Gordon Ramsay cooks his way around Tassie in new series

The first episode of a new seven-part series shows fiery celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay diving for giant crays, fly-fishing for trout, foraging for local herbs and cooking scrambled eggs with sea urchin in Tasmania. Where to watch >>

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has thrust Tasmania into the global spotlight, raving about the state’s scenery and fresh produce in a new television series.

And tourism operators are hopeful it will lead to a boom in visitors once Tasmania’s borders reopen.

Gordon Ramsay enjoys sampling Peter Bignell's whisky after his distilling lesson at Belgrove Distillery. Picture: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC/JUSTIN MANDEL

The first episode in the second season of Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted aired in America earlier this week, captivating audiences with breathtaking Tasmanian landscapes as the famed British chef dived for crayfish with Tasmanian Wild Seafood Adventures.

“While I’ve done a lot of diving in my life, I’ve never quite experienced anything as majestic – or rewarding – as catching a Tassie cray,’’ Mr Ramsay gushed as he emerged from the depths clutching a rock lobster.

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Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said Mr Ramsay had a “cult-like following” and it was great to see he’d enjoyed visiting Tasmania.

“It’s the sort of promotion that money can’t buy,’’ Mr Martin said.

“It’s fantastic that he had such a fantastic response to Tassie.’’

“People are sitting there on the other side of the planet, saying ‘where is this amazing place called Tasmania?’’’

“And they’ll google and see amazing images … and hopefully, one day, some of those people will convert to visitation.’’

“When border restrictions are lifted we’re in a good place to recover as strong as any destination in the world.’’

Gordon Ramsay, with symbolic lines painted on his face during a traditional Welcome to Country ceremony, discusses the bounty of fresh seafood in Tasmania with diver and chef Analiese Gregory. Picture: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC/JUSTIN MANDEL

Mr Ramsay visited the state earlier this year to film for the seven-part series, which is screening on National Geographic and will hit Australian screens next month. Several clips from the show are circulating online, with Mr Ramsay raving about Tasmania in the first episode as he dives for crays, goes fly-fishing for trout, forages for local herbs, soars in a seaplane and cooks scrambled eggs with sea urchin.

Esteemed Tasmanian chef Analiese Gregory said it was “nerve-racking” filming alongside the multi-Michelin-star chef.

“He’s so well known around the world and there’s that reputation that precedes him of being angry and full on,” the former Franklin head chef said.

“But he was really lovely and fun to work with.

“We had a really good laugh.”

Chef Analiese Gregory adds finishing touches to her dishes during the big cook at Dunalley. Picture: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC/JUSTIN MANDEL

In an on-screen face off, Ms Gregory said she initially hoped she would have an edge over Mr Ramsay cooking with local wallaby and crayfish before realising the star “understood the products intrinsically”.

“His combinations were really interesting,” she said.

She said the show would take viewers to lesser known parts of the island and showcase the best of the state to the culinary world.

“We are exploring seven new regions this season, each with vastly different culinary customs and history,” said Mr Ramsay, who also visits South Africa, Louisiana, Indonesia, Guyana, India and Norway during the series.

“We get the opportunity to learn from the locals and hear their stories.”

“That gives us a much deeper experience and understanding of the world around us.”

Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted screens in Tasmania on National Geographic on July 7 at 7.30pm.