We’ve been thinking about a question posed by Belle, one of our readers for our 6pm (forum o’clock) time slot on Facebook. Are there any good factory outlets in Tasmania? It’s a good question, but not one we’ve had answered via social media. So we’re asking here too. Do you have any favourite factory outlets in Tasmania? We’ll start the ball rolling, but we’d love you to suggest any additional factory outlets you know about by leaving a reply in the comments section below. One of our favourite places to search for a bargain has always been the Australian Weaving Mills. Towels in every colour and size and all at reasonable prices, accompanied by great friendly service from the staff. Sadly, we’ve heard the Devonport operations are not the same any more; we understand the company moved their Tasmanian base to Victoria. It’s possible the store is still there (or somewhere else in Devonport) and we’d love for someone to confirm the details. Gina Scott from Platypus Park Country Retreat mentioned a Sheridan Factory Outlet in Invermay Road, Launceston (and we believe there’s also a similar version in Elizabeth Street, Hobart).

We have no personal knowledge of either business… are the “pillows, quilts, towels, blankets, bed sheets, fitted sheets, pillowcases, bed skirts and mattress protectors” made in Tasmania, or are they imported from elsewhere? It’s a starting point, at least. Here’s some of the factory outlets we do know more about. These opportunities for a little retail therapy have all been featured on Think Tasmania…curtains michael guineys You can only purchase chocolate from the retail store if you buy a tour ticket for the Cadbury factory outlet’s visitors centre. wholesale capiz shell curtainsOnce you’ve paid the entrance fee, you can bypass the tour and go straight to the shop if that’s your main aim. home depot levolor roman shades

The tour guides do give visitors some freebies though! Address: 100 Cadbury Road, Claremont You can actually watch the cheese-making process at the Wicked Cheese factory outlet. Samples are offered for tasting as well as sales of a great range of award-winning cheese products. A providore of other Tasmanian goodies complement the cafe for an in-depth foodie experience.35x60 curtains Address: 1238 Richmond Road, Richmondbuffalo plaid grommet curtains The House of Anvers is an award-winning chocolate factory and cafe between Devonport and the town of Latrobe in the north west coast region of Tasmania. ladybug blackout curtainsVisit for tastings, peruse the chocolate museum and enjoy family-friendly dining. koo curtains spotlight

Watch the chocolate being processed, then make your selection from the factory outlet’s retail store. On most weekdays and Saturday mornings, customers can purchase seafood from the wholesale factory outlet of the iconic Tasmanian business, Mures. They sell a wide range of fish, much of which is caught locally by the very fishermen employed by the business. Mures value-add too, making pates, smoked fish, soups, marinated seafoods and specialty platters. Popular with tourists, customers can purchase the Island Produce Tasmania brand of fudge, truffles and chocolate products from the boutique Bruny Island Providore. The sweet treats are made in a commercial kitchen on-site, and one of the smaller factory outlets we’ve so far come across also sells souvenir-style gifts. Address: 53 Adventure Bay Road, Bruny Island In north-east Tasmania, head to Pyengana Dairy for cheese tastings and sales of the product made on-site. Watch the cheese-makers at work making the award-winning cheese;

see the source of the fresh milk, as the dairy cows are also close to the action. A cafe, a small providore and giftware selection complete the factory outlet experience. Address: St Columba Falls Rd, Pyengana Between Deloraine and Mole Creek in the north-west region of Tasmania, customers can visit the Honey Farm. A museum and retail centre focus on all things honey, including the manuka variety lauded for its health benefits. Brightly coloured, the factory outlet (for want of a better name!) sells food, skincare and gifts, and is extremely popular with tourists. Clearly there’s a pattern developing here. All the factory outlets we’ve featured involve food and drink! One person who knows the producers of fine Tasmanian food better than most, is Sally from Herbaceous Tours. We had an outstanding experience during our Hobart’s Hidden Pantries adventure, which included a stop at Valhalla Icecream in Moonah. Give Sally a call on 0416 970 699 to arrange an in-depth discovery of local food production.

Part of the large indoor Island Markets, the Tasmanian Liquidation Outlet offers all manner of bargains. They have a large book section, and sell clothing, bags, blankets and toiletries. The clearance stock is sourced from various factories, not necessarily made in Tasmania. However, it should be noted that we haven’t been shopping there in ages, and we did hear a whisper about Island Markets… at least one of their factory outlets may be closing soon. Perhaps the ultimate in the grass-roots factory outlet is the humble market stall. Tasmania has a wealth of markets scattered all over the state… every weekend, in every direction, you’ll find makers showcasing their talents. Food, wine, craft, art, clothing, toys… you name it, there’s bound to be someone making it (and selling it!) in Tassie. Address: see our Markets and Shopping category If you like this article about Tasmania, and you’d like to read more, just subscribe to our newsletter or join us on social media via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram.