Property Information
Locality: Coles Bay, next to Freycinet National Park
Type of Property: eco lodges, private camp site
Maximum Persons: 10 (not incl. camp sites) Children: suitable for children
Rates
Price Range: from $180 - $350
Detailed Rates per couple
Self Contained Eco Lodge: $300 p.n midweek, $350 p.n.w/end
Saltwater Shack: $180 p.n.midweek, $200 p.n.w/end
Special Conditions: Minimum two night stay - one night stays may be available on request
Property Description
Freycinet Eco Retreat is located at Mt Paul which is a 1200 acre property situated in the centre of the Freycinet Peninsula offering accommodation in eco-cabins, and also a private camp site and venue called the Barn. All the facilities are well spaced out, so the atmosphere is one of a retreat. The "eco-lectic" range of buildings offers water and energy efficient low impact examples of green building, and all accommodation has stunning water views.
Accommodation Options:
The two purpose built eco-cabins called "The Lodges" and a retro cabin called "Saltwater Shack" provide private accommodation on Mt Paul for up to 6 guests. For those seeking peace and quiet, bird song and star light, this is the perfect natural get away, but with no compromise to comfort. It's also a great retreat for the cooler months as the cabins all have log burners, TVs and DVDs with libraries, and the Lodges are double glazed and fully insulated - features which few other places locally can boast.
'The Barn' is a purpose built facility bringing together old world charm with modern functionality to provide a unique setting for special rustic dining events of up to 40 people. Nearby is a fire pit with seating around it, and a deck offering a setting for ceremonies with the back drop of the Swan River Estuary and Great Oyster Bay - particularly spectacular at sunset. From the Spring of 2011, adjoining these facilities will be a 9m Yurt, which will provide overnight sleeping and/or daytime workshop space. Together with toilets and hot showers in a separate block, this facility will provide accommodation for 12 people.
The location is ideal as a base for exploring the East coast,with the Bay of Fires only 100 minutes away, and Freycinet National Park on your doorstep. Nearby is the coastal village of Swanwick and the town of Coles Bay.
At Freycinet Eco Retreat orienteering is available for clients, and within the Freycinet area there is a range of activities including bushwalking, sea kayaking, nature cruises, diving, rock climbing, quad biking, penguin and dolphin tours, swimming, surfing, golf, great ocean and river fishing, or simply enjoyment of the wines, the fine foods, and the wildlife.
Mt Paul is a registered Land For Wildlife property, and we are currently engaged in raising orphaned wombats for release back to the wild.
Environmental Initiatives:
Mt Paul adjoins the Freycinet National Park, and whilst in the past it's resources have been exploited through coal mining, grazing and forestry, today the property is being allowed to return to it's natural state, and numerous dams provide a reliable source of water for wildlife, even in drought conditions.
In 2009 the business achieved advanced level eco certification under Ecotourism Australia's internationally recognised scheme. This level is only awarded to the most innovative ecotourism businesses which provide opportunites to learn about the environment, use resources wisely, contribute to the conservation of the environment, and help the local community. These businesses undertake to link with others that have achieved eco certification, which locally includes Freycinet Adventures, and Freycinet Sea Cruises.
A botanical survey guided the choice of development sites on the property, and as well as designing to minimise the use of energy and water, environmentally sustainable design (ESD) principles governed the build strategy and the selection of building materials:
Build Strategy – minimising disruption to the site (use of Mega Anchors, minimising the use of concrete, restricting site access and managing truck movements etc), minimising wastage (designing to a 1200mm grid to suit standard material sizes, accurate materials ordering, recycling left over materials)
Building Materials – use of materials from renewable resources (plantation timber), avoiding use of toxic materials and maximising recyclability (no CCA treated timber, use of non off-gassing paints and furnishings, recycled polyester insulation batts, zinc alume roofing steel), avoiding materieals with high levels of embodied energy and from distant sources (minimising the use of steel, and using Tasmanian or Australian products wherever possible)
Energy Use Minimisation - small and /or efficient applicances, low energy/LED bulbs and solar lights, instant gas hot water to avoid heat losses from storage cylinders, double glazing and insulation, minimising runs of hot water pipe, energy sourced from renewables (grid connected photo voltaic system, solar hot water, wind turbine, wet back combustion stove, passive solar design with insulated thermal mass)
Water Self Sufficiency - roof catchment and storage tanks on all buildings, low pressure supply pumps, water saving shower heads, dual flush toilets, no spas, two night minimum stay policy to reduce laundry demand.
The greatest threat this property faces is the import of the root rot fungus called phytophthora cinnamomi, which is known to be in neighbouring parts of the Freycinet National Park, and is thought to have been imported on the boots of unsuspecting walkers who have visited infected areas.
Contact Details
Hosts: Virgina Cowie and Phillippa Denne
Address: Coles Bay, Tasmania
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