Part of the fun of Tasmania’s cool winter days is following them with warm winter nights spent relaxing in cosy cabins or feasting in historic vineyards. Here are some of the best ways to relax and stay cosy in Tasmania during the colder months, from secluded eco-accommodation to soul-warming cooking classes and winter wines by the fire.
Compass Hut is a self-contained, off-grid cabin built out of handsome timber and glass, with a stunning outlook across tree-lined fields towards Bass Strait. This place is all about disconnecting: the hut is located on a 34-hectare organic farm, is entirely solar-powered and on the doorstep of some stunning natural beauty – Narawntapu National Park is a half-hour drive away, Cradle Mountain an hour’s drive – with Devonport just 10 minutes down the road if you need to make a dash for supplies. Really, though, this is about staying put, enjoying the balcony, garden and views, or curling up with a cup of tea by the potbelly stove. You can also take park in Compass Hut’s winter special, encouraging guests to unleash their creativity through an artistic medium of their choosing – writing, sketching or yoga to name a few.
Naivasha Tiny House
Set amid a secluded woodland a short drive from Deloraine, in Tasmania’s north, Naivasha is a tiny house that doesn’t skimp on features. These fabulous timber digs feature a kitchen with a gas cooktop, fridge and microwave, bathroom with a clawfoot bath (and a shower), wi-fi, and a loft queen-sized bed with twin skylights that allow you to stargaze at night. Outside there’s a firepit and a brilliant Nordic Spa woodfired hot tub. The location is terrific too, near the spectacular Mole Creek Caves, Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary and, of course, the jaw-dropping Cradle Mountain – explore them during the day before easing into the hot tub in the evening for a spot of star gazing, and then relax around the cute woodfired stove. There’s also the larger Naivasha Cottage nearby if you want to bring some pals along with you.
Winter Warmers Masterclass at The Farmhouse Kitchen
There’s not much point in setting yourself up in a hideaway for the winter (or Off Season) if you don’t have anything to cook once you’re there. Thankfully, mother-and-daughter team Giuliana and Genevieve White has you covered. The Whites tap into their Italian ancestry to run The Farmhouse Kitchen just outside Cygnet in the Huon Valley, hosting a bunch of Puglia-themed mini- and masterclasses in a charming, light-filled kitchen in a beautiful country home. Classes cover pasta-making, bread and pizza, and Italian meat dishes, but perhaps opt for a Winter Warmers class, which teaches you how to cook traditional minestrone, risotto, greens with pork, beef spezzatino and zuppa di lenticchie. At the end of the class, you’re invited to stick around and have lunch with The Farmhouse Kitchen team.
Dark Shed at Uplands Vineyard
Uplands is a beautiful old vineyard located just a 15-minute drive out of Hobart. The first vines weren’t planted here until 1998, but the place has history dating back to 1823, making it a fascinating spot to visit. A wine tasting with a difference, Dark Shed sees Uplands embracing the drama of winter, converting its wine shed and garden into a moody wonderland of fire, lights and lanterns. Local caterer and chef Paul Willcock will be using fire and smoke to prepare a rustic five-course degustation of Tasmanian produce, with dishes matched to Uplands’ sparkling, chardonnay and pinot noir. And there’s more wine, mulled wine and other drinks available for purchase if you want to stick around for a knock-off. Tickets are $150.
The Lazy Prospector
Hidden in the remote, rugged wilds of Tasmania’s west, The Lazy Prospector is a beautiful, rustic bolthole built from reclaimed timber, exposed brick and corrugated iron. You won’t lack for comforts: there’s a woodfired heater, a queen-sized bed and long couch decked out in plush linens and fabrics, a sizeable kitchen and a deep-soak bath. Outside, there’s a swinging couch and a firepit – and brilliant views of the surrounding countryside including the majestic Mount Dundas. It’s a fabulous spot to base yourself between hikes and drives exploring the surrounding scenery, but really, you’re a world away from the big smoke here – you’ll likely just want to stay in, light some candles, throw a log on the fire and tune out.
This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Tourism Tasmania. Explore more wild, weird and wonderful experiences during Tasmania’s Off Season.
