want a full day immersed in wildlife and scenery? The Maria Island Cruise or the Seafood Gourmet Cruise deliver stunning landscapes and fresh food. Eager to explore Tasmania’s island life? The Bruny Island Tour combines picturesque scenery with local delicacies. For those interested in spirits and distilling, the Cambridge Hobart Wine & Spirits Tour offers a customizable, behind-the-scenes look. Budget, time, and fitness level all matter—shorter options like the Hobart Historic Lunch Cruise suit a quick visit, while full-day tours demand more planning.

Booking early is wise, especially during peak seasons, to secure spots on popular excursions.

Final Thoughts

From full-day cruises with gourmet seafood to island tours filled with local tastings, Hobart offers a range of lunch experiences that combine natural beauty with culinary excellence. For the active traveler, the Southwest Wilderness Fly Cruise provides breathtaking scenery, while food lovers will enjoy the Bruny Island Tour or the Seafood Cruise for their fresh catches. If you’re seeking a more intimate, educational experience, the Private Tassie Distillery Tour is hard to beat.

No matter your preference, these tours show off Hobart’s culinary and scenic riches. To ensure a spot, especially during busy months, it’s best to book early so you can enjoy a memorable midday escape in Tasmania’s charming capital.