Best B&Bs in Tasmania

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Our guide to the best B&Bs in Tasmania

CLYDESDALE MANOR

Bought on St Valentine’s Day 2003 and lovingly cared for since, Clydesdale Manor is quite obviously a pleasurable business for its owners. The grand National Trust home is decorated expensively and tastefully in a Georgian style, with a mix of classic antiques and contemporary touches, such as modern bathrooms. The welcoming guest drawing room invites long conversations in comfy sofas around an open fire; and a lovely enclosed verandah makes a lovely, light-filled breakfast and dining room.

SOMETHING SPECIAL

Clydesdale Manor won the gold medal for Hosted Accommodation at the 2010 Tasmanian Tourism Awards. And it’s not the first time. Their many accolades stretch back to 2004. They do things differently here – you won’t find traditional bacon and eggs but instead a changing menu that might include rhubarb, caramel custard and homemade muesli, or perhaps an asparagus tart with poached eggs.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE

It’s perfectly placed to experience the best of Hobart: peruse Salamanca Markets; visit the Museum of Old and New Art; take a day trip to Port Arthur.

 

CONTACT: Lynn and Wayne.

292 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay.

(03) 6223 7289; www.clydesdalemanor.com.au

CURRINGA FARM

As the name suggests, Curringa Farm is part B&B, part farm stay. Three guest cottages take in expansive rural vistas over this 750-acre farm’s crops and sheep-grazing land, and broader views of the Derwent Valley.

SOMETHING SPECIAL

The most romantic of the three cottages is Seaglenest Studio, a timber hut set well away from other accommodation. There’s a queen-size bed, double spa and a private deck for a DIY barbecue or sunset drinks. The breakfast table has views through picture windows to the lake. While you’re here, be sure to try Janet’s Royal Danish sweetheart cake.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE

Visit Mount Field National Park; drive the Rivers Run Touring Route; take a tour of this fascinating working farm.

 

CONTACT: Tim and Jane Parsons.

5831 Lyell Highway, Hamilton.

(03) 6286 3333; www.curringafarm.com.au

PEAR WALK COTTAGES

Just two little cottages peer out from between the branches in 30 acres of Victorian gardens at Pear Walk. Green thumbs and history buffs will enjoy the turn-of-the-century landscaping by Frank Walker, who trained at London’s Kew Gardens. Amble along the eponymous Pear Walk, a 170m-long garden featuring pear trees, redwoods and rhododendrons. Climbing roses, manicured lawns, Japanese maples and magnolias also abound in this fairytale place.

SOMETHING SPECIAL

It really is all about the garden: it’s just beautiful. The cottages, though built in the 1980s, fit with the scenery, with leadlight windows, love seats and down bedding.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE

Tour the Tamar Valley Wine Route; take a day trip to Cradle Mountain; grab a heritage trail map from Launceston tourist information centre and go for an amble around town; roam Cataract Gorge Reserve.

 

CONTACT: Rhonnie and Bob Pammenter.

85 Quills Rd, Lalla.

(03) 6395 4125.

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8 experiences that make Moreton Bay the best getaway

    Rachel LayBy Rachel Lay
    From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

    Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

    Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

    1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

    G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience
    Explore Bribie Island with G’Day Adventure Tours.

    G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

    Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

    End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

    2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

    Morgan’s Seafood
    It doesn’t get fresher than Morgan’s Seafood. (Image: Ezra Patchett)

    Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

    Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

    3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

    woorim beach bribie island
    Hang 10, or relax, on Woorim Beach.

    On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

    Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

    4. D’Aguilar National Park

    D’Aguilar National Park
    Admire the landscapes of D’Aguilar National Park.

    D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

    Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

    5. Arcade Wine Bar

    arcade wine bar moreton bay
    Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

    Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

    Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

    Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

    6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

    Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

    Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

    7. Farm Visits

    Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

    At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

    8. Miss Sprinkles

    Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay
    Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

    An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

    The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine.  Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

    To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.