About Peppermint Bay and Hobart Cruises
Opened in November 2003, Peppermint Bay, Tasmania is the result of an entrepreneurial vision to link Hobart’s stunning waterways with a world class destination in Tasmania’s beautiful southern region, providing a unique and authentic dining experience.
Peppermint Bay is located in the rural village of Woodbridge, just a short 35 minute drive south from Hobart via the picturesque Channel Highway (view map) or by water on our luxury high-speed catamaran. Peppermint Bay is set on four acres of waterfront headland, with commanding 270 degree water and mountain views east through north to west of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and the lush rolling hills of the Huon.
The history of the Peppermint Bay site dates back to the 1850s when the earliest hotel was initially established as the “Sawyers Arms” before being renamed the “Royal Hotel”. It traded as a hotel until the late 1800’s and was then purchased as a private residence by the English Rev. Poulett-Harris and named “The Cliffs”. They resided there until it burnt down in 1895 and eventually a replacement hotel was built on the original hotel site.
A large weatherboard house with big windows and verandahs, it was named “The Oriental”. Before the war the hotel was leased by Mrs Gillian from Cascade and became known as the “Woodbridge Hotel” and also the “Woodbridge Arms”. It too burned down, the result of a weekday afternoon fire in 1940 and nothing could be saved from the hotel proper.
After that Mrs Gillian bought the land and rebuilt, but due to wartime limitations on construction, the initial rebuild was small. Further additions were made in post-war times and the hotel gradually assumed the form of the Woodbridge Hotel up until 2003 when Peppermint Bay was constructed on the site.
Today, Peppermint Bay has been painstakingly designed to capture the spectacular panorama of the surrounding landscape and waters edge vista. Not limited by walls, our purpose built restaurant and contemporary function facility, state of the art catamaran, acres of superbly landscaped gardens and village green can be configured to host any occasion and group size. Our venue also plays host to the numerous events that are held throughout the year, including the extremely popular Woodbridge Beef Dinner and Sculpture Trail Prize Lunch.
Within Peppermint Bay’s stunning glass fronted building is a world class a la carte restaurant , widely recognised as one of the best restaurants in Tasmania, a casual Terrace Bar, a dedicated function room, and a Providore which retails local produce, quality craft and house made products.
Outside, an ancient oak tree overlooks the fish race, containing a live larder of scale fish, crayfish and king crabs in an Australian first. The fish race forms a unique feature and is adjacent to a laden herb garden. Both combine to supply the kitchen with the freshest of ingredients.
Children enjoy racing model boats in the yacht chase and generally utilising the extensive lawns dotted with the sculptures of Tasmanian artists. While six moorings have been installed adjacent to the jetty at Peppermint Bay for recreational boat users to utilise.
Peppermint Bay delivers Tasmania’s regional cuisine at a very high level. Peppermint Bay is acclaimed throughout Australia as achieving this by way of its beautiful a la carte Peppermint Bay Restaurant and casual Terrace Bar eatery and first class cruise experience. Following its first year of operation, Peppermint Bay, Tasmania was awarded Best New Tourism Development at both a state and national level, and in 2005 won Best Tourism Restaurant Tasmania. This year Peppermint Bay was awarded Best Bar Presentation and Service 2007 (Australian Hotels Association), and Best Tour and/or Transport Operators 2007 (Tourism Tasmania Awards).
Peppermint Bay has come alive and is rapidly becoming a “must do” destination for all holiday visitors to Hobart, Tasmania as well as the residents of southern Tasmania. The brand is well established, as is its reputation for great food in a fabulous setting.
Peppermint Bay II is a sleek, 22 metre, high speed catamaran, licensed to carry up to 150 passengers. Locally built by shipbuilders Richardson and Devine, the vessel was launched in 2005.
Departing from Hobart’s most central port, the half day adventure explores 75km of the magnificent, sheltered waters of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and offers experiences exclusive to the Peppermint Bay Cruise.