We have just returned from a quick but action-packed 4 day family escape to Tasmania.
We could only have a short time away and we were worried that 4 days wouldn’t be enough, however, if that’s all you have then you have to make do and that’s what we did – fitting as much into the week without feeling like it wasn’t even a break!
We flew from Sydney into Launceston on Tuesday morning and then back from Hobart to Sydney on the Friday night. There was only the 3 of us: Kelly, our baby Ocean who is 6 months now, and myself.
After we arrived in Launceston (to a very chilly 8oC) and picked up our hire car, we headed south towards Cradle Mountain which would be our first stop for the night. On the way though we stopped at the world-famous (apparently) ETC Bakery in Elizabeth Town followed by the Ashgrove Cheese Factory and the House of Anvers Chocolate Factory, all of which were excellent and broke up the relatively short trip to Cradle Mountain really well. Also on the way down was the Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm and Cafe which came highly recommended but we just couldn’t fit it in!
When we arrived at Cradle Mountain we were greeted by the beautiful sight of snow on the mountains and clear blue skies. We encountered pretty much the four seasons in the next four days but it was nice to see some sun at the start. It was getting late though so we had to head to Lemonthyme Lodge where we were to spend the next 2 nights.
The Lodge is truly a wildnerness retreat experience. The turnoff is about 9km from the Cradle Mountain National Park entrance but from the turnoff it is still an 8km drive up a gravel road until you reach the lodge.
From their own marketing:
Lemonthyme Lodge offers luxury accommodation in a constellation of rustic, but superbly appointed cabins, featuring Tasmanian timbers Huon Pine and Black Heart Sassafras. The tranquil haven has been purposefully left undisturbed to protect the natural environment – you’ll be immediately drawn to the beauty and peacefulness. The stresses of daily life will seem far away as you relax and take in some of the planet’s cleanest air.
For once, the marketing was 100% accurate! This place is really amazing. There is a wide range of accommodation choices and the restaurant’s meals were really special.
We stayed in a 1 Bedroom Treetop Cabin and they were more than happy to accommodate our little one in a portacot. Here are some photos I took during our stay there:
The Lodge is so far from everything that you really do feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. There are only a handful of cabins also so if you are looking for a secluded, peaceful getaway this is the place for you. I would like to thank Michelle and the other girls from Lemonthyme who really took care of us from when we got there to when we left, and they didn’t know we were researching an article for the website while we were there either.
On Day 2, we headed off on our hikes around Cradle Mountain National Park with the baby in the backpack. Stay tuned…
Special Spring Into Summer Package from the Lemonthyme Lodge and Nick Bowditch Travel:
Package includes:
* 2 nights at the Lemonthyme Lodge in a Treetop Spa Cabin
* FREE bottle of sparkly and chocolates on arrival
* FREE fully cooked breakfast each morning
* FREE 2 Course a la carte dinner each night
* FREE Gourmet Lunch Hamper on the 2nd day
Priced from just $300 per person twin share. Extra adults $95 per night, extra children $47.50 per night. Upgrade to a Luxury Wilderness Suite for just $25 more per person per night. Conditions apply. Subject to availability.
Add domestic airfares to Launceston starting at $28 one way with Tiger Airways, $59 with Jetstar, $64 with Virgin Blue or $132 with QANTAS. These prices are ex Melbourne, please contact me for the best price from your departure city.
Please email me at nick@nickbowditchtravel.com if you are interested in this package. It is only available from now until the 23rd of December 2009 so if you need a quick but luxurious and really beautiful wilderness retreat call me TODAY on 02 4328 4398.
* Please note: All hotels and activities during our stay were paid for in full by me and not solicited in any way by the operators or hoteliers. The recommendations (both bad and good) are mine and completely honest.
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Check out the YouTube video of this trip by clicking HERE.
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About Nick Bowditch
Nick, looks awesome! Wish we could do this, but I don’t think we’ll fit it in before Christmas. Will definately have a chat to you about our holidays for next year. Your tops!