New Spring Bay Mill at Triabunna to open accommodation bookings to the general public

For the first time — and for two months only — the general public will be able to stay at exclusive East Coast eco-shacks usually unavailable for weekend getaways. DETAILS >>

Shack accommodation at the new Spring Bay Mill at Triabunna

A FORMER East Coast woodchip mill, now operating as a boutique conference and events centre, is celebrating the end of COVID-19 lockdown with a special invitation to Tasmanians.

For the first time — and for two months only — the new Spring Bay Mill at Triabunna will open accommodation bookings to the general public for weekend getaways.

The four eco-shacks are usually available only to guests booking events at the 43-hectare waterfront property.

“They have completely knockout views towards Maria Island, as well as the water and the wildlife,” venture co-creator Anna Cerneaz said.

“I know there are many places in Tasmania like that, but we wanted to create something really deeply isolating in the best sense of the world.”

Bookings are now open for two-night, post-lockdown weekends over July and August, with prices starting at $500 a night for one-bedroom shacks.

Guests can also have a sneak preview of the multimillion-dollar site and all its new facilities.

Views to Maria Island from the 43-hectare waterfront property.

Once the site of the world’s largest woodchip mill, Spring Bay Mill is today a creative playground for entrepreneur owner Graeme Wood and Ms Cerneaz, who is a co-director and his life partner.

The couple divide their time between Sydney, where they have been stuck since lockdown began, and Tasmania, to which Ms Cerneaz said they are longing to return.

“We get emotional staying there [at the mill],” Ms Cerneaz said.

“I know we’ve spent a lot of time and money on it, but it’s more about the time/space change that it offers and that’s really hard to find, even in this changed world.

“It’s not about unwinding, it’s about deep rejuvenation.”

As well as corporate events and weddings, Spring Bay Mill hosts micro-festivals that give locals access to the once-controversial hub, where plenty of industrial features have been retained and incorporated into a design for performance, meeting and dining spaces.

The mill has just confirmed the next event, a one-day music festival dubbed Gigs in Space, will be held in and around the mill’s new amphitheatre on September 19, with bookings yet to open.

Glamping tent.

Each of the solar-powered shacks now open for weekend bookings features an outdoor bath, log fire and barbecue and has views across to Maria Island. There is also a glamping option, from $180 per double per night.

“We are really proud of what we have achieved at the Mill and would love to share the adventure around”, Mr Wood said in a statement.

“We welcome you with open arms – just no hugging.”