TasWeekend: Drift into relaxation mode at Dover

SHOWCASING views of its peaceful surrounds, Driftwood Cottages is one of Dover’s best-kept secrets.

The gorgeous mountain and bay views can be enjoyed from the deck or inside the cottages at Driftwood.

NESTLED along the bay in the Huon Valley’s Dover, just a shade over an hour from Hobart, is a quiet achiever in the weekend getaway stakes.

Driftwood Cottages boast beautiful mountain and bay views where it is easy to soak up the serenity by gazing out through the large picture windows.

We stayed at the two-bedroom Beach House, which has plenty of room and a great kitchen. On the expansive deck was our private hot tub, which we took advantage of on a mild and still night when the moonlight twinkled across the water of the bay.

After an easy check-in, we found the cottage warm and cosy with a crackling fire flaming in the wood heater.

There was fresh bread and local jam to enjoy later or for breakout, and a range of snacks and local wine and beverages available from the mini bar.

Our cottage, ideal for couples, had a second bedroom and would also be ideal for small families. For coffee drinkers, a Nesspreso coffee machine (yippee) is in place.

We decided on a pre-dinner drink at the Dover RSL, positioned on the hill overlooking the bay.

The bar drink prices were well priced and easy to enjoy with friendly locals. Even the local women’s bowls team was enjoying an after-game drink, along with an array of home-baked cream cakes.

Boats on the bay.

We were considering our dinner options in town when we discovered the RSL boasts what must be one of the best dining room views in Australia.

Our choice was made and we stayed on for dinner.

Meal prices were exceptionally reasonable.

We had a main course of fresh flathead for $18 and another of squid and salad for same price, all washed down with Tasmanian pinot noir that was well-below city restaurant prices.

A lovely meal while enjoying a beautiful view - what more could we wish for?

Then it was back to the cottage to enjoy sparkling wine (bought from the local revamped bottle shop, where wine and specials are equal or better value than in Hobart) and the warmth of a hot tub while gazing out as the moon’s sprinkled across the waters of the bay topped off a lovely relaxing visit.

Refreshed and de-stressed after our short visit, we left confident that the spot is ideal for a short-break visit for people from Hobart and for tourists on a longer visit looking to explore the region. We will be back with friends to stay again and explore the town and region - you have to love a town that includes the woodcutting arena on it town map.

MAKE A NOTE

DRIFTWOOD HOLIDAY COTTAGES: Bay View Road, Dover. Phone: [phone]. Toll-free: 1800353983. email: [e-mail] or visit www.driftwoodcottages.com.au

PRICES: The Beach House for two starts at $255 a night, but for a two-night stay or longer the rate drops to $225 a night. Seasonal differences impact pricing and it is popular during peak holiday seasons so it is suggested to advance book. Driftwood’s other accommodation options start with their waterfront studios from $150 per night.

IDEAL FOR: The Beach House for couples, but there are a variety of accommodation styles. Driftwood is associated with the new “Essentially Tas” brand, a collection of accommodation in southern Tasmania.

IN THE AREA

Allow extra time to explore the region from Dover to Southport. Experience the unique features of the Hastings Caves State Reserve which offers visitors a variety of experiences, from relaxing in the warm waters of a thermal springs pool, walking in the rich forests of the reserve and, the unique experience of exploring Newdegate Cave. More information about the caves visit: www.parks.tas.gov.au/reserves/hastings

The author was a guest of Driftwood holiday cottages

For more great travel and holiday reads, pick up copy of TasWeekend magazine with your Saturday Mercury.

Originally published as TasWeekend: Drift into relaxation mode at Dover