Tarraleah

We drove up the windy road which was surrounded by beautiful forest and awe inspiring mountains and suddenly we entered another moment in time, or so it seemed. We were greeted by a row of cottages built in the 1930’s all painted in different colours and looking like the sugar coated houses you’d find in a children’s story book.

I knew straight away I was somewhere special, somewhere unlike anywhere I had visited before. But this wasn’t just accommodation, this was a a whole village! The cottages at Tarraleah along with other accommodation, a very elegant restaurant, a cafe and a store which sells local art, craft, merino wool clothing, and the most delicious selection of chocolate, (yes we ate plenty of it and it was yummy), are all built around a village green.

In the middle of the green is a gorgeous water fountain and pond with the biggest goldfish I’ve ever seen, and as I went to check in I was greeted by a goose at the picket gate. The children were so excited to be out of the car and were thrilled to greet the fish and the ducks as I checked in.

We had been allocated the pink cottage and needless to say as the ‘girly girl’ I am I was very happy getting the cottage that was my favorite colour and April’s.

But what was really special was the moment we walked through the front door, it was truly like stepping back in time to the 1930’s. I wish I could capture it for you, add in the sights, sound and textures. We entered to the sound of Jazz music playing and the generous welcoming hallway took my breath away. As Steve and I explored the home (as the children were still playing with the ducks), we were more and more impressed. The whole cottage has been restored to its former glory, the floorboards are stunning, the doors and windows just divine! The picture rails added a touch of class, and the period furniture is breathtaking.

All the 5 star hotels I’ve stayed in have nothing on this place, it is just something so special and rare to find. An original street of cottages all built (right here where they still stand today,) back in the 1930’s to attract and house the worlds finest, most elite Hydro-Electric Engineers to Tasmania and in particular to Tarraleah.

The two images below are photographs taken of the original photographs framed in our cottage.

The cottage is extremely generous, featuring 3 bedroom that sleep six people, 2 separate bathrooms and laundry facilities.

There is a generous and fully equipped kitchen and a gorgeous formal sitting room with fireplace. There is also a beautiful sunroom which is so light and pretty and was where we sat for our afternoon coffee around a little table. It also has a lounge suite in there to relax and read a good book.

There is another little sitting area again featuring a lounge suite towards the rear of the cottage. A lovely feature and so rare to find in accommodation, was our own private backyard with gorgeous seating where we could sit and relax. The kids were thrilled to have a space to run around and decided to play pretend cafe’s and serve us.

We enjoyed a pre-dinner drink at the restaurant and bar before heading back to the cottage for a home cooked meal, something you surprisingly miss when on holidays, so it is great to have a full equipped kitchen and a dishwasher (one modern convenience that the ladies would have loved back in 1930 I’m sure). Of course if you don’t want to cook the restaurant has a gorgeous menu featuring local produce, and for breakfast, lunch, morning or afternoon tea, or a picnic packed for you head to the cafe.

After dinner we took a lovely walk. The Tarraleah estate extends to more than 300 acres so there is plenty to explore and see, although you will be tempted to just stay in your gorgeous cottage and never leave. Even Steve said “we could live here”.  It is a fascinating place, the history here is proudly displayed, shared and talked about. The compendium in the room not only tells you about what is on offer in the local area to do, but also is full of photos and write ups on the history of Tarraleah.

After a great nights sleep, we enjoyed a morning walk to feed the cows on the estate. You can buy food from reception $2 for a good sized bag and when you shake the bag the cows come right over to the fence to be hand fed. The cows are so gorgeous and we were lucky enough to see some calves as well.

We ate lunch at the cafe and enjoyed browsing and (OK yes), purchasing some goodies from the village store including some very cute pics of the highland cows, some gorgeous hand cream and a wooden sculpture made by the owner himself. Tarraleah features a lot of local art too which is just wonderful to look at. I just have to add how lovely the ladies on reception are, both Kirsty and Genevieve were so helpful and so great with the kids.

