Wheelhouse Apartments in Strahan on the west coast of Tasmania could be Australia’s best long weekend accommodation and a perfect base from which to explore the wonders of the west coast.
Location
Wheelhouse Apartments are located a short, three-minute drive or 10-minute walk from Strachan’s town centre. Two separate townhouse style lodgings sit side by side perched on a cliff-side lawn overlooking the stunning Macquarie Harbour across to Regatta Point. Our apartment’s cinematic windows take full advantage of vistas perfect for purple-hazed sunrises and flaming orange sunsets, or to capture rolling storms as they cross Long Bay.
Style and character
Clean, modern, open and airy, this light-filled lodging does not disappoint. The wide open downstairs area focuses attention firmly on the amazing views outside the cantilevered bay windows in the lounge. While the house is certainly super comfortable, light-filled and sleek, it’s the view that truly commands your attention and the layout and design of the place make full use of this captivating panorama.
Rooms
The lounge and entertainment area are wide open and, as stated above, make a hero of the stunning Tasmanian harbour and rainforest views. The kitchen is well-appointed with everything required for self-sufficient short or long stays. The downstairs room is a little tight, but more than adequate. Take the maritime-inspired spiral staircase upstairs to the main bedroom and you’ll never want to leave – magnificent views, spa bath in the corner, full bathroom and toilet, bar fridge, wall-mounted, flat-screen television and iPod compatible stereo.
The beds are uber-comfy and extra bedding, linens and pillows of all shapes and density are in the robes. Basically, almost everything you have at home is available.
Food and drink
You’ll arrive to a bench full and a fridge-load of fresh produce for hearty breakfasts, as well as tea and espresso coffee-making facilities. A short walk down the street, you’ll find a local IGA supermarket and a little further down the hill, you’ll have access to most of Strahan’s eateries. I recommend View 42°C in summer for buffet dinner or pizza, Risby Cove Gallery Café for lunch or the restaurant for dinner, or Hamer’s Hotel for a pint and a steak. And the locals recommend The Coffee Shack for your caffeine fix.
Nearby
Walk into Strahan for a stroll along the esplanade, on up to Hogarth Falls for a short trek to small but impressive waterfalls. Make your booking for your Gordon River Cruise and spend the day in awe of ancient Tasmanian rainforests as you silently sail along the Gordon River (the morning cruise covers Sarah Island and the fascinating tour led by Kiah Davey from The Round Earth Company which, trust me, you don’t want to miss). Not much farther is the Regatta Point Station – part of the West Coast Wilderness Railway, and you’ll find plenty of cosy shops and food spots along the way.
A little further off is Letts Point, Lowanna and Ocean Beach. An hour back up the hill is Queenstown, which is worth a day trip. Just on the other side of Queenstown is one of the prettiest boardwalks you’ll see: Horsetail Falls. For more information and activities, just ahead into Strahan and drop in to the The West Coast Visitor Information & Booking Centre (and while you’re there, don’t forget to book your seat at Australia’s longest running play The Ship That Never Was).
Rates
Midweek from $250-$300 a night per couple, depending on days and seasons.
Thumbs up?
Waking up to that view each day. Put simply – wow …
Thumbs down?
The staircase was quite squeaky.
We enjoyed our stay at the end of winter, so room rates were low and, in my opinion, exceptional value. Very comfortable, every amenity at hand, including private deck and BBQ (which I would have liked to use but it was quite a wet and cold weekend) and, as far as overall value and satisfaction, I give this property 8/10.
Details
Wheelhouse Apartments: 4 Fraser Street, Strahan, Tasmania 7648.
Call 0429 356 117.
Website www.wheelhouseapartments.com.au.
Check in 2pm, check out 10am.
Leon stayed at Wheelhouse Apartments courtesy of Tourism Tasmania.
Related articles:
Cruising a Tasmanian treasure
Embracing Tasmanian winter
West Coast Wilderness Railway
