Whether you're a whisky enthusiast exploring the Tasmanian Whisky Trail or just want to sip a dram in style, use this guide to find the best place to stay in Tasmania and visit famous distilleries like Lark and Sullivans Cove. From dram-tastic hotels in Hobart to Launceston's lively lodgings, we've put together the best places to stay for Whisky Lovers touring Tasmania.
Hobart Hotels (Sullivans Cove, Lark, Overeem)
Hobart offers the widest range of distilleries easily accessible as day trips. On our recent trip to Tasmania we chose to base ourselves in Hobart as it allowed us to visit a large number of distilleries and whisky bars with only a short drive (or Uber). In Hobart you'll find a large portion of the world-renowned Tasmanian distilleries such as Sullivans Cove, Lark (distillery tours in Pontville/north Hobart only) and Overeem (our favourite tour/tasting experience), as well as Killara and Spring Bay. It is also an easy day trip to visit McHenry Distillery (Port Arthur), Hartshorn (ewes-milk vodka and whisky) and Willie Smiths Cidery/Distillery.
The Henry Jones Art Hotel
The reason we recommend the Henry Jones as one of the best places to stay for whisky lovers as their IXL Long Bar has over 150 whiskies available to try (many from Tassie of course, including Overeem, Launceston, Lark, Spring Bay and Hellyers Road). Being able to sample drams without leaving the hotel is a major perk, though the other reason to stay at the Henry Jones Art Hotel is the Art! They have 400 pieces of contemporary work on display by Tasmanian artists, with all of them available for purchase. Each of their rooms is unique, combining elements of timber, raw stone and a variety of artworks. They are also conveniently positioned close The Still (Lark's modern bar) and Lark Cellar Door (cosy tasting room), and to the ferry that takes you straight to Mona. Click here to see rates for the The Henry Jones Art Hotel.
MACq 01 is the sister hotel of The Henry Jones. This modern boutique hotel on Hobart's waterfront offers a whisky concierge to advise on Tasmanian distilleries and tastings during your stay, with several on-site drinking options available. Their luxurious Evolve Spirits Bar has won Australia's Hotel Bar of the Year and Tasmania's Best Bar, and in addition to their elaborate whisky list, they host Monthly Whisky Showcases. The more relaxed Story Bar has a rather extensive Gin and Whisky menu, and if you get a bit peckish, there's always the Old Wharf Restaurant. They're also a short walk to Lark Cellar Door, The Still, and Gold Bar.
Grand Chancellor Hobart
Also located on Hobart's waterfront, this the Grand Chancellor Hotel is in easy walking distance to some of the city's best whisky bars, including Lark Pot Still and Lark Cellar Door, however, their on-site Atrium Bar also has a selection of Tasmanian gins (Lawrenny, Southern Wild) and whiskies (Lark, Hellyers, Belgrove). Click here to see rates for the Grand Chancellor Hobart.
Hadley's Orient Hotel
This National Trust-listed Victorian-era hotel, with beautifully restored heritage features, is within walking distance to Hobart's whisky bars and has a whisky lounge on-site. The Orient Bar is a classy, old-world bar that offers a large range of Tasmanian wines, whiskies and local ales. The Orient Hotel won a silver medal at the Tasmanian Tourism Awards in 2023 and is the home of Hadley's Art Prize, an acquisitive art award which is building a collection of significant Australian landscape art so hotel guests and members of the public can enjoy them. Click here to see rates for Hadley's Orient Hotel.
Islington Boutique Hotel
This luxury adults-only retreat is set on 11 acres just outside Hobart and offers exceptional views of Mt Wellington. The hotel has a cognac and whisky library in the Drawing Room where you can sample rare Tasmanian whiskies in a tranquil setting. Take a stroll through the Islington gardens and savour the shifting seasons on sun-drenched terraces or by crackling fire. Click here to see rates for the Islington Boutique Hotel.
Launceston Lodgings (Launceston, Adams, Fannys Bay)
Launceston is the second largest city in Tasmania behind Hobart, and two distilleries - Launceston Distillery and Adams Distillery. Fannys Bay Distillery is a 45 minute drive north east, while Bogan Road Distillery is 45 minutes south west.
