Broad Acres
Ulverstone's Broadby family established Broad Acres Vineyard on Tasmania's central north coast in 2016. Previously farmed for orchard fruit and vegetables, their property above Westella Drive now sees the family's renowned Tasmanian Pickled Onions business rubbing shoulders with one of the district's most exciting new wine ventures.
Award-winning Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc would have seemed strange bedfellows more than a decade ago. It turns out the vineyard's elevated location, rich red volcanic soils and maritime breezes provide very favourable growing conditions for crisp, aromatic whites and elegant reds.
Indeed, it's a good deal warmer and drier here than on many other North West sites found further inland. Close proximity to Bass Strait moderates summer heat while restricting unwelcome vine vigour and the site's potential capacity for high yields.
Wines are made under contract by Justin Arnold and Sierra Blair at Ghost Rock, some 30km east of Ulverstone.
The vineyard's first vintage in 2019 marked a new chapter for a family with deep roots in the locality. The Broadbys began their Tasmanian Pickled Onions operation some 20 years earlier. The opening of the Windows on Westella licensed café in 2017 facilitated the creation of a thriving eatery and shopfront. Additional single vineyard wines now allow visitors to be treated to a more diverse and engaging range of paddock-to-plate experiences at the one location.
Alfresco dining, out in the sunshine or under an umbrella? Check.
Vineyard views with the ocean beyond? Check.
Kid-friendly catering and seasonal specialties? Check.
Broad Acres punches above its weight in wine competition. Despite the vineyard's relative youth, two vintages of Pinot Noir picked up gold and silver medals at the prestigious Royal Sydney Wine Show in 2024.
More recently, the 2024 Broad Acres Pinot Noir won gold at the 2026 Tasmanian Wine Show.
100 Westella. Drive. Arrive. Thrive.
Key details:
Darren Broadby: director/business operator
Justin Arnold: contract winemaker
Vineyard/cellar door address:
100 Westella Drive, Ulverstone, TAS 7315
Telephone:
+61 (3) 6425 4166
Email:
- hello@broadacres.com.au
- hello@tasmanianpickled.com.au
Website:
www.broadacres.com.au
Tasmanian viticulture takes place within a diverse mix of soil types and microclimates.
Climate data* for sites in North West Tasmania highlight the wide diversity of growing conditions here. Consider: Leven Valley Vineyard (MJT 15.3°C; 701 GDD) and Scott's Mill Estate (MJT 17.5°C; 1149 GDD).
Vineyard sites on the Australian mainland are far warmer than those in Tasmania.
South Australia's Piccadilly Valley* (MJT 20.4°C; 1730 GDD) and Macedon Ranges* (MJT 19.9°C; 1365 GDD) in Victoria are regarded as the coolest GIs in their respective states.
Climate data* for Ulverstone, 1995-2024:
- Total annual average rainfall: 847mm
- Growing season average rainfall (Oct 1-Apr 30): 382mm
- Average autumn rainfall: 182mm
- Mean January temperature: 17.5°C
- Growing degree-days: 1147 GDD
- Average no of hot days (35°C or more) per year: 0
- Average no of cold days (minimum 4°C or less) Sept 1-April 30: 8
*Source: My Climate View, utilising past data from the Bureau of Meteorology and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. Funded by the Australian Government.
Last page update: January 2026