Swathes of purple are blooming in southeastern Tassie.
A stunning new lavender planting is blossoming at Iron Creek Bay Estate, blanketing the estate in delicate purple tones. The hospitality destination has planted rows of the fragrant, flowering perennial herb at their property in the historic town of Sorell, offering yet another reason to head to southeastern Tassie and visit the farm-stay accommodation.
Visiting the lavender field at Iron Creek Bay Estate
Lavender supports pollinators like bees and butterflies. (@benjamin.little_ 3)
Located just a half-hour drive from Hobart, the field is surrounded by orchards, paddocks and stunning water views. Seeds were strategically planted last April in time for the wet season, which helps the lavender establish a root system before the dry season. “We are really happy with their growth so far, [going in as just a small tube plant and now a small and flowering bush], and our guests and visitors are already enjoying walking through this coastal field," shared Rod Black, General Manager Hotels.
The best time to visit is in spring and summer when the flowers are in full bloom.
Lavender varieties and supporting the local community
This is the first season the lavender is blooming. (Image: @benjamin.little_ 3)
Five varieties of lavender are grown on the farm, each offering a unique fragrance and colour while supporting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. These include Lavandula angustifolia ‘Bee’, Lavandula angustifolia ‘Pacific Blue’, Lavandula × intermedia ‘Grosso’, Lavandula × intermedia ‘Riverina Alan’, and Lavandula × intermedia ‘Riverina Thomas’.
The flowers will also be used to create a range of sweet-smelling products, and any surplus will be shared with the local Tasmanian lavender-growing community. “We’re hoping it will be a great accompaniment to our orchards and the estate’s overall offering, particularly by spring and summer this year," said Black.
More to see and do at the estate
The property is set to become a must-stop on the way to the Tasman Peninsula. Visitors can make the most of the experience by staying in one of the cosy pods or spacious pavilion rooms which overlook the bucolic setting. Spend your day indulging in seasonal, farm-driven dishes at the onsite restaurant Orani, going apple or cherry picking, and meeting the menagerie of friendly farm animals, including alpacas, geese, horses and chickens.
Details
Lavender typically blooms from late spring to summer. (Image: Getty/ Kisa_Markiza)
Address: Iron Creek Bay Estate, Sorell, Tasmania, 394 Arthur Hwy, Sorell, Tasmania, 7172 Best time to visit: Spring and summer Types of lavender: Lavandula angustifolia ‘Bee’, Lavandula angustifolia ‘Pacific Blue’, Lavandula × intermedia ‘Grosso’, Lavandula × intermedia ‘Riverina Alan’, and Lavandula × intermedia ‘Riverina Thomas’ Accommodation: 91 rooms ranging from individual pod rooms to multi-bedroom suites Restaurant: Orani serves homestyle farmhouse food showcasing the finest Tassie produce for breakfast, lunch and dinner
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Rachael Thompson is a freelance travel journalist. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to curating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love, Bed Threads and Australian Traveller/International Traveller. When she's not writing, editing or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list is Lord Howe Island.
Overlooking the winding Tamar River, the Tamar Ridge & PIRIE Cellar Door is where two of Tasmania’s most acclaimed wine labels come together. Sip award-winning cool-climate wines and world-class sparkling while soaking up the vineyard views in one spectacular setting.
The fire crackles softly as you settle into a comfortable armchair, a glass of Tamar Ridge Reserve Pinot Noir warming your hands. Outside, rows of vines stretch across the Tamar Valley, their gentle contours framed by rolling hills and ever-changing skies. Or perhaps it’s a sunlit afternoon, and you’re on the terrace with a flute of PIRIE Vintage sparkling in hand, watching the valley shimmer beneath you as each crisp sip captures the freshness of Tasmania. At the Tamar Ridge and PIRIE Cellar Door, the setting in one of Australia’s most celebrated cool-climate wine regions is every bit as special as the wines.
The two brands now share a beautifully refurbished cellar door, giving visitors the opportunity to sample both still and sparkling wines from the Brown Family Wine Group’s luxury portfolio in a single stop. Alongside the shared tasting space, they’ve also introduced a range of premium experiences tailored to each brand.
