I might have discovered Tasmania's perfect rustic getaway

It is a beautifully clear night for sitting in the outdoor hot tub, enjoying a glass or two of local pinot noir under the stars. 

The only sounds come from sheep in a nearby paddock. 

It is always nice when a new place you have reported on over-delivers, but that was certainly the case with Cedar Cottage - a perfect couples retreat tucked away in a bush setting outside the northern Tasmanian hamlet of Meander. 

Eco-luxe Cedar Cottage has been almost fully booked since it opened late last year; a tribute not only to marketing skills, but also word of mouth. 

Sarah Williams, the woman behind this two-bedroom getaway, is a marketing dynamo who has travelled widely - hence all the bases are covered when it comes to life's little luxuries.

A lot of thought has gone into the vibe here; it is rustic but with all modern comforts like super-sharp German kitchen knives, binoculars to check out the local bird life of kooparoona niara/the Great Western Tiers, and USB recharging slots in each room. 

There is also free unlimited wifi, Netflix and Stan for anything you've been meaning to binge watch, along with a small library.   

Located just minutes from World Heritage wilderness, potential activities include fly fishing, bushwalking, river sledding, horse riding, canyoning, caving, cultural tours and other adventures, or just kicking back and enjoying the tranquillity.

There is an excellent house manual full of useful suggestions and local tips. 

Gourmets can stock up at Launceston’s famous Harvest Market, on the the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail and the Deloraine-Latrobe Produce Loop, with handcrafted local chocolates, cheeses, smoked salmon, truffles, honey, raspberries, ice cream, craft beer, cider and boutique wineries and distilleries all close by.

The cottage boasts a full chef’s kitchen (but no microwave, which I am told is under consideration). 

The property is self-catering but coffee beans, sugar, a selection of teas, and hot chocolate, milk, spices and herbs: black peppercorns, rock salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cumin, chili flakes, chili ground, smoked paprika, bay leaves, oregano and turmeric, olive oil, balsamic and white wine vinegar are all provided.

In summer, enjoy the veranda and cooking on the outdoor fire pit, and grab vegetables and fruit from the organic cottage garden (the tomatoes and berries were outstanding). 

Guests can unwind in that hot tub on a private deck facing the the mountains, look out for curious wildlife and take in the pristine beauty of an uninterrupted night sky.

In winter, both beds have electric blankets and there is reverse cycle air conditioning. 

The vibe is rural, but oh so cosy and comfortable. I loved it. Perfect for some "me" or "us" time. Prices from $395 per night. 

 

See www.cedarcottagemeander.com/

# The writer was a guest of Cedar Cottage