Tasmania: take a walk on the mild side

Tasmania is home to some great adventure treks.

From the Overland Track to Three Capes Track, the Maria Island Walk, Bay of Fires, Bruny Island and the Walls of Jerusalem Natioaln Park, there are many multi-day walks to choose from.

Also think the Dove Lake Circuit at Cradle Mountain, Wineglass Bay in in the Freycinet National Park and Cape Hauy on the Tasman Peninsula.

For something a little bit different - and slightly less challenging - maybe seek out the new single day in the wild walks offered by Bakers Walking Company near Bakers Beach. They sound ideal for those who do not want to climb mountains or overnight in tents. 

The guided day walks explore a private 1,137-acre wilderness beside Narawntapu National Park that covers easy-to-moderate terrain through forest and open bushland. 

The experience combines a chance to enjoy Tasmanian nature and fresh air, local produce and small-group comfort.

Groups usually feature four to eight guests and allow plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and connect with the environment, says admin and trek leader Joel Badcock. A fresh Tasmanian lunch and refreshments are included, served on the property.

The day walking track covers around 7km and dis located just 15 minutes from Port Sorell, 30 minutes from Devonport and 60 minutes from Launceston. Days walks run for approximately five hours and feature wildlife-watching opportunities. 

Each walk is led by a local guide specialising in flora, fauna and natural history so walkers can discover the region’s geology, ecosystems and cultural storylines.

They are billed as being suitable for guests aged 12 and over, with flexible cancellation up to two days before departure.

The property is a luxury bush estate - twice the size of Monaco - but with no chance of getting lost or stranded. 

Bakers also offers a range of multi-day experiences including accommodation with all meals, as part of public or private groups. There is access to a sauna, and outdoor baths.

If weather makes it unsafe or unpleasant to walk, there is the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.

See https://bakerswalkingco.au/day-walks/

Enjoy a luxury hotel experience for $50 - without booking a room

Fancy spending some time poolside at a luxury hotel with access to a sauna and drinks from a pool bar?

From now until March 31 you can soak up some Melbourne sun (local weather permitting) at the Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands without even being a hotel guest.

With views of Port Philip Bay and with $12 Aperol Spritzes on offer, the rooftop infinity pool can be accessed by buying a weekday Pool Day Pass.

Sunset House is an urban oasis where you can escape the city hustle and enjoy music, food and those Aperol Spritzes.

'Sunset Hour', running daily from 4pm to 6pm, offers those $12 cocktails.

The weekday Pool Day Pass provides access to the outdoor infinity pool, (always at 28c) and use of a complimentary towel, access to a sauna and the rooftop lounge bar for $50 per person.

Alternatively, bring company with the Pool Day Pass package for two people with a large pizza to share, accompanied by two cocktails for $120.

For more info, or to book, visit marriottmelbournedocklands.com or melbournemarriottdocklands.realtimereservation.com/

Reach for the SKYE: somewhere very pleasant to stay in Sydney

It is part of Zetland, an inner Sydney suburb which used to have little to commend it for tourists. 

Now Green Square is a lively lifestyle precinct full of eateries, up-market apartments and one of the best discoveries I have made recently: SKYE Suites.

Not only is SKYE Suites a little oasis just four kilometres from downtown Sydney, it is also directly above the Green Square Railway station, which links you directly to both the domestic and international terminals at Sydney Airport in around five minutes. 

Perfect for anyone with an early flight departure, or late flight arrival, but also a very good base for tourists wanting to spend a few days exploring Sydney. You are one stop from Central Station, with its links to both Sydney light rail routes and multiple buses. 

And you get an entire well-equipped apartment rather than a pokey city centre hotel room. 

You've got cooking facilities with Smeg and Miele appliances, a large fridge, dishwasher and coffee machine, fast wifi, wide-screen TV with Chromecast capability, plenty of charging ports and a compact but functional bathroom with classy Smith&Co amenities.

Bedrooms have super comfy Sleeping Duck memory foam mattresses. 

On-site, you can swim, use the gym, heated spa, sundecks with private cabanas and sunbeds, or walk just a couple of hundred metres to a range of restaurants and - to keep the kids happy - a Maccas, KFC and Taco Bell. 

There are two supermarkets - Asian and Australian - within a short stroll as are Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, grilled chicken eateries and cafés. 

So location, location, location. And it is a non-party, non-smoking property, so a good sleep is assured.  

Property developer Iwan Sunito is now the full owner of both the 90-room Skye Suites Green Square serviced apartment hotel and the One Global Conference Centre, each part of the $575 million Infinity Park precinct. 

“We are looking to take the SKYE Suites hotel to the next level, under a new brand ‘One Global Resorts',” Sunito said.

“We are looking to elevate the guest’s experience more along the lines of luxury international hotels. 

"We will embark on developing a new hotel chain beginning with SKYE Suites Green Square, followed by our site at Macquarie Park, with more planned.”

The suites stretch over 20 storeys as part of an "urban resort" - and just as importantly, the staff at the 24-hour reception desk are excellent. I arrived early and asked to store my luggage, but was quickly installed in an alternative room. Impressive. 

If you think some of the images look familiar, it is because SKYE Suites was recently the location for the the latest season of Channel Nine’s Married At First Sight series. 

The property offers a range of apartment types including a studio, one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments that can cater for a large family group. 

The bottom line: This is an urban sanctuary that's perfect for both overnight or longer stays. Very well priced, too. 

For more details check out https://www.skyegreensquare.com.au/

# The writer was a guest of SKYE Suites Green Square. Images: Winsor Dobbin 

Meet a new waterfront destination for gourmets

The popular southern Tasmanian town of Cygnet has new rustic chic waterfront accommodation.

It also has a new functions venue; a private dining destination and a providore producing jams, sauces and condiments showcasing local produce.

All these elements come together at Helms Bay Cottage, the brainchild of local Jenny Hassett, which officially opened this week.

Helms Bay Cottage is right on the water - with its own jetty no less - just a 10-minute drive from the township and its many cafes, galleries and artisan producers.

Guests can use the on-site sauna and hot tub, or enjoy supper by the firepit.

 The accommodation comprises one suite with a double bed and en-suite bathroom (above); two double bedrooms with a shared bathroom and a separate bunkhouse for four with its own facilities.

Hassett, former landlady of Cygnet's Commercial Hotel, also hosts private lunches/dinners for groups of between six and 10 ranging from Sunday roasts ($40 per person), to a three-course French banquet ($80 per person). Italian and seafood options are also available with diners free to BYO.

With local wine producers including Chatto, Sailor Seeks Horse, Elsewhere, Kate Hill, Home Hill and Hartzview, you are spoilt for choice.

Each of the rooms offers views of Helms Bay and there is a private veranda with a barbecue and outdoor setting.

On-site laundry facilities and fishing gear are on offer, and you can pluck oysters from the shoreline. There is also free parking.

The rooms are furnished in rustic chic style; old school but very comfortable.

The set-up is perfect for family get togethers and small weddings.

The providore side of the business is born from Jenny's passion for gardening and cooking and will be on sale at a roadside stall, as well as at local markets.

Think home-made jams, sauces, pickles, oils, and more -  all gluten free and all cooked in-house.

 

Private dinners start from $50 per person and are held in the cottage dining room, which has superb water views.

Call 0408 532 322 or for full details see https://www.helmsbaycottage.com.au/