The Best Distilleries in Hobart to Swill Local Spirits
Tasmania’s become a frontrunner for top-shelf whisky and gin, so head to these best distilleries in Hobart to get sipping at the source.
In recent years, Tasmania has emerged as a major player in the global gin and whisky game. Spirit enthusiasts now flock to Australia’s southernmost state to visit all the best distilleries in Hobart to sample the local products and take a bottle (or three) home for themselves.
From gin crafted using Tasmanian botanicals to whisky made with locally grown barley, there’s something unique about the spirits distilled down in Tassie. If you want to try them out for yourself on your next trip, we’ve rounded up the best distilleries in Hobart to visit for a taste-test.
LARK Distillery
Founded by Bill and Lyn Lark in 1992, LARK Distillery brought whisky production back to Tasmania after a 154-year ban, reigniting Australia's whisky industry. Today, it stands as a pioneer in Tasmanian whisky, earning a spot in the top four Worldwide Whisky Producers at the 2020 International Whiskey and Spirits Competition.
Located in Pontville, just 35 minutes from Hobart, LARK offers a unique whisky village experience where you can tour, learn, and taste their award-winning spirits. If you're staying in the city, pop by their Hobart cellar door or The Still whisky bar on the wharf.
LARK Pontville Distillery is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11am to 4pm. Distillery tours run at 1pm and cost $69 per person.
76 Shene Road, Pontville (LARK Distillery)
14 Davey Street, Hobart (LARK Cellar Door)
30 Argyle Street, Hobart (The Still)
Forty Spotted Gin
Renowned for their unique blends, including Classic Tassie Gin and the award-winning Pinot Noir Gin, Forty Spotted Gin takes distilling seriously—so you can have all the fun. This is one of the coolest distilleries in Hobart, and their upside-down bottle is a playful nod to their refreshing take on gin.
For a truly unique experience, visit Gin(bar) in Hobart, open Fridays and Saturdays. This spot offers exclusive gin blending workshops, cocktail classes, and a curated selection of rare and experimental gins. It’s the perfect date night destination for any gin enthusiast.
Level 1, 30 Argyle Street, Hobart
Hellyers Road Distillery
Hellyers Road Distillery, Australia's oldest operating whisky distillery, has been crafting exceptional single malt whiskies since 1999 on Tasmania's stunning northwest coast. Inspired by explorer Henry Hellyer, this distillery captures the spirit of adventure and the rugged beauty of its surroundings.
Known for its top-tier peated whiskies, Hellyers Road remains true to its roots while gaining global acclaim. Every bottle, proudly marked with "North West Tasmania," reflects the distillery's commitment to quality and place. A visit to their Burnie location promises an insightful experience into the art of whisky-making.
153 Old Surrey Road, Havenview
Institut Polaire
Institut Polaire, home to the acclaimed Süd Polaire gin, offers a truly unique distillery experience in Hobart. Step into the sleek, snowy marble bar and immerse yourself in the world of Antarctic-inspired gin.
Enjoy a guided tasting session featuring five Süd Polaire samples, each crafted with pristine Tasmanian rainwater and local botanicals. As you learn the art of distillation, indulge in an artisan cheese platter that perfectly complements the flavours.
For martini lovers, the Martini Masterclass provides a deeper dive into mixology. This micro-batch gin, distilled and bottled by hand, promises an unforgettable tasting experience, which is why it's one of our favourite distilleries in Hobart.
Book a tasting experience here
Unit 1/7 Murray Street, Hobart
Hartshorn Distillery
Hartshorn is a truly unique Tasmanian gin that uses sheep whey in its production – the only distillery in the world that does so. Built on the same property as Grandvewe Cheeses using leftover sheep whey to make vodka and eventually gin, with surprisingly delicious results.
Blended with local botanicals like lemon myrtle, anise myrtle, wattleseed, juniper berries, and Tasmanian pepper leaf, Hartshorn gin is as delightful to taste as it is to admire in its sleek black bottle with a handwritten label. Head to their distillery in Birchs Bay, just 40 minutes south of Hobart, where you can indulge in a $15 tasting or splurge on the Spirited Alchemist experience ($150), crafting your own 500mL bottle of gin. Cap it off with a sheep cheese plate while soaking in the stunning views of D’Entrecasteaux Channel and Bruny Island—cheers to that!
59 Devlyns Road, Birchs Bay
7K Distillery
Known for its famous Tasmanian Raspberry Gin, 7K Distillery (named after the 7000 postcode of Tasmania) has a whole slew of other delish and one-of-a-kind spirits to try, like its citrus-laced Modern Tasmanian Gin, the Dry Chilli Gin and even some whiskies.
