Tassie loo with a view is number two on list of Australia’s best public bathrooms

IT may not have sparkly bathroom accessories, or even water, but this Tasmanian bush loo has been named second best public convenience in the nation. SEE THE VIDEO

The Tasmanian Land Conservancy has been awarded second place in the Australia’s Best Bathroom 2018 competition for its Skullbone Plains Reserve toilet. Picture: CHRIS CRERAR

A PUBLIC toilet in the Tasmanian bush, nicknamed the “loo with a view”, has been listed as one of the best conveniences in Australia.

The waterless composting toilet has taken out second place in a national competition to find Australia’s best public bathroom for 2018.

Though it has no water and no flush, the remote toilet in Tasmania’s Central Highlands was lauded for its environmental credentials.

The “loo with a view” was built by the Tasmanian Land Conservancy following a crowdfunding campaign to reduce pollution at its Skullbone Plains Reserve, which is 1600 hectares of old growth forest, marshes, wetlands and moss beds.

It’s best feature is its window, which allows you to look down at the plain while you’re on the throne – TLC philanthropy and engagement officer James Hattam

The toilet competition, run by hygiene company Initial, handed first place to a 5-star bathroom at the Merrylands RSL in NSW.

Judges said the RSL’s bathroom was replete with luxury fittings, with “an attention to detail rarely seen in our nation’s clubs”.

Each female cubicle has individual basins, and stylish accessories including stand-out “inlay metallic bronze feature tiles”.

The Tasmanian bush loo, while lacking in luxury, was noted for its design and natural surroundings.

Judges said the “TLC’s room with a view is good for the environment, uses no water, has minimal odour and low maintenance”.

TLC philanthropy and engagement officer James Hattam said the toilet, which was installed last month, was based on a traditional old-school toilet design.

“It was designed along the lines of a traditional Australian thunderbox and a trapper’s hut,” Mr Hattam said.

But the toilet, which is clad in celery top pine, also has modern architectural elements.

“It’s best feature is its window, which allows you to look down at the plain while you’re on the throne,” Mr Hattam said.

Crowdfunding raised $24,000 for the toilet’s construction, which ended up costing about $30,000.

Mr Hattam said the toilet was made a priority for the organisation because the reserve’s elevation, at 1000m above sea level, meant it was difficult for human waste to decompose.

“We wanted people to enjoy the reserve without damaging its values,” he said.

The loo’s waste will be taken out by helicopter as needed.

Third place in the competition was awarded to 259 George St, Sydney, for its commuter and cyclist arrival facilities, which judges said “far exceed the luxury of any first class airline lounge”. The facility has 25 personal change suites with warm timber and Japanese tiles.