Port Arthur Lavender

Massively overpriced to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists. Only one vegetarian savoury dish on the menu. It was ice cold. Cold cauliflower. Cold cooked spinach. Cold black rice. Everything tasted like lavender. My throat is now burning and I am still picking lavender flowers out of my teeth. Breakfast for me and 2 kids cost $95. The background music was dodgy too. We won't be back.

UPDATE: Because the owner just wrote an angsty reply, I'll tell you more about my experience eating at their lavender farm. According to the owner's reply, vegetarians should be grateful to have only one savoury meal on their menu. Despite her protestations, nowhere on the menu does it call the meal I ate a salad, or warn you that every cooked ingredient will be served cold. Being vegetarian, I have eaten many similar 'buddha bowls' where several ingredients are served hot. This is what I was expecting. But according to the owner, we should eat our dollop of ice cold cauliflower, mashed spinach and black rice with relish. And thank them for fleecing us of $26 for the privilege of eating there.

It's cold in Port Arthur. Especially in the morning. So I asked the wait staff if they could please make me a breakfast wrap without bacon in it. They wouldn't. I asked whether considering that the breakfast wrap had scrambled eggs, could they possibly make me plain scrambled eggs. They wouldn't. Then the wait staff told me that nothing in that restaurant is cooked to order. Everything on the menu is pre-prepared sometime earlier (I am hoping earlier on the same day. I was there when they opened at 10am). So I asked if they could please heat my meal up in the microwave. Happy times? NOT.

I can tell you where I had a really great meal while I was in Port Arthur. Read my review on The Port Arthur Motor...

Port Arthur Lavender is one of those stops that starts paying off long before you reach the car park. The drive snakes past bush and bay, then suddenly a sweep of purple opens out beside the water and the air takes on that unmistakable floral note. We arrived mid-morning and followed the pathway that meanders between neat rows of lavender toward a small jetty. With the fields on one side and tranquil Carnarvon Bay on the other, it is hard to decide where to point the camera first.

The café makes a strong case for lingering. We shared fluffy lavender scones with a generous dollop of jam and cream, then tried the signature ice cream which somehow manages to taste creamy and refreshing at once. Mains lean local; my calamari came dusted with a subtle lavender salt and sat beside a crisp salad fresh enough to prove the garden is close by. Service is warm and unhurried, the sort that leaves you feeling more like a guest than a customer.

Inside the bright shop you can sample everything from essential oils to fudge and hand creams. Staff happily talk through the distillation process without slipping into a sales pitch, and testers mean you can pick out a scent that suits rather than guessing. Prices feel fair given the small-batch production and stunning setting.

Entry to the grounds is free, parking is easy, and the whole site is level enough for prams or wheelchairs. Whether you are hunting gifts, a scenic lunch or simply a place to breathe in coastal Tasmanian air scented with lavender, this spot delivers. Five...

Nestled amidst the serene landscape of Tasmania, Port Arthur Lavender restaurant is a culinary gem that offers a feast for the senses. The food here is a delightful journey through local flavors, with each dish crafted to perfection. The lavender ice cream is a standout, with its subtle floral notes and creamy texture, it’s a refreshing treat that captures the essence of the surrounding lavender fields. The pancakes are another must-try, fluffy and light, they come with a variety of toppings that complement the hint of lavender infused within. Whether you choose the classic maple syrup or venture into the unique lavender honey, each bite is a little piece of heaven. Not to be overlooked, the farmhouse chips are a crispy, golden delight. Seasoned just right and served piping hot, they are the perfect accompaniment to any meal. As you dine, the views around you are breathtaking. Overlooking the lush fields and the distant ocean, the restaurant offers a visual feast that enhances the dining experience. It’s not just a meal; it’s a moment to savor, surrounded by the beauty of nature. Port Arthur Lavender restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it’s a destination that offers a memorable experience, combining exquisite food, stunning views, and the unique charm of a lavender farm. It’s a place that stays with you, long after...