Archive for the ‘Tasmanian Accommodation’ Category

The cost of accommodation.  That topic has certainly been cause for heated debate just recently.  Roger’s article “Ten Things That Attract Me to Tasmania” sparked a discussion when he issued a warning to providers about pricing themselves out of the market.  And we couldn’t help but notice an article in The Mercury this week about the cost of accommodation.

The cost of accommodation in Tasmania has been cause for debate

The Cost of Accommodation: Value for Money

The Mercury article was focused on luxury, five-star holidays with all the bells and whistles (think Saffire Resort at Freycinet).  We don’t focus on that market, because they already get outstanding promotion and media coverage via Tourism Tasmania.  We tend to write about the other 95% of the market; places a bit more mid-range.

What do you expect from your accommodation in Tasmania? And at what price?

What is a Reasonable Price to Pay for Accommodation?

So let’s talk about the cost of accommodation, using our current home-away-from-home in Burnie.  What would be a reasonable price to pay for a place with…

• four bedrooms (with beds for seven)
• two bathrooms (one ensuite & main with spa bath)
• full kitchen (with modern appliances including two-door
  fridge/freezer, cook-top, stove & dishwasher)
• laundry (with washing machine & clothes dryer)
• lounge with large screen TV (and a second smaller TV
  in the master bedroom)
• free WiFi (internet access)
• iPod docking station
• free parking and secure entrance

Optional Extras & Bonus Attractions

We must point out that the location is quiet and convenient to the central shopping district, but it doesn’t have a balcony with a bbq overlooking majestic views like the Bicheno Holiday House we wrote about.

Several extras have been provided, including washing powder, tea, coffee and cling wrap; but a luxury breakfast basket like that you’d receive at Alice’s Cottages in Launceston is (unfortunately) not included.

What sort of extras do you like included in the cost of accommodation?

We have easy access to a major annual sporting event (the Burnie International tennis tournament); but there is no river stocked with trout in the backyard, or kayaks on the lawn like we enjoyed at Ulverstone River Retreat.

And there’s a beach just down the road, but we don’t have it right on our doorstep; as we’re expecting to find at Beachside Retreat West Inlet when we arrive in Stanley.

Please Consider: the Cost of Accommodation

There’s just a few things to consider when discussing the cost of accommodation in Tasmania.  Just as Roger described, we’ve stayed in some shocking places (and obviously we don’t write about them!!).  The kind of places that make you wish you’d stayed at home in your own clean and comfortable house, and abandoned the holiday altogether.

And just before we throw this open for a full-on argument, I would like to invite tourism operators to have their say.  Why don’t you tell our readers a little about the booking commissions you are forced to pay to advertise your properties?  It’s only fair that all the cards are laid on the table.

So… over to you now.  What are your views on the
cost of accommodation in Tasmania?  Do you holiday in Tassie,
love the experience and think you get value for money?
Is one Tasmanian region or town better or worse in terms of value?
Or do you choose to go elsewhere because it’s cheaper?
Maybe cost has nothing to do with your choice?
Let us know by leaving a reply below.

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Map: Cost of Accommodation, Burnie Tasmania…

Ten Things That Attract Me to Tasmania

by Roger Findlay

If you asked me to name ten things that attract me to Tasmania as a holiday-maker I would come up with the following:

1. Beauty of the island, breath-taking scenery and clean air.
   

   The breath-taking scenery and clean country air of Tasmania

2. Temperature and climate, most suitable for a Pommy!
3. Unspoilt places.  Slow to exploit tourism through changes.
   

   The pristine wilderness, another Tasmanian attraction high on Roger's top ten

4. Sailing on the Spirit of Tasmania.  It’s a great experience every time.
5. Salamanca Market and any farmers market that we find along the way.
6. Food: especially seafood, cheese and beef.
   

   Roger enjoys the Tasmanian produce, including seafood, cheese and beef.

7. Pubs: Knopwoods, Shippies and the Royal Oak.  Gunners Arms – R.I.P.
8. Fish punts, Tassal and the Wursthaus.
9. Walking on the deserted beaches.  Douglas River springs to mind.
   

