The Best Derwent Valley Accommodation for Your Tasmania Road Trip
With its pretty hills, silent rivers and sparkling waterfalls, you’ll love the Derwent Valley. Accommodation options are ridiculously good – from glamping to open-air baths – keep reading to see my favourite places to stay in the Derwent Valley!
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The Derwent Valley is just a short drive from Hobart, and it is the perfect place to start your Lap of Tasmania road trip.
It’s attractions stretch the length of the valley, from historic New Norfolk in the lower Derwent Valley, to the waterfalls of Mt Field, the icy waters of Lake St Clair, and laid-back vibes of Derwent Bridge in the upper Derwent Valley.
There is plenty to see and do in all these locations – read more in my Derwent Valley Guide – so it makes sense to choose your accommodation nearby and spend more time exploring, and less time driving!
I’ve reviewed all the Derwent Valley accommodation options, and in this guide I show you some of my absolute favourite places to stay that offer exceptional value!
1. Hamlet Downs (Fentonbury)
Rustic little hamlets like Fentonbury fly under the radar for so many travellers, and that is exactly why it makes the discovery of a B&B as good as Hamlet Downs – just an hour’s drive from Hobart – such a memorable experience.
The lush, tranquil setting is perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation, and there are plenty of opportunities for activities as well. Why not indulge in a cooking class with a Burmese twist, head out on a tour of the local wineries, or explore nearby Mt Field and all its breath-taking nature trails?
However you decide to spend your time you can be sure there will be a warm, delightfully appointed room waiting for you back at Hamlet Downs at the end of the day.
Tasmania has a reputation for its gourmet produce, and you are going to savour the dining options available at Hamlet Downs. A light and fresh Continental breakfast is included with all direct bookings, but if you feel like something more substantial then you’ve got to try their a la carte cooked breakfast. The menu changes with the seasons, including options such as farm made sausages, duck egg omelette and apple fritters with maple butter and berry compote!
If you’re a foodie then Hamlet Downs is a destination in itself, and together with Trish and Steve’s friendly service and tips and advice for things to see and do in the local area, a 2 or 3-night stay is an absolute ‘must’ for your Tassie holiday.
Hamlet Downs is one of the Derwent Valley’s best hidden gems for both couples and families, and you couldn’t ask for a better place to stay to explore this stunning region.
Budget: $$
Address: 50 Gully Road, Fentonbury
Hamlet Downs - Special Offer for Lappers!
Mention the Lap of Tasmania either online (direct) or over the phone when making your booking and receive your choice of either:
- FREE upgrade to a hot breakfast for one day of your stay; or
- Complimentary bottle of locally produced ‘Ryelands’ pinot noir!
2. Mt Field Retreat (Mt Field NP)
Accommodation options are limited in this stunning part of Tasmania, which is why I was so excited to see Mt Field Retreat open its doors!
It is an absolute gem, and the perfect place to base yourself, not only for doorstep access to Mt Field NP but also for a day trip out to Maydena, Styx Valley, Lake Pedder, Gordon Dam and the lakeside village of Strathgordon.
Expansive king beds are a feature in all four of their pods (easily reconfigured to a split twin if needed) and the bright, spacious kitchenettes are full equipped for all your self-catering needs, including a stovetop and dishwasher.
Being located so close to the alpine regions of Tasmania the instant electric heating will keep you cosy all night long, and the twin designer chairs are the perfect place to enjoy a hot cup of coffee in the morning while the sun comes up.
For a unique getaway in one of Tasmania’s most beautiful regions, I can’t recommend Mt Field Retreat highly enough.
Don’t forget to mention the Lap of Tasmania or use my LAPOFTAS code to receive your complimentary bottle of Tassie wine as well 🍇🍷😊
Budget: $$
Address: 17 Lake Dobson Road, National Park
3. Truffle Lodge (Gretna)
Truffle Lodge is unique – it’s where you go to switch off, relax and enjoy a digital detox in utter luxury.
Located between New Norfolk and Mt Field, each lovingly crafted glamping tent is spacious, with timber, leather and canvas evoking a sense of restrained indulgence.
Just imagine falling asleep to the sound of the bubbling Derwent River, and waking to Aussie bird song? At Truffle Lodge you’ll find all this, and so much more.
