Tasmania has quietly become one of Australia's most sought-after vacationing spots; beloved for its ease of access, quiet lifestyle and abundance of natural beauty.
Tasmania's capital, Hobart, is home to a myriad of arts, food and cultural landmarks that are well worth a visit – from its annual Dark Mofo festival over the winter solstice, to the weekly Salamanca Markets and the MONA Gallery nestled into the banks of the Derwent.
Of course, on the other side of the island state is Launceston, the third oldest city in Australia, home to temperate vineyards, expansive wetlands and heritage galleries well worth beholding in person. And in between the two major Tasmanian cities is an expanse of pristine natural landscapes and village-like townships that should not be overlooked as part of your next trip.
While Tasmania might be one small (at least, in comparison to the mainland), there's certainly no lack of amazing hotels with gorgeous interiors, AirBnBs and other accommodation options to stay at when you're on-shore. If you needed some beautiful, unique and luxurious recommendations, we've got you covered below.
1. Container
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Located: Upper Scamander
This 1-bed, 1-bath luxury home is available for short-term accommodation stays in the Upper Scamander region in the north-east coast of Tassie. It's located approximately half an hour from the Bay of Fires, one of the state's most pristine beaches, and is also close to Freycinet National Park, which holds some of the country's most beautiful hiking trails. Nestled amongst the gums, the home is crafted from a converted shipping container (hence it's namesake). While the Wi-Fi and phone service might be limited here, it's a perfect chance to unwind and disconnect with plenty of amenities on-site – like a private yard with a fire pit overlooking the beautiful Scamander river, or a purple outdoor tub.
2. Pepper's Silo Launceston
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Located: Launceston
On the banks of the Tamar River is Peppers Silo Hotel, which spans four large grain silos that date back to the 1960s. The landmark build was converted into a nine-storey hotel with all the contemporary appointments – plush interiors, complimentary Wi-Fi, SILO Day Spa – they even have an on-site canine ambassador named Archie.
3. 1969 Kunanyi House
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Located: Hobart(ish)
This beautiful architecturally designed home juts out the side of Mt Wellington in Fern Tree – about 15 minutes from the centre of Hobart. Bringing the outdoors in with tranquil reflection pools and ample glass windows, this four-bedroom house harmonises with its natural settings. The living room is equipped with a wood fire (as well as heaters in each of the bedrooms), and if the weather permits, you can walk straight onto the Mt Wellington hiking trail from the retreat.
4. Seaview House
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Located: Central Hobart
This 3-bed, 3-bath home in the centre of Hobart boasts sprawling views over the township, which can be taken in from just about every vantage point of the Japanese-inspired home. The home's three spacious bedrooms are populated with king sized beds, as well as plenty of electric blankets and cosy doonas to keep you warm through those winter months. There's also a wood fire in the open plan living extension for added cosy vibes, along with all the tech specs: high speed internet, ultra high definition TV, Netflix and a blue tooth wireless sound system.
5. Satellite Island
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Located: Satellite Island
Approximately an hour and a half's scenic drive south of Hobart is Satellite Island, which can be accessed via car (via Bruny Island), air or boat. The private island is exclusively yours when you come to stay. There are multiple accommodation options available to you on the island, including the Summerhouse and the Boathouse and the luxury bell tent. Maximum occupancy is 8 guests, and all will need to be over 10 years of age, but the accommodation rates here are inclusive of Tasmanian sparkling wine on arrival, an endless supply of wild oysters, breakfast provisions, a stocked pantry, kitchen garden, orchard, and plenty of adventure gear including kayaks, fishing equipment, paddle boards, yoga mats and towels.
6. Captain's Rest
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Located: Lettes Bay Historical Village, Strahan
Watch pods of dolphins from bed, overlookign the Macquarie Harbour at Captain's Rest. This two-person sea-side cabin sits just meters from the water's edge, and includes a Nectre wood-burning stove with unlimited firewood, a deep bath with unlimited hot water and antique interiors designed with care by designer Sarah Andrews. It's not suitable for children, but makes for the ultimate indulgent and relaxing couple's retreat.
