16 Unique Places to Stay in Southern Tasmania

There are some pretty special places to rest your head in Hobart and surrounds, whether you’re a local in need of a getaway or a visitor seeking a uniquely Tasmanian experience. Discover quirky delights, boutique hotels, grand heritage homes and luxurious hideaways — charming places brimming with character, stories and history. We’ve listed 16 unique places to stay in Southern Tasmania.

1. The Islington Hotel

The elegant Islington Hotel was once a stately home. Today, guests can unwind in total luxury at the tranquil South Hobart retreat. Enjoy top views of kunanyi / Mt Wellington, admire the fine art and charming antique furnishings, delight in the garden, and enjoy superb seasonal dishes from the Islington Kitchen.

2. Prospect House

Prospect House (c. 1830) is an elegant countryside hotel in the Coal River Valley wine region, near the Georgian village of Richmond. Enjoy wine from the convict-built cellar or tour the surrounding vineyards. Breakfast and dinner are served daily, showcasing the best from the region as well as their onsite garden and orchard. For an extra touch of romance, add a farmhouse picnic lunch.

3. Villa Howden

Indulge your ‘I’m secretly royalty’ fantasy at the enchanting Villa Howden. This boutique hotel on the shores of North West Bay will transport you to provincial France. Suites are beautifully decorated with elegant furnishings and antiques, and the landscaped gardens are the perfect backdrop for romance. The restaurant’s seasonal menu is sourced from local farms and fishermen, and their weekly high teas are to die for.

4. Maylands Lodge

Step back in time at Maylands Lodge, an urban luxury retreat set within one of Tasmania’s finest Heritage properties. This grand boutique hotel on the fringe of the city combines the charm of yesteryear with modern comforts. Sustainability is a high priority, with the house-made food hyper-seasonal, homegrown and locally sourced. Ask for a tale or two about their fascinating history — it includes links to a merchant ‘son of a convict’, a legendary architect, an iconic department store, and The Salvo’s.

5. The Corinda Collection

This private house turned heritage accommodation is actually the ancestral home of your hosts! Corinda is one of Tasmania’s grandest homes (c. late 1870s), conveniently located on the downtown edge of Hobart’s Queen’s Domain. Visitors will find the elegant house and lavish gardens very much as they were. Choose from fine rooms or cosy cottages tucked away in the garden. The hearty breakfast is prepared to order and served on the veranda downstairs.

6. Frenchman’s River

Treat yourself to a serene escape at Frenchman’s River, a 200+ acre cattle farm nestled amongst the rolling hills of Cygnet, in the Huon Valley. Choose from two luxurious self-catering houses, The Writer’s House or The Helmsman’s House. Relax, enjoy the scenic country and water views, wander the beautiful garden, and escape the hustle and bustle. This one is perfect for a romantic weekend or a personal creative retreat.

7. The Henry Jones Art Hotel

Art enthusiasts, history buffs and creative types will especially adore The Henry Jones Art Hotel. Australia’s first dedicated art hotel is truly something special, located within Hobart’s oldest waterfront warehouses in Hunter Street. More than 500 contemporary Tasmanian artworks line the hotel walls, while decadent modern luxuries blend seamlessly with the building’s industrial past for ultimate indulgence.

8. MACq 01 Hotel

Come closer, it’s time for a story. MACq 01 Hotel is a storytelling hotel located on the site of Hobart’s old wharf. This boutique hotel delights in spinning tales about the remarkable characters who came before us in a setting of informal luxury. Each room and suite is inspired by a Tasmanian character whose unique story radiates through the individual room design. Swap tales over a drink or meal at the Old Wharf Restaurant or The Story Bar.

9. Roxburgh House

Roxburgh House (c. 1880) is a 19th century heritage property with Italianate architectural influence, originally built as an educational institution. Today, as accommodation, the property offers visitors an oasis of style and comfort in the heart of Hobart. Guests can choose from two apartments and one suite in this grand old building. Discover stunning high ceilings, spacious rooms and traditional architecture, combined with eclectic furnishings.

10. Hawthorn Lodge

Hawthorn Lodge is a delightful Heritage-listed building in rural Bushy Park, in the scenic Derwent Valley. This charming homestead was built in 1869 by the region’s original hop farming family. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, oozing old world charm. Visit the Lazy Tearooms onsite and treat yourself to a pot of tea and freshly baked scones with locally made jam and clotted cream. Sit inside by the fire or outside on the veranda, gazing out over the beautiful grounds and historic garden.

11. Lenna of Hobart

Lenna of Hobart is a grand Heritage-listed mansion (c. 1874) on the doorstep of Hobart’s vibrant waterfront. About 100 years after the sandstone mansion was built, a new accommodation wing opened with a new level of luxury. The elegant rooms feature harbour, mountain and park views, while the fancy penthouse boasts panoramic rooftop views. The restored mansion is a superb example of early colonial architecture.

12. Mona Pavilions

If you’re an artsy type who is drawn to the weird, quirky and peculiar, you’ve probably been (or are itching to go) to Mona — Museum of Old and New Art. For ultimate luxury, stay onsite in the very fancy Mona Pavilions. True to theme, each pavilion is named after an influential Australian artist or architect. They also each feature artworks from the Mona collection, so it’s like your own private, very exclusive bit of the museum.

13. Free Spirit Pods

Free Spirit Pods offer self-contained waterfront accommodation on Bruny Island, near the historic Quarantine Station. The delightful eco pods are perfect for a peaceful, private getaway.

14. Sullivan’s Cove Apartments

Live like a local in Sullivans Cove Apartments, a hand-picked selection of boutique apartment accommodation located around Hobart’s vibrant waterfront. Each apartment is separately tucked away, offering a peaceful oasis for when you want to relax, right on the edge of the waterfront.

15. Ratho Farm

Bothwell is known for fishing, whisky and golf, and you can experience it all at charming Ratho Farm. Accommodation consists of several old farm buildings lovingly restored into boutique rooms (choose from The Convict Cottages or The Stables), offering a beautiful fusion of old and new.

16. Moss Hotel

Moss Hotel is a hidden retreat, designed with incredible attention to detail and thoughtful touches that reflect Tasmania’s nature and heritage. This special spot is  tucked away within Salamanca Place’s original warehouses, once home to traders, whalers, publicans, gentlemen and convicts.

There are many more places to stay in Southern Tasmania, with hotels, apartments and self-contained villas suited to all budgets and occasions. To browse our full range of accommodation listings, see Where to Stay.

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