What's new spring 2019 – accommodation and experiences
Across Tasmania, there are exciting new openings this spring. Private beach houses and crafted boutique hotels are creating reasons for travellers to visit. New experiences in food and wine, cycling and walking continue to add abundance to our island.
Stay
Ship Inn Stanley
Storytelling guest house opens
At the base of The Nut, the Ship Inn Stanley on Tasmania's North West Coast has undergone an extensive transformation, being reimagined as a storytelling guest house. The Ship Inn was built in 1849 by the grandfather of Australia's only Tasmanian born Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Lyons. In the years that have followed, the Inn has taken on numerous personas, but most consistently as a pub. The Ship Inn Stanley is now owned by Alastair and Kerry Houston, who have restored the Inn and now live there with their children. Each of the seven suites is uniquely crafted with original artwork and artefacts, bespoke joinery and custom fittings. There is also a yoga studio and gym in the old stables and each stay includes a complimentary continental breakfast.
Low Head Beach House
Architectural beachfront luxe
The Low Head Beach House is a minimalist, contemporary house that sits in the sand dunes of Lagoon Beach, 40 minutes north of Launceston, at Low Head. Each of the three king bedrooms has its own ensuite, making it ideal for three couples or friends. In the master bathroom, there's a luxurious Apaiser stone bath with water views. The open plan living area is spacious with large floor to ceiling windows framing panoramic views of Lagoon Beach and historic Low Head Pilot Station, Café and Museum. Tasmanian art adorns the walls and the stringybark dining table sits like a work of art in itself, in the centre of the room comfortably seating up to ten. The fridge is stocked with the basics and guests can also pre-order produce, local seafood, Tamar Valley wine, or a private chef experience. It's also a great base for golfers with Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm golf links courses a 45 minutes drive away.
Raffah House
Homely heritage accommodation
Raffah House is a three-bedroom historic home in the village of Oatlands, one hour north of Hobart. Oatlands is one of Tasmania's oldest settlements and has the largest collection of sandstone buildings in Australia. 189 years after it was created, Raffah House is operated by Nick and Sophie Weeding. The house has been recently renovated and can now accommodate six people, including children. Original stonework is featured in the home and blends with furniture sourced from Tasmania and abroad, such as the vintage French dining table that seats ten people. The brand new kitchen is fully equipped and leads into the cosy sitting room complete with an open fire. Each bed has soft cloud bedding topped with luxurious French flax pure linen. Baby gear such as cots and highchairs are available for a family stay.
Novo Luxury Apartment
180-degree ocean views
Novo Luxury Apartment is a newly renovated three-bedroom apartment in Penguin, on Tasmania's North West Coast. The property is on the first floor of a c.1912 heritage listed property and is directly opposite Penguin Beach and the town's foreshore area. The interior features exposed brick walls, contemporary artwork, natural timbers and luxe soft furnishings creating a comfortable retreat. The modern kitchen and living areas open out onto a large entertaining area with spectacular 180-degree views of Bass Strait, perfect for watching the sunrise and set from the timber daybed.
www.novoluxuryapartment.com.au/
PLAY
Oyster Bay Tours
Guided farm experience
Freycinet Marine Farm is an oyster farm on Tasmania's Freycinet Peninsula, which is part of the Great Eastern Drive. Giles and Julie Fisher produce high-quality Pacific oysters and mussels in the clean waters there and run tours of the farm. Guests are invited to wear waders to walk out into the ocean and harvest oysters straight from the rack. Head guide, Declan, is a knowledgeable oyster farmer and will share how they grow their oysters and how to shuck them. Tours start from $95 per person and include a two-hour tour of the farm, six natural oysters with matched dressings, steamed mussels and a glass of Freycinet Vineyard riesling. You can also buy oysters and mussels directly from the farm gate.
Tasmanian Walking Company
Bruny Island Longest Tasting
The Tasmanian Walking Company has partnered with Effervescence Tasmania and Bruny Island Cheese Company to present the Bruny Island Long Weekend Walk with a specially curated menu of Tasmania's world-class Sparkling Wines and Bruny Island cheese. For four departures in November, at the end of each walking day, guests will enjoy Tasmanian sparkling wine from Stefano Lubiano, Moorilla, Moore's Hill, Clover Hill, Josef Chromy, Haddow and Dinnen and Arras, paired with locally produced cheeses. The weekend commences with a private boat ride from Hobart's waterfront to Bruny Island, for an itinerary of coastal walks, luxury camping, and fine food and wine. The Longest Tasting Departures are Friday 8 November, Tuesday 12 November, Friday 15 November and Friday 22 November 2019.
Tasmanian Expeditions
Self-Guided East Coast Bike Tour
Tasmanian adventure travel specialist, Tasmanian Expeditions, has released a new itinerary for cyclists. Their Self-Guided Cycle east coast highlights tour is a six-day exploration of the highlights of the East Coast region and will suit independent travellers who enjoy having all the logistics taken care of. This adventure begins on the stunning coastline near Bicheno, exploring the small fishing villages in the area. The route then winds past vineyards, cheesemakers and berry farms toward Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay. The tour concludes on Maria Island where guests can cycle or walk the island, including the fascinating World Heritage Listed Darlington Probation Station. The tour is $1,195 per person twin share and includes all transfers, four nights cabin style accommodation and one-night camping on Maria Island, bike hire (electric bikes hire also available), route maps and National Park passes.
www.tasmanianexpeditions.com.au/
Image credit: Marnie Hawson, Rachel Vasicek, Raffah House, Aaron Jones, Jules Ingall, Bruny Island Long Weekend, Andrew Bain.