7. The Henry Jones
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Located: Hobart
The Henry Jones art hotel is a sophisticated boutique stay that was recently refurbished and located in the Hunter Street precinct, Hobart’s oldest waterfront warehouses. The Lounge downstairs serves up fresh coffee and breakfast in the mornings, or you can relax and unwind at their IXL Long Bar with a drink in hand. The Landscape Restaurant & Grill is the hotel's featured restaurant, where you can explore local produce. Each room is unique in the hotel, boasting more than 500 of Henry Jones' art pieces.
8. Leighton House
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Located: Evandale
Fusing heritage features with thoughtful, contemporary renovations, Leighton House in Evandale (just outside of Launceston) is a perfect facilitator for larger groups. With a kitchen and dining area perfect for entertaining (there's even an outdoor pizza oven), you'll be treated to expansive views out over 300 acres of scenic farmland – which you can also take in from the property's outdoor spa.
9. MONA Pavilions
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Located: Hobart
Art aficionados can opt to stay on-site at one of MONA's eight dedicated pavilion stays, which are decked out with art from the museum's private collection. If the pavilion's bathtubs, stocked mini bar and shared gym, sauna and heated infinity pool aren't enough – there are also plenty of other perks of staying here, like breakfast in The Source Restaurant, priority access to the museum during your stay, and a Moorilla winery tasting.
10. The Islington
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Located: South Hobart
With panoramic view of Mt Wellginton, this award-winning boutique hotel is comprised of 11 rooms in a tranquil garden setting. Spend your time by the fire or on one of the homestead's sun-drenched terraces, perched on one of their antique furnishings or admiring their impressive collection of fine art. The on-site Islington kitchen is where guests can savour local, premium Tasmanian produce, and in your room you'll be able to indulge yourself with heated flooring, marble rain showers and a deep bathtub.
11. Moss
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Located: Hobart
Tucked into the heart of Hobart's Salamanca Place, Moss is a hotel that resides in two early 1800s buildings with original Georgian facades. Both offer a unique blend of "Heritage features and modern, moody design". Rooms are limited to two guests, but come with a plethora of exciting features like rain showers, locally procured mini bars and handmade furniture
12. Stillwater
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Located: Launceston
This seven-suite boutique accommodation is a more tailored vacation experience, superbly appointed with King-sized beds, large bathtubs, a mini-bar full of premium Tasmanian products and your choice of daily newspaper and coffee delivered to your room each morning. Hotelier Chris and the team opened the hotel as an extension of their award-winning Stillwater restaurant back in 2019, with a philosophy to "provide a quintessential Tasmanian experience: food and wine matched with personalised service that is unobtrusively professional".
13. Kittawa Lodge
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Located: King Island
A secluded retreat for more discerning travellers, Kittawa Lodge reimagines the King Island experience as a completely off-grid and unique experience. The accommodation is perched on a stunning, secluded, ocean-front, 96-acre property, located just 15 minutes drive from the main township of Currie. Each of the two one-bedroom lodges is architecturally designed with light-filled interiors, local artwork and bespoke furniture.
14. Firstlight Tasmania
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Located: Near Bicheno.
Firstlight is a secluded oceanfront sanctuary just north of Bicheno, comprising a house and cabin that can be rented separately. The pavilion-style house offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a study and laundry, while the cabin enjoys a 5-acre garden shared only with the guests on the main house. The two dwellings are separated by native gardens but easily shared with privacy intact.
15. Saffire Freycinet
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Located: Freycinet National Park
This award-winning all-inclusive resort is set against the stunning backdrop of Wineglass Bay, with 20 luxury suites that look out over the Hazards Mountains. They have a luxury day spa on site, as well as a myriad of culinary offerings and guided hikes through the national parklands. You can opt for a private pavilion to experience your own plunge pool and kitchen, or you can opt for one of their signature or luxury suites, which are generously appointed and luxurious.
16. Slow Beam
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Located: West Hobart
If you're looking for something a little more funky and individual? Slow Beam in West Hobart is the house for you. It's still advantageously close to the sights and sounds of the city, whilst still procuring amazing views of the Derwent River, South Hobart, Sandy Bay and beyond. Foodies and design nerds will love the USM Haller finishes, complimentary Taylor & Smith cocktails, Market Lane Coffee and Le Labo toiletries on offer.
