The view: Saltwater Sunrise, Falmouth, Tasmania

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Check out the view: Saltwater Sunrise, Falmouth, Tasmania

 

Surprisingly, looking at this picture, this alluring haçienda, Saltwater Sunrise, is not sitting pretty on a far-flung coast of Mexico. Instead, its home is the equally captivating – but less exotic – north-east of Tasmania.

 

Saltwater Sunrise is a collection of three private villas located almost mid-way between Bay of Fires and Freycinet National Park in Falmouth, a tiny little seaside hamlet with a squeaky-clean beach and turquoise waters.

 

Known for its million-dollar views (and million-dollar clifftop houses) looking across the Tasman Sea, Falmouth is a wonderful spot to be between May and September when majestic humpback and southern right whales migrate south right under your nose. Guests can potter down to the private beach, which is scattered with those remarkable east coast Tassie boulders, and wave to them from there.

The view Saltwater Sunrise Falmouth Tasmania
Sleep-in central: Saltwater Sunrise, Falmouth, Tasmania.

Each of the villas sleeps two and is decked out in a fresh beachy theme with a king-size bed, spacious bathroom and kitchenette. There are also two other buildings available to provide extra space for dining and relaxing, one of which boasts an indoor jacuzzi – where’s the bubbly?

 

Be sure to pick up a bottle on your way, along with other provisions for your stay. Although not in complete isolation (the closest shops are a 15-minute drive away), you’d best be prepared. Or pre-order picnic hampers and breakfast, which are made up of fresh, local produce by your friendly hosts.

 

We must warn you, though: don’t come here if you’re not into long sleep-ins, languid beach walks, and reading books to the sound of crashing waves – because that is exactly what this place is all about.

 

From $250 per night; saltwatersunrise.com.au

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The Gold Rush town that’s become Victoria’s best country escape for foodies

    Jocelyn Pride Jocelyn Pride
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    The well-preserved Gold Rush town where an idyllic country vibe meets the best of city living.

    Cafe culture

    ‘Slow down’ is the mantra of Tortoise Espresso, and it’s apt for anyone visiting town. This local coffee hangout was the brainchild of Lloyd Meadows, who at 16 started it as a hole in the wall of an old pub. Five years on, it graces a fine shopfront with a menu of around 60 different coffees. Other one-off centrally located daytime cafes, such as Saffs, Togs, Saint Florian and Lazy Bones, are tucked into historic buildings and serve creative menus featuring local produce. A personal favourite is Origini, where chef Luca Sartori brings a taste of northern Italy to his rustic restaurant. For the best banh mi outside Vietnam head to Super Hero, and the pastries at Johnny Baker are legendary.

    the Saint Florian Cafe, Castlemaine
    Saint Florian is one of many businesses tucked away in a historic building. (Image: Griffin Simm)

    On the town’s fringe you’ll find some treasured cafes: Blackbird. Grist, Doveton Corner Store, and the cosy Aitken’s Corner. The Mill precinct also brings another dimension to Castlemaine. Located directly opposite the beautiful Botanical Gardens, this once-derelict woollen mill is a hive of creativity and collaboration. Retaining an industrial feel, it is home to a myriad of 44 unique businesses, galleries and studios that stretch over the three-hectare site.

    Brilliant brews, bars and food

    diners at The Mill, Castlemaine
    The Mill is home to many local businesses. (Image: Visit Victoria/Michelle Jarni)

    The Mill is also home to one of Castlemaine’s bespoke breweries, Shedshaker Brewing Company and Taproom. Within the sensitively restored walls of the oldest part of the building (circa 1875), small-batch, handcrafted beer features alongside fine wholesome food and live music.

    A more recent newcomer to the brewing scene is Love Shack. Starting small as a laneway pop-up in 2021, visionaries Conna Mallett and Harry Cox were armed with a Melbourne beer culture pedigree, which helped them create a great new ‘pub’ that feels as though it’s been there since the 1850s. Other atmospheric bars and restaurants are dotted around town – Grafting Cellars for local wines by the pour; buzzy Mostyn Street Cellars; Table Records plays vinyl on weekends; and the quirky Maurocco bar is not to be missed.

    food and drinks at Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro, Castlemaine
    The nostalgic Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro serves comfort food. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    For food you’ll write home about, the hatted Bar Midland serves exquisite dishes from Victorian-only produce. The freshly renovated Wild is located in the original firestation, Voor Ouker specialises in Indonesian/Dutch fusion, and the Railway Hotel oozes English pub charm.

    the Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
    Theatre Royal is the longest continually operating theatre on the mainland. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

    Much-loved Teatro Regio, found in the magnificent Theatre Royal, is the go-to for pizzas with a twist. As mainland Australia’s longest continually running theatre, this grand dame is also one of more than a dozen performance spaces that add to a rich and diverse entertainment and festival scene.

    pizza at Theatre Royal
    Dine before a show at Theatre Royal. (Image: Tourism Australia/Visit Victoria)

    Quirky country stays

    Quirky, authentic and perfectly located, the Midland Hotel is a private hotel that dates back to 1879. Each of the nine rooms at the Northern Arts Hotel is different and named in honour of an Australian artist. Castlemaine Boutique Accommodation also has a range of properties to suit all types of travellers.