Swansong

Swansong is the perfect place to immerse in North East Tasmania’s environment. This unique one-bedroom, two-pavilion cabin is entirely off-grid, has a small 60m2 footprint and is designed to bring the outside in. Perched in the landscape, among the eucalypts on an east-facing slope, enjoy spectacular views across Georges Bay to the Tasman Sea.

Minutes from the extraordinary beaches of the Bay of Fires and the town of St. Helens, there is an abundance of adventure, local produce and natural beauty close at hand.

The dwelling is tucked into nine acres of private bushland. Inspired by the idea of a ranger base crossed with a bush hideaway, every element was designed with the environment in mind – to coax you into the outdoors.

There are large north and east facing windows to draw you out into a panoramic landscape, while at the same time capturing nature close-up from the internal living spaces. You may glimpse pademelons scuttling into the bush, families of superb fairy wrens darting around the native grasses and heath dragons sunning themselves on the granite boulders. Flying above the treetops are sea eagles, black cockatoos, and pelicans; listen out in the evenings for the murmur of the swans on the bay below. Seasonal shifts reveal how wildlife come and go throughout the year in relation to their environmental needs.

The cabin’s tough corrugated iron exterior is built for bushfire protection and coastal conditions. Inside honey-toned timber and natural cork floors create a warm and inviting contrast. The internal finishes and furnishings are natural and understated, thoughtfully selected to sit in harmony with simple living in the Australian environment.

The living zones are separated into two pavilions; the first for eating and relaxation, the second for sleeping and showering. A length of timber decking connects the two and divides the outdoor spaces; a garden courtyard on one side and a campfire area, on the other. The Japanese-style engawa, (edge/veranda) constructed of webforge steel extends around each pavilion at floor level, mirroring the eaves. It has many uses and makes a good place to sit; or a walkway that ‘floats’ above the native grasses and shrubs beneath.

The living pavilion is open plan with wall-to-wall windows so you will never lose sight of the view. Settle on the sofa as you watch the clouds roll by over the bay or perch on the window seat as the sunset lights up the granite boulders on the opposite shoreline. If you land a rainy afternoon, we have reading matter, games and a blue-tooth speaker to keep you entertained.

The kitchen is well-equipped for you to create a wide variety of memorable meals; cook inside or out on the campfire with our BBQ kit. The pantry is stocked with essential supplies for your stay, including cooking oils and vinegars, herbs and spices, dry-goods and tea and coffee.

Across the deck is the sleeping pavilion. Cast a sleepy eye to the sun rise over Georges Bay without even lifting your head from the pillow, or pull up a chair outside on the deck and bask with a morning brew. The queen-size bed is plumped up with quality natural linen and bed covers. Each guest has an individual built-in wardrobe with hangers and drawers.

From the bedroom, walk through to a serene and green shower ensuite with a window to the bush. Here you’ll be pampered with Aesop hand wash and moisturiser, shampoo and conditioner and body wash.

PLEASE NOTE:
While Swansong is a well-appointed and provisioned accommodation it requires guests to respond to environmental cues and is not typical of luxury accommodation but rather a unique environmental stay.

We highly recommend you read the Swansong Guest information for further information regarding what to expect during your stay before you book.