   Beaches make Roger's list of top ten attractions for holiday-makers in Tasmania

10. People we’ve met and friends we’ve made…
    The Madsden family, Patricia, Eddie & Dulcie, to name a few.

That’s ten things that attract me to Tasmania but there are so many more.

People often ask me why I choose to travel and holiday in Tasmania so much.  They often ask whether I get tired of visiting the same place year after year.  My answer is always the same; but I don’t have to change my lifestyle to suit them or anyone else.

I must confess that in recent weeks, I have been toying with the idea of a first visit to New Zealand.  I’m sure it is a very beautiful country with the South Island being exceptional, but for now I have unfinished business in Tasmania so NZ will have to wait until I retire in a few years’ time.

I first visited Tasmania in the mid 80’s.  I was chasing a job at the ACL plant in Launceston but it didn’t lead to anything except a brief look at the island.  The drive north and then down the east coast to Hobart convinced me that this was the place for me and I’ve been obsessed ever since.

Beware: Sub-Standard Accommodation

There is only one criticism that I have to make and that is the rapidly increasing price of accommodation.  Some of it is mediocre and we have found a few of our hosts unsuited to the hospitality industry.

Beware!  Don’t be fooled by some of the places you find on the internet.  The photos and write-ups published by the owners themselves can make the accommodation look most attractive; when in reality it can be well below expectation.  If you do get caught out, don’t put up with it.  Let the owner know of your objections and demand a refund.  Then take your business elsewhere.

Rustic accommodation! Beware the tourist of the internet booking...

Beware Tasmania!  Don’t price yourself out of the market.  It is a fact that I can holiday in Vietnam or Thailand cheaper than Tasmania but that’s not for me.  However, when it comes to the decision of others, the attraction of a cheap overseas holiday may be their choice.

To attract the tourist keep the price reasonable, ensure good quality and make it so that the visitor wants to return.

Photos that accompany Roger’s article titled
Ten Things That Attract Me to Tasmania
have been taken by Dan Fellow of Tasmania Photos.

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Ulverstone in the Spotlight

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

With a population of around 12,000, the town of Ulverstone on the North West Coast of Tasmania still retains that small town feel.  It is located between the larger cities of Burnie and Devonport and is situated on the mouth of the beautiful Leven River.  With gorgeous beaches right on its doorstep, Ulverstone is an ideal place to live or visit.  It is under the municipality of the Central Coast Council, which also encompasses the towns of Penguin, Turners Beach, Leith, Gawler and Forth.

Ulverstone, located on the north west coast between Burnie and Devonport

Living or Staying in Ulverstone

Ulverstone has all the amenities you’re likely to need:  four primary schools, one high school plus a school that caters for K to Year 12.  You will also find all professional services such as doctors, dentists, and optometrists, solicitors, etc.  If you are looking for accommodation there are four motels and two hotels catering for guests, as well as two caravan parks.  Other great accommodation options are Ulverstone River Retreat, Winterbrook B&B, Boscobel Of Ulverstone B&B, Westella House and Moonlight Bay B&B.

The main street shopping precinct of Ulverstone in the north west of Tasmania

Shopping and Eating

If you feel the need to shop there’s Coles, Woolworths and IGA for those grocery items.  Then there are the various gift and craft shops packed full of great bits and pieces and a great array of Tasmanian wares.  If you love looking at antique shops Ulverstone has four fabulous antique shops full of old and interesting objects.

Eating out in Ulverstone is a treat with numerous places to dine, all with great menu options.  Enjoy the seafood and the views across the Leven River at Pedro’s Restaurant, drop in to Lancaster House for coffee, wine and fine food or try one of Deli Central’s tantalizing dishes while checking out their exciting selection of food and gifts.  The Bass & Flinders Motel and the Beachway Motel both have restaurants and you will also find a number of cafes and bakeries in town as well.  So there’s no excuse for not easing those hunger pains while visiting.

Ulverstone Beach

Time to relax on Ulverstone’s beautiful long sandy beach and watch the blue waters of Bass Strait roll in and out.  This is a great beach for walking along and there are plenty of areas to park the car.  Ulverstone has a great Visitor Information Centre located in Alexandra Road, which is open 7 days a week.  Here you will find all the information you need about things to see and do in and around Ulverstone and surrounding areas.