Budget: $$$$$
Address: 3411 Lyell Hwy, Gretna
Open: September to April
4. Left of Field Caravan Park (Mt Field)
Some call Adrian – owner of Left of Field Caravan Park – the ‘Platypus Whisperer’. And when you see how easy it is to spot one you’ll understand why!
Located at the foot of magnificent Mt Field, this quirky destination is full of surprises. The wood-fired bathtub is a touch of bush-elegance (make sure you book ahead) and the camping facilities are fantastic.
If you’re driving the Lap of Tasmania in a campervan this is one place you can’t miss.
Budget: $
Address: 2440 Gordon River Rd, National Park
5. Ratho Farm (Bothwell)
A lot of travellers don’t realise that the gorgeous Central Highlands of Tasmania are just a short drive from the Derwent Valley. It’s the perfect little extension to your road trip itinerary!
When we head out on a road trip, my wife and I are always looking for that elusive balance between modern comfort and local history. Surrounding ourselves with memories and stories of days gone by, and yet free to put the feet up at the end of a long day of local discovery with a Tassie pinot in hand, a toasty room, and the warm embrace of a luxuriously soft bed to prepare you for another day full of adventure.
It is rare these days to find that deft balance, but this is exactly what you can look forward to at Ratho Farm!
The breakfasts are incredible, the rooms are beautifully appointed, and its location can not be beaten as a base for exploring the lakes, forests and alpine reaches of this stunning region.
Budget: $$
Address: 2122 Highland Lakes Rd, Bothwell
⛳ Special Offer!
Mention the Lap of Tasmania when booking your escape to Ratho Farm in the beautiful Central Highlands, or on arrival, and receive your choice of either:
Second round of golf FREE at Australia’s oldest golf course;
– OR –Your second cooked breakfast FREE!
Valid for direct bookings only.
6. Derwent Bridge Chalets and Studios (Derwent Bridge)
Just a few minutes’ drive from the shores of Lake St Clair are the cheap and cheerful cabins of Derwent Bridge Chalets and Studios.
Their reviews from fellow travellers are consistently good, as they represent fantastic value for money in one of Tasmania’s most beautiful locations.
The impressive ‘Wall in the Wilderness’ is only a couple of minutes away, as are the pristine hiking trails of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park – including the southern end of the iconic Overland Track.
Self-catering is a welcome option, but you also have the choice of a wonderful lunch from the Hungry Wombat Cafe, or a hearty pub meal at the Derwent Bridge Hotel (keep an eye out for the Sri Lankan curries… they get rave reviews!).
Budget: $$
Address: 15478 Lyell Highway, Derwent bridge
7. Pumphouse Point (Derwent Bridge)
Pumphouse Point is an architectural wonder with the soul of poet. Rooms are available on shore, but choose to stay in the ex-Hydro Pumphouse and you’ll feel as though you’re floating above Australia’s deepest glacial lake!
Tasmania is renowned for its gourmet produce, and with your own private larder you can indulge in its very best local cheeses, cured meats, and fine wines at your leisure – and if that’s not enough then a crunchy, freshly baked loaf of bread is only a phone call away, 24/7!
Decadence. Inspiration. Celebration. This is the unique luxury experience waiting for you at Pumphouse Point.
Budget: $$$$
Address: 1 Lake St Clair Rd, Lake St Clair
More amazing Tasmania accommodation options
If you’re planning a road trip around Tasmania you’ll be needing other accommodation options across the island.
Here are more recommendations to help make your planning easy:
And if you are considering a rental car or campervan, these guides will help you make the right choice and save you money:
We hope this guide has helped you plan your Derwent Valley accommodation. If you’ve got any questions at all please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.
Happy road tripping!
Andrew.
All my Tassie info at your fingertips…
There are literally dozens of articles and guides here on the website to help plan your Tassie road trip – but it can take a long time to find the ones that are most relevant to you and your style of travel.
My eBooks pull everything together into one place, saving you hours of browsing and getting you on the road with my practical (and local!) tips and advice.
Guide to Caravanning & Camping Tasmania
How to Plan Your Tasmania Road trip
Complete Hobart Day Trip Planner
When only a map will do…
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A paper map is the perfect backup, and I love the range from HEMA and Lonely Planet.
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HEMA Map (Regular)
HEMA Map (Pocket)
Lonely Planet Map