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TASMANIA, the isolated island state off Australia’s south coast, is known for its vast, rugged wilderness and unending nature trails.
If planning a trip to Tasmania – or ‘Tassie’, as it’s affectionately known – it’s best to put up in a wilderness lodge or retreat for an authentic experience. Here are some of our favorites:
Country Club Tasmania
Country Club Tasmania is sprawled across 300 acres of parkland just outside Launceston, a pretty riverside city in northern Tasmania.
The resort is also a premier golf destination, surrounded by an 18-hole championship course with an undercover driving range. Your golfing getaway can be tailored to your preferences by lodge staff while luxury transfers to nearby courses can also be arranged. An hour’s drive away are Barnbougle and Barnbougle Lost Farms, both world-class courses.
One of the novel features of Country Club is its two-floor gaming center where guests can try their hands at blackjack, sports betting and electronic machines. The casino has long been an icon of pride for the lodge, an entertainment precinct where Launceston’s elite mingle.
For activities more suited to the little ones, pony- and horse-riding through the natural bushland is a uniquely Australian experience. Guests can catch a glimpse of local wildlife while taking in views of Launceston and the Meander Valley region. The perfect activity to cap off a luxury ranch experience in Tasmania. Read our full profile…
Pumphouse Point
This quaint little lodge 250 meters from the shores of Lake St Clair is a striking vision, much like something out of a classic Monet painting. The building was originally built in 1940 as a pumping station to draw water from the lake to generate power for industrial sites nearby, but it’s since shifted from its conservation role to becoming a stunning wilderness retreat.
Fans of nature can revel in the Lake St Clair Parks and Wildlife Centre a few kilometers away, perfect for activities and walks in the crisp forest air.
Rooms are minimally embellished with modern aesthetics and rich tones of grey and brown. The more premium Pumphouse Lounge features large bay windows overlooking the serene lake and foggy mountainous landscapes, a fireplace, deep, plush seats, as well as a mezzanine floor. All you need in a setting as comforting as this is a cup of hot cocoa.
The lodge encourages communal dining, so dinner is hosted at The Shorehouse every night so guests can mingle over fresh Tasmanian produce served on large sharing platters. Cured meat platters can also be sent to each room on request, complemented with cheeses, hearty soups and the island’s famous cider.
Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge
Located on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is a breathtaking luxury cabin offering postcard-worthy views of Tasmania’s best landscapes. Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge is framed by a pretty lake whose surface mirrors the yellow glow of lights from the lodge.
Guests can embark on a range of guided walks which can take from 20 minutes up to nine hours. There’s no need to stray too deep into the National Park for the best views; there’s plenty of spectacular sceneries from within the lodge grounds to impress even the most jaded of nature trekkers.
The Enchanted Stroll takes guests along the Pencil Pine River from mossy myrtle forests to lush woodlands. Guests also have the rare opportunity to spot the elusive platypus or catch a glimpse of a wombat. Meanwhile, the King Billy Track allows for views of towering pines up to 1,500 years old. Tracks are mostly signposted, so there’s no need to worry about getting lost.
Naturally, Peppers Cradle is also a popular spot to say “I Do”. Rugged mountains and pristine lakes provide a stunning backdrop to immortalize an intimate wedding ceremony of up to 90 guests. Wedding guests will be treated to a variety of alpine activities, as well as body treatments at the Waldheim Alpine Spa.
The post Incredible nature: Tasmania’s best wilderness retreats appeared first on Travel Wire Asia.
Source: travelwireasia.com