A Tasmanian adventure for well-heeled guests in a hurry

On Board, the floating member of Luxury Lodges of Australia, has launched a new two-night Tasmanian adventure. 

The Port Davey Highlights expedition gives time-poor travellers rare access to Tasmania’s wild southwest. 

Aboard Odalisque III - purpose-built in Tasmania for wilderness immersion - this condensed three-day journey captures the essence of the region’s silence, waterways and rugged peaks, previously only available on longer voyages.

Departing Hobart via seaplane, guests fly over the jagged Arthur Range and the spire of Federation Peak before touching down beside Odalisque III in Port Davey. 

Over two nights and three days, travellers explore the wilderness; Huon pine-lined rivers, untouched Southern Ocean beaches, and weather-beaten coastlines. 

The mini expedition is guided by On Board’s all-Tasmanian crew, who share decades of knowledge of the southwest’s flora, fauna, geology, and the stewardship of the Needwonnee and Ninene people, the region’s first custodians. 

Guests can tailor their experience - heart-pumping hikes and sea-cave adventures, or the chance to just be still in a World-Heritage wilderness. 

Evenings offer a gentle pace, with Tasmanian wines and whiskies poured in the Wheelhouse Lounge, and freshly sourced Tasmanian fare served around a Huon pine table that was handcrafted upstream on the Huon River in Franklin. 

Guests then retreat to private suites with views of wild rivers and peaks. 

“Port Davey is the kind of place that makes three days feel like weeks,” says Alice van der Woude, On Board’s director of marketing & experience. 

“Whether you’re out exploring or simply pausing to take in the vastness and quiet of the harbour, it’s the sort of place that stays with you long after you’ve gone home.”



For travellers with more time, On Board continues to offer its signature 4- and 6-night Port Davey expeditions. 

The vessel caters for a maximum of 12 guests. 

Fares start from $5,800 per person twin share, all-inclusive and to celebrate the launch of Port Davey Highlights, On Board is offering a $1,000 cabin credit on new bookings made by December 12, 2025, valid for expeditions through May 8, 2027.

For more details see onboardexpeditions.com.au

Cradle Mountain Lodge ups the sweetness for winter

The team at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, one of Tasmania's iconic venues, has come up with some sweet treats to help guests enjoy the rest of winter. 

Cradle Mountain Lodge is celebrating the first snow of the season this week with the launch of a new seasonal indulgence: Signature Hot Chocolates, now available at the Tavern Bar & Bistro. 

Inspired by the beauty of Tasmania’s highlands, the limited-edition drinks are named after local highlights: The Aurora Glow is a blend of creamy white chocolate and rose; the Wombat Burrow is dark chocolate with coconut cream and a hint of vanilla; the Cradle Campfire is a combo of chilli dark chocolate and cinnamon and the Highland Spirit is a mix of milk chocolate, caramel, and brûléed sugar.

In addition to this offering, guests are encouraged to extend their winter escape with an exclusive stay offer: book two nights or more and receive 20% off accommodation throughout the season.

Each hot chocolate blend can be optionally enhanced with a carefully selected spirit, maybe a Tassie whisky, to make them perfect for an après-walk indulgence beside the fire.

I love the tranquillity of Cradle Mountain lodge with its crisp mountain air, cosy timber cabins and wildlife spotting opportunities. 

"Winter at Cradle Mountain Lodge is truly magical," says GM Kim Barnes. 

"From the first snowfall that blankets the ancient forests to the quiet moments watching native wildlife like wombats and pademelons adapt to the season, there is a unique serenity and beauty that captivates every guest. 

"It’s a time to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience Tasmania’s wilderness in its most enchanting form."

Explore the full Signature Hot Chocolate menu here: www.cradlemountainlodge.com.au/hot-chocolate

Going underground: A seriously different outback escape

 

It can be stiflingly hot in the Australian outback during summer, so where better to stay than in the cooler air underground?

The outback is home to three underground motels where you can sleep under the earth, but the largest, with 48 subterranean rooms, is the White Cliffs Underground Motel in the wild country of New South Wales.

Until November, 2025, guests can descend below the desert sands to you room and save money with a special, two-night package that has just been launched.

Offering one of the quirkiest hotel stays in Australia, the ‘dugout’ motel bills itself as the largest underground hotel on the planet. 

The property offers a comfortable, year-round temperature of 22 degrees underground as well as a licensed restaurant, café and bar, its media release tells me.

Located in the rugged opal mining hamlet of White Cliffs, you will find yourself 1025km from Sydney and 781km north-east of Adelaide - thankfully there is a sealed road all the way.

With a population of just 150, White Cliffs is certainly quirky, with a lunar-like landscape (below) dotted with thousands of opal diggings made by treasure hunters seeking their fortune ever since opals were discovered here in 1884.

