From a secluded retreat on a lake in the wilderness, to safari-style tents on a truffle farm, Tasmania’s luxury tourism boom shows no sign of easing. There are new major hotel developments in Hobart and Launceston on the horizon, and two upmarket lodges planned for Port Arthur.
Here are five recent accommodation arrivals that offer style and comfort on the Apple Isle.
The Corinda collection
One of Hobart’s most gracious old homes, National Trust-listed Corinda, has recently undergone a tasteful renovation.
Corinda has something for everyone, whether you are looking for an authentic colonial-style guest house experience, a garden suite or more modern self-contained accommodation.
New owner Julian Roberts’ great-great-grandfather, wealthy timber merchant Alfred Crisp, built this magnificent private house – one of Hobart’s biggest – in the early 1880s. He went on to become Lord Mayor of Hobart.
Ideally situated for exploring southern Tasmanian attractions like MONA, Port Arthur and Maria Island, Corinda is tucked away in the heritage suburb of Glebe. There are views across the city to Mount Wellington but you are just a short stroll to the Hobart waterfront.
Set in gorgeous gardens, this unique boutique hotel has several spacious bedrooms, and various outbuildings and cottages. All are different, furnished with original antiques and mellow textiles.
Rooms start from $299. corindacollection.com.au
Once a private house, Corinda is now a luxurious boutique hotel.
The retreat at Pumphouse Point
Pumphouse Point is one of the most spectacular resorts in Tasmania, much photographed for its luxury over-water suites on Lake St Clair.
This famous post-industrial site has been refurbished to offer boutique accommodation inside Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area, offering just 18 rooms in the Pumphouse building out on the lake and also in the Shorehouse building on the water’s edge.
The latest addition is a one-off luxury suite known as The Retreat, offering the highest-standard accommodation at the resort. The suite is hidden away on the edge of the lake, surrounded by native bush. Prices start from $1275 a night inclusive of all food, an expansive larder with the best local produce, wines and Tasmanian craft beers, ciders and spirits.
The Retreat features locally crafted furniture, ceramics, bath products and two deep tubs for soaking (one under the stars). Spend your days rowing, trout fishing, mountain biking and hiking bush trails. pumphousepoint.com.au/the-retreat
Hide away with views across Lake St Clair at The Retreat at Pumphouse Point.
Truffle Lodge
Overlooking the Derwent River outside New Norfolk, Truffle Lodge takes camping to a whole new level, billing itself as the ultimate in glamping.
Next to a hazelnut-planted trufferie, the resort is on 4.8 riverside hectares dotted with eucalyptus trees that provide much-needed habitats for the endangered swift parrot.
There are several double tents with big double beds, decks overlooking the river and full bathrooms with their own wooden bathtubs.
Each tent has hardwood floors and is double-walled and triple-roofed for maximum insulation. Plans are for eight tents following the river line. Each will have a fan and electrical fan-forced mock fire.
All tents have a coffee machine, towels, bar fridge, hair dryer, rocking chairs on the deck, hammock and free Wi-Fi; along with access to public lounge and dining areas. From $495 per night. trufflelodge.com
Camp like you never have before amid the comforts of Truffle Lodge.
The Old Bank
In the lovely heritage village of Cygnet, one of Tasmania’s landmark bed and breakfasts has reopened under new ownership.
The Old Bank is a National Trust-listed 1909 Victorian building on the main street of Cygnet. Completely refurbished after being closed for five years, it is a delightful country town retreat with three stylish, beautifully appointed rooms overlooking the town square.
Cygnet is a creative, bustling town with local food, wines, ciders, coffee, galleries and markets to entice visitors, as well as television’s Gourmet Farmer Matthew Evans’ Fat Pig Farm and Restaurant. The hamlet is surrounded by beautiful countryside and offers small town facilities including cafes and shops.
All The Old Bank’s rooms have TVs and DVD players (with DVDs on request), in-room heaters, free Wi-Fi and Netflix, luxury toiletries, premium linen, warm bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer and are serviced daily.
The Conservatory Cafe serves breakfasts/lunches Friday-Tuesday. Rooms from $239 per night. cygnetoldbank.com.au
Surround yourself with gourmet delights and luxuries at The Old Bank.
Peppers Silo Hotel
Launceston might be lagging behind Hobart for new hotel openings – but the new Peppers Silo Hotel will change that when it opens in April or May.
The 108-room hotel is a $25 million redevelopment of the landmark Kings Wharf grain silos.
The 10-storey development will have 52 rooms in the barrels of the former silo and overlooks the tourist draw cards of Seaport, Royal Park, the Tamar River Basin and Cataract Gorge.
Chef Massimo Mele, recently returned to Tasmania from Sydney, will oversee the culinary offerings. Prices start from $199. peppers.com.au/silo
Brand new, Peppers Silo will add another dimension to Launceston accommodation.