Tamar Ridge’s story began in 1994, when vines were planted at Kayena in Tasmania’s Upper Tamar Valley. Guided by renowned viticulturist Dr Richard Smart – the “Flying Vine Doctor” – the vineyard quickly gained a reputation for quality, with a new winery established in 1998 and the Tamar Ridge label born.
Sit outside to soak in the sun as you enjoy Tamar Valley views. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)
Today, New Zealand-born head winemaker Tom Wallace leads the cellar, brings his passion for cool-climate winemaking to help shape Tamar Ridge’s reputation for elegant, expressive wines.
Founded by Dr Andrew Pirie in 1995, PIRIE helped prove the island’s potential for world-class cool-climate sparkling.
Crafted in the traditional method from hand-picked Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown in the Valley, PIRIE Tasmania sparkling wines are celebrated for their fine beads, depth and elegance. With a collection of trophies, gold medals and top honours behind them, these rare vintages showcase the very best of the state’s sparkling wine.
Brown Brothers – now known as the Brown Family Wine Group – acquired Tamar Ridge, PIRIE and Devil’s Corner on the island’s east coast in 2010, extending the legacy of a family wine company founded in 1889 at Milawa in Victoria’s King Valley. The company has continued its pursuit of exceptional cool-climate vineyards, recognising Tasmania’s unique potential in a changing climate.
Location
Get cosy by the roaring fireplace. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)
Tamar Ridge & PIRIE Cellar Door is set on the west bank of the Tamar River, just 20 minutes north of Launceston and around two and a half hours’ drive from Hobart near the riverside village of Rosevears in northern Tasmania. Stretching more than 60 kilometres along the river, from the mouth near Launceston north towards Bass Strait, the Valley is a vast patchwork of vineyards, orchards, farmland and historic townships.
Style & decor
Come for a regular tasting, or book an experience. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)
Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase panoramic views, while outdoor decks make the most of the surrounding scenery. Inside, the refined contemporary interiors strike a balance between modern luxury and the natural surrounds, with a double-sided fireplace to linger by. A Tamar River view creates a warm focal point. Natural wood accents add a sense of place, including a handcrafted 12-seat Tasmanian oak table that anchors the space with understated elegance.
Wine experiences
The cellar door’s curated wine experiences pair award-winning wines with local produce and the stories behind them. For those who prefer a leisurely visit without a set itinerary, the cellar door also offers cheese platters and small plates, best enjoyed with a glass in hand while taking in those Tamar River views.
Come for a taste, stay for an experience.
PIRIE & Oyster Experience
Taste the best of PIRIE matched with oysters. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)
A true taste of Tasmania comes to life in the PIRIE & Oyster Experience, created in partnership with Tasmanian Oyster Co. Exploring the connection between merroir and terroir – the influence of the sea and soil on flavour – this guided tasting pairs three premium oysters from different Tasmanian growing regions with three expressions of PIRIE sparkling wine: the NV, 2021 Vintage and Blanc de Blanc.
As each oyster and wine pairing is revealed, guests discover how Tasmania’s unique landscapes shape flavour, from the mineral freshness of the ocean to the elegance and precision of cool-climate sparkling wine.
Pinot Noir Blending Experience
Try your own hand at mixing. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)
For those who want to step behind the winemaker’s bench, the Pinot Noir Blending Experience offers a hands-on journey into the art of creating great wine.
Guests taste through three to four individual Pinot Noir clones from the previous vintage, each revealing its own personality through aroma, structure and character. Guided by the cellar door team, visitors explore how these individual components come together to create balance and complexity – before attempting their own blend.
Will you recreate the house style, or create something entirely original? This immersive experience offers a fascinating insight into the craft, creativity and precision that goes into every bottle.
Supreme Indulgence
Settle in for true indulgene. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)
The most elevated experience at the cellar door, the Supreme Indulgence (PIRIE Sparkling with Caviar tasting) is a celebration of luxury, refinement and Tasmania’s exceptional produce.
Priced at $99 per person, the tasting pairs PIRIE Tasmania’s most distinguished sparkling wines with carefully selected sturgeon caviar, chosen to enhance the elegance, texture and finesse of each cuvée. Hosted by an expert member of the team, the experience unfolds as a thoughtful exploration of fine bubbles, delicate flavours and the craftsmanship behind every bottle.
