We often get caught up in the doing and forget about being. It is this state-simply being-that Tasmania’s Truffle Lodge hopes to help guests reconnect with while enjoying some of Australia’s best glamping.
Truffle Lodge is just under an hour from Tasmania’s capital city of Hobart. Their tranquil location, perched along the banks of the soothing Derwent River makes it easy to slow your pace and rediscover the lost art of relaxation. So will the absence of TVs and in-tent WiFi (don’t worry, there’s WiFi in the central Lodge).
But, for all those doers out there, Truffle Lodge is far from boring. In fact, there is so much to do in the surrounding area, you’ll wish you spent an extra night.
Accommodations
You’ll be able to experience glamping in its purest sense here. Each of the property’s African-style safari tents, crafted in South Africa, features a large, private deck with a table, rocking chairs and hammock. The deck, and your canvas room, look out to the Derwent River and the picturesque hills of the Derwent Valley beyond.
Inside, you’ll have plenty of space to spread out. These very spacious tents come with a comfortable king-sized bed with luxurious, linen bedding. You’ll also find an ensuite bathroom with hot water, a rainfall shower and a flush toilet. The star, however, is the gorgeous handmade wooden soaking tub — yet another ideal spot to just relax and be.
Dining
Follow the timber walkway from your tent to the riverfront Lodge. This common gathering area boasts a large deck to take in the surrounds and a cozy indoor lounge area. You’ll also find an indoor and outdoor fireplace — both perfect spots to curl up with a glass of Tasmanian wine.
Breakfast and dinner at Truffle Lodge are included and served in the communal dining room. And while the term “farm to table” may be overused, at Truffle Lodge it couldn’t be more accurate. As just one example of the owners’ commitment to supporting the surrounding community, meals here feature plenty of fresh and locally grown produce and meat. The owners call it “simple yet rustic comfort food” and guests simply call it “delicious.”
Cocktail Hour
If you’re not off exploring the region, be sure to swing by the Lodge for afternoon drinks, served daily at 3:00pm. Later, arrive to dinner a half hour early (at 7pm) for pre-dinner drinks. It’s a perfect time to converse with your fellow guests and swap stories of your day’s adventures.
After a restful night’s sleep, make your way back to the Lodge for breakfast. Be sure to sample the homemade jams, produced by local women from the Valley’s bounty of fresh fruits.
Relaxation
At Truffle Lodge, it’s all about being able to do as little or as much as you’d like. Slower-pace pastimes include walking the property, reading a book on your tent’s deck, or going for a dip in the river. Get more in touch with the land by helping to harvest hazelnuts from the Lodge’s hazelnut orchard or collect wild field mushrooms which spring up after it rains. Both are utilized in the Lodge’s cuisine, and will soon be served in forthcoming long-table dinners held in the orchard.
As for the Lodge’s namesake truffles, the truffle orchard is currently being cultivated. Guests can now learn all about truffle husbandry, and soon, take part in the harvesting.
Active Adventures at Truffle Lodge
If you’re seeking something slightly more active, go for a spin on one of the Lodge’s fat tire bikes or cast a line in the river. In either case, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. The world’s only two species of monotreme (egg-laying mammals), the platypus and the echidna, can both be seen on the property.
Come nightfall, continue your pursuit of relaxation by gathering around the roaring bonfire. Thanks to the lack of light pollution, the stars will dazzle and the magical Aurora Australis (aka, the southern lights) may put on a show.
Nearby Vineyards & Breweries
Off property, the area is brimming with things to do. Visit some of the surrounding valley’s award-winning vineyards — five are within a 15-20 minute drive.
In contrast, those who prefer beer, just a few minutes down the road the village of Bushy Park is home to the largest hop fields in Australia. It’s obvious then that you’ll find plenty of delicious craft beers and ciders nearby as well. And if wine and beer weren’t enough, a handful of distinguished distilleries are also well worth a visit.
Communing with Nature
Switching gears, opportunities to get even closer to nature abound. At just 30 minutes away, one of the closest is Mt. Field National Park, home to the stunning Russell Falls and some of the tallest trees in the world. To get closer to some of Tasmania’s cute critters, consider a visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.
Wherever your journeys away from Truffle Lodge take you, know that the drive will be spectacular and an experience in itself. While you’re out, also be sure to stop at one of the region’s many farmstands to sample the local fruit and produce.
Bigger Thrills
As mentioned at the outset, those seeking thrills will also find Truffle Lodge to be the perfect home base.
The Lodge can help arrange fly fishing trips (Tasmania is one of the world’s premier fly fishing destinations with a thriving population of trout), mountain biking experiences (Australia’s longest downhill mountain biking route is nearby), and more challenging treks in the surrounding wilds.
Helicopter adventures to remote rivers for fly fishing and mountaintops for trekking, can also be arranged.
What Are You Waiting For?
Truffle Lodge is best suited for couples seeking a unique and romantic escape. For oenophiles, foodies and nature lovers, it’s also well worth the pilgrimage.
Grant Smith is a travel writer who provides readers and viewers with the information they need to get off the Internet and on the road saying, “I’m going to have an awesome time!” Wherever he goes, Grant travels with a budget-aware eye, but isn’t afraid to splurge on travel experiences that are truly worth it. When he’s not living out of a suitcase, Grant lives in Southern California.