Ship Inn Stanley
Price varies
There is so much history here at the Ship Inn Stanley and Alastair and Kerry couldn’t have done it up better. Arriving in Stanley, you won’t be able to miss this beautiful mustard coloured building. There are seven suits that are completely different and filled with their very own tale to tell. You wouldn’t come here to just stay but to experience. We immersed ourself in the Bay View suit which back in the day was known as the The Bayview Hotel and its iconic bar which operated for over a century.
The Bayview suit is equipped with everything you need; ocean views, microwave, coffee machine, bar fridge and a spacious bathroom. Once you are all settled in you can enjoy their gym and yoga room in the stables, which is located behind the main building. There is also complimentary guest laundry on site. We were able to have a little sneak peak of the new guest lounge that will be opening soon, it looks amazing and can’t wait to come back to enjoy it!
We only had one night here at the Inn and we spent our morning wandering around the area. We started our day with coffee from Moby Dicks breakfast bar, wandered to the other shops along the main road and went to the port to look at the fishing trawlers. We then went to Trethewies Lookout and enjoyed the beautiful views of the Nut. I recommend going to Godfreys Beach to see penguins once the sun goes down. They have a viewing area that helps protect the penguins and lets us see them in their natural habitat. Patience is key, we waited and saw 20+ penguins come up on the beach after dark.
Captains Rest
$450 per night
Located just outside of the beautiful Strahan at historic Lettes bay, you will find Captains Rest. There is no surprise that this is an award winning cottage. When we entered, we were taken to a different era. Not a care in the world, this is all that mattered. Captains Rest is a feeling and that’s all I can describe it as, you just need to go and experience it for yourself. Sarah has created a place like no other with collections of old and new treasures throughout the cottage. Strahan might be one of my fav places in the world and I highly recommend you take the time to go and experience it.
When we opened the back door I heard ‘quack quack’ and we were welcomed with a flock ducks and seven ducklings. From this moment on, I’ve been obsessed with ducks. Grab a coffee, wine, tea, whichever you prefer and open up the guest book. I spent an hour reading through the stories that people have left behind. We spent one night here but could easily have spent weeks. I can’t wait to return.
Bruny Boathouse
$632 per night
The perfect getaway nestled on the western side of Bruny Island in the township Alonnah. This beautiful unique stay offers sensational panoramic waterfront views looking across the D’Entrecasteaux channel to Satellite Island giving you that real boathouse feel. Everything you need is provided and you won’t want to leave. It’s the perfect place to unwind, relax and enjoy the views. If you’re looking for a cafe in the morning, check out Lunawanna. They offer freshly baked pies and really good coffee. For dinner, I recommend going to the Hotel Bruny which is a pub down the road. They have local beer, pizza and some say the best parmy ever! To enjoy our last moments at the boathouse, we put the fire on, bought some local wine, takeaway pizza and watched the sunset. Bruny Boathouse is an experience you won’t want to miss out on.
The Butchers House
$221 per night
Nestled in Tasmania’s Central Highlands is a historic township, Bothwell. It was settled in the 1820’s by farmers and nothing much really has changed in the area today. Butchers House is a heritage cottage built that was built in 1833 surrounded by history and the cutest rabbits. What lies inside, truly makes the trip well worth it. It’s full of the most beautiful collection of antiques and treasures. You won’t want to leave because there is so much to admire in this beautiful space, it truly is one of a kind. This is the perfect place to slow down, indulge in the stillness and escape the city. You really feel like you are stepping back in time and it is truly one of the most magical experiences.
Bushy Summers
$325 per night
How I would explain Bushy’s is like taking a step in a Notebook scene. No words could really convey the awe-inspiriing beauty of this place. It has magical waterfront views through the most beautiful French style window. It’s the perfect place to read, paint, drink tea (or wine) and soak in the beauty of Tasmania with the company of the resident ducks. I would recommend you stay min. two nights because you really want to soak what Bushy Summers has to offer. I left Bushy Summers feeling refreshed and inspired. Inside you will find everything you need. Full kitchen setup, luxurious cast iron claw bath, Aesop products, fresh linen and a beautiful bottle of Tasmanian wine. You will also find fresh sourdough bread, eggs, butter and everything you need to whip up a delicious local breakfast. If you feel like heading out for coffee, I recommend checking out the Coffee Shack near the main road. The girls there are lovely and we really enjoyed the coffee.
