Nestled in a peaceful inlet in the Huon Valley, The Voyager cabin is a serene hideaway thoughtfully designed to deliver rustic luxury both indoors and out.
Traveller: Jennifer Johnston
Address: 237 Narrows Road, Strathblane, Tasmania 7109
Date: December 2022
Price range: From $600 a night based on the number of guests
Best for: Couples, group getaways, or girl’s weekends
Location
The Huon Valley is an easy 30 to 45-minute drive from Hobart. Add another 10 minutes past the town of Dover and you’ll arrive at Strathblane. Nearing the end of Narrows Road, slow down, as there is an ‘almost’ unmarked left turn into The Voyager nestled on the shores of the Esperance River.
Within a short walk you can find
A 20-metre stroll from the house brings you to the water’s edge of the Esperance River. Wander along a rudimentary path (exclusive to Voyager guests) then over to the neighbouring property River Run Lodge and its tavern that’s open Wednesday and Friday (4pm until late) and Saturday for lunch and dinner.
Claim to fame
The cabin was built initially as the Manager’s Residence within the camping grounds once run by North Hobart Friend’s School. When the new owners purchased the ramshackle house during the pandemic, they saw its potential.
The interior has been extensively renovated utilising clever recycling techniques, like creating timber panels sourced from the local Dover Jetty. Every inch of the cabin has been carefully curated with luxury uppermost in mind. Think vintage treasures with each piece telling a story about the seafaring Captain (The Voyager) who relished returning to his ‘sanctuary’ on the land.
The showstopper
It might be cliched, but how’s the serenity? This is an idyllic location, visually picturesque from every angle. Perfect for switching off entirely and connecting with nature without compromising on luxury. The exquisite details throughout the house add to the visual delight: the stonework, the furniture, the beautiful timber, and all the modern features offer maximum comfort.
The room
The Voyager has four bedrooms (three upstairs and one downstairs); I chose to stay in the upstairs main suite. The king-sized bed felt like a fluffy cloud, with textured bed linen, a daybed nook with a bookshelf containing an eclectic collection of memorabilia.
The bedroom has a wall-mounted flat screen Frame TV. However, I suggest you skip the TV and focus on the magnificent view. The ensuite has custom-made vanities and a generous rain shower, and the towels are the softest I’ve ever used.
Amenity game
Australian-made Murchison-Hume products line the bathroom shelves. The CHiQ fridge was filled with smoked bacon, fresh eggs, milk, and yoghurts (all locally sourced Tasmanian produce). Freshly baked sourdough bread, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and dukkah were laid out on the beautiful black sassafras custom-made kitchen bench tops. A delicious red wine came in a gorgeous decanter which was optimum in the evening by the cosy fireplace. Everything we needed for a night in and a hearty breakfast the following morning.
Beyond the rooms
The Voyager has an outdoor area with a fire pit circled by tree stump stools. Or settle into the large hammock built for two. Keen to bathe in the elements? An outdoor deck with a sunken bath and outdoor shower area with a cut-out window in the stonework wall providing a stunning view of the water. There was nothing quite like standing beneath the sizeable outdoor rain shower under moonlight from the full moon, tendrils of steam from the warm water escaping into the evening sky.
Staying in
No need to search for dry firewood – there are amble stacks of dry timber. WiFi and a Frame TV in the main lounge area is ready with popular streaming networks. Plus, plenty of books, magazines and a few board games. Yet nothing beats soaking in a long, warm bath.
Stepping out
The Hastings Caves are incredible, as is the Tahune Air Walk, the town of Geeveston on the Huon River is worth a visit and Franklin with the Wooden Boat Centre. The town of Dover is a 10 minutes drive away. Explore Cockle Creek further, on Tasmania’s southeast coast, which is the most southerly point in Australia you can venture. Overlooking Recherche Bay, this stunning part of the world is worth the 19-kilometre drive along an unsealed road if you can extract yourself from the comfort of The Voyager.
Insiders’ tips
Premium kayaks are available for guests to use. But if you’d prefer to take a guided kayak tour, check out Esperance Adventures with Matt Wardell, who offers a twilight tour ending with a drink and platter at the River Run Tavern. And book for at least one Friday night so you can go to River Run Tavern.
The family factor
The property is for adults only – 18 years is the minimum age – and not suitable for children with the river close, and the cabin interior is not small child friendly. Though do enquire about booking Voyager as a family if your kids are of teenage age. That would be at the owner’s discretion.
If only
I could have booked one more night. Taking off to explore the region meant I only had the evenings at The Voyager. It is a place that entices slow living and to stay firmly put.
I wish I could take home
A couple of those sumptuous towels, and some homemade custard kiss biscuits that were left out for our arrival.
V&T expert rating
9.5 – After a painstaking restoration, The Voyager opened to guests in February 2022, and it was certainly worth the work. Offering a tranquil stay in magical Tasmania showcasing the island’s natural charms.
Looking for more inspiring Vacations & Travel stories? Try these…
