Retreats RO S A N N E BA R R E T T
Stacey Rocca knows the respite that a crisp morning can provide. The owner of Robin Hoods Well, a homestead outside Launceston in Tasmania, welcomes almost 1000 visitors every year to her home away from the bustle, busyness and heat of the cities. There she offers an outdoor lifestyle and heritage accommodation far from the challenges of urban life. Rocca says when you’re on the mainland – in a “hot” state – you have to actually consider whether the weather will fit your plans for the day. “Here we don’t have to think about the weather,” she says. “It’s easy.” At the height of summer she carries an umbrella – “we always carry a brolly” – but the warmth never prevents people working in the garden or taking advantage of the outdoors. And at night, they snuggle up in heated blankets. After Australia’s devastating “summer of sorrow” and widespread bushfire crisis, regional towns need a boost. Often some of our most beautiful places in the crisp cool of autumn, regional towns continue to offer unique and wonderful scenery and experiences. Mansion Australia endorses the campaigns to encourage people to return to bushfire-affected towns when they are ready, to continue to visit towns and communities and stock up on local produce from small businesses during their stay. Across the nation, there’s a range of spectacular locations with equally spectacular homes, where residents and visitors can escape from urban life and experience a hinterland or cool escape. From the grand manors of colonial estates in Bowral to retreats in the Adelaide Hills or the cooler hinterland of the Gold Coast, residents and holidaymakers are finding refuges from the heat. Airbnb’s country manager for Australia and New Zealand, Susan Wheeldon, says many people eschew the sand and surf for a cool country retreat. “Many Australians live for the beach – but that doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy the occasional getaway to cooler climates during the summer months,” she says. “We definitely do see a number of guests each year looking to beat the summer heat by making their way to Tasmania or one of Australia’s many beautiful mountainous regions. “Indeed, many of our hidden gems and unique listings are nestled in these areas and regularly provide a base for travellers and their families to explore the incredible local surrounds.” More than 175,000 people visited Airbnb sites in Tasmania last year throughout summer. Rocca’s farm is one such destination. She says visitors cite the range of activities on offer in her area that allow them to take advantage of the great outdoors. With an average top January temperature of 22C and minimums of 12C, Rocca says the area affords a lifestyle that is laidback and relaxed. “It is a different life altogether,” she says. “We love our life in our small town. It’s easier to live, it’s easier to grow food. We’ve got outside dogs, we’ve got outside animals.” Another bed and breakfast currently on sale in the Tasmanian capital, Hobart, is the historic Orana House, offering a homestead and boutique accommodation. The asking price is $1.990 million. 24
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Cool escapes Beat the heat and take in one of the many spectacular getaways in cooler climes
THE WEEKEND AUSTRALIAN
| MARCH 14-15, 2020
