A beautiful island with charming towns, a spectacular coastline and outdoorsy activities aplenty, Tasmania is a terrific destination for a memorable trip with family and friends. Spend your days walking and cycling through the vineyards and farmland of the interior, tackle challenging mountain hikes, or head to the coast for sailing, kayaking and marine wildlife-spotting. Hobart is the island's capital and largest city, with some gorgeous boutique hotels, artsy museums, hip restaurants and thriving markets. Pretty towns such as Launceston and Stanley are ideal for relaxed on-foot explorers, who will appreciate discovering heritage landmarks and delectable eateries alike. No matter where you choose to stay, you're guaranteed to eat and drink well in this part of Australia! Whether you're dreaming of a relaxed seaside inn, a luxurious retreat in a remote national park or a gorgeous glamping escape, our list of great group getaways in Tasmania has it all.
For Heritage Charm
- Ship Inn Stanley has nine elegant suites in a gorgeous yellow-painted inn dating back to the 1800s. Uniquely designed spaces feature original artwork and an impressive collection of curios set against moody painted walls and polished wooden furnishings. Soak up views of Stanley and Sawyer Bay from the deck, or kick back by the fire in the characterful guest lounge. Book multiple rooms for a laid-back trip with friends.
- The Red Feather Inn's private, colonial-era cottages are ideal for groups of friends or families. Set in the Meander Valley just a short drive from Launceston, this is a top spot for keen walkers and cyclists. Interiors are charming and comfortable, with pretty patterns and cosy armchairs. Expect top-notch farm-to-table cuisine, too.
- Maylands Lodge, a 19th-century Italianate residence in North Hobart, has been transformed into a chic 12-bedroom hotel with smart contemporary rooms and two-bedroom studios which sleep up to five guests. The Brownell Suites have kitchenettes and sitting rooms, though generous breakfasts are served to all guests each morning. Within easy reach of Hobart, this is a good choice for a slower city break.
- Arcoona Manor has just five guestrooms in an 1892-built manor house in Deloraine. A friendly B&B overlooking rose gardens with a croquet lawn, the house offers a billiards rooms and fireside lounge. Book the whole place for a big trip with friends, or the two-bedroom Tiers Suite if you're travelling as a group of four.
For Glamping
- Truffle Lodge is a fabulous choice for group retreats or celebrations with friends. This indulgent spot is made up of five luxurious tents, each facing the tranquil Derwent River. Spaces have big double beds, patterned rugs, ensuite bathrooms with big wooden tubs and lake-view decks. Gather at the main lodge for three-course dinners and games by the fire.
- Bay of Fires Bush Retreat has a far more understated feel, with bell tents and a modern bunkhouse, plus shared bathrooms. Close to Binalong Bay, this is a favourite surfers' haunt, and well-placed for groups of friends looking to unwind together after days out on the water. Cook up a storm in the big shared kitchen or cosy up by the fire under skies full of stars. The friendly owners are on hand with local recommendations aplenty.
For Seaside Style
- Piermont Retreat is a remote east coast escape, perfect for those looking to reconnect with nature in a striking setting. Charming cottages are decorated in earthy tones, with log fires, spa baths, full kitchens and multiple bedrooms. Activities include kayaking, surfing, swimming & hiking and guests share access to two stunning private beaches. An 1838-built farmhouse is at the heart of the property, and sensational seasonal fare keeps guests of all ages returning again and again.
- Freycinet Lodge offers cabins with space for up to five guests in the remote Freycinet National Park. Active groups of friends will adore hiking, ATV tours and wildlife walks in the Park, as well as kayaking and boat rides on beautiful Coles Bay. There's a nearby golf club for a little friendly competition, too.
- Avalon Coastal Retreat is a private villa on Tasmania's unspoilt east coast. Modern and understated, the villa overlooks a gorgeous private beach. The three rooms are light-filled and airy, and the open-plan modern kitchen is the ideal hub for sipping local wine whilst crafting delicious dinners with produce from the Swansea farmers' market. A luxurious escape for six with uninterrupted ocean views.
For Great Value
- Daisy Bank Cottages are housed in a restored sandstone barn. Dating back to the 1830s, the barn is tucked away on a 650-acre merino sheep farm, perfect for relaxed rambles. Libby's Cottage sleeps four, and the barn has space for six guests in total. Gather for BBQs in the garden, or chats around the wood-burning stoves in the cottages' sitting rooms. An intimate hideaway offering very reasonable rates.
- Herons Rise Vineyard Accommodation is another set of two cottages, this time set amidst tranquil vineyards near Kettering. The two-bedroom Wine Loft has a terracotta-tiled kitchen, and both have sitting rooms with a wood-burning stove & a sunlit terrace with rural views. Well-suited to two couples travelling together, this is a very affordable Tasmanian escape.
