New Norfolk - Tasmania

Eat and do
The weird thing about Tasmania, apart from the seriously thin ozone layer, is the lack of great restaurants, when stunning produce practically grows on the side of the road. Luckily, every class you do at The Agrarian Kitchen ends in lunch. Rodney Dunn (one of Australia's leading food editors), his wife Séverine Demanet and their son Tristan have spent a year sweating it out to create one of Australia's most spectacular culinary establishments. Set in a 19th century schoolhouse on five acres of lush farmland, it's picturesque and, largely, edible. Sweet, juicy raspberries grow off the fence as butterflies float on the cool breeze and blackberries hang in tangles off the old wooden water tower. Chocolate brown Barnevelder hens cluck about in the straw, two Wessex saddleback pigs snuffle and eat just about anything you feed them, Jersey cows stare at you with big soft eyes and there are 60 different types of tomato growing in the garden.

The cooking classes offered range from the likes of Pastry 101 (run by local pastry wiz and ex-Gordon Ramsay chef Alastair Wise) to The Whole Hog - two days of piggy heaven. You'll start with a whole Wessex saddleback carcass and learn how to butcher a pig and utilise all the bits, true nose-to-tail style. There's sausage making, slow-roasted pork belly in the wood-fired oven, pig's trotter and potato pie and pig's head terrine. And you'll get to take home a bacon souvenir. There are also bespoke Agrarian classes where you pretty much choose your own adventure, from going for a day's foraging to private master classes. Classes range from $275 for one day including lunch to $660 for the Whole Hog class, which spans two days and includes take-home smallgoods.
650 Lachlan Rd, Lachlan 7140. (03 6261 1099  www.theagrariankitchen.com). 
 
Stay
The Woodbridge on the Derwent Boutique Hotel
There are river views from every room and from the outside it looks like a giant Tuscan villa. It's one of the most luxurious spots in the area to stay (it's Tasmania's only small luxury hotel). Take in some fly-fishing while you're at it. Bridge St, New Norfolk 7140. (03 6261 5566 www.woodbridgenn.com.au).
Explorers Lodge
A cute little spot tucked away from the river, it's the perfect place to stay if you're in the mood for a wander around the local wineries, apple plantations and trout farms. 105 Derwent Tce, New Norfolk 7140. (03 6261 1255 www.explorerslodge.com.au).
Stanton Bed and Breakfast
This grand old house n the middle of the countryside is 188 years old with stories aplenty to tell (including some exciting bushranger tales). It has resisted all manner of change, relying simply on its natural beauty. And it has that in spades. 504 Back River Rd, Magra 7140. (03 6261 3290 www.stantonbandb.com).

Drink
D'meure Wines
This local winery making some really stunning pinot noir and pinot gris - perfect to take home from your Tassie trip. You can also order it online. 16 Fleurtys Ln, Birchs Bay Tasmania 7162. (03 6267 4483 www.dmeure.com.au).
The Two Metre Tall Company
Ashley Huntington, an ex-winemaker, has taken to making beer. And very good beer he makes at that. We love the Forester pale ale. 2862 Lyell Hwy, Hayes 7140. (03 6261 1930 2mt.com.au).
The Bush Inn
Australia's oldest continuously licensed hotel also has some kick-arse views of the river and a gigantic balcony on which to drink many cleansing ales. 49-51 Montague St, New Norfolk 7140. (03 6261 2256  www.thebushinn.com.au).

Shop
The Drill Hall Emporium
They have an outstanding range of copper, moulds, ceramics, a huge butter churn, and, for every aspiring cook, a giant bowl of antlers. 17 Stephen St, New Norfolk 7140. (03 6261 3651 thedrillhall.com.au).
Willow Court Antique Centre
There's all your regular Art Deco glass and furniture, and because the place is built in an old mental health facility, it has an eerie atmosphere along with original bath fittings, railings and toys. 15 George St, New Norfolk 7140. (03 6261 5050 www.willowcourt.com.au).

Book activities around Sydney through Time Out