Located in Derwent Park, 7K is one of a handful of urban distilleries in Hobart and is easily accessible if you’re looking to stay in the city and sample some gins. Head to the website to book – there’s a few options including a core tasting of three gins ($25 per person), a three-whisky tasting ($35 per person), a deluxe tasting of gins, whiskies and liqueurs ($75 per person) and a Saturday Special for $50 per person.
2/33 Pearl Street, Derwent Park
Bakehouse Distillery
Just beyond the Huon Valley in the heart of Dover, Bakehouse Distillery is crafting the world’s first sassafras-inspired spirit: Evoke. This small-batch botanical gem is distilled using native Tasmanian sassafras, local botanicals, and the purest rainwater.
Housed in a historic 1920s bakehouse, this charming distillery offers a unique blend of history and innovation. Visitors can explore the beautiful garden, tour the copper Alquitar still, and taste the essence of Tasmania’s wild south.
For those seeking a true taste of Tasmania, Bakehouse Distillery is a must-visit destination, embodying the spirit of this remote and rugged land.
Sitchu Tip: As a home based distillery, they are not always available fir a visit. For tastings of "Evoke" please email or phone beforehand to avoid disappointment.
8 Station Road, Dover
Killara Distillery
Killara owner/operator Kristy Lark-Booth’s parents are behind the world-famous LARK Distillery, so whisky is quite literally in her blood. Having learnt the trade from her folks, she branched out on her own to open Killara Distillery in the beautiful, historic town of Richmond (about 30 minutes out of Hobart).
The distillery produces both whisky and gin and you can book a tour online or head there every second Friday night to sit out on the meadow and enjoy dinner from the food truck or BYO picnic. You’ll probably get to hang out with the distillery dog, Bonnie, while you’re there.
32 Ogilvie Lane, Richmond
Spring Bay Distillery
Spring Bay has two distilleries producing both gin and whisky – one at Spring Beach on Tasmania’s east coast and another conveniently located in Hobart. Visit the cellar door to try its award-winning single malt whisky or pink gin and learn about how the distillery’s coastal location directly affects the unique flavour of its spirits.
The gin tasting is $15 per person and whisky is $20, and the distillery also offers a more immersive 45 minute tasting and tour for $35 per person. If you want a premium whisky experience (including filling your own bottle straight from the barrel) that will set you back $90.
205 Kennedy Drive, Cambridge
Overland
One of the most unique distilleries in Hobart, Overland was dreamed up by three mates who had years of combined experience in the wine, craft beer and spirits industries and wanted to disrupt the game.
They launched Overland in 2022 with the aim of crafting and pairing beers and whiskies in the tradition of a “boilermaker” – the name given to expertly pairing and serving these drinks side-by-side.
This working distillery and brewery is located in a refurbished warehouse with an on-site taproom, bar and a food truck serving burgers to keep punters well fed. It’s dog friendly too, so there will likely be a pooch or two begging for a chip.
284 Argyle Street, North Hobart
Hellfire Bluff Distillery
Less than an hour out of Hobart on the road to Port Arthur, Hellfire Bluff is a distillery with a view – of stunning Marion Bay on Tasmania’s southeast coast, no less. Serving up small batch spirits including award-winning gins, vodka and even an Italian-inspired limoncello made from local lemons, Hellfire Bluff offers free tastings but doesn’t do a formal tour. However, the friendly and super knowledgeable staff are happy to chat through the processes of how they produce the brand’s small batch spirits.
55 Craigs Hill Road, Boomer Bay
Old Kempton
You’ll find Old Kempton Distillery built in an old colonial inn about 40 minutes from Hobart in the charming little town of Kempton. A distillery producing top-tier whisky and gin, there’s a cellar door and cafe on site serving up incredible meals to pair with your whisky or gin flights. On a fine day, sit out in the courtyard and enjoy live music on weekends while you swill Old Kempton’s finest spirits.
26 Main Street, Kempton
Sullivans Cove at Cascade Brewery
One of the most famous distilleries in Hobart, Sullivans Cove is Australia’s most awarded whisky, with several of its single malts picking up worldwide acclaim. The Hobart distillery cellar door is currently getting a makeover and in the meantime, Sullivans Cove is holding whisky tastings at Cascade Brewery’s The Mill between 11am and 5pm daily.
1/10 Lamb Place, Cambridge (currently closed for renovation)
140 Cascade Road, South Hobart for tastings
