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. Explorers Lodge (New Norfolk)
I can honestly say that in all my travels around Tasmania I have never come across such a striking bed and breakfast.
Built in true New England style, its white-washed walls, lattice-paned windows and tranquil gardens are reminiscent of the exclusive ‘Hamptons’ – especially in autumn as the leaves turn every shade of russet, gold and marmalade imaginable.
Step inside and you’ll be even more impressed!
The interior is an absolute dream. Crisp linen accented by playful pillows and lush carpet in all four bedrooms and self-contained apartment – while the glowing hardwood floors of the shared lounge and common areas evoke a sense of refined permanence… like a warm embrace at the end of a long day of discovery.
If you have scrolled through the photos above you would seen the other feature of this wonderful B&B that fellow travellers rave about – the breakfasts!
Whether you go for the full cooked breakfast experience – the only one offered by a B&B in the Derwent Valley – or prefer a lighter, continental start to the day, you will find everything prepared to absolute perfection and truly reflective of the produce of the seasons.
Budget: $$
Address: 105 Derwent Terrace, New Norfolk
🎉 Special Offer!
Use my LAPOFTAS code when booking your valley retreat at Explorers Lodge B&B and receive:
Guest Rooms
- 5% OFF (stays of 2 nights or longer)
- Complimentary bottle of wine
- FREE cooked breakfast daily
- Either an early check-in (from 12:30pm) – OR – late checkout (to 11:30am)
Self-contained Apartment (minimum 2-night stay)
- 5% OFF
- Complimentary bottle of wine
Valid for direct bookings only, and not available in combination with other offers.
2. Mt Field Retreat (Mt Field NP)
Accommodation options are limited in this stunning part of Tasmania, which is why I was so excited to see Mt Field Retreat open its doors!
It is an absolute gem, and the perfect place to base yourself, not only for doorstep access to Mt Field NP but also for a day trip out to Maydena, Styx Valley, Lake Pedder, Gordon Dam and the lakeside village of Strathgordon.
Expansive king beds are a feature in all four of their pods (easily reconfigured to a split twin if needed) and the bright, spacious kitchenettes are full equipped for all your self-catering needs, including a stovetop and dishwasher.
Being located so close to the alpine regions of Tasmania the instant electric heating will keep you cosy all night long, and the twin designer chairs are the perfect place to enjoy a hot cup of coffee in the morning while the sun comes up.
For a unique getaway in one of Tasmania’s most beautiful regions, I can’t recommend Mt Field Retreat highly enough.
Don’t forget to mention the Lap of Tasmania or use my LAPOFTAS code to receive your complimentary bottle of Tassie wine as well 🍇🍷😊
Budget: $$
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.
