Winding through rural roads, past farmland and paddocks of sheep, goats and the odd alpaca, we can’t quite believe that, just a stone’s throw away, we’re walking through dense, wet rainforest as a platypus happily plays in the frosty water nearby.
That’s the beauty of Mount Field: a hidden secret from even some Tasmanians who haven’t yet made the hour-long drive to Russell Falls and the surrounding national park.
After a day of snow-chasing in the Central Highlands, we arrived at the national park’s newest accommodation option, Mt Field Retreat, with the first four self-contained pods now open.
It’s been a true labour of love for Rachel and Greg Power, both staunch advocates for Tasmanian tourism and hospitality, having run the Waterfalls Cafe & Gallery at the Mt Field Visitor Centre for 10 years and buying the land for the retreat nine years ago, battling banks and a pandemic to achieve their dream.
Parking the car, I meet Greg – working diligently on some landscaping in the visitors’ car park. He welcomes us and shows us the way to our brand new pod, which features a beautiful timber deck. I can just imagine sitting out by a firepit (coming soon!) with a glass of red under a clear starry night.
Switching on the heat pump, it doesn’t take long for the cosy pod to warm up, and immediately we feel at home, thanks to the beautiful touches in the cabin – the stylish black tones complemented by colourful blankets and cushions, and the cheeky pademelon on the wall, photographed by Greg.
The beautiful bathroom is a warm escape from that morning’s snow adventure and the two-degree chill outside, and the pods are stocked with the popular Milie Organics products from Salamanca Market.
Local is well and truly a theme here, with Rachel saying it was a conscious effort to champion Tasmanian products and businesses where she could, including plans for gourmet picnic hampers in the works.
These four pods are just the beginning of what’s to come at Mt Field Retreat, with more pods under construction as well as luxury apartments, two family retreats and a conference centre.
The pods are fully self-contained, with guests encouraged to bring their own food for dinner with limited options around the national park (though I’ve been told the National Park Hotel does amazing meals, just ensure you check their opening hours and make a booking).
There’s a hotplate, microwave and toaster/kettle in the unit, as well as crockery, cutlery and other essentials for self-catering.
After we have our brekky and check out after a great night’s sleep, we drive a short way up the road to explore Russell Falls.
The signs say it’s a 20-minute round trip, but we take closer to an hour, meandering through the lush rainforest, stopping to inspect colourful fungi and flowers and watching as a platypus splashes around in the water right next to us as we reach the base of the falls.
After that little bit of exercise, we settle into the Waterfalls Cafe & Gallery for lunch: my sister-in-law and I both opting for the beef burger, served with thick-cut chips and a side salad.
The food is tasty and warm and comes to the table quickly. Rachel is proud of the fact so many locals come through her kitchen and gallery, where they are trained in hospitality and kitchen skills and often move on to working in larger restaurants and businesses in Hobart or in nearby New Norfolk.
The conference centre in the next stage of the retreat development is part of the Powers’ grand plan to become “the regional training hub” for their community where they’ll upskill workers and help the future of Tassie tourism.
And Mount Field is a community definitely worth immersing yourself in for a weekend retreat away from it all.
The author was a guest of Mt Field Retreat
Make a Note
Mt Field Retreat, 17 Lake Dobson Rd, National Park
Located at the doorstep of Mount Field National Park, about an hour’s drive from Hobart. Winter Getaway Special: $200 per night or Stay 3, Pay 2 (normal rate: $250/night).
The pods are fully self-contained, with guests encouraged to bring their own food for dinner. There’s a hotplate, microwave and toaster/kettle in the unit, as well as crockery, cutlery and other essentials for self-catering. Alternatively, the nearby National Park Hotel does excellent meals. Just ensure you check their opening hours and make a booking.
mtfieldretreat.com.au
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