Thousand Lakes Lodge

Thousand Lakes Lodge is located on the edge of a pristine World Heritage Tasmanian Wilderness. Sitting more than 1000 metres above sea level, the rugged, beautiful region is dotted with crystalline lakes and ancient dolerite boulders. As soon as the sun sets, the sky reveals millions of stars impossible to see in most cities.

The Lodge was built in the ’80s as a training base for Antarctic expeditioners; and later renovated. It’s a nice spot to unwind after a day of exploring the Central Highlands. Warm up by the fire in one of two communal lounge and dining areas; choose a two- or three-course meal; and drink local wines while spinning a selection of vinyl. Once you’ve taken a look at the starry night, retreat to your room early and get some sleep – the sunrise over the Great Lake is well worth getting up for.

The Central Highlands is a free-walking area, meaning there’s no obligation to stick to marked trails. This makes it popular with serious hikers. For bush walks around the lakes to spot wallabies, possums, wombats and Tasmanian devils, ask staff to steer you in the right direction. Just make sure to rug up – it gets very chilly.