Silverwood
$230 per night
The perfect hideaway only a short drive away from the historic riverside town Franklin. Silverwood is a unique dome house with lush views of the Huon River surrounded by the most beautiful wildlife. This space offers comfort with a modern vibe that compliments the outdoors. Whether you want to connect with nature, your partner or friends, this spot will check off all the boxes. Although this place has everything you need and you probably won’t want to leave, I recommend checking out the area. Below I’ve put a few of my favourite spots!
The Prospect House Hotel
Price varies
Only a few minutes away from the historic Richmond township is one of Tasmania’s finest stays, The Prospect House. In 2017 the Pooley family bought it and restored the 1830’s manor into a beautiful five-star private stay that I couldn’t recommend more. You are welcomed with Tasmanian sparkling wine and once you’re all settled in an afternoon tea. This is a luxurious experience for those who want to experience the country-side but still want the hotel style comfort. There are 11 rooms which provide gorgeous spaces for private relaxation with your loved ones. I recommend booking dinner here as it really completes the experience. The head chef Kurstin Berriman uses the onsite garden and local produce to make the most flavoursome meals.
House of the Weedy Seadragon & Semaphore Shack
$300 per night for Semaphore shack
This property actually has two airbnbs, The House of the Weedy Seadragon and the Semaphore Shack. If you have a big group of friends you can have the luxury of renting them both out if they are available. The photos you will see below are from the Semaphore Shack and the fireplace is technically from the HOTWSD. The Semaphore Shack has its own fireplace which is just as amazing! When we arrived we were welcomed with ocean views and our very own path to the beach. From this point on, I knew I was going to love this place. When we entered the house, it had the cutest beach shack knick knacks and the most beautiful treasures from the beach.
The Semaphore Shack has everything you need, a full kitchen, indoor fireplace, outdoor fire pit (my fav), firewood, washing machine, the most comfortable bed, quality linen and all the other essentials. So grab a wine, get the outdoor fire pit going and enjoy the views! AND there are penguins that nest in the backyard, how neat is that! If you’re quiet, you’ll be able to hear them at night.
✧ ✧ ✧
I recommend going to Cubed Espresso Bar which is located on top of the hill at the Pirates Bay lookout in Eaglehawk Neck. They have the best view to enjoy the best oat milk latte and cookies! For the best fish and chips I recommend going to Doo-lishu which is just down the road from HOTWSD 🙂
Captains Cottage
$295 per night
Captains Cottage was built for a ship’s captain in the 1800s. It is now heritage listed and a successful well known airbnb located in the heart of the CBD. It is furnished with everything you need for a comfortable stay filled with the most beautiful treasures.
We spent our last night in Tasmania here and it was icing on the cake. It was the perfect place to wind down and relax. We weren’t home just yet but it felt like we were. Captains Cottage has everything you need. The bed feels like you’re sleeping on clouds and if you want to stay in for a night, there’s Netflix ready for you to binge. If you’re anything like me, there is a dedicated workspace that comes in handy and courtyard garden for you to enjoy your morning coffee. Although the kitchen is fully equipped for everything you need to cook a delicious meal, we took a 5 minute Uber to Franklin Wharf to treat ourselves to what Tasmania does best.. seafood. We only had one night in Hobart which wasn’t enough. I can’t wait to return and stay at the cottage for a longer period of time.
Raffah House
$460 per night
Raffah House is located on the main street in the historic village of Oatlands
which is an hour drive from Hobart. It’s a 3 bedroom home made from
sandstone built prior to 1851. Sophie and her partner Nick have done such
an amazing job creating this space, when we walked in we instantly felt like
we were at home. Oatlands is one of my favourite spots in Tasmania because
there is so much history. It felt like we have gone back in time. When I was
flicking through the guestbook, one wrote she was 91 years of age and she
was actually born in this house! She ended up spending Christmas here with
her family. I thought that was so beautiful.