The White Cliffs Underground Motel is owned by the outback NSW accommodation group Out of the Ordinary Outback, which is offering a two-night ‘Experience White Cliffs’ package that includes two nights’ underground accommodation, a drink on arrival, continental breakfast each day, an underground opal mine tour with a local opal hunter and a tour of White Cliffs with a local expert.

The two-night package is available for $545 per couple - a saving of $160 on full pricing. The price for solo travellers is $455 - a saving of A$90. And for a family of four, the package is priced at $725 - a saving of $300

* The package is available until November 30, 2025, and there is no booking deadline. 

The offer is subject to availability and conditions apply. Book through Out of the Ordinary Outback on 1300 679 688 or visit www.undergroundmotel.com.au.

Here is the direct link to package; www.undergroundmotel.com.au/explorewhitecliffsnsw 

Chic new accommodation just a stroll from the Tasmanian wilderness

Mount Field National Park is one of Tasmania's most exquisite destinations.

It is also one of the best-kept secrets on the island state despite being located less than an hour from the capital city of Hobart.

Visit midweek and you can have exquisite rainforest walks and views of spectacular waterfalls virtually to yourself.

While tourists flock to Freycinet National Park on the east coast and the Cradle Mountain National Park in the north-west, the many charms of Mount Field remain largely undiscovered.

With its several spectacular waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, a short walk through stands of some of the world's tallest hardwood trees and Tasmanian eucalypt rainforests leads to spectacular three-tiered Russell Falls (above).

There are few spots on the planet where the air is so fresh and clean and the  area has been protected for its natural beauty since 1885, when it was set aside as Tasmania's first nature reserve. It used to be home to the now extinct Tasmanian Tiger, or thylacine.

Mount Field National Park was founded in 1916, making it, along with Freycinet National Park, Tasmania's oldest national park.

Mount Field is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, so there is no accommodation inside the park, but just outside the gates you'll find the beginnings of an exciting new accommodation project..

The first stage of Mt Field Retreat opened a few weeks ago with a collection of comfortable self-contained pods.

The complex is the work of Greg and Rachel Power and their children, who also operate Waterfalls Café and Gallery in the national park visitor centre

There will eventually be 12 pods, a conference and training centre and seven luxury villas as part of the complex, which is a terrific base from which to explore the Derwent Valley and further afield.  

The pods are all impressively decked out with a king-size bed and plush sofa bed, kitchenette with stove top and dishwasher, and a shower that delivers plenty of hot water.

There are plenty of power points and USB slots and some colourful artworks on the wall. There are also TVs in both the lounge and bedroom, along with Netflix.

Make sure you bring plenty of food with you, however. The nearest supermarket is a fair drive away and the local pub only serves dinner from Friday nights onwards.

You can grab breakfast and lunch just a short stroll away at Waterfalls café - where you can expect hearty country flavours.

The National Park Hotel, also within walking distance of the pods, is a classic Australian country pub with friendly locals, a pool table and picnic area. 

The decorations include an axe that once belonged to Tasmanian champion woodchopper David Foster and pictures of long-forgotten local Aussie Rules teams.

Canoeing, trekking and cycling options are right on your doorstep here and guests might spot a platypus in the Tyenna River or endangered eastern quolls scurrying through the undergrowth.

Rates range from $250-$303 a night and in winter the slopes of the Mount Mawson ski field are just a short drive away.

Book direct for the cheapest rate at https://mtfieldretreat.com.au/

 

• # The writer was a guest of Tourism Tasmania an Mt Field Retreat.

 

New accommodation option at Cradle Mountain

There is a new accommodation option at Cradle Mountain, one of Tasmania's most spectacular wilderness destinations.

The G'day Group this week unveiled a $20 million redevelopment at its Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain property in a major boost for the region's tourism offering.

Expected to generate an additional 60,000 tourism nights annually and more than $18 million in annual economic benefit for the region, the redevelopment includes 30 new cabins, 40 new tourist sites and upgraded amenities right across the property.

The project also sees the launch of a new premium cabin category with open fireplaces and panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows.

The 11 new premium cabins are designed to draw in high-value international tourists and visitors.

G'day Group Chief Strategy Officer Ben Simons said the investment would offer a much-needed boost to Cradle Mountain's accommodation offering.

“From incredible views to some of Australia's most regarded walking trails, Cradle Mountain is one of the most remarkable regional destinations in the country,” he said.

“As Tasmania looks to grow visitor numbers to more than 2 million annually by 2030, however, there is a need for continued investment in high-quality tourism product to ensure that we can not only support visitation growth but deliver an experience that is truly unforgettable.

“This redevelopment allows us to tap into the broad demographic of visitors the Mountain attracts - from hikers looking for a spot to pitch a tent for the night, through to those seeking a luxury escape, immersed in nature.”