Offers whisky tour packages and is near the Tamar Valley Wine Route. The Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston is a short 7 minute walk to The Barrel Collective whisky bar and a 12 minute walk to
This 4-star boutique hotel has an on-site restaurant and bar stocking Tasmanian whiskies. It's centrally located in Launceston’s CBD, and not far from The Barrel Collective Whisky Bar and Kingsway Whisky Bar.
Stylish accommodation located in the former grain silos at Kings Wharf, the Silo Hotel has its own bar (Woody’s Barrel Bar).
Devonport Digs (Hellyers Road, Southern Wild)
Devonport is a large port town on the north coast of Tasmania, and where you can catch the Spirit of Tasmania ferry back to the mainland. You'll also find Southern Wild Distillery (in Devonport), Wilmott Hills Orchard Distillery (34 minutes south), Hellyers Road (34 minutes west, near Burnie) and another 30 minutes further, Alchymia Distillery.
Novotel Devonport
The Novotel Hotel in Devonport is located on the waterfront, just around the corner from the Southern Wild Distillery, and opposite the terminal for the Spirit of Tasmania.
Madsen Boutique Hotel is located right on the waters edge within the town of Penguin an 18 minute drive to Hellyers Road Distillery. The Madsen Boutique Hotel has been recognised by the Luxury Travel Guide as the Best Luxury Sea View Hotel (2017 and 2018), and they made the Trip Advisor Hall of Fame in 2018. The town is known for its population of Fairy Penguins, as well as hosting the largest under-cover market in Tasmania on Sundays (where over 200 vendors sell local food, wine, and crafts).
Black Rock Retreat is located between the towns of Penguin and Burnie, situated atop a hill with magnificent views of Bass Strait. This is the perfect location if you want something a little more remote to enjoy the views in peace and quiet, though they're only a 12 minute drive to Hellyers Road Distillery. Click here to see rates for the Black Rock Retreat.
Bicheno Beds (Waubs Harbour, Iron House)
Bicheno is a wee coastal town 2.5 hours north east of Hobart. It has long been a favourite destination for nature lovers (especially if you want to go hiking, diving or fishing, and see fairy penguins) as it lies between between Douglas-Apsley National Park and Freycinet National Park. It is also a good spot to stop for a night or two, as Waubs Harbour Distillery is located there, and it is only a 30 minute drive to Iron House Brewery Distillery.
Bicheno By the Bay
Bicheno by the Bay is a 2 minute walk to the town centre of Bicheno, and a short 7 minute walk from Waubs Harbour Distillery. Their free standing timber cottages have stunning views of the Freycinet Peninsula.
Bicheno Garden Cottages
Located just 200m from Waubs Beach, and an 8 minute walk from Waubs Harbor Distillery the Bicheno Garden Cottages are brand new (2023) accommodations, located behind the Gaol House and School House Cottages (which you can also stay at if you prefer a more heritage style - they're all managed by the same team). Click here to see rates for the Bicheno Garden Cottages.
Want more information on where to find all the distilleries in Tasmania (or the rest of Australia!) - then have a look at our interactive Australian Distilleries Map.
After reading your blog I have a lot of information about the best places to stay in Tasmania. When I go there I would like to stay at Peppers Silo Hotel. For now, I am busy with my tour to vegas preparation.
I’m so glad you found our website helpful!
in 1998 we hand the good fortune to visit Tasmania .Whilst there we went to the Lark distillery.,where we purchased their 1st release of single malt .The outer cardboard box being signed by all the staff.
The bottle has not been touched ,though temptation sometimes has nearly won, and is still wrapped in the original tissue. As I get older I wonder if it would be of any use in a whisky museum or whatever. If you have any ideas please let me know .
Stanley Hyman UK
regards
Hi Stanley. That is a wonderful bottle of Tasmania’s history to have in your possession! The best people to contact about perhaps putting it in a museum are Lark themselves – https://larkdistillery.com/pages/contact# . They will know if there are any collectors or museums that might be wanting to add your bottle to their collection. Lark have their own museum, and they already have one of these bottles, however I’m sure they’d love to hear from you. -Amanda