Wild Tassie stays, from lakeside luxury to cosy rainforest cabins

You’ve probably heard about or even stayed at Freycinet Lodge, Saffire Freycinet and Cradle Mountain Lodge. That’s not the only accommodation tucked into Tasmania’s wondrous wilderness though. Whether your happy place is by the sea or deep in the forest, it’s waiting in the island state.

Western wonders

Immerse yourself in the world’s second-largest temperate rainforest at Tarkine Wilderness Lodge, an eco-certified retreat made with local timbers. Enjoy guided walks and a helicopter joyride, or just relax with gourmet catering. Corinna, a mining town turned comfy eco-resort, is also in the Tarkine rainforest. Bushwalking trails are on your doorstep, as is the Pieman River. Go kayaking, or take a cruise up-river for lunch on a wild ocean beach. Whatever you do, drinks and dinner await in Corinna’s welcoming main building.

Nestled in Lake St Clair National Park, Pumphouse Point is stylish, secluded and scenic. Big windows showcase epic vistas of the lake, which this retreat literally juts out into. You’ll want to lounge in the handsomely renovated Art Deco industrial buildings, savouring fine food and drinks, but the wilderness beckons for bushwalks, boating and fishing.

Eastern escapes

Among the spectacular Freycinet region’s most luxurious retreats, Thalia Haven is perched on a private Great Oyster Bay beach. From the moment you awake to outdoor bath time, get lost in a panorama that includes the Hazards mountains and perhaps some passing dolphins. Further north, Bay of Fires Bush Retreat is near this area’s famously blue water, white sand and rocks speckled with orange lichen. Set in bushland, it’s like a communal campground but with class, especially the glamping tents and catered dining option.

Only accessible by ferry or light aircraft, Maria Island is a national park with grazing wombats and kangaroos, natural Painted Cliffs and convict-era buildings – including a penitentiary now offering bunkbed accommodation. It may be basic, but being on this secluded island for sunrise and sunset is priceless.

Go north, naturally

The remote Central Highlands’ rugged beauty is rarely appreciated, but the very inviting Thousand Lakes Lodge is changing hearts and minds. This former Antarctic training facility is a great base for fishing, walking and cycling before lounging by the fire with local wine or whisky – just for starters. If you’re up for serious mountain biking, Blue Derby Pods Ride offers some of Australia’s best trails plus private pod accommodation, all immersed in the wilderness.

Mountain Valley Wilderness is 61 hectares of private land perpetually preserved for wildlife. The nature-loving owners also welcome like-minded humans to their eco-retreat, including on guided forest and cave tours to meet locals like glowworms and platypus. Or just kick back on your cabin porch, where you’ll likely spot quolls and Tassie Devils at dusk.

Southern serenity

Bathurst Harbour takes some getting to: nine days’ hike through Southwest National Park, or by boat or light plane. Charter-flight operator Par Avion not only gets you to this remote haven; they also offer three-day guided adventures based at their comfy private camp. On Bruny Island, Inala Nature Tours have their own 600-hectare conservation reserve where guides reveal many rare and beautiful native birds. There’s also self-contained accommodation, available whether you’re on tour or not, nestled in this twitcher’s paradise.

Mount Misery Habitat Reserve doesn’t live up to its gloomy name, especially for nature lovers who might spy bandicoots, wallabies and wedge-tailed eagles. Located within the reserve, Huon Bush Retreats is a handy base for exploration. There are accommodation options to suit everyone, cabins for couples and families, deluxe tipees and space to park your own tent or caravan.

Information included in this blog is correct at the time of publishing. Please contact individual operators for further information.