The new retreat pairs waterfront views, luxury accommodation and the latest Tasmanian pinot noir.
Tucked on Tasmania’s east coast, Freycinet is the epitome of wild natural beauty. While it draws thousands of visitors each year, many are restricted to day trips due to the region’s limited accommodation options. But that’s all about to change with the opening of Wineglass Bay Estate in 2026 – and it’s more than just a place to rest your head.
The setting
Beginning at Coles Bay, the Freycinet Peninsula divides the Tasman Sea and Great Oyster Bay. Home to Freycinet National Park, it’s a natural playground for outdoor adventurers, known for its plethora of beaches and coves, hiking trails, scenic lookouts and pink granite peaks.
The Freycinet Peninsula divides the Tasman Sea and Great Oyster Bay. (Image: Luke Tscharke)
With so much natural beauty, there’s limited space for accommodation. While two of Tasmania’s most unique stays call it home, it doesn’t quite cater to the huge number of visitors keen to explore the region. But now, Wineglass Bay Estate is adding to this exclusive shortlist.
Unlike Saffire Freycinet and Freycinet Lodge , Wineglass Bay Estate isn’t necessarily by the sea – but that doesn’t mean you miss out on waterfront views. The new retreat is perched on Moulting Lagoon, a vast wetland home to a remarkable mix of plant and animal species.
The new Wineglass Bay Estate overlooks Ramsar-listed Moulting Lagoon.
It’s an ecosystem so rare and fragile that it’s protected as a Ramsar site , recognised internationally for its environmental significance. Wineglass Bay Estate is the only place to stay on this extraordinary wetland, offering guests a whole new perspective of Freycinet.
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The accommodation
Wineglass Bay Estate is still under construction, so many of the details remain under wraps for now. What is clear is its focus on luxury, comfort and quiet indulgence, which guests can experience once doors open in June 2026. Upon completion, the retreats will be perfectly poised for uninterrupted views of the water, enjoyed with a local glass of wine from the spacious deck.
Earthen tones meet curved edges and timber textures.
Your king-size bed will be complete with soft linens.
Each luxury lodge will be filled with natural light.
Inside, each light-filled lodge will feature a king-size bed complete with soft linens, a modern en suite bathroom, plush lounge, small kitchenette and curated minibar. The colour palette will reflect the surrounding landscape, with earthen tones like terracotta and oatmeal complemented by curved edges, timber textures and contemporary furnishings.
Set on 21 hectares, Wineglass Bay Estate serves as a quiet window into the surrounding ecosystem. Wombats, echidnas and wallabies roam the land, while the lagoon hosts everything from white-bellied sea eagles to flocks of waterfowl. It’s also a major sanctuary for black swans – up to 8000 call this place home, roughly 80 per cent of Tasmania’s breeding population.
The vineyard
The luxury lodges at Wineglass Bay Estate aren’t the only things under construction, though. Rows of young vines are also being planted across the property right now, laying the groundwork for an intimate cellar door experience to open in July 2026.
Kitty’s Mistake will join other local wineries like Devil’s Corner. (Image: Getty/Andrey Chernev)
Kitty’s Mistake Vineyard will open in July 2026, shortly after the retreat itself. Set among the estate within walking distance of the lodges, it will join a small but impressive group of Freycinet wineries, including the award-winning Devil’s Corner .
Harnessing the region’s fertile soil and coastal winds, the team will be adding an all-new pinot noir to Tasmania’s incredible collection of cool-climate wines. The robust red only marks the beginning, with many more delicious drops planned to join the wine list.
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
Tasmania’s crisp clear air, misty mountains, lakes and ancient forests beckon as winter approaches.
Travelling in the off season has many benefits, none more so in Tasmania, where it’s uncrowded and uncomplicated. Ease into winter with a getaway that spells relaxing with a glass of wine or local whisky, bathing under the stars, or gazing at reflections in pristine waters. Add fireside dining, wilderness walks, after-dark gallery visits and plenty of history and you’ve got a curated winter escape designed to make travelling in the quieter months of the year even more rewarding. NRMA Parks and Resorts’ Off Season Signature Packages across Tasmania (plus 10 per cent off for members) make all these things possible.
