Just seven months after opening its doors, the refurbished Thousand Lakes Lodge in Tasmania’s central highlands is proving to be another gem in the crown of the state’s tourism industry.
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Opening in October 2016 to a booked out opening weekend, the lodge has been thriving ever since and has already picked up local and international acclaim.
Originally built as a training base for the Australian Antarctic Division, the lodge has been revitalised after lying dormant for many years.
It now houses up to 25 guests in a premium experience, and showcases local food and beverages as well as the unique Tasmanian wilderness.
Stepping out of the car into the brisk 7 degree air, the peace of the setting and distinctive angles of the lodge make it apparent why it has become such an instant hit.
“We were pretty shocked to be included in the Top 21 Best of Small Hotels to stay in by American Express Travel,” Thousand Lakes Lodger general manager Lynette Polley said.
“We also … recently won the Destination Southern Tasmania accommodation of the Southern Stars award.”
The lodge has also been featured in high-end lifestyle magazines and is now starting to attract international wholesale and high end interest, and is already a popular destination for locals and interstate travellers Miss Polley said.
Many are taking the chance to explore the area from a comfortable base, with picnic hampers and electric bikes expanding the range people can discover.
There are also big plans for the future, with the first of a Winter Wellness Series of weekend events on June 9 to 11.
The Winter Wellness Retreat will be a yoga retreat led by Mascha Coetzee and will include yoga, meditation and workshops on winter wellness and seasonal eating to support health.
“In addition to the yoga retreat we’ll do a cycling and wellness retreat … towards the end of winter,” Miss Polley said.
“We’ll do some whiskey, wine and food events as well … the other thing that we’re looking at doing, which I’m very excited about, is an artist in residence.
“Guests can come and interact and potentially do some workshops while they’re there or they can just ask the artist and see how they go about their craft.”
The Winter Retreat is already looking popular, with bookings at 60 per cent full.
Those wanting to book for the retreat can do so by visiting the Thousand Lakes Lodge website.
With the winter season descending Miss Polley is hoping the lodge will become an alternative to Cradle Mountain for a winter get away.
“To come to the lodge in the snow is just something so special,” she said.