Ship Inn Stanley

At the base of The Nut, which is the core of an extinct volcano on Tasmania's north-west coast, the Ship Inn Stanley has undergone an extensive transformation and re-emerged as a storytelling guest house. The Ship Inn was built in 1849 by the grandfather of Australia's only Tasmanian born Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Lyons. In the years that followed the Inn took on numerous forms, but most consistently as a pub.

Today the Ship Inn Stanley is owned by Alastair and Kerry Houston, who have restored the Inn and now live there with their children. Each of the seven suites is uniquely crafted with original artwork and artefacts, bespoke joinery and custom fittings. There is also a yoga studio and gym in the old stables and each stay includes a complimentary continental breakfast.

www.shipinnstanley.com.au

Low Head Beach House

The Low Head Beach House is a minimalist, contemporary house that sits in the sand dunes of Lagoon Beach, 40 minutes north of Launceston at Low Head. Each of the three king bedrooms has its own ensuite, making it ideal for three couples or friends. In the master bathroom there's a luxurious Apaiser stone bath with water views. The open-plan living area is spacious with large floor to ceiling windows framing panoramic views of Lagoon Beach and historic Low Head Pilot Station, Café and Museum.

Tasmanian art adorns the walls and the stringybark dining table sits like a work of art in itself in the centre of the room, comfortably seating up to ten. The fridge is stocked with the basics and guests can also pre-order produce, local seafood, Tamar Valley wine, or a private chef experience. It's also a great base for golfers with Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm golf links courses a 45-minute drive away.

www.lowheadbeachhouse.com.au

Raffah House

Raffah House is a three-bedroom historic home in the village of Oatlands, one hour north of Hobart. Oatlands is one of Tasmania's oldest settlements and has the largest collection of sandstone buildings in Australia. Today, 189 years after it was created, Raffah House is operated by Nick and Sophie Weeding. The house has been recently renovated and can now accommodate six people including children.

Original stonework is featured in the home and blends with furniture sourced from Tasmania and abroad, such as the vintage French dining table that seats ten people. The brand new kitchen is fully equipped and leads into the cosy sitting room complete with an open fire. Each bed has soft cloud bedding topped with luxurious French flax pure linen. Baby gear such as cots and highchairs are available for a family stay.

www.raffahhouse.com.au

Novo Luxury Apartment

With 180 degree ocean views, Novo Luxury Apartment is a newly renovated three-bedroom apartment in Penguin, on Tasmania's North West Coast. The property is on the first floor of a c.1912 heritage-listed property and is directly opposite Penguin Beach and the town's foreshore area. The interior features exposed brick walls, contemporary artwork, natural timbers and luxe soft furnishings creating a comfortable retreat. The modern kitchen and living areas open out onto a large entertaining area with spectacular views of Bass Strait, perfect for watching the sun rise and set from the timber daybed.

www.novoluxuryapartment.com.au

Tasmania's top attractions

While in Tasmania I stayed at private accommodation in Southport, Hobart and Devonport, from where most of the above photos were taken. Visitors should also check out Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake, Freycinet National Park, Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park and the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart. MONA, as it's known, is located within the Moorilla Winery on the Berriedale peninsula and is the largest privately funded museum in the Southern Hemisphere. MONA houses ancient, modern and contemporary art from the David Walsh collection.

https://mona.net.au

Useful links

​www.discovertasmania.com.au