Unplug and recharge at dreamy Dodges Ferry shack
Cliff Top on Park, is a gorgeous shack with sweeping ocean views and thoughtful creature comforts, perched on the cliffs of Dodges Ferry, that allows you to immerse yourself in a slower way of life by the sea.
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As summer drew to a close, and still itching for any slither of peace I could find amid the turmoil of the pandemic, you could say I was counting down the seconds to a staycation – a weekend away with no distractions and no plans.
As a free couple of days rolled around, my partner and I jumped at the chance, setting out on a short 30-minute drive east of Hobart for a quick getaway to Dodges Ferry at an adorable little beach shack called Cliff Top On Park.
Taking a step inside our home for the next two nights, it was hard not to grin from ear to ear. Soft music welcomed us as we walked down the hall before being greeted with a view of the ocean below that was quite literally breathtaking.
Each corner of the abode was decorated beautifully with luxurious yet eclectic touches, from binoculars for birdwatching to vintage treasures and stunning coastal art.
Boasting three bedrooms and two bathrooms, the home is perfect for not only couples but families and friends looking for a place to spend quality time together and unwind by the sea. Exploring the property, it’s clear to see how much thought hosts Mary and Dave have put towards transforming the shack into a little slice of paradise since launching the property on Airbnb back in 2016.
From complimentary beers and wine to fluffy Sheridan bathrobes and small creature comforts such as Netflix, the shack is kitted out to the max.
The place is a haven for keen surfers like my partner, with a generous stock of surfboards and wetsuits stashed in the shack’s foyer, at the ready for guests to hit the waves.
For me, keen to kick back and relax with a chilled cider in hand, I had the perfect viewpoint to watch on from the comfort of the balcony perched atop the cliff. With the sea breeze in my hair, it was quite easy to sit for hours taking in the sweeping views of Park Beach and Frederick Henry Bay.
Revelling in the last moments of golden hour, we ate homemade pizza on the porch that evening before digging into the host’s generous supply of marshmallows and toasting them while snuggled up around the bonfire under the stars.
We woke the next day to a magnificent sunrise that we were able to admire from the bedroom, wrapped in French linen.
A slow day in paradise began and I strolled down to the beach, spending hours with my toes in the sand soaking up the sun before rinsing off and taking a bubble bath back up at the shack.
The outdoor tub was a personal favourite of mine during the stay, and I found myself retreating to it many times. Between that, reading a good book and appreciating the view, it was easy to lose track of time.
You’ll only ever want to leave the shack to laze at the beach or to enjoy a bite to eat, but if you decide to venture out Park Beach Cafe is a must for a brunch date.
Located at the end of the street, the joint is a local favourite that residents flock to for their morning caffeine fix or for a feed after a day out on the water.
From smoothie bowls to fried squid burgers and bacon and egg rolls, we were spoiled for choice.
Wishing we had booked another few nights away, we left the shack with a sigh of content, feeling refreshed. A slower way of life just happens at Dodges and it was hard not to fall in love with it.
The stay was something truly special, and as a Hobart local I can see the shack quickly becoming a favourite of ours to retreat to when life gets a bit too chaotic.
The only problem we had was realising how difficult it was to leave.
The author was a guest of Clifftop on Park, at Dodges Ferry.
Make a note:
- Cliff Top on Park is located at 17 Warrantena St, Dodges Ferry, bookings start at $303 per night.
- The shack’s Airbnb listing boasts a near-perfect rating of 4.99 stars and in the past year over 1200 people have added the stay to their Wishlist.
- The shack features a fully equipped kitchen and an outdoor barbecue – and is perfect for foodies.
- Or if you don’t feel like cooking pop down to Park Beach Cafe or indulge at Dodges Ferry Fish and Chips. The closest supermarket is an IGA a short drive or walk away.
- The stay is 20 minutes from the Hobart Airport and 40 minutes from the CBD.
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