If the smell of salt air, crash of ocean waves, or the slow whooshing sound of water lapping on the shore are things that help you relax while on a getaway, you’re welcome. Scroll down for a list of our favourite Slow Stays with water views where you can spend your next holiday all at sea. Or river. Or dam!
CHAMBLS SHACK
Verona Sands, TAS
In a tidy 1970s shack, just a one-hour drive from Hobart, sun streams through a wall of windows overlooking the beach at Verona Sands. There’s plenty of deep couches, three beautifully styled bedrooms and a huge brick fireplace that begs to be lit and crowded around. If you’ve ever thought about visiting Tasmania, Chambls Shack is the kind of nostalgic bolthole you’d have dreamt about staying at.
THE G AT GERROA
Gerroa, NSW
Just 30 steps from the sands of Seven Mile Beach, The G at Gerroa is a recently renovated beach house on the South Coast of NSW with stunning water views to boot. Spread over two levels, you’ll find this four-bedroom, three-bathroom home has everything you could need for a beach getaway. Flaunting an interior that is spruced with local products and furnishings and an exterior that features sprawling decks and a fire pit, this Slow Stay really does capture the essence of coastal living.
THE SHACK AT SHEEPWASH BAY
Bruny Island, TAS
It’s true, Bruny Island’s magic lies as much in its natural wonders and food scene, as it does in discovering little earthy cabins just like The Shack at Sheepwash Bay. Built from reclaimed timber, this intimate, off-the-grid couple’s retreat includes a king-sized bed, wood heater, kitchenette and an outdoor cooking option, plus an outdoor tub. Throw open the king billy French doors and you’ll be smacked in the face with views across the channel to mountains, often capped with snow when the seasons turn. For a closer look, trek down to the private waterfront for a swim, kayak or picnic—just mind the crabs.
CAMP ISLAND LODGE
Whitsundays, QLD
Once in a lifetime, everyone should experience sleeping on their own private island. Camp Island Lodge is on the northern-most island in the beautiful Whitsundays group on the Great Barrier Reef. Sleeping up to eight guests, the four ensuite villas are built in traditional Queenslander cottage style and look directly over the aqua blue reef. There is also a Main Lodge which encompasses a kitchen, dining, living and TV area and spacious covered verandahs.
SIMPSON COTTAGE
Bundeena, NSW
Flanked by the Royal National Park and water views of Port Hacking, Simpson Cottage will take your breath away from the moment you arrive. Dine under festoon lights on the oversized outdoor table, lounge around the meticulously restored 1860s home or head down the track at the edge of the garden to Bonnie Vale Beach below.
THE LITTLE HOUSE
Nungurner, VIC
There’s legit science behind the mental health benefits of being close to the water, and a stay at The Little House in East Gippsland will be like your own personal case study to prove it. With views out over Reeves Channel in Nungurner, life at the tastefully outfitted cabin revolves around the placid body of water. Everything here is aimed at shifting gears and leaving the rat-race of Melbourne behind. There’s no WiFi and few neighbours within walking distance, so it will be easy to lounge uninterrupted choosing either the comfy couches or outdoor bath for endless moments of solitude.
CAPTAINS REST
Lettes Bay, TAS
This whimsical property in Strahan has been lovingly renovated to reflect a less modern era, a slower lifestyle and a yearning for respite from the busyness that engulfs us all. Just as the name Captains Rest implies, this is a place to seek solitude with huge antique windows that look out onto the lake and private jetty. Sit by the fire as rain teems down, or sink deeply into the restored clawfoot bath.
FARMHOUSE ON OXLEY
Oxley Island, NSW
With a stunning entertaining area that sees the oversized kitchen, dining and living area combined, and enough rooms to easily sleep 16 people, Farmhouse On Oxley is one to bookmark for a family or friend reunion. Set on a 57-acre farm on the Mid-North Coast, make time to practice yoga on the private pontoon, rinse off in the outdoor baths or gather around the mammoth dining table for a game of cards. This luxury riverfront home is close to national parks, beaches and quaint towns too…not that you’ll ever feel the need to leave.
BLUEBERRY BAY COTTAGE
Lymington, TAS
Yank a fishing rod out of the hallway cupboard, leave your phone on the bench and stroll down to Fossil Beach from your secluded waterfront position at Blueberry Bay Cottage. If the Huon River gives up no fish, comb the rocks for a bounty of fresh oysters instead. Warm up back home with a dip in the outdoor wood-fired hot tub and a glass of local red.
WHALE SONG SHACK
Falmouth, TAS
Reconnect with mother nature at this reimagined 1980’s fisherman’s shack. Situated right by the sea in Falmouth on the east coast of Tasmania, watch Pacific gulls swoop down by the waterline while the roar of the wild sea fills the salt air. Whale Song is a sanctuary of peace and calm and is perfectly suited for a couples’ getaway.
Like what you see? Find more slow and sustainable accommodation in our Slow Stays directory.
