Have a glass of whisky at Waubs HarbourTasmania, Australia

On the wild east coast of Tasmania, where the ocean doesn’t politely lap the shore so much as dramatically slam into it, you’ll find a whisky distillery that feels like it’s clinging to the edge of the world. We’re talking about Waubs Harbour Distillery (ofc); a former oyster hatchery turned whisky haven in the tiny seaside town of Bicheno. Because apparently, someone looked at those crashing waves and thought, you know what this place needs? Whisky.
And to be fair, they were right.

Well, those someone’s were Tasmanian family Tim and Bec Polmear, alongside Tim’s brother Rob. Waubs Harbour was built around a pretty simple idea, make a maritime single malt that actually tastes like the place it comes from. Think wild ocean air, salty breezes and a whole lot of rugged coastal character. But the kind of character that would feel right at home on the Scottish islands but is proudly, unmistakably Tassie.

And the setting is ridic-u-lous. The distillery sits right on the rocks overlooking the endless blue of the Tasman Sea, making it one of the closest distilleries to the ocean anywhere in the world. The best way to experience it is on one of their small-group distillery tours (only eight people at a time), where you’ll get the behind-the-scenes story of how the whisky is made before settling in for a tasting while staring out at the horizon.

Don’t be surprised if the view throws in a little extra entertainment either. Whales, seals, dolphins and flocks of crested terns regularly cruise past the tasting room windows.

Whisky, wildlife and wild seas. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon if ya ask us.

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