Tasmania - East Coast 🚌 Part 1

Twamley Farm is a 7000 acre sheep and cattle farm, owned and still run by the same family since the 1830s.

After the hullabaloo of Falls, this is the perfect place for a little quiet R&R. It offers two accommodation options - the stable or the farm pod - both picture pretty, surrounded by gardens and rolling hills. We stayed in the farm pod, with Tan and Ben in the pod bed, and me and Dom in Scout. We loved our stay here. We went on bush walks, and runs, around the property. We picked spuds from the veggie patch and roasted them in the pod’s private garden fire, then all sat around under the stars chatting long into the night.

The owners will happily show you around the farm, and then send you on your way up one of the very steep hills. Dodge the sheep poop, and try not to conk out, because waiting for you at the top is a delightful champagne picnic. We sat with an incredible view across the valley, watched the clouds light up, toasted to this spectacular start to the year, and then finished with a spot of port (which is permanently left up there in an old meat safe for guests - another reward for making it up the hill).

Local produce is provied for your breakfast. The friendly, Aussie hospitality we experienced made this stay all the more wonderful.

Dom and I spent a day exploring the beautiful Maria Island with East Coast Cruises. What a day!

When we boarded our captain, local legend, and owner of the vessel - Mike - sat everyone down and advised us the unusually wild winds were likely to cause a bit of a stir in the seas, and that if we were in it to win it and up for an adventure, to hold onto something and set sail, but if we didn’t feel comfortable that we were welcome to get off. So, Dom and I hopped straight off.

Kidding! A few people shuffled back onto land, but we held tight. Mike promised the group that he would do everything he could to deliver a great day, and that if he didn’t feel the day lived up to what people had paid to do it, he would refund everyone. We liked him instantly. He was down to earth, and passionate about his home and this beautiful part of the world, and he delivered a seriously incredible day. I’m not sure what it’s normally like in the usually calm waters, but we loved our experience so much I wish I could do it all over.

Amazing landscapes, a fascinating history lesson or two, giant caves, ocean waterfalls, loads of wildlife, turquoise waters, and deserted beaches reminiscent of a long forgotten time are all some of the things you’ll experience.

If you find yourself there, use this code for 15% off: ITSAGOODDAY

Where we stayed:

We had one night at a family shack, The Moorings, a renovated 1930s cottage set right on the river in the quaint town of Orford.

With rolling green hills and dense vegetation, you’d be forgiven if you didn’t realise you were right by the sea. The river is a mouth that goes straight out to the ocean, and the forest continues in the sand right up to the salty water’s edge. We did a little exploring and discovered even more breathtakingly beautiful beaches (and perfect camp spots) just up the road as well. The house would be perfect for a family, with two queen rooms, and a few bunks for the kids, plenty of toys and board games on hand, plus bikes and kayaks. We used all of the above and had a ball.

Must Do (Eat & Drink):

There are too many to name, but a standout this time round was Springvale Vineyard. After a thorough tasting, we were particularly impressed with their 2009 Cellar Release Pinot Noir, the 2015 Pinot Noir, and the 2015 Chardonnay. They have also just released a delightfully floral gin that I highly, highly recommend.

We then meandered over to their summer pop up restaurant, run by the friendliest folk, Don & Charlotte. Don gave us two options; 1. Order a la carte off the menu. 2. Just say, “Don, bring us stuff.”

We went with option number 2, and did he ever feed us. Good golly, how good.

After lunch we needed a wee lie down to let the copious amount food we had just consumed settle, so we opted for a rug and a newly acquired bottle of wine or two by the vines. DeVINE.

Bikes:

You can hire bikes from Swansea Cyle Tours and explore the area on bike - and also burn off a little of all the cheese and wine you'll undoubtedly be filled with. 

STAY:

If you’re more for that luxury livin life, or you need to treat yourself, please put this place at the top of your list.

Hamptons on the Bay.

If you do make it here, you’re in for a spectacular stay. Its perched on some cliffs about fifteen minutes out of Swansea.

I have one word for you - VIEWS. Everywhere. You can’t escape them. The living area is encased with floor to ceiling glass, looking straight out over the dazzling big blue and across to Freycinet Peninsula, as are the bedrooms. Heck, even the shower has a view. (Sunset view above is from the balcony). 

The entire place has been beautifully and thoughtfully designed and styled, and they’ve also anticipated your every need. There a fire pit for evening wines outside, and a private beach you can wander down to for a little solitary swim or sun bathe. You might want to plan a day where you don’t have to leave this daydream, so you can just laze out on the daybed with a book and soak up the scrumptious views.

Surprisingly, this stay won’t break your bank, especially if you’re with a group of friends. This is possibly because it’s new and still unknown, so off you go before the secret’s out!

They told us to let you all know, if you contect them directly - and let them know how you heard the word - they'll give you the best rate :)

I do, however, have a word of warning; you won’t want to leave.