Dunalley Bay Distillery - Eat and Drinks

Dunalley Bay Distillery offers a combined gin, spirits and tasting experience on Tasmania’s Tasman Peninsula, with a setting that is as central to the visit as the drinks themselves. The rustic tasting huts look across Dunalley Bay, and the distillery describes its location as the gateway to the peninsula, close to the fishing village of Dunalley and listed in the Port Arthur area. It is about 45 minutes’ drive east of Hobart, making it a considered stop for visitors exploring the region rather than a venue to rush through.

The distillery focuses on boutique gins blended with Tasmanian fruits, flowers and native botanicals. Its range includes Boney Dry, Blue Blue, Rosie Hip, JJJ, Chartreuse, Princess Sloe, Spiced Gin, Spiced Sloe and Liquid Gold, alongside Liquorice Vodka and Single Malt Dunalley Whisky. Olive Leaf Gin is a particularly distinctive release, made with olive leaf tea and olive oil and described by the distillery as savoury, textural and bright. The website also presents the drinks as part of a broader tasting experience, rather than simply a bottle shop collection.

Visitors can book ahead for a tasting and plate overlooking the bay. The distillery says its immersive pairings can include local cheeses, seafood, fruits and desserts, while the tasting menu also lists chocolates, cheese and biscotti. That makes the venue suitable for people interested in how spirits work with food, as well as those looking for a relaxed drink in a coastal setting. Dogs are welcome at the distillery, adding to its appeal for travellers with pets, although the website states that bookings should be made ahead.

Dunalley Bay Distillery was founded by Sandra Chu and Mark Wray, who came to the project after careers in property, dairy and seafood. They chose the Dunalley Bay site after considering Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, buying land with beachfront and building a business connected to the local landscape. Their story is also tied to the area’s recovery after the 2013 bushfires, with the distillery describing its role as part of the community’s regeneration. With its bay views, small-scale production and food-focused tastings, the venue suits couples, small groups and solo visitors wanting a slower Tasmanian stop. Families may be able to enjoy the coastal setting, but alcohol remains central to the experience and the site notes that visitors must be 18 or over to enter.