THERE has never been a better time to visit Tasmania, with this year shaping up to be a brilliant year of new openings and new products - from hotels and retreats to completely new ways to learn about the state's history and future.
Wukalina Walk
The Tasmanian Aboriginal (palawa) people's distinctly different culture has evolved in isolation for more than 10,000 years. This walk is a journey across the larapuna/Bay of Fires area (through wukalina/Mt William National Park). Tasmanian Aboriginal owned and operated, the walk offers two nights within the national park in architecturally designed, culturally inspired huts, and one night in the restored lighthouse keeper's cottage at larapuna. Led by qualified guides it offers the chance to spend time with palawa elders and craftspeople.
Three Capes Lodge Walk
This walk opens in September, taking travellers to the edge of the world on a fully guided walk along the dramatic Tasman Peninsula. The 46km adventure runs over four days and three nights. Starting with a boat voyage, and trekking past dolerite spires and craggy cliffs covering 37,000 years of history, each night is spent in comfortable lodges. As the daily walk draws to a close, the lodge offers afternoon tea, a beautiful deck for enjoying Tasmanian wine under the stars, three-course dinners, even restorative bathtubs on the last two nights. Bookings now open.
Woolnorth Aerial Experience
There's nothing like seeing a region by air to give a true perspective on how spectacular a place really is. The Woolnorth Aerial Experience starts with a flight from Stanley with Osborne Aviation over the iconic Nut, out to the trio of Robbins, Three Hummock and Trefoil islands and onto Woolnorth Station. Once back on terra firma, a personal guide will conduct a behind-the-scenes tour of the Van Diemen's Land Company, Woolnorth Wind Farm's first installation at Bluff Point and a visit to Cape Grim. After the tour, there's a three-course lunch of local produce.
Pumphouse Point The Retreat and The Shorehouse Dining Room
Pumphouse Point at Lake St Clair has extended its wilderness offering with the opening of The Retreat, a private space designed to show off the raw beauty and unpredictability of the lake via gorgeous designer digs. Built for two, The Retreat features locally crafted furniture, ceramics and bath products, and an abundant larder with local produce, wines, craft beers, ciders and spirits. Farmhouse dinners are included, served privately in The Retreat or at shared tables in The Shorehouse Dining Room. There are even two deep tubs for soaking, one of them under the stars.
Freycinet Lodge Retreat
Nine new coastal pavilions, set up as environmentally sensitive suites, are set to open at Freycinet Lodge in March. Nestled in the Freycinet National Park landscape, curved glass, warm Tasmanian timbers and beautifully tactile textures will come together to showcase the site's natural beauty. Outdoor baths on the expansive decks and lounge spaces taking in the framed views will add to the grounded luxury offering. Later in the year will see the addition of a lift and an accessible suite in the main lodge building, and six new rooms with floor-to-ceiling views of The Hazards mountain range. Bookings now open.
Launceston Peppers Silo Hotel
After a $25 million development, the 108-room hotel will open in May under the Mantra Group banner. It features the repurpose of the Kings Wharf grain silos, first erected in 1960, and will be the first hotel development to open in Launceston since 2010. The history of the soaring 35-metre silos is incorporated into the interior, with historic photographs and artefacts.The silo barrels will house 52, with a new north ower built to house 56 more rooms, overlooking the confluence of the North Esk and Tamar Rivers.
Marriott Luxury Collection
Repurposed heritage buildings in Hobart's Parliament Square will be home to a new Marriott International Luxury Collection hotel. When it opens later this year, the hotel will have 128 guest rooms and suites, retaining original features such as windows, floorboards and fireplaces.
