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Freycinet Lodge review, Tasmania: A haven in one of the world's most stunning natural landscapes

Jane Reddy
Jane Reddy

Freycinet Lodge spreads discretely over a few hectares inside the Freycinet National Park.
1 / 19Freycinet Lodge spreads discretely over a few hectares inside the Freycinet National Park.Alastair Bett
The mountain terraces, which face the Hazards mountain range, are the newest additions and include two family suites that each accommodate a family of four.
2 / 19The mountain terraces, which face the Hazards mountain range, are the newest additions and include two family suites that each accommodate a family of four.Mel Ferris Photography
Inside, an open fire, lounge chairs and couches fill the space for guests to relax into over a glass of wine and game of chess.
3 / 19Inside, an open fire, lounge chairs and couches fill the space for guests to relax into over a glass of wine and game of chess. Dianna Snape and design by Liminal Studio
Prepare for nothing less than full immersion in nature's wonders, set within one of the state's most visited and photogenic national parks.
4 / 19Prepare for nothing less than full immersion in nature's wonders, set within one of the state's most visited and photogenic national parks.Dianna Snape and design by Liminal Studio
Possum pelts soften Tasmanian-made plywood flooring, the handrail is wrapped in leather and the king bed with gold velvet bedhead feels decadent.
5 / 19Possum pelts soften Tasmanian-made plywood flooring, the handrail is wrapped in leather and the king bed with gold velvet bedhead feels decadent. Dianna Snape and design by Liminal Studio
One of the villas at Freycinet Lodge.
6 / 19One of the villas at Freycinet Lodge.Supplied
Freycinet Lodge has had many lives since its creation by Ron Richardson as The Chateau, in 1932, on land leased from Freycinet National Park on Tasmania's east coast.
7 / 19Freycinet Lodge has had many lives since its creation by Ron Richardson as The Chateau, in 1932, on land leased from Freycinet National Park on Tasmania's east coast.Supplied -
Inside a villa.
8 / 19Inside a villa.HAND OUT
Extending over two levels, the welcoming lodge space includes a large deck area with chairs and tables overlooking the bay where guests can watch the comings and goings of cruise boats, water taxis and sea kayakers.
9 / 19Extending over two levels, the welcoming lodge space includes a large deck area with chairs and tables overlooking the bay where guests can watch the comings and goings of cruise boats, water taxis and sea kayakers.Supplied -
The Coastal Pavilions, built to replace some units on the edge of the bay. The whole project is Tasmanian-led, from project director Brett Torossi to architects and designers Liminal Studio and builders Cordwell Lane.
10 / 19The Coastal Pavilions, built to replace some units on the edge of the bay. The whole project is Tasmanian-led, from project director Brett Torossi to architects and designers Liminal Studio and builders Cordwell Lane.Mel Ferris
The ingredients are also Tasmanian, with extensive oak and ironbark timber panelling adding to the natural feel and massive glass walls that bring the outside in.
11 / 19The ingredients are also Tasmanian, with extensive oak and ironbark timber panelling adding to the natural feel and massive glass walls that bring the outside in. Alastair Bett
Raised walkways wander through the trees to reach the pavilions, each with a sheltered entry and cupboard for boots and other outdoor essentials.
12 / 19Raised walkways wander through the trees to reach the pavilions, each with a sheltered entry and cupboard for boots and other outdoor essentials.Alastair Bett
Curved floor-to-ceiling glass in the lounge and bedroom welcome the views and the bedroom has heavy curtains that can be shut to remove all light or opened to sleep under the stars.
13 / 19Curved floor-to-ceiling glass in the lounge and bedroom welcome the views and the bedroom has heavy curtains that can be shut to remove all light or opened to sleep under the stars.Alastair Bett
Inside, the timber panelling seems to make one long wall, until you spot the sleek black bar that marks a door to the lavatory or, a little further on, a cupboard full of books and board games.
14 / 19Inside, the timber panelling seems to make one long wall, until you spot the sleek black bar that marks a door to the lavatory or, a little further on, a cupboard full of books and board games. Alastair Bett
Open the door and it's as though you've walked through the looking glass, with the bay sparkling over the edge of a big timber deck that has a sunken bath and, rather than a balustrade, a line of cargo nets to catch any falls and, better still, to double as a very big hammock.
15 / 19Open the door and it's as though you've walked through the looking glass, with the bay sparkling over the edge of a big timber deck that has a sunken bath and, rather than a balustrade, a line of cargo nets to catch any falls and, better still, to double as a very big hammock. Mel Ferris
Open the door and it's as though you've walked through the looking glass, with the bay sparkling over the edge of a big timber deck that has a sunken bath and, rather than a balustrade, a line of cargo nets to catch any falls and, better still, to double as a very big hammock.
16 / 19Open the door and it's as though you've walked through the looking glass, with the bay sparkling over the edge of a big timber deck that has a sunken bath and, rather than a balustrade, a line of cargo nets to catch any falls and, better still, to double as a very big hammock. Mel Ferris
Coastal Pavilions at Freycinet Lodge must credit Alastair Bett
17 / 19Coastal Pavilions at Freycinet Lodge must credit Alastair BettAlastair Bett
Curved floor-to-ceiling glass in the lounge and bedroom welcome the views and the bedroom has heavy curtains that can be shut to remove all light or opened to sleep under the stars.
18 / 19Curved floor-to-ceiling glass in the lounge and bedroom welcome the views and the bedroom has heavy curtains that can be shut to remove all light or opened to sleep under the stars.Mel Ferris
Curved floor-to-ceiling glass in the lounge and bedroom welcome the views and the bedroom has heavy curtains that can be shut to remove all light or opened to sleep under the stars.
19 / 19Curved floor-to-ceiling glass in the lounge and bedroom welcome the views and the bedroom has heavy curtains that can be shut to remove all light or opened to sleep under the stars.Mel Ferris

