Cooinda Bicheno: a beachfront stay that's perfect for winter

We’re convinced this beachside stay in Australia’s Top Town is actually perfect for winter.

Not many travellers have discovered the charms of Bicheno – a sleepy seaside town which has just claimed the title of Australian Traveller’s Best Town – but those in the know will tell you there’s something special about Bicheno. Quintessential seaside vibes combine with a hub of bustling eateries, coffee stops, spas and more to make it the perfect place for an extended stay. And this cosy, fireplace-equipped stay on the town’s Waubs Beach is the perfect home base. Let us introduce you to Cooinda.

Staying at Cooinda

Cooinda lounge room — Cosy up by the fireplace.

Perched right over the tranquil Waubs Beach shoreline, Cooinda blends raw natural beauty and thoughtful design with coastal luxury. It’s designed to maximise immersion with the surrounding landscape, letting the outside in (in a manner of speaking). Expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces feature floor-to-ceiling windows with uninterrupted ocean views and plenty of that north-facing sunlight. Enjoy the great outdoors in any weather with an outdoor fire pit that invites guests to stay a while and enjoy the view.

Inside, warmth, comfort and understated luxury are the name of the game. The decor has been carefully chosen across the three bedrooms of the property, featuring unique statement pieces from Indigenous artwork to a Swedish workbench to French antiques. The colour palette blends into nature, with soft-hued linen couches, throws and jute rugs underfoot. Get cosy by the open indoor fireplace, or relax in the traditional sauna.

Cooinda indoor fireplace — Cosy up by the indoor fireplace.

Feeling particularly extravagant? There is a range of in-house experiences guests can book to enjoy during their stay. Treat the tastebuds to private dining with an in-house chef, offering bespoke four- or five-course meals tailored to seasonal produce and dietary preferences. Relax body and mind with an in-house massage, yoga session or facial treatments.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

Exploring Bicheno

Year-round nature experiences

Waubs Beach bicheno — Dive into Waubs Beach.

From wild coastline to clear stargazing nights to wildlife encounters, every season in Bicheno offers something unforgettable for nature lovers. Time a visit from May to November to catch glimpses of migrating whales along the coastline. Or meet some feathery locals; the colony of little penguins that call Bicheno home.

Lace up your walking boots and explore the world-class walks and beaches near Cooinda, like the iconic Wineglass Bay or an easy 600-metre walk to the postcard-perfect views of Cape Tourville Lighthouse. Those brave enough can don a pair of swimmers and join the daily 7.30am swim group, diving into Waubs Beach on your doorstep.

At night, the unpolluted light sky takes centre stage. On clear nights, spot the Aurora Australis. On the not-so-clear nights, storm watching is just as thrilling. Watch gale-force winds, towering swells and crashing waves while you remain cosy indoors.

Dine and wine

cheese platter at Craigie Knowe Vineyard tasmania — Discover nearby vineyards, like Craigie Knowe. (Credit: Tourism Australia)

It’s almost illegal to visit Tasmania and not indulge in the island’s incredible culinary offerings. Taste the best drops (and take some home with you) at nearby Milton, Craigie Knowe or Freycinet vineyards. Indulge in traditional French flavours at local favourite, Le Coq Bistro, or keep it casual by picking up a few world-class pastries from Little Bay Patisserie. Every Sunday, pop down to Bicheno Community Market to purchase local produce to cook into your own creation (as well as local crafts), and get into the community spirit at The Long Boat Tavern.

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Events & festivals

Bicheno Beams festival tasmania — Catch the lights of Bicheno Beams. (Credit: Adam Reibel)

A slew of local Bicheno festivals creates just another reason to book a trip. Arrive in November for Bicheno’s annual Food & Wine Festival to taste local seafood and Tassie wines, while live music and family-friendly activities provide entertainment. And from late June to late Jul, Bicheno Beams offers a nightly light show, with music and sky beams over town.

The details

ocean views from Cooinda dining room — Enjoy the view.

Accommodates: up to six guests across three Bedrooms and two bathrooms

Cost: from $530 to $1550 per night, depending on the season

Bookings: can be made via the Cooinda on the Beach website

Overlooking the winding Tamar River, the Tamar Ridge & PIRIE Cellar Door is where two of Tasmania’s most acclaimed wine labels come together. Sip award-winning cool-climate wines and world-class sparkling while soaking up the vineyard views in one spectacular setting.

The fire crackles softly as you settle into a comfortable armchair, a glass of Tamar Ridge Reserve Pinot Noir warming your hands. Outside, rows of vines stretch across the Tamar Valley, their gentle contours framed by rolling hills and ever-changing skies. Or perhaps it’s a sunlit afternoon, and you’re on the terrace with a flute of PIRIE Vintage sparkling in hand, watching the valley shimmer beneath you as each crisp sip captures the freshness of Tasmania. At the Tamar Ridge and PIRIE Cellar Door, the setting in one of Australia’s most celebrated cool-climate wine regions is every bit as special as the wines.

