Two aspiring chefs stand facing each other on a path in front of tall maize plants, with a concrete wall and trees in the background under a cloudy sky.
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Tasmanian Food Lovers & Aspiring Chefs Dream Weekend

from A$2500
3 days

A food lovers weekend in Tasmania's Derwent Valley built around a full day cooking class with Rodney Dunn at The Agrarian Kitchen. Pick produce on a private garden tour, cook, then enjoy lunch with wines, plus a winery tasting, New Norfolk's boutique shops, boutique accommodation and private transport from Hobart.

  • Two aspiring chefs stand facing each other on a path in front of tall maize plants, with a concrete wall and trees in the background under a cloudy sky.
  • A brick and white building with a sign reading the agrarian kitchen eatery & store in the foreground, this inviting spot is a dream weekend destination for lovers of Tasmanian food and aspiring cooks alike.
  • Three plates on a wooden table: a bowl with grains and garnish, a plate with fried food and lemon, and a plate with pastry rolls and sauce; glass of water and cutlery nearby—perfect for aspiring chefs eager to experience the flavours of Tasmanian food on their dream weekend.
  • Five people stand around a kitchen island, some wearing aprons, preparing delicious Tasmanian food together with bowls and utensils on the worktop in a bright room with large windows—an ideal scene for aspiring chefs enjoying their dream weekend.
  • A platter of opened oysters with lemon wedges beside a bottle of white wine and an empty wine glass on a light surface, evoking the fresh flavours of Bruny Island food. | Aussie Loop
  • Two-storey white house with black shutters, surrounded by trees and greenery, set against a backdrop of hills and a blue sky—the perfect retreat for aspiring chefs seeking a dream weekend filled with inspiration and fresh Tasmanian food.
  • Two people stand on a path between rows of crops in a garden with a glasshouse and trees in the background under a cloudy sky, perhaps seeking inspiration for aspiring chefs eager to experience authentic Tasmanian food on their dream weekend.
  • People are dining at wooden tables in a well-lit restaurant with large windows, wooden beams, and a stone fireplace. A waiter stands near one table, taking an order, while the aromas of Tasmanian food fill the air—making it the perfect spot for aspiring chefs to find inspiration for their own dream weekend culinary adventures.
  • Three people sit on a bench outdoors, facing a lake and mountains, raising glasses in a toast under a clear blue sky. Their laughter lingers in the crisp air as these aspiring chefs savour Tasmanian food, making this gathering feel like the dream weekend they always imagined.
  • A white wooden building with arched windows and a sign reading The Drill Hall Emporium above the entrance. Two chairs sit on the porch near brick steps, inviting visitors to unwind and imagine their dream weekend exploring local Tasmanian food or drawing inspiration for aspiring chefs in this charming setting.
  • Two aspiring chefs stand facing each other on a path in front of tall maize plants, with a concrete wall and trees in the background under a cloudy sky.
  • A brick and white building with a sign reading the agrarian kitchen eatery & store in the foreground, this inviting spot is a dream weekend destination for lovers of Tasmanian food and aspiring cooks alike.
  • Three plates on a wooden table: a bowl with grains and garnish, a plate with fried food and lemon, and a plate with pastry rolls and sauce; glass of water and cutlery nearby—perfect for aspiring chefs eager to experience the flavours of Tasmanian food on their dream weekend.
  • Five people stand around a kitchen island, some wearing aprons, preparing delicious Tasmanian food together with bowls and utensils on the worktop in a bright room with large windows—an ideal scene for aspiring chefs enjoying their dream weekend.
  • A platter of opened oysters with lemon wedges beside a bottle of white wine and an empty wine glass on a light surface, evoking the fresh flavours of Bruny Island food. | Aussie Loop
  • Two-storey white house with black shutters, surrounded by trees and greenery, set against a backdrop of hills and a blue sky—the perfect retreat for aspiring chefs seeking a dream weekend filled with inspiration and fresh Tasmanian food.
  • Two people stand on a path between rows of crops in a garden with a glasshouse and trees in the background under a cloudy sky, perhaps seeking inspiration for aspiring chefs eager to experience authentic Tasmanian food on their dream weekend.
  • People are dining at wooden tables in a well-lit restaurant with large windows, wooden beams, and a stone fireplace. A waiter stands near one table, taking an order, while the aromas of Tasmanian food fill the air—making it the perfect spot for aspiring chefs to find inspiration for their own dream weekend culinary adventures.
  • Three people sit on a bench outdoors, facing a lake and mountains, raising glasses in a toast under a clear blue sky. Their laughter lingers in the crisp air as these aspiring chefs savour Tasmanian food, making this gathering feel like the dream weekend they always imagined.
  • A white wooden building with arched windows and a sign reading The Drill Hall Emporium above the entrance. Two chairs sit on the porch near brick steps, inviting visitors to unwind and imagine their dream weekend exploring local Tasmanian food or drawing inspiration for aspiring chefs in this charming setting.