The magnificent sandy beaches of the Ulverstone region, perfect for relaxing

Michelle Kneipp Pegler writes a blog called Leven River Farm
about the ups and downs of her Good Life
and occasional forays delving into the lessons of the past.

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Map: Ulverstone Tasmania…

We ventured to Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe after our treetops adventure at Hollybank.  Nothing unusual about grabbing a drink or a bite to eat after an outing with a group of friends.  What was unusual however, was the combination of beers and pies… we weren’t at a footy match!

The pies & cakes section of Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe, north east Tasmania

Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe: Open for Business

The first point I’d like to make is this:  we arrived at about 4pm.  Now it’s not unusual for Tasmanian business owners to close their doors at about that hour.  And it soon became apparent that the staff at the Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe had been preparing to leave for the day.  But they welcomed us with open arms, and served us with a real smile (not the forced sort, when someone has had to grit their teeth).

Service with a real smile at the Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe

Our large group managed to clean up the last of their available pies and cakes in a flurry.  And they were good.  The pies were hot and fresh and they gave us tomato sauce for free!  And the cakes were cheap.  Not in a nasty kind of way; but in a “pay a reasonable price for a decent product” kind of way.

Cornish pasties fresh out of the Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe oven

Who doesn't like a fresh muffin or two, especially when they're reasonably priced?

Although we all thought it was a strange combination, the Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe did the trick for us.  The adults bought a few beers from the pub section and the kids were more than happy with their lot.  In fact, if we’d arrived earlier, we would have racked up the pool table and played a few rounds as well.

Adding yet another string to their bow, the business also provides budget accommodation.  I can’t verify the quality of that part of the business, though.  I’m only aware of the accommodation option, because I include a link to a relevant website in each article, offering extra information to readers.  When I searched for a website for the Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe, I couldn’t find one.  But I did find a website listing the business for sale, showing the units.

The Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe is at 1983 Lilydale (Main) Road Lilydale 7268 TAS

The Home of the Painted Poles

The small township of Lilydale is known as “the Home of the Painted Poles”.  Settled in the 1860′s, the town has a population of about 350, including potters, craftspeople and artists.  Some of those artists have painted the power poles, hence the slogan.  A naturally beautiful region, the main industries include agriculture and viticulture.

Quirky Tasmanian slogan: Lilydale is the "Home of the Painted Poles"

Lilydale is about 30kms from Launceston; 50kms from Bridport and 40kms from Scottsdale.  It’s also close to Bridestowe Lavender Estate and several vineyards including Pipers Brook Vineyard.

And as I mentioned earlier, it’s only five minutes from the Hollybank Forest Reserve, where you can fly through the treetops.

Fly through the forest with Hollybank Treetops Adventure

The town boasts several other assets and things to do besides the Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe…

Lilydale Attractions & Reasons to Visit

You can visit two small waterfalls at the Lilydale Falls Reserve.  A comfortable stroll from Lilydale Park will have you bushwalking in rainforest (or you can just enjoy a picnic with some of those Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe goodies!).

Lilydale Falls, just a stroll from the carpark through temperate rainforest

Now privately owned, the William Alexander George Walker Rhododendron Reserve has exotic trees and shrubs up to 60 years old.

William Alexander George Walker Rhododendron Gardens, Lilydale Tasmania

Mount Arthur is one of the state’s highest peaks, and provides a lovely scenic backdrop to the township of Lilydale.  If you’re energetic, you can take the three-hour trek to the summit giving magnificent views over the valley.  If you do that, you would have definitely earned yourself some Tasmanian gelati back at the Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe!

Enjoy a serve of real Tasmanian gelati at the Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe

Images were taken by professional tourism
photographer Dan Fellow of Tasmania Photos

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Map: Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe…

Southern Tassie: a Winter Break

by Janette Bishop

This article about a winter break in southern Tassie has been
written for Think Tasmania by Janette Bishop.  She and husband Chris own
Beachside Retreat West Inlet in Stanley in the state’s north west.
Janette could have written about her own backyard; but she chose to share her
holiday experience in the Huon Valley region instead.  And we love that
Tasmanian spirit of networking and co-operation.  So please enjoy!