The two brands now share a beautifully refurbished cellar door, giving visitors the opportunity to sample both still and sparkling wines from the Brown Family Wine Group’s luxury portfolio in a single stop. Alongside the shared tasting space, they’ve also introduced a range of premium experiences tailored to each brand.

Tamar Ridge’s story began in 1994, when vines were planted at Kayena in Tasmania’s Upper Tamar Valley. Guided by renowned viticulturist Dr Richard Smart – the “Flying Vine Doctor” – the vineyard quickly gained a reputation for quality, with a new winery established in 1998 and the Tamar Ridge label born.

sitting on the lawn of Tamar Ridge & Pirie Cellar Door — Sit outside to soak in the sun as you enjoy Tamar Valley views. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)

Today, New Zealand-born head winemaker Tom Wallace leads the cellar, brings his passion for cool-climate winemaking to help shape Tamar Ridge’s reputation for elegant, expressive wines.

Founded by Dr Andrew Pirie in 1995, PIRIE helped prove the island’s potential for world-class cool-climate sparkling.

Crafted in the traditional method from hand-picked Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown in the Valley, PIRIE Tasmania sparkling wines are celebrated for their fine beads, depth and elegance. With a collection of trophies, gold medals and top honours behind them, these rare vintages showcase the very best of the state’s sparkling wine.

Brown Brothers – now known as the Brown Family Wine Group – acquired Tamar Ridge, PIRIE and Devil’s Corner on the island’s east coast in 2010, extending the legacy of a family wine company founded in 1889 at Milawa in Victoria’s King Valley. The company has continued its pursuit of exceptional cool-climate vineyards, recognising Tasmania’s unique potential in a changing climate.

Location

roaring fireplace inside Tamar Ridge & Pirie Cellar Door tamar valley — Get cosy by the roaring fireplace. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)

Tamar Ridge & PIRIE Cellar Door is set on the west bank of the Tamar River, just 20 minutes north of Launceston and around two and a half hours’ drive from Hobart near the riverside village of Rosevears in northern Tasmania. Stretching more than 60 kilometres along the river, from the mouth near Launceston north towards Bass Strait, the Valley is a vast patchwork of vineyards, orchards, farmland and historic townships.

Style & decor

interior of Tamar Ridge & Pirie Cellar Door tamar valley — Come for a regular tasting, or book an experience. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)

Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase panoramic views, while outdoor decks make the most of the surrounding scenery. Inside, the refined contemporary interiors strike a balance between modern luxury and the natural surrounds, with a double-sided fireplace to linger by. A Tamar River view creates a warm focal point. Natural wood accents add a sense of place, including a handcrafted 12-seat Tasmanian oak table that anchors the space with understated elegance.

Wine experiences

The cellar door’s curated wine experiences pair award-winning wines with local produce and the stories behind them. For those who prefer a leisurely visit without a set itinerary, the cellar door also offers cheese platters and small plates, best enjoyed with a glass in hand while taking in those Tamar River views.

Come for a taste, stay for an experience.

PIRIE & Oyster Experience

A true taste of Tasmania comes to life in the PIRIE & Oyster Experience, created in partnership with Tasmanian Oyster Co. Exploring the connection between merroir and terroir – the influence of the sea and soil on flavour – this guided tasting pairs three premium oysters from different Tasmanian growing regions with three expressions of PIRIE sparkling wine: the NV, 2021 Vintage and Blanc de Blanc.

As each oyster and wine pairing is revealed, guests discover how Tasmania’s unique landscapes shape flavour, from the mineral freshness of the ocean to the elegance and precision of cool-climate sparkling wine.

Pinot Noir Blending Experience

For those who want to step behind the winemaker’s bench, the Pinot Noir Blending Experience offers a hands-on journey into the art of creating great wine.

Guests taste through three to four individual Pinot Noir clones from the previous vintage, each revealing its own personality through aroma, structure and character. Guided by the cellar door team, visitors explore how these individual components come together to create balance and complexity – before attempting their own blend.

Will you recreate the house style, or create something entirely original? This immersive experience offers a fascinating insight into the craft, creativity and precision that goes into every bottle.

Supreme Indulgence

Tamar Ridge & PIRIE Cellar Door — Settle in for true indulgene. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)

The most elevated experience at the cellar door, the Supreme Indulgence (PIRIE Sparkling with Caviar tasting) is a celebration of luxury, refinement and Tasmania’s exceptional produce.

Priced at $99 per person, the tasting pairs PIRIE Tasmania’s most distinguished sparkling wines with carefully selected sturgeon caviar, chosen to enhance the elegance, texture and finesse of each cuvée. Hosted by an expert member of the team, the experience unfolds as a thoughtful exploration of fine bubbles, delicate flavours and the craftsmanship behind every bottle.

Start planning at tamarridge.com.au and pirietasmania.com.au.

This cosy beachfront stay in Australia’s top town is surprisingly perfect for winter

We’re convinced this beachside stay in Australia’s Top Town is actually perfect for winter.

Staying at Cooinda