This east coast town is a popular stopover on a road trip thanks to its ample wildlife, with penguins and seals frequenting the shoreline. But it’s seafood which has also placed Bicheno on the map. The Lobster Shack Tasmania is a must-visit for a fresh-from-the-trawler lobster roll. After a stroll along the beachfront, quench your thirst with a drink at the Waubs Harbour Distillery, the independent craft beer-focused Bicheno Brewing, or the Farm Shed East Coast Wine Centre, where beer, wine, and spirits line shelves.

Georgian architecture dominates the streets here, with many of the elegant buildings today hosting cafes, teashops and bakeries. While in town make a pitstop for some woodfired bread from The Richmond Bakery, and some local pantry goods from Larder & Vin or Coal River Farm further afield. Of course, this is wine country, so don’t forget to say hello to the local vineyards; Pooley Wines is truly picturesque. While spirits fans may prefer a handcrafted single malt whisky from the boutique Killara Distillery.

A must-mention in any guide to regional dining in Tasmania is the city of Launceston. Aside from visiting Cataract Gorge, there’s plenty of ways to spend your time here, especially when it comes to eating and drinking. It’s waterfront dining which seems to be the specialty; Stillwater is a local institution, a sleek restaurant with seven suites upstairs to spend the night. Post-dinner enjoy a specialty cocktail at Urbane, Midnight Rambler or the beer-based Saint John Craft Beer Bar. And don’t forget to check out the local produce at Harvest Launceston Community Farmers Market, held every Saturday.

Amid the luscious Huon Valley resides Cygnet, a creative place wedged between the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and the Huon River. Most notably among the places to eat and drink in this regional Tasmanian town is Willie Smith’s Apple Shed, where you can grab a cider and get a taste for its local history. The drinks-focused space also hosts the annual Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival with a traditional Wassail. Also calling Cygnet home is bread haven Poolish & Co, and the very quaint Conservatory Cafe in Cygnet Old Bank.

Gorgeous Evandale looks straight out of a picture book. With so many heritage buildings at its disposal, and a lengthy history, it’s no shock that pubs are plentiful. The Clarendon Arms is a local favourite, a true country pub with a sunny beer garden, making for the perfect place to while away an afternoon. The Evandale Sunday Market is another worthwhile adventure; local produce stalls congregate with bric-a-brac at Tassie’s longest running and largest affair of its kind.

Sleepy coastal destination Swansea is another of the best regional towns in Tasmania for eating and drinking. Not to mention, thanks to its location nudging Great Oyster Bay, it’s equipped with outstanding views. One of the best places to catch a glimpse is at local vineyard Devil’s Corner where you can sample local pinot noir. Then there’s The Branch, a cafe and wine bar built within a former bank, serving small snack plates with unique Tassie produce. Not forgetting the luxe Homestead Restaurant, housed inside the cluster of cottages dubbed Piermont Retreat.

As Tassie’s third-oldest settlement, New Norfolk’s ties to the past are obvious in its ample heritage buildings scattered across town. It’s also home to one of the nation’s oldest pubs, The Bush Inn, a family-owned venue well worthy of a beer and pizza. Here you’ll also find the much celebrated Agrarian Kitchen, a restaurant, kitchen garden, and cooking school, which has given the former Willow Court Asylum a new lease on life. After a lengthy lunch there, wander over to Black Swan Bookshop, where you can peruse the shelves of specialty books, while enjoying coffee and cake in-house.

While it’s traditionally natural wonders (like the incredible Tahune Airwalk), which has drawn visitors to Geeveston, the resident dining scene is just as interesting. Masaaki’s Sushi is a must; fresh, authentic fare from a Japanese surfer who moved to the area permanently. The Old Bank of Geeveston is another sure bet, with a rustic menu which celebrates local game meats. While most innovative venue is without a doubt Harvest and Light, a unique coupling of photographic gallery and a small batch picklery space.

Within arm’s reach is the equally delicious and delightful town of Huonville, where a cluster of decent drinking and dining venues are gathered. Break your fast at Reba Sear, with brunch and coffee well-catered to, and a gift shop on the side to grab a souvenir. Or take a step back in time at the 1960s focused DS Coffee House Cafe, complete with retro-heavy interiors. Later in the day, grab a bite to eat at Lost Captain, a taphouse adjoining a bistro focused on elevated pub grub.

It would be remiss to forget about the treasure trove of places to eat and drink on Bruny Island, just two hours away from Hobart. It may be small and off-shore, but there’s no shortage of venues to enjoy; nab some fresh oysters from Get Shucked, before you procure some artisanal cheese and ciders from Bruny Island Cheese Co, and fresh sourdough from The Bruny Baker’s roadside fridge. And thankfully there’s a decent pub in these parts too; drop by Hotel Bruny for a pint.