063 - Grab a feed Australia's Gourmet Island

King Island, TAS

We suggest you start with oysters. Elephant oysters. Still wriggling. Then move on to a King Crab. Main course would be grass-fed beef, naturally, perhaps with a dollop of kelp chutney. A significant cheeseboard to finish – possibly some Brie, Camembert and, just to be naughty, some of that famous King Island Pure Cream, all washed down with some Cloud Juice water or herbal tea.

While the menu may not be completely unique (except for the kelp chutney), what is unique is that every item on it is produced on this small island.

King Island, located in the Bass Straight between Victoria and Tasmania (and a part thereof), claims some of the cleanest rainfall in the world. To the south is nothing but Antarctica, and to the west, 11,100km of deep blue ocean.

Clean rainfall leads to exceptional water, exceptional grass, exceptional cows, and – well, you get the picture. A short hop from Devonport or Melbourne, King Island is also a twitcher’s delight, boasts fantastic surf on deserted beaches and has very friendly people.

Did you know?
King Island’s first industry was sealing.

How to get there
King Island Airlines provides daily air services between Moorabbin Airport in Melbourne and Currie King Island.

Rex flies from Tullamarine, Melbourne, to King Island, while TASAIR flies Devonport and Wynyard.

Best time to go
Anytime, but always be prepared for cold, wet weather.

Further information
Useful websites:

www.kingisland.org.au
Detailed visitor information by Tourism King Island

www.kidairy.com.au
Website of the King Island Group, which produces the famous King Island Dairy