'I just returned from Tasmania's newest romantic retreat. Here's my honest review.'

My eyes squint open, surely ahead of schedule. 

I reach for my phone for confirmation. 6.14am. As I regain consciousness, I’m now staring into an uninterrupted sea of green, in what seems like every shade. 

Dappled light dances through the leaves as the early morning sun makes her grand entrance. From here, through floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows, my forest view is panoramic.

It’s silent except for the occasional bird, and snore from my partner, JP, whose eyes seem perfectly happy to stick to the sleep-in schedule. 

I would think I was waking up outside if it weren’t for the opulent king-sized bed I’m tucked into. A bed so comfortable it will ruin all future beds for me, including my own.  

I am, in fact, waking up inside Discovery Parks’ new and first-of-its-kind Premium Cabin, cocooned in the heart of Tasmania’s must-visit Cradle Mountain. 

Seeing this place in the light of day – with its stylish standalone bath, cosy fireplace, chic self-contained kitchen, and did I mention the stand-alone bath? – I already know I'm going to love being here. 

Our goal is to relax, recharge, reconnect, and revel in the distinct beauty of this iconic Australian landscape after a big, busy year. 

Thanks to the cost of living we’ve affectionately nicknamed the ‘cozzie livs’, it’s been a while since we’ve taken a trip together. Rather than spending big on an overpriced Eurotrip, we decided to explore our own backyard, with a dose of luxury. 

Enter: Discovery Parks’ Premium Mountain Cabin. Here’s my honest review of the experience.

The location.

Image: Supplied.

Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain is located right in the heart of Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain, a bucket-list destination in Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area.

In the lead-up to our trip, Google told me Cradle Mountain is known for its dramatic rugged landscapes, sharp peaks, world-class walks, iconic wildlife, glacial lakes and ancient rainforests. When we arrive, I see it’s not wrong. You’ll instinctively exhale as you drive toward the expansive mountainscape, and feel a mix of awe and anticipation as you wind through scenic mountain roads.

Google also didn't mention the involuntary squeals of excitement you may produce upon seeing wildlife in the…. well, wild. During our stay, we spotted wallabies, wombats, echidnas, and even (gasp) a snake.

Image: Supplied.

We flew from Sydney via Melbourne to Devonport airport, which is just under a 1.5 hour drive from Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain. More direct flights land in Launceston, just shy of two hours’ drive. 

Travel tip: A hire car is a great way to explore the area and save you having to wait for shuttles. If you’d rather not drive, Discovery Parks is perfectly poised within walking distance to the Cradle Mountain Visitors Centre. 

The accommodation.

Image: Supplied.

Remember when the Danish word ‘hygge’, which describes a feeling of warmth and comfort, gained international popularity?

Hygge is exactly how I feel as I step inside our Premium Mountain Cabin. 

The night is still, the fire is on, the floor is heated, the bed is enormous and there are fluffy white robes here to welcome us. 

Immediately, our shoulders drop, taking any residual tension from our day-to-day demands with them. I treat myself to the lavish, spacious shower – complete with a rainfall showerhead – and sink into bed. 

Image: Supplied.

I have a huge sense of ease here from being fully surrounded in nature; I wonder why we don’t do it more often. It's so tempting to just stay curled up in this cabin for the whole weekend. 

I’ve been lucky enough to stay in some pretty spectacular places in my line of work, but nowhere quite like this. 

By day, we relax and explore everything the location has to offer. The amazing Discovery Parks team is conveniently located onsite and full of local knowledge on the must-do walks, meals, and activities. 

At night, I stargaze from the bathtub, which is surrounded by trees and feels completely secluded. 

Image: Supplied.

Visiting during the warmer months means we get to soak up the afternoon sun from our balcony, and cosy up by the fire when temperatures drop at night. Being an alpine environment, Cradle Mountain is known for rapid weather changes (it snowed just weeks before our visit!) and the cabin is equipped for all of them.

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True to the Park and region's eco-friendly ethos, the cabin itself is made out of upcycled shipping containers and entirely self-contained to minimise waste. We cook up bacon, eggs and enjoy a well-deserved cheeseboard in the afternoon. 

Travel tip: Discovery Parks sells the essentials onsite (bread, eggs, bacon, wine…) but if you want to stock up on groceries, stop in Sheffield or Waratah before driving up the mountain. 

The activities.

I manage to leave the cabin to explore. Even though I do miss my robe, I don’t regret it. 

Cradle Mountain is home to some of the most famous walks in the world, and for good reason. 

We meet a number of adorable wombats during a sunset stroll through the (aptly named) Enchanted Walk, a low-impact 20 minute track. The next day, we explore the must-do Dove Lake Circuit from multiple viewpoints. 

Image: Supplied.

Known as one of Tasmania’s premier nature walks, the 2-3 hour track explores the undulating, diverse landscapes surrounding the glass-like lake. Shuttle buses run from the visitors’ centre to the starting point every 15 minutes. 

Travel tip: Take the first shuttle bus of the day to catch the morning light (and have the track mostly to yourself).

If walking isn’t your thing, Cradle Mountain still has much to offer.  

The Tasmanian Devil Sanctuary is a 20-minute walk (or three-minute drive) from the Discovery Parks site. Rolling countryside and lush wineries are a scenic 30-40 minute drive away. 

During one excursion, we stop to watch a little echidna cross the mountain road. The first either of us have ever seen in the wild, it’s an unexpected highlight – and it won’t be the last.

As we lap up our luxurious abode and scenic surroundings, we’re reminded of something that’s too often forgotten – how important it is to take time out of our day-to-day routines and spend quality time together. Sometimes, disconnecting is best for reconnecting. 

Image: Supplied.

My one regret? Not having more mornings in our Premium Mountain Cabin to wake up ahead of schedule. Plenty of time to fix that, though. 

Book your stay at Discovery Parks - Cradle Mountain, the ultimate bucket-list experience for your next romantic getaway.

Feature Image: Supplied.