Dreaming of Tasmania never gets old – wide open spaces, fresh produce everywhere and friendly locals who actually want to share their slice of paradise.
And with an accommodation scene that continues to go from strength to strength, there’s never been a better time to discover the little island down south. So, with that in mind, it’s time to check-in and lose yourself in one of the best Slow Stays in Tasmania.
Side note: We recommend booking your flights according to the availability of these Slow Stays, so you don’t miss out. Trust us, they are worth the wait!
Bruny Boathouse
If a jaunt to Bruny Island is on your Tasmanian bucket list, then booking a stay at the sweet Bruny Boathouse is a must, no matter the season. Nestled on the banks of d’Entrecasteaux Channel, on the western side of the island, this beautiful waterfront shack comfortably sleeps four and is filled with understated trinkets, furnishings, and linen. But it’s those views across to Satellite Island and Hartz Mountain that are most likely to have you searching the local real estate sites for a neighbouring shack to buy.
Drift Beach Shack
In the quiet seaside hamlet of Weymouth, Drift Beach Shack blends Mid-Century, coastal and boho cues to create a tranquil haven worth escaping to. Brought from the 1950s into the modern day, with little luxuries like Smeg appliances and a new bathroom, you’ll find this humble abode still retains its warmth and charm. When the sun is out, head to the beach nearby with one of the boogie boards and a freshly-picked apple from the property’s old apple tree. Tuckered out? An afternoon by the fire with an eclectic selection of vinyls playing and a Jenga competition, is waiting for you.
Tassie Writers Shack
Let’s get this out of the way – even if you’re not a writer, this 1940s fisherman’s shack may still be the holiday accommodation you’ve been searching for. With a sprawling deck overlooking Little Norfolk Bay, a bright yellow front door and plenty of space to entertain, it’d be impossible to have a bad day here. Conveniently located 45 minutes from Hobart airport, this is the perfect place to stop for a few days while you uncover the gems of Tasmania’s southeast.
Captains Rest
If you’ve trawled the internet looking for the best accommodation in Tasmania, then it’s almost a given that you would’ve come across the magical Captains Rest. This historically listed waterfront cottage is straight out of a picture book, with antique windows, vessels of oversized dried flowers, a wood fire to amplify the cosiness and your very own rickety timber jetty. With so much soul injected into this holiday home, we recommend leaving this one until later (if not, last) in your trip, as you’re not going to want to leave.
The Bus Hideaway
Escape the shackles of seriousness and skip the usual apartment stay for an old, restored ’85 bus. Using secondhand materials, The Bus Hideaway features custom-made furniture, a King-size bed with organic linen, a full kitchen and even its own wood fireplace. Parked on an old property in the Tamar Valley, stop by the Hillwood strawberry farm on your way to pick your own bounty of juicy strawbs to devour in complete solitude.
Moonbird Beach Shack
Keen to take on Tassie’s surf scene? Then this bolthole on the east coast is custom made for you. Pick up the mini mal from the laundry and pad across to Beaumaris Beach for perfect little peelers before washing the salt off under the outdoor shower and dedicating the rest of your day to a good book in one of the hammocks slung under the two-bedroom shack. This is the kind of beach house your family will want to return to year on year, especially when the local pub is an easy stroll down the road.
Shack in the Dunes
With a sand dune as your backyard, Drift Beach Shack is the epitome of a true Tasmanian beach stay. Lovingly renovated, the 1960s light-filled home emits relaxation vibes with its cane décor, wraparound deck perfect for lazing and an outdoor space, complete with two fire pits and an old fishing boat. Follow the timber steps to the top of the dune and take in vistas of the river, beach, and the neighbouring quirky shacks of Weymouth.
Cedar Cottage Meander
Resting sore feet and achy limbs after a day spent traversing the wilderness of Cradle Mountain is easy at nearby Cedar Cottage Meander. Found in the Meander Valley, this hand-built cabin is a gentle place to land and reset for the remainder of your travels. Work your way through the bounty of books by contemporary Tasmanian authors, whip up a feast using the produce from the organic kitchen garden or simply pour a glass of local red and sip it alongside the firepit. Once the night sky comes alive with stars, nothing will beat climbing into the cedar hot tub and letting your mind drift with the sounds of nature.
The Shack at Sheepwash Bay
If there’s one pit-stop you need to make on Bruny Island it’s to the pair of Kelvinator fridges at Sheepwash Lane that hold The Bruny Baker’s daily batch of wood-fired sourdough. But when you book to stay at The Shack at Sheepwash Bay, you’ll have VIP access at the source as John bakes in the shed next door, along with dreamy private beach access, an outdoor tub, and eggs from the free range chooks.
The Stable Lofts
It’s easy to lose yourself in the storybook romance of the mudbrick Stable Lofts at Hawthorn Villa Estate, with their perfectly manicured gardens and aesthetically-pleasing interiors. Lay out a picnic rug and enjoy a cheese platter and local wine complemented by views over the countryside and the Liffey River in the historic village of Carrick – and be sure to take a wander through the grove of National Trust-listed sequoias.
The Wayfarer
After traversing the island, it’s nice to set down anchor for a Slow Stay in Tasmania where you can continue to watch other explorers at play – namely the migrating whales, pods of dolphins, and passing yachts from your perch overlooking Pirates Bay at Eaglehawk Neck. Fresh from a beautiful renovation, The Wayfarer is your ticket to the treasures of the Tasman Peninsula but we wouldn’t blame you if you settled into the cosy lounges in front of the fire and opted for lazy days in instead.
Whale Song
Words will never do Whale Song justice, but we’ll try. Sitting on the rocky shoreline at Falmouth, this beach shack is the kind that will send your heart fluttering as soon as you steal the first look. Weathered in all the right places, there’s enough space to sleep four, but it’s likely you’ll want to keep it all to yourself. Wrap your fingers around a hot cup of coffee in the morning and sip it on the deck – if you’re lucky you may have an unannounced visitor, as whales are often seen breeching as they migrate.
Like what you see? Find more slow and sustainable accommodation in our Slow Stays directory.
Feature image: Captains Rest by Marnie Hawson