West by North West Regional Tourism Chief Executive Officer Gabriella Conti said the organisation was delighted to welcome the completion of the new luxurious cabins, upgraded facilities, and expanded campground.

“This transformation is a significant addition to Cradle Mountain, addressing the demand for visitor beds and offering a diverse range of accommodation," she said.

"It is great to see G'day Group show confidence in our region by their significant investment. We know there will be an increase in visitors, and it is important we can cater to the market.”

The new deluxe cabins and tourist sites are available to book now, with cabin prices starting at $320 per night and sites from $45 per night. Premium cabins are also available to book now, with guests able to stay from December. 20. Prices start from $340 per night.

See discoveryholidayparks.com.au to book.

 

When is a boat a luxury lodge?

When is a boat a luxury lodge?

When it is the state-of-the-art Odalisque III expedition cruiser, which has just been added to the elite collection of Luxury Lodges of Australia.

Odalisque III was only launched this year to enable guests to explore Tasmania’s pristine wilderness.

The upmarket boat hosts a maximum of just 12 guests, taking them to secluded parts of Tasmania’s renowned UNESCO World Heritage wilderness in the south-west of the state.

The signature journey offered by On Board is a five-day enchanting exploration of the remote Port Davey harbour, which is accessible only by water.

Starting and concluding in the the Tasmanian capital of Hobart, the expedition begins with a 40-minute seaplane transfer to their floating "lodge".

The voyage showcases local sustainably sourced seafood, along with Tasmanian wines and whiskies.

 

Guided tours include Bathurst Harbour, ancient rainforests and hike into the wilderness (where Tasmanian tigers may just still survive). There is also a glimpse in Tasmania’s Aboriginal history and culture.

Penny Rafferty, executive chair of Luxury Lodges of Australia, sais On Board’s offerings bolster the organisation's existing portfolio and create synergies with Tasmanian member Saffire Freycinet.

To get a special deal reserve a 2024 experience before December 9 at 

onboardexpeditions.com.au/luxury-lodges-celebratory-offer and mention "Luxury Lodges Celebratory Offer".

New accommodation options in the Territory outback

There are two very different new accommodation options in Australia's Northern Territory.

The Luxury eco-friendly safari lodge Bamurru Plains will open its new accommodation offering, Jabiru Retreat, from May 1.

Jabiru Retreat is a more private stay within a camp experience, featuring two safari-style bungalows connected by a walkway, leading to a private plunge pool and shaded deck overlooking the Mary River floodplains.

The retreat, billed as being ideal for two couples sharing, will accommodates four to six guests, and the package on offer includes daily guided wilderness safaris across the diverse landscapes of Kakadu - from rivers with sunbaking crocodiles to floodplains with birdlife, forests, and woodlands.

Trips to explore ancient rock art and Indigenous culture are an optional day trip away.

Although it is accessible by road in three hours, Bamurru Plains staff recommend flying in via a privately chartered flight from Darwin. See https://www.bamurruplains.com/

At Uluru, meanwhile, Voyages Ayers Rock Resort has re-opened its budget-friendly accommodation, Outback Hotel and Lodge (above) following a multi-million-dollar renovation including enhanced guest rooms, new en-suite bathrooms and a refurbished swimming pool.

The Outback Hotel and Lodge’s 125 rooms all feature free wifi, air-conditioning, walk-in rain showers, new electronics and large prints from Aboriginal artist Delma Forbes adorn the walls.

A range of accommodation - including bank bed rooms and rooms with en suites - is on offer and guests can access Voyages’ cultural activities, airport transfers and shuttle bus service. See https://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/

So you’d like to own a Tasmanian icon

Arguably the most iconic hotel property in Tasmania: Cradle Mountain Lodge is for sale. 

Created by Tasmanian tourism industry pioneer Simon Currant and currently owned by Elanor Investors, the wilderness lodge recently underwent a major refurb. 

Mountain Lodge, has been listed for sale by the ASX-listed Elanor Investors Group.

The 86-cabin hotel is located on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, and has been named one of Lonely Planet’s ‘Top 10 Most Extraordinary Places To Stay’.

Elanor Investors Group’s Head of Hotels, Tourism & Leisure, Marianne Ossovani, told Travel Daily that selling the property wasn’t necessarily the plan when renovations began, but strong acquisition interest since has led to its potential divestment.

“We have received several off-market approaches by parties interested in acquiring the resort, prompting us to formally take Cradle Mountain Lodge to market,” she said.

Cradle Mountain Lodge is operated under Accor’s Peppers brand with the benefit of a franchise agreement, with vacant possession available upon sale.

Walks on the mild side in Tasmania

Winter in Tasmania can be long and cold, but spring is just around the corner. 

