THE WAYFARER, EAGLEHAWK NECK

The Tasman Peninsula is a favourite day-trip destination for our family, but a recent staycation proved that the region offers plenty to keep everyone busy for a weekend or longer.

Situated in cooee of the Port Arthur Historic Site, excellent walking tracks and – importantly – the iconic Cubed Espresso caravan perched atop Pirates Bay, The Wayfarer provides an ideal home base to explore Eaglehawk Neck and surrounds. Dating back to the 70s, it’s a classic family shack that has received a recent and loving breath of fresh air, retaining its best original features while incorporating modern comforts. The close proximity to surfing beaches and gentler coves meant we spent long days near the water, retiring back to the shack to drench in sun-soaked barbecue meals on the wrap-around deck.

GOAT ISLAND BUNGALOW,

WEST ULVERSTONE

Our family adores Tassie’s North-West Coast for its exceptional local produce and incredible green vistas. A recent stay saw us overnight between Ulverstone and Penguin at Goat Island Bungalow, a two-bedroom abode overlooking native bushland and coast in equal measure.

By day, we waited for low tide to navigate the natural causeway to Goat Island, discovering rock pools and delighting the kids with a hidden cave at the island’s northern side. Back at base, we made the most of the bungalow’s comfortable loungeroom and collection of DVDs with a family pizza, popcorn and movie night – the perfect reset before returning to our home in the south of the state.

THREE PADDOCKS AND A HILL, NICHOLLS RIVULET

Those who call the tiny Nicholls Rivulet locality home would likely prefer that the rest of us don’t know about nearby Randalls Bay Beach. At just 750m long, this tiny strip of golden sand and crystal clear water is as close as you’ll get to the perfect Tasmanian beach, but it’s off the beaten track for most.

Enter Three Paddocks and a Hill, a timber-clad eco-friendly cottage in the heart of Nicholls Rivulet and a quiet 20-minute drive from Randalls Bay. Despite its allure, our family managed only one trip to the sea over the course of a recent short stay, dedicating most of our days to enjoying the property’s rolling paddocks and resident friendly farm animals, and making the outdoor firepit our headquarters for toasting marshmallows at dusk.

WHALE SONG SHACK, FALMOUTH

Further north, Falmouth may be a quieter East Coast jewel, but our family’s holiday hopes are firmly set on spending a night or two exploring this seaside town. Whalesong Shack is as luxurious as a shack can get, with its pure linen bedding, organic Tasmanian bathroom amenities, and welcome drink offering from local distillers The Splendid Gin.

Originally built by local fishermen in the 80s, the two-bedroom shack now boasts an expansive timber deck, complete with a sunken bath and views out to the ocean through rugged scrubland. We plan to lock in a winter visit, to enjoy the beautiful wood fireplace to its full potential, while keeping a close eye on the ocean through floor-to-ceiling windows.

STILL AT FREYCINET, FREYCINET

It didn’t take long for Tasmania’s East Coast to become a favourite staycation destination when we first made the seachange to the island state in 2021.

The walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout was one of the first treks that we conquered as a family of four, and the longer Hazards Beach circuit walk remains firmly on our bucket list. Five hours of wandering with the kids calls for nearby lodgings, so Still at Freycinet has our name all over it. This architecturally designed Nordic retreat is built on the Danish concept of “Hygge” – a feeling of warmth and contentment, steeped in simple pleasures.

We’re especially looking forward to indulging in some hot-cold therapy in the property’s sauna and outdoor shower, and – after an early bedtime for the kids – taking advantage of the optional degustation-style dinner menu curated by a private chef.

CAPTAIN’S REST, STRAHAN

Almost 80,000 people follow this iconic Tasmanian stay on Instagram, and it’s not difficult to see why. With some of the state’s best views across moody Macquarie Harbour, Captain’s Rest bears the mark of its curator in every nook and detail.

Designer, stylist, author and teacher Sarah Andrews first came to attention when she launched this little home on the West Coast, which has since gone on to be celebrated and coveted in international media, as well as in the Steindl home. The delicate nature of its carefully chosen furnishings make Captain’s Rest an adults-only retreat, so Kayla and I are saving this one up for a special anniversary.

The plan? Pack ourselves a hamper of Tasmanian wine, cheese and other favourite edible provisions, and let the shack’s wood-burning stove, deep bathtub and vast library take care of the rest.

This story was compiled with the assistance of Tourism Tasmania