Luxury Hideaway in the Huon

Our first three days were spent at Woodbridge Hill Hideaway, in one of the four eco-friendly cabins perched high on the hillside overlooking the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and Bruny Island.  Created artistically from Tasmanian timbers, luxuriously and beautifully furnished, including superb stained glass windows, this accommodation is magnificent.  The views of southern Tassie from the spa bathroom, with sliding windows opening up to the panoramic view below, are amazing.

Woodbridge Hill Hideaway, luxury accommodation in southern Tassie

Every comfort has been thought of; Nespresso coffee machine, generous breakfast provisions, wines to purchase and a large deck with barbecue to cook your own.  The complimentary WiFi was appreciated.  Best of all was the beautifully built, enormous, well heated indoor pool, which you can book all to yourselves.  It had of course, the usual magnificent panoramic view, which we were getting quite used to by now and swimming 10 to 12 lengths of the pool a day, was a lovely way to hopefully shed some excess kilos.

A winter break in the Huon Valley in southern Tassie at Woodbridge Hill Hideaway

We finally dragged ourselves away from the views and spent a little time exploring southern Tassie: Kettering and Oyster Cove.  We were amazed at the sheltered marina, absolutely packed with luxury yachts and craft of all shapes and sizes.  This is definitely the place to go, if you are looking for a mooring or boat to purchase.  I hastily moved on my better half; he was fairly drooling.

Winter break: Oyster Cove Marina, Kettering in southern Tasmania

We regretfully left this lovely hideaway and our amiable hosts, Fintan and Ruth.

• HOT TIP: Book via the online system on their website, as the owners
  lead very busy lives and are hard to track down.  Take your bathers.

Bruny Island: a Highlight of Southern Tassie

The 15 minute ferry ride from Kettering to Bruny Island was a pleasant experience, departing approximately every hour and costing $28 return for a vehicle and two passengers.  The southern Tassie island has a rich history, spectacular landscapes and delicious produce and was formerly inhabited by the Nuenanne band of Aboriginals for thousands of years prior to Abel Tasman arriving in 1773.  The last full-blood aboriginal Trugannini was also born here in 1803.

Leaving the ferry we passed a smokehouse and cheese factory, where we were looking forward to tasting the local delicacies, but unfortunately they were both closed during August; a reason to return.  The penguin rookery and lookout at the Neck, with it’s spectacular view was our next stop.  We did not linger, as we were expected at our next destination and did not want to keep our hosts waiting.  We passed through the small towns of Alonnah and Lunawanna on our way to Labillardiere Estate, on Lighthouse Road.

The Bruny Island Ferry transports cars and passengers to and from Kettering

As this is a private, gated 1500 acre wildlife property, arrangements were made for the electronic gate to be unlocked and our hostess Allegra Biggs Dale was waiting.  Our home for the next three days was Chez Discovery, a solar and diesel generated, environmentally sensitive abode, set in a clearing with views to Great Taylor’s Bay and D’Entrecasteaux Channel.  Two bedrooms, a spacious lounge and well equipped kitchen with gas cooker, laundry and modern bathroom more than supplied our needs.  Breakfast can be provided.

Chez Discovery (Labillardiere Estate) on Bruny Island in southern Tassie

Allegra and husband Adrian have lived at Labillardiere for 20 years, after foregoing exciting places like the Middle East, Maldives and Asia.  They are delightful people and will proudly show you the natural features of their property; the birds, forests, wetlands and of course the petit orchids, of which Allegra now has a book to her name.  Adrian’s hobby is his seven metre amphibious craft, ‘Aquila’ Sealegs, which is in full survey and available for tours for up to six passengers.

Allegra & Adrian from Labillardiere Estate on Bruny Island with their Aquila

Allegra with Adrian's hobby: Aquila Sealegs, Bruny Island in southern Tassie

Regretfully, the windy conditions were not conducive to either a trip in Aquila or the Bruny Island Cruise, so we made the decision to revisit Chez Discovery and Bruny Island in the autumn, when hopefully the weather will be more favourable. A pleasant stay with interesting hosts.

• HOT TIP: Let Allegra know your arrival time for scheduled entry
  via the electronic gate and take plenty of provisions with you.
  Internet connection is available.