Cosy up at Cradle Mountain
Immerse into the wilderness at Cradle Mountain Hotel.
For an alpine wilderness experience like no other, chose Cradle Mountain Hotel for a winter getaway. You may even wake up to gently falling snow. Explore nearby Dove Lake, gaze at Cradle Mountain is and listen to the gush of waterfalls.
As Cradle Mountain works its charm, slow down to enjoy the crisp alpine air away from the hustle of the city. There are no crowds here, just serenity and the chance to recalibrate.
Cradle Mountain’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, a bottle of wine (Retreat rom bookings only) and off-season dessert with dinner. Then sip on mulled wine as you wander through the Wilderness Gallery admiring the work of Tasmanian artists.
Finding the flavours of Freycinet
Stay at the only accommodation within beautiful Freycinet National Park.
As the only accommodation within Freycinet National Park, among the many reasons for staying at Freycinet Lodge is its easy access to stunning Wineglass Bay, Mt Amos and Honeymoon Bay.
By day it’s the place for communing with nature, taking hikes in some of Tasmania’s most beautiful locations. By night, savour the regional seasonal flavours of the east coast, sip mulled wine to keep out the chill and gaze up at the star-studded skies. This is slow coastal indulgence at its best.
Freycinet Lodge’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, a hosted Flavours of the East Coast food and wine tasting experience and mulled wine under the stars, or beside the fire, after dinner.
Escape to lakeside Pumphouse Point
Stay cosy while looking out onto Lake St Clair.
Set on the edge of beautiful Lake St Clair in native bushland in the heart of Tasmania’s Central Highlands, Pumphouse Point has launched a new era for its boutique accommodation with the opening of two new luxury retreat rooms last October.
Each of the trio of rooms are thoughtfully designed, with an indoor fireplace and deep-soak bathtub, both perfect for a winter escape. This retreat offers dining and an expanded collection of hosted experiences, including a guided tour to learn more about this historic place, chocolate tastings and whisky tasting from local artisans – with more to come later in the season.
Borrow an e-bike and explore on your own, throw a line in, head off for a hike in the ancient forests that surround the lake, book a relaxing massage, or just settle in for an evening by the fire as the lake works its own magic.
Pumphouse Point’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast, larder lunch and dinner, a bottle of wine with dinner each night, and a chocolate or whisky tasting experience, as well as two $50 massage vouchers.
Slow down in Strahan Village
Explore UNESCO world heritage wilderness.
As the gateway to UNESCO world heritage wilderness, picturesque Strahan Village is the ideal base for exploring Tassie’s west coast. With a wide range of accommodation choices, from cosy waterfront colonial-style cottages to hotel rooms with sweeping views over Macquarie Harbour, it’s the perfect place for slow travel.
Join Gordon River Cruises to explore ancient wilderness and magical reflections on the Gordon River, wander through the village at your own pace or hire a bike to discover local secrets and attractions, including the iconic West Coast Wilderness Railway . Thrill-seekers can hire taboggans to hit the towering Henty Dunes.
Glamp under the stars at Port Arthur Holiday Park.
Spend your evenings glamping under the stars and your days stepping back in time as you explore the captivating stories of the World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site. Port Arthur Holiday Park is the perfect base for exploring the Tasman Peninsula and uncovering the stories of Australia’s colonial and convict past.
Surrounded by nature and history, this off-season escape has the all the makings of an unforgettable getaway. All glamping tents are heated to keep you warm during the off-season months when the nights get a little cooler, and have private bathrooms. Stargazing tents have the added luxury of an outdoor bath on the verandah.
The Port Arthur Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, a Port Arthur Historic Site tour for two and 10 per cent discount for dining at local restaurant On The Bay during your stay.
