Seven Cosy Places to Snuggle into This Winter in Tasmania

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With its snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes and long, starry nights, Tasmania experiences winter more intensely than any other state in Australia. If you've been dreaming of a spot where you can settle in front of a crackling fireplace and sip a whisky after a day of exploring some rugged Aussie landscapes, a trip to Tassie will do just the trick.

There are stacks of toasty places to stay — from luxe pavilions with mind-blowing views to 19th-century country manors to cosy, off-grid studios. So we've scoped out seven of the most divine spots to book this winter. At each of these extraordinary abodes, you'll find yourself snuggled up and relaxing in total comfort. Spend your entire time inside — basking in luxury – or get out and about exploring, safe in the knowledge that a super-warm hideaway awaits your return.

Adam Gibson.

PUMPHOUSE POINT, LAKE ST CLAIR

Even if you've never been to Tasmania, you've probably seen Pumphouse Point. Set on the deepest lake in Australia and encircled by heritage-listed Tasmanian wilderness, this retreat is an Instagram star. And the most famous building is The Pumphouse itself, a converted hydroelectric station that lies at the end of a 250-metre-long jetty. Inside, you'll feel like you're floating on the water. Back on land, there's the art deco-inspired Shorehouse and The Retreat, a timber-rich studio with floor-to-ceiling glass aplenty, so you can still get those stellar views of snowy Lake St Clair while staying toasty by the fire. Plus, to make your stay extra luxe, you can settle into the outdoor tub for a soak beneath the stars.

Courtesy of Saffire Freycinet.

SAFFIRE FREYCINET, COLES BAY

The decadent Saffire Freycinet afford views over some of Tasmania's most renowned landmarks, including the Hazards mountain range, Freycinet Peninsula and Great Oyster Bay. If you're keen to splurge, book a private pavilion. It comes with a courtyard featuring a plunge pool that's set at 30 degrees all winter long (though you can adjust the temperature to whatever warmth you prefer). Plus there's the option to have a chef come to cook you dinner. What's more, you can take things to the next level this winter with a 'Double the Luxury' experience. A seaplane or helicopter will greet you in Hobart and fly you over Wineglass Bay to your accommodation. You can then return the same way, or you can casually travel back in a premium sports car instead.

Piermont.

PIERMONT, SWANSEA

This eco-friendly, luxurious stay is quite the rustic experience set among the trees. Surrounding the 180-year-old homestead, there are 15 sustainable cottages to stay in, each designed and built to blend seamlessly with nature. Set on the pristine shores of Great Oyster Bay, the tranquil abode is dotted with she-oaks, gum trees and dune grasses, which is arguably even more beautiful when blanketed in snow. Expect expansive spa bathrooms overlooking the surrounding winter wonderland, outdoor decks and log fires. There's also an onsite restaurant, where you can feast on some of the freshest seasonal organic produce. What should you expect in the cooler months? Think local cheeses, sesame-roasted quail with a fermented shiraz and chilli dressing and Wild Clover lamb served with a salsa of Piermont olives, fresh herbs, blue gum-smoked oysters and seasonal greens.

Prospect House Private Hotel.

PROSPECT HOUSE PRIVATE HOTEL, RICHMOND

Built in the 1830s as a two-storey Georgian mansion, this grand hotel, surrounded by landscaped gardens and rolling hills, will transport you straight to the 19th century. Take your pick of one of ten high-ceilinged rooms overlooking the courtyard, or opt for the epic grand suite. Whichever you choose, you'll be greeted with a drink on arrival, treated to afternoon tea and, in the mornings, cooked a farmhouse breakfast. The stately Prospect House lies a 30-minute drive northeast of Hobart, on the edge of the picturesque Coal River Valley wine region, so you can knock on some neighbouring cellar doors on your way. After a day of sampling local vinos, come back and get cosy by the large open fireplace (perfect for marshmallow toasting).

Walter Pavilion.

MONA PAVILIONS, HOBART

Don't just see MONA. Stay there, at one of the dazzling MONA Pavilions. The eight beauties are each dedicated to an Australian artist or architect and contain artworks from the MONA collection. The stays range from Sidney, a cosy studio devoted to Sidney Nolan, to Roy, an expansive three-bedroom penthouse inspired by Roy Grounds with a stunning outdoor spa. All offer breathtaking views of the River Derwent, plus there's a heated infinity lap pool, sauna, gym and winery. What's more, MONA and its more than 1900 artworks are right next door and, if you're staying from June 6–23, you'll be in the thick of Australia's biggest winter festival — Dark Mofo.

Magnolia Garden Pavilion. Courtesy of Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett.

HATHERLEY BIRRELL COLLECTION, LAUNCESTON

Take two multi-award winning designers, a bunch of contemporary artworks and a heritage-listed Italianate mansion, and you get the Hatherley Birrell Collection. Found in Launceston, this property has been transformed into four unique stays each as luxurious as the next. Sleepover in The Ballroom, a lavish suite with a translucent glass bathroom, marble fireplace and balcony overlooking Ben Lomond Mountain. Or, laze away at the Magnolia Garden Pavilion, where you can soak in the outdoor bath in the company of a 150-year-old magnolia tree.

Rocky Hills Retreat.

ROCKY HILLS RETREAT, SWANSEA

Surrender yourself to nature at Rocky Hills Retreat, a spectacular, glass-walled studio designed by Australian architect Craig Rosevear. 90 minutes northeast of Hobart and set atop 250 acres of bushland, this escape affords incredible views over Great Oyster Bay and Maria Island on Tasmania's east coast. In Tasmania's cooler months, the vistas are a snowy wonderland. As soon as you get there, start filling the Huon pine bath on the outdoor deck. That way, it'll be ready by sunset for you to soak in the (very) crisp Tassie air among some spectacular rugged surrounds. Pro tip: tee up a glass or two of sparkling wine to go with your soak. Feel like getting creative? Head to the well-stocked private art studio, where you can draw, paint, sculpt and knit — all perfect indoor activities on a cold winter's day.

Top image: The Retreat at Pumphouse Point by Jarrad Seng.