Back to Basics for a Winter Break

We disembarked Bruny the same way as we came and spent a leisurely morning driving onto our next winter break destination, Huon Bush Retreats, stocking up on food, en route.  The roads were very quiet and we only passed one hire car with tourists, all morning.  The retreat is situated in an extensive private habitat reserve, at the end of a narrow, steep, winding, 4km gravel road and has a range of self contained cabins, tipees and campsites.

Our compact studio cabin, had a small kitchen/dining space, lounge and sleeping area, bathroom with shower and a composting toilet.  It was basically furnished, had 12 volt electricity and no TV or mobile phone coverage.  If urgent, we could have recharged our computer at reception, but decided to wait.  The surrounding bush was alive with wildlife which would enter your cabin uninvited, if a door was unintentionally left open.

The bush is alive with wildlife in southern Tassie (Photo by Dan Fellow)

We decided to visit Cockle Creek and Recherche Bay the following morning, which we thoroughly enjoyed.  The rain clouds cleared to shafts of sunlight, as we walked to the waters edge at the Whale Sculpture; a pod of dolphins appearing momentarily in the bay.  Pure magic and well worth the trip, over a sometimes waterlogged track.  Thank goodness for the Land Rover Defender; it was reassuring to know that we were not likely to get bogged!

• HOT TIP: Attempt the steep mountain road before dusk.
  Make sure your computer/shaver etc., are fully charged.

Recherche Bay, one of the most southern Tassie places you can visit

A wonderful, well-written article about southern Tassie, and we’re very pleased Janette decided to share with us.  Choosing to holiday-at-home proved beneficial for the Bishops, too.  After their winter break, they returned to the Beachside Retreat West Inlet in Stanley without any sign of a winter “mainland flu”.  Refreshed and devoid of any travel-related stresses, they have a renewed appreciation for southern Tassie after a 20-year break between visits.

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Map: Southern Tassie…

Stay in a Bicheno holiday house and write an article for Think Tasmania about the experience.  Gee… let me ponder that for a moment.  Okay.  Yes, I’ll do it.  In fact, let me sign up right now before you change your mind.  So we signed; we stayed and now we give you the details.

Visit the beach on the east coast of Tasmania and stay in this beautiful Bicheno holiday house

Bicheno Holiday House: Break Away

We have stayed in Bicheno before and absolutely love the place to bits.  It’s just such a relaxing and unhurried place, with gorgeous views in every direction.  And if that’s the sort of thing you’re looking for, a break from the reality of every-day stress, this Bicheno holiday house couldn’t be better.

Beautiful sunset colours over the Bicheno beach horizon towards Swansea

We arrived in the evening, driving from Hobart after school had finished for the day.  The journey up the east coast via Sorrel, Buckland, Orford, Triabunna and Swansea takes a little over two hours and is a pleasant drive.  We ate at the Beachfront Hotel, where the service was speedy and the meals were good.  But we really just wanted to get to the beach house and settle in.

Suntrap Cove is perched high on the hill to take advantage of the spectacular views

Suntrap Cove: Views for Days

Suntrap Cove, as the Bicheno holiday house is named, is on the Esplanade near the well-known Bicheno blowhole.  The house is elevated, with the living area facing the Tasman Sea, and as soon as you walk in, you just know you’ll never want to leave.  The views over the orange, lichen-covered rocks and further out to sea are magnificent, no matter what time of day.

Daytime views of the Tasman Sea from the balcony of the Bicheno holiday house

As day turns to night, the views over the lichen rocks in Bicheno are still stunning

Moonlight over the Tasman Sea and the orange, lichen-covered rocks of Bicheno

Obviously, we spent a lot of our time gazing out to sea.  You can watch whales during their migration, right from the balcony!  We forgot to pack our binoculars, even though we knew whale-spotting was on the agenda.  But Rob and Louise had some propped up on the side-table ready for us.  We should have known they would provide such extra touches.  They also own Alice’s Cottages in Launceston and have a reputation for exceeding the expectations of their guests.

Watching for whales, seals and birds in Bicheno (that's a seal on the rock... honest!!)

What you Want; What you Need

The kitchen is well-equipped, and there’s a bbq on the balcony if you decide to cook your own meals.  There’s no real need to bring supplies with you from home, as the town has an excellent bakery and butcher, and of course you can source fresh seafood.

