Take the Tasting Trail from the Spirit of Tasmania to Cradle Mountain

Driving from the Spirit of Tasmania to Cradle Mountain? Don’t rush it. Turn the drive into a 2-3 day food and drink adventure through some of North West Tasmania’s best farm gates, cellar doors and local producers.

Starting in Devonport, taste your way through Belgian-style chocolate, locally roasted coffee, cool-climate wine, craft cider, truffles and Tasmanian honey as you travel inland towards Sheffield and Cradle Mountain.

The distances are easy, the detours are delicious and there’s plenty to discover along the way. Stay a night or two, meet the makers and make the journey to Cradle Mountain part of the holiday.

Just off the Spirit? Start with breakfast

Early start after an overnight sailing? Head straight to Anvers Chocolate Factory in Latrobe. Grab breakfast and a coffee, stretch your legs and ease into your first morning in Tasmania – with a little handcrafted chocolate on the side, of course.

Anvers Chocolate Factory
Start your Tasting Trail adventure with handcrafted Belgian-style chocolates at this Latrobe institution. Browse the Chocolate Museum, peek into the working factory and taste a few favourites before hitting the road. 🍫

Leaping Goat Coffee Co.
Swing by the roastery café in Spreyton for a perfectly brewed cup and something tasty for the drive. Beans are roasted on site, Gavin, Jess and the team know their stuff and it’s only minutes from town. ☕️

La Villa Wines
Tucked just outside Spreyton, this boutique vineyard pours premium cool-climate wines from a beautifully designed cellar door surrounded by vines. Settle in for a tasting before continuing towards Cradle Mountain. 🍷

Spreyton Cider Co.
Head south to this multi-generational cidery set among historic orchards. Have some lunch and taste your way through alcoholic and non-alcoholic ciders, take a stroll past the trees and peek at the production story. 🍻

Prickly Mo Wines
Keep rolling through cool-climate country to a welcoming cellar door made for long chats and local plates. In winter there’s a wood heater, in summer the lawn and old barn are the spot for a lazy afternoon among the vines. 🍇

House of Hargrave
Perched high in the Lower Barrington hills, this boutique, north-facing vineyard turns sun and slope into memorable wines. Tastings come with small plates and a sweeping panorama that slows you right down. 🍷

The Truffledore
Tucked away in the countryside, this truffle farm and guesthouse offers tastings and truffle-infused goodies year-round, with seasonal tours to see how these rare treasures are found.🌰

Cradle Mountain Honey & Meadery
Make Sheffield your final tasting stop before heading towards Cradle Mountain. Sample local honey and mead, browse beeswax products and discover how different Tasmanian landscapes and seasons shape what ends up in the jar. 🍯

Plan Your Spirit of Tasmania to Cradle Mountain Road Trip

Start: Spirit of Tasmania, Devonport

Finish: Cradle Mountain

Duration: Allow 2–3 days to enjoy the producers and explore along the way.

Stay: Break up the journey with a farm stay at The Truffledore or stay near Sheffield at Eagles Nest Retreat before continuing to Cradle Mountain.

Good to know: Opening days and tasting times vary between producers, so check individual opening hours before setting off.

This trail is best taken slow – plenty of flavour, friendly faces and side-adventure opportunities, with room in the boot for small-batch bottles and sweet favourites. Recommended to take 2-3 days and stay either at The Truffledore,  Eagles Nest Retreat or Cradle Gateway Chalets.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to drive from the Spirit of Tasmania to Cradle Mountain?

The direct drive from Devonport to Cradle Mountain takes around 1.5 hours, but there’s plenty worth stopping for along the way. Allow 2-3 days to follow the Tasting Trail, visit local producers and explore Sheffield and the surrounding countryside.

What food and drink stops are between Devonport and Cradle Mountain?

The Spirit of Tasmania to Cradle Mountain Mini Trail connects local food and drink experiences including chocolate, specialty coffee, cool-climate wine, craft cider, truffles and Tasmanian honey.

Where does the Spirit of Tasmania to Cradle Mountain Mini Trail start?

The trail starts in Devonport, where the Spirit of Tasmania arrives on Tasmania’s North West Coast, before travelling through the surrounding food and wine country towards Sheffield and Cradle Mountain.

How many days should I allow for the Spirit of Tasmania to Cradle Mountain Mini Trail?

Allow 2–3 days if you want to enjoy the producers, tastings and surrounding towns without rushing. You can also choose a handful of stops if you’re travelling directly to Cradle Mountain in one day.

Where should I stay between Devonport and Cradle Mountain?

Stay at The Truffledore for a farm and truffle experience, or make Eagles Nest Retreat near Sheffield your base before continuing towards Cradle Mountain.

Can I do the trail after arriving on the Spirit of Tasmania?

Yes. The trail is designed for self-drive travellers arriving in Devonport. Bring your own car on the Spirit of Tasmania, then start exploring local producers as you make your way inland towards Cradle Mountain.

Do I need to book tastings along the way?

Opening days and tasting experiences vary between producers. Some welcome walk-ins while others may require bookings, particularly for tours and seasonal experiences, so check individual producer details before travelling.

Is Sheffield on the way to Cradle Mountain?

Yes. Sheffield makes an easy stop on the journey from Devonport towards Cradle Mountain and is known for its outdoor murals, local food experiences and views towards Mount Roland.

Can I drive the trail in reverse from Cradle Mountain to Devonport?

Absolutely. If you’re travelling from Cradle Mountain towards the Spirit of Tasmania in Devonport, simply follow the stops in reverse and make your final tastings closer to the coast.