Freycinet Lodge, Tasmania

Written by Kathy Hamill: 30-January-2008

Stunning Wineglass Bay

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Freycinet Lodge is low-key luxury, and an environment where you can't help but make a real connection with the nature around you, and with your partner...

It's located right in The Freycinet National Park, Coles Bay on the East Coast of Tasmania. Just a 3-hour scenic drive from Hobart, this is a special part of Tamania and well worth the drive! There are several lovely wineries on the way in, definitely worth dropping into.

The rooms

We stayed in one of the Wineglass Premiere Cabins, mere metres from the water's edge on Nine Mile Beach. The room was nicely appointed, simple but upscale, open concept, with a queen-sized bed facing the sliding doors to the balcony which had an obscured ocean view (it is a park, after all, so no wholesale chopping down of trees for an unobstructed view!).

The spa tub was luxurious, yet we opted for showers, feeling 'green-guilt' from seeing all the drought and fire danger warning signs on the way into the park. Nevertheless, it was a quiet, lovely location, and the main lodge was unpretentious, woody and warm with vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and large stone fireplaces, with well-worn leather armchairs for guests to curl up and read newspapers and magazines.

It's a very chilled and intimate atmosphere, perfect for couples or small corporate groups who are looking for a good bonding experience, off the beaten track of large, predictable hotels with sterile conference rooms. We actually saw some of the most striking sunsets from the main balcony, and the dining room served lovely seafood, locally caught – the squid was actually caught by the chef!

Things to do

Freycinet Lodge is all about 'experiences'. Several of their activities are centered around true experiences, not just sight-seeing. From shucking your own oysters to 4WD tours and the highlight: a tour of Wineglass Bay, complete with local wine and cheese tasting (I tasted some of the best pinots I've ever tasted).

Due to time constraints, we hiked down on our own to Wineglass Bay, one of the top-10 beaches in the world according to US magazine Outside. It's a challenging and hilly walk (take lots of water), but we worked off our Tassie gourmet diet, and we weren't disappointed with the views.

Make sure you walk over to Hazards Beach (just an extra 20 minutes) and you'll be rewarded by a huge stretch of white beach, gorgeous shallow azure water, tempting you to take a dip! You'll also see plenty of wildlife, wallabies of course, but also pied oystercatchers and their babies (watch where you step!).

Price

Starting at $264 per night for cabins – check with the Lodge for specials – some great packages including buffet breakfast, pre-dinner cocktails, 2 course dinner at The Bay, 2 nights in Wineglass Cabins and sparkling wine and fudge upon arrival – $779!

Getting there

A 3-hour scenic drive from Hobart. Find personalised directions here.

Contact

www.puretasmania.com.au
1800 420 155 or (03) 6225 7016

Our ratings

Cleanliness: 5
Comfort: 5
Experience: 5
Décor: 4.5
Attention to detail: 4.5
Staff/Service: 5
Total: 5

* Main image of Wineglass Bay taken by Geoffrey Lea, copyright.