The Tasmanian Walking Company has just unveiled its 2022/23 Walk+ Collection in collaboration with some of the island state’s tourism innovators and designed for adventurous walkers looking for experiences in nature. 

Heath Garratt, general manager of the Tasmanian Walking Company, says: “Our walks consistently attract global interest from guests looking to make their next adventure truly extraordinary. 

“Our new Walk+ collection is a unique approach to experiencing Tasmania’s hidden gems and the current demand exhibited for our walks gives us great confidence in these new and unique itineraries.”

Among the new experiences: 

Bruny Island Long Weekend and Fat Pig Farm Feast

This farm to table experience is designed for adventurous foodies seeking a journey into Tassie’s local produce. The Bruny Island Long Weekend and Fat Pig Farm Feast combines a three-day island walk with a Farm Feast at Matthew Evans and Sadie Chrestman's Fat Pig Farm in the Huon Valley. Walkers will enjoy coastal walks, forest glamping and local culinary delights from a gourmet long lunch at the farm to fresh oyster shucking.

www.taswalkingco.com.au/bruny-island-long-weekend-fat-pig-farm/

Sacred Geography with Sarah Bachelard

A chance to experience one of Australia’s most beautiful tracks in a spirit of pilgrimage with theologian and spiritual director Sarah Bachelard. 

This journey on thevoverland track is described as an “opportunity to reconnect body, soul and spirit deepened by the lived experience of sacred geography and listening to the land”.

The Cradle Mountain Huts Walk is a six-day walk along the Overland Track, retreating each evening to the comfort of private accommodation along the trail.

https://www.taswalkingco.com.au/overland-track-with-Sarah-Bachelard/

Live Music Walks with Emily Sanzaro

Walk the Bay of Fires and experience a cliff top dinner party complete with an interactive live performance by avant-garde Tasmanian harpist, Emily Sanzaro. 

The Bay of Fires Lodge Walk is an all-inclusive four-day walk along the pristine east coast of Tasmania and staying at award winning Bay of Fires Lodge.

www.taswalkingco.com.au/bay-of-fires-live-music-walk-with-emily-sanzaro/

For bookings and further information on the Walk+ experiences see www.taswalkingco.com.au/extraordinary/special-interest/

 

Discover wellness retreats in the wilderness

Pumphouse Point, one of Tasmania's tourism icons, has unveiled dates for summer wellness retreats in the wilderness. 

The retreats aim to "capture the restorative magic of long sunny days" with guided hikes, forest bathing, yoga, qi gong, wild lake swimming and massages, all within the Lake St Clair national park. 

"Like Pumphouse Point, our retreats are relaxed and communal.," the lodge says in a press release. 

"They are not a detox, and nothing is mandatory. A thoughtfully curated program offers transformative seminars to nourish the psyche, movement sessions to nourish the body, and a vibrant menu to nourish the belly."

Wellness retreat inclusions are daily meditation, breathwork, silent bush walks and movement sessions are designed to harmonise and rebalance the mind and body.

Breakfasts, lunches and dinners in the communal dining room celebrate local and seasonal produce while a 60-minute therapeutic massage treatment is included for all participants. 

Special guest Linda Franke, an expert in Restful Yoga and Therapy as well as being a somatic psychotherapist (no idea what that is, sorry), will lead workshops and presentations to enable guests to take away what they have learned, while the guided hikes through world heritage wilderness will take in remote peaks and hidden rainforest waterfalls.

E-bikes are also available for exploration. 

Dates for the summer retreats are: February 25-28, February 28-March 4. 

See www.pumphousepoint.com.au 

Do you feel the need to go wild in Tasmania?

Former junior tennis star and admitted former alcohol abuser Alice Hansen has launched a new series of wild wellness adventures in Tasmania. 

Hansen, also a well-known writer, describes Wild Wellness as "Tasmania’s new remedy for modern life stress". 

Think Instructor-led ocean plunges, expert-led sessions by the fire and guided breathwork beneath the stars. All set in Tasmania’s epic wilderness. 

Not for me, thank you, but I can see the appeal. 

New Wild Wellness options range from day experiences to recharging retreats and four-day guided cliff walks.

Wild Wellness is billed as an Australian first – a merging of medical professionals, decades of experience and global thought leaders – delivered through retreats and online courses. It launches nationally in August. 

The wellness team includes a doctor, psychologist, NLP practitioner, breath-worker and nutritionist. 

Options include a Three Capes Lodge Wild Wellness Walk; A one-day Five Huts Wild Wellness Walk; Wild Wellness @The Cove in Tasmania's north-west and an Alcohol-Free Wild Wellness Retreat. 

With plans to expand nationally, keep an eye out for more Wild Wellness events in 2022. 

See www.wildwellnessmethod.com