THE PLACE

Freycinet Lodge has had many lives since its creation by Ron Richardson as The Chateau, in 1932, on land leased from Freycinet National Park on Tasmania's east coast, a three-hour or so drive from Launceston or Hobart. Richardson, his wife, Jilli, and friends created a central building and 14 units using bricks made by hand on-site. The Chateau became a popular holiday retreat and historic photos in the foyer track the always-smiling pioneer and the lodge's journey.

THE LOCATION

Freycinet Lodge, Tasmania, The myriad attractions of the peninsula are just outside your front door.
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Prepare for nothing less than full immersion innature's wonders, within one of the oldest and the state's most visited and photogenic national parks. Take in scenes of the sheltered, clear waters and white sand beaches of Coles Bay, Great Oyster Bay beyond or the dramatic Hazards granite mountain range. The myriad attractions of the peninsula are just outside your front door.

THE SPACE

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Extending over two levels, the welcoming lodge space includes a large deck area with chairs and tables overlooking the bay where guests can watch the comings and goings of cruise boats, water taxis and sea kayakers. Inside, an open fire, lounge chairs and couches fill the space for guests to relax into over a glass of wine and game of chess. Generally quiet during the day, the lodge livens up after guests return from their day of exploring and the billiards table gets a full work-out. Outside, on sunset, the water sparkles. You'd like to think Ron and Jilli would approve of such a convivial space.

THE ROOM

Following the opening of the couples' coastal pavilions in 2018, the mountain terraces, which face the Hazards, are the newest additions and include two family suites that each accommodate a family of four. Wallaby pelts soften Tasmanian-made plywood flooring, the handrail is wrapped in leather and the king bed with gold velvet bedhead feels decadent. A smaller second bedroom with two single beds accommodates the teen and the 'tween. From the leather lounge you can ponder your next Scrabble move while gazing through a wall of glass overlooking bush and mountain.

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THE FOOD

The Bay restaurant offers some of the state's best produce, including Cape Grim eye fillet steak, Scottsdale pork belly and Melshell oysters. The wine list features the east coast's cool-climate wines, including Devil's Corner and Gala Wines. The bistro is a more relaxed affair and, happily, there's not a chicken nugget in sight. Breakfast at The Bay is included in the stay and the a la carte menu includes hearty dishes such as mushroom ragout with scrambled eggs and corn fritters with Scottsdale bacon for hiking sustenance.

STEPPING OUT

A guided tour by sea kayak with Freycinet Adventures (freycinetadventures.com.au) is a wonderful way to see the bay from a fresh perspective and to learn about the area's Indigenous and whaling history. The paddling is easy and there's a hot chocolate and coffee stop at Stingray Bay, one of numerous coves to explore.

With so many visitors to this area, most wanting to capture a selfie at Wineglass Bay, Mount Amos is an alternative for a less busy but much more challenging hike. Your efforts will be rewarded with a panorama of Wineglass Bay, Hazards Beach, Schouten Island and Mount Graham.

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THE VERDICT

An understated bolthole set within one of the world's most stunning natural landscapes.

ESSENTIALS

The RACT-owned Freycinet Lodge is set within the Freycinet National Park. The six new mountain terraces opened in August 2018 and cost from $429 a night, including cooked breakfast.

There is a 25 per cent discount for RACT members and 15 per cent discount for interstate and international auto club members. Phone (03) 6256 7222. See freycinetlodge.com.au

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HIGHLIGHT

The outside bath, positioned for privacy, is the perfect salve after a long hike.

LOWLIGHT

Plastic-wrapped slippers are at odds with the progressive township of Coles Bay which phased out plastic shopping bags more than 15 years ago.


Jane Reddy stayed as a guest of the Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania (RACT).

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Jane ReddyJane Reddy is the deputy editor of Traveller in The Age and The Sydney Morning HeraldConnect via X or email.

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