First look at Hobart’s deluxe new penthouse accommodation

These stunning, stylish and sleek new apartments on Hobart’s waterfront make an ideal retreat for a couple or an even a larger crew and are a great base to explore the city, writes David Killick

Story DAVID KILLICK and PHOTOGRAPHY ADAM GIBSON

3 min read

August 28, 2024 - 12:00PM

The infinity pool between the new luxurious apartments in Battery Point called The Finish Line. Picture: ADAM GIBSON

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For the intrepid mariners of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, the waters off Hobart’s Castray Esplanade are the coveted end point of storm-tossed and weather-beaten days at sea – the finish line of the world’s toughest ocean race.

Just onshore, a six-year project by local sailing enthusiasts Pip and Mike Cooper has transformed the top level of the old 1929 Huon Fruit Growing Company cannery building into the Finish Line luxury penthouses.

It’s a destination where a traveller seeking a more luxurious experience might more readily set sail.

‘Hobart’, the larger of the two apartments, boasts three king bedrooms and has a theme reminiscent of a super yacht. While it’s not hard to get wet on a yacht, few boast an infinity pool, with such a view.

‘Sydney’, the two-bedroom apartment, is spacious and no less luxurious. “Oh, wow!” was the appropriate first reaction as the front door swings open. What a view it is – ours is a city of undeniable beauty.

The stunning panoramic view of the River Derwent from the living room in The Finish Line’s ‘Sydney’ apartment. Picture: ADAM GIBSON

Contactless check-in is a breeze. Tasmanian sparkling and cheese await and a short but thorough guest manual smooths the learning curve for the lights and blinds and aircon.

Inside ‘Sydney’, the details delight; from the brushed brass highlights on the dark timber cabinet work and the double-sided gas fire to the jade marble in the main bedroom’s ensuite. There’s even an unexpected view from the skylight above the rain-head shower as fluffy cumulus clouds scud by.

Everything a traveller might want is here. There’s a well-appointed kitchen, with an oven and dishwasher for breakfast or a night in, and a washer and dryer.

There are e-bikes for fun mid-range journeys and a car provided for trips further afield.

Some of Hobart’s best restaurants, Salamanca Market and the waterfront docks are within easy walking distance.

The ‘Hobart’ apartment’s decadent bedroom which features a super comfy bed and serene water views. Picture: ADAM GIBSON

It is hard to imagine a better base camp for exploring the neighbourhood, the city, or beyond.

Herein lies the dilemma: sit tight or wander? A relaxing morning watching the boat traffic from the lounge then brunch, or adventures further afield? Why not both?

As locals enjoying a staycation close to home, we elected to explore the surroundings on foot. A morning stroll through the pretty lanes of Battery Point brings a peckish wanderer for morning victuals at Jackman & McRoss or Machine Laundry Cafe.

The city’s attractions are but a short stroll beyond, we tick off a gallery and museum visit before the afternoon draws us back for drinks on the deck as the sunset draws a curtain on a busy day on the river.

The ‘Sydney’ apartment’s secluded fluted outdoor bath features views over to the Eastern Shore. Picture: ADAM GIBSON

The stylish ensuite in the 'Sydney' apartment which features jade marble and a rainwater shower. Picture: ADAM GIBSON

The views from the secluded fluted outdoor bath take in the twinkling lights of the Eastern Shore. The vista from the deck is enchanting, a 180-degree panorama from the Tasman Bridge to gently swaying masts at the Sandy Bay marinas, and the Blinking Billy Light beyond.

Sitting at treetop level, the apartments face east and as the first rays of sunrise peek up over the hills across the Derwent and the breeze paints pretty patterns on the water, guests have an unimpeded perch from which to watch the river wake from its slumber: first the gull’s call and the squads of kayakers silently glide-by, then the dog walkers and the scooter commuters and the fishing boats heading out as the harbour begins its working day.

The stylish living quarters in The Finish Line’s Sydney penthouse. Picture: ADAM GIBSON

The application of an index finger to a bedside button raises the curtain on sunrise from the best night’s sleep I can recall, as the first of the day’s yachts make pretty progress downwind.

The biggest surprise – aside from cloud-watching from the shower and the world’s comfiest bed – is the quiet. Situated at the prow of Princes Park there is scarcely any traffic. Miss the sunrise and the gulls’ call might be your alarm clock instead.

Pip Cooper says the development was conceived in partnership with Philip Lighton and Associates Architecture and Tasmanian interior designer Georgina Freeman.

“The location of the apartments really allows guests to feel that connection with water,” she said.

“Sailing and the ocean have always played an important part in our lives, so drawing on nautical inspiration for the fit-out was a natural alignment.

“To be able to restore a piece of Hobart’s history in the process was an added bonus.”

The Finish Line is a deluxe retreat for couples, but larger crews will get much from a stay.

The various combinations of the two apartments are perfect for four, six or ten, whether you decide to arrive by supermaxi yacht or an Uber from the airport.

The author was a guest of The Finish Line