After our cheeky shopping Steve and I headed for a relax at the day spa, this is a must do, they have massages as well as a gym with an amazing view and then there is the hot tub that overlooks the amazing mountain and bushland views, just stunning!

Feeling all relaxed we decided to grab a coffee from the cafe and I relaxed with my book. But not wanting to remain indoors when there is 300 acres on offer we headed out to explore more walking trails. We discovered a deer inclosure, what a breathtaking animal. Then Aspen equipped with her new book on wildlife and her dreams of being the savior of all animals decided we should walk the ‘Eagle Track’ and look for birds. Now this is where the girl from Melbourne needs to think more like a bush ranger. Tackling this trail in my pretty sandals along with a skirt was not the best idea (just putting it out there). If you decide to tackle the walking tracks I highly recommend some proper walking boots or at least some running shoes. Some long pants wouldn’t hurt either. But despite my lack of proper walking attire, (at least I looked good), the walk was wonderful and I made it back unscathed, well besides my feet that needed a good wash. We took the Eagle Track, followed by the Quoll Walk through lovely bushland, the smell of the euculypt mixed with the fresh air was divine, despite my lack of good bush walking clothing I think I am made for life in the bush, I just feel so at peace and at home amongst the trees, listening to the different bird calls, the sounds of trickling water and spotting the Australian wildlife in their natural habitat, it really is perfection to me. The kids were awesome too, all up our afternoon walk took 2 hours and they didn’t even moan, in fact they loved it! They really enjoyed spotting the birds and finding the hidden stream and collecting fallen leaves along the path.

When we got back it was bath time, there is nothing quite as great as a bubble bath after an expedition through the bush.

Tarraleah really is divine in the summertime, the weather has been perfect for us. I would love to come back in Winter though, to see the mountains covered in snow and enjoy the fireplace in the sitting room and a steamy hot tub over looking the snow capped trees.

There is so much to do here, I truly wish we could stay longer! During our few days here we also got to enjoy Lake St Clair the deepest freshwater lake in Australia, the breathtaking lake of clear waters forms the southern boundary of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and is the point where one of the worlds best multi-day walks the Overland Track finishes.

Featured below is Lake St Clair

We also walked the Franklin River trail and the Surprise River walk, these rivers are just gorgeous and well worth the walk.

Pictured below is the Franklin River

There’s so much more though that we just didn’t have time for, like Russell Falls, Curringa Farm, Wall in the Wilderness, the Moonlight Tour, boating, kayaking, (which I so want to do), boutique beer tasting, wine and whiskey tastings, squash, golfing, and fishing. One thing I did enjoy though was the local Tarraleah Cider well worth a try.

On our final morning we took the Big Tree Walk through the woods where you can see several really old huge trees, learning my lesson from the day before I put on my sports shoes and was ready to tackle anything the trail threw at me. As it turned out this track was much easier than the two tracks from the day before, but still my sports shoes were a much more sensible choice, and besides work out wear is in these days!

Our time at Tarraleah was truly special and will remain a treasured memory. I know without a doubt that this is somewhere I will return to. It really is the perfect retreat for families wishing to escape the city life, or for couples looking for a relaxing or romantic getaway, in fact they even host weddings there it’s such a beautiful setting. The experience of Tarraleah is really something unique and special.

Thanks for doing me, love Mackenzie xx

Tarraleah is only 20 kms from the centre of Tasmania, between Strahan and Hobart,  on the edge of World Heritage areas, two National Parks and the spectacular Tasmanian wilderness.

Around two hours drive from Hobart, Launceston and Devonport – on the Hobart – Strahan touring route voted “One of Australia’s Great Drives”.

I was given accommodation in return for my honest review on Tarraleah. All opinions are those of Mackenzie Glanville and photographs are those of Mackenzie Glanville and Steven Glanville, and were taken in January 2016. To see more images head to @macglanville at Instagram.  I would like to thank Tarraleah staff and management for their hospitality and for this opportunity. We would highly recommend to all our friends and my readers to stay at Tarraleah.

Photographs below are of The Lodge at Tarraleah as the moon rises in the sky.