Quick read before you book.

  • Cook alongside Rodney Dunn at The Agrarian Kitchen
  • Harvest your own ingredients from the garden
  • Long lunch with Tasmanian wines
  • Browse New Norfolk's antique and boutique stores
  • Premium Whisky Experience option for non cooks

What’s included

  • Full day cooking class at The Agrarian Kitchen with Rodney Dunn
  • Private tour of the Agrarian edible garden
  • Lunch with wines or locally made non alcoholic drinks
  • Winery tasting in the Derwent Valley
  • Boutique accommodation at Explorers Lodge with breakfast
  • Private bus transport between Hobart and New Norfolk
  • Local guiding and hosting throughout

Commonly asked questions.

The full day class at The Agrarian Kitchen in New Norfolk is led by its founder, Rodney Dunn, and starts with a private tour of the edible garden.

Yes, you stay at Explorers Lodge near The Agrarian Kitchen, with breakfast made from local produce.

Yes, private bus transport between Hobart and New Norfolk is included, so nobody needs to drive.

Yes, the Premium Whisky Experience can replace the cooking school for anyone who prefers distillery tours. Ask the team when you book.

Lunch comes with wines, or locally produced non alcoholic drinks if you prefer.

The Derwent Experience specialises in tailored trips, so contact the team for group bookings or special requests.

Well behaved children are welcome with adult supervision and child discounts are available. Alcohol tastings are for guests aged 18 and over.

Comfortable clothing in layers, suitable footwear and a water bottle, as Tasmanian weather changes quickly.

Contact the team before cancelling, as they can often reschedule or offer a voucher. Medical cancellations with a certificate are refunded less 20%, and no shows are not refunded.

For a single day, the Drink Tasmania Up tour covers more than 30 local drinks plus cheese.

Read more? Here’s the full description.

Plenty of people eat at The Agrarian Kitchen. Far fewer get to cook there. This food lovers weekend in the Derwent Valley puts you in the kitchen with founder Rodney Dunn for a full day class, with everything else around it taken care of. Your day at the cooking school starts in the garden, where you join a private tour of the grand edible garden and pick the ingredients you will cook with. Then it is into the kitchen, before sitting down to an indulgent lunch with wines, or locally made non alcoholic drinks if you prefer. The rest of the weekend is about the valley itself: a winery tasting, time to browse the boutique stores and antique shops of New Norfolk, and a stay at Explorers Lodge near The Agrarian Kitchen, with breakfasts made from local ingredients. Private bus transport between Hobart and New Norfolk means nobody has to drive after lunch. Travelling with someone who would rather taste whisky than chop onions? Ask about the Premium Whisky Experience in place of the cooking school. Curious about the valley's other drinks? Our food and wine tours page has more. Explore the weekend, then check availability.

Additional info by the operator.

This experience operates from Friday morning to Sunday afternoon in New Norfolk, Tasmania, and cannot run concurrently with any 2 day or 1 night options. The Premium Whisky Experience is available for guests who prefer it over the cooking class, visiting Callington Mill, Lark and Old Kempton distilleries. For bookings, group enquiries, or special requests, contact Sam at The Derwent Experience via phone at 0412 227 111 or email sam@derwentexperience.com.au.