You couldn't ask for a better place to cook the barbecue for a casual meal

A short walk from this Bicheno holiday house will have you on the rocks peering into the blowhole.  The kids loved searching for crabs that scurried between the boulders.  We peeked under one rock, only to be faced with a penguin!  It was a weekend filled with wildlife, actually.  We could see seals from the balcony, and we had birds so brave they’d take bread from our outstretched hands!

The blowhole is only a short walk from this Bicheno holiday house

A penguin on the rocks near the blowhole in Bicheno

Bird-watching (or feeding!) from the balcony of the Bicheno holiday house

Blissful Bicheno Holiday House

We were in the market for a chilled-out weekend.  We played cards and board-games and watched a DVD in between walks to the beach.  The couch was a great place to read a book!  All three bedrooms had really comfortable beds with plenty of room for the whole family to claim their own space.

Playing cards and board games... a pleasant family weekend at the Bicheno beach

While we were tempted to spend the entire weekend tucked up in our wonderful Bicheno holiday house, we did venture out for a drive north.  We had a fabulous lunch at the Iron House Brewery and investigated more things to do in the town.  We did a little shopping; did a little snorkeling from the jetty… and did a few other things we’ll have to tell you about another time!!

Glass Bottom Boat tours explore The Gulch at Bicheno in Tasmania

The writer and her family were guests at Suntrap Cove
For more details of the Bicheno Holiday House visit the website
or phone Rob and Louise Widdowson (03) 6334 2231

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Map: Bicheno Holiday House, Suntrap Cove…

The Changing Face of the Douglas River

by Roger Findlay

The Douglas River can be found on the east coast of Tasmania about 15 minutes drive north of Bicheno.  It has many changing faces as it runs down out of the hills of the Douglas Apsley National Park and out into the sea.

Spectacular beaches: Douglas River region on the east coast of Tasmania

Since we first visited about eight years ago the beach has now accumulated timber that has washed down from the hills.  You may be aware that St. Mary’s and the Elephant Pass has been hit by floods in recent times and this is the result.  This hasn’t stopped us visiting our favourite spot in Tasmania.  In fact it is quite the opposite.

Roger & Jeanette like to go fishing for bream in the Douglas River

Douglas River Family Farm

There is just one family living on the Douglas River and they’re right on the estuary where we like to fish for bream.  This family work the land right along the front and down to the beach.  Sheep, beef cattle and pumpkins provide their living and have done for years gone by.

Being such regular visitors, we are treated like family.  They are always glad to see us and we feel the same.  The evening drinks are relaxing for both parties and the conversation is non-pretentious, basic stuff: weather, Tasmanian politics, Home & Away, etc.

Douglas River: one of the pristine beaches of the east coast of Tasmania

You’ll Own the Beach!

As we are given a key to a gate, we have access to private land and a deserted beach that stretches for miles in both directions.  One day we got such a fright when another person appeared!  Walking towards Bicheno, the sand dunes have been eroded into a formation that our friends call The Porches.  Bird life is abundant and the giant seaweed creates an attraction of it’s own.

Roger is fascinated by the seaweed on the beach at Douglas River

Looking back up the estuary, the hills of the Douglas Apsley are often capped by cloud.  You can see the weather changing.  At times the Douglas River can be running fast but when the tide is out it can be extremely calm.  About a year ago the authorities installed a steel platform in the river close to the bank.  It may have been to monitor the flow.  The experienced land owners advised what to expect and, when the floods hit, the platform washed away!

The changing weather in the Douglas River region near Bicheno, Tasmania

Accommodation Near Bicheno, Tasmania

If you are looking for good, clean and reasonable accommodation near Bicheno, I can recommend Douglas River Cabins.  A three night stay would be ideal for visiting Bicheno, Coles Bay and St. Helens to the north.  For the walker, the Douglas Apsley National Park can be accessed close by.  There are two cabins that are suitable for a couple, small family or large group.  Give it a try but don’t tell the world!  You will not be disappointed.

Near the Douglas Apsley National Park on the east coast of Tasmania

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Map: Douglas River Cabins: