Escape to Paradise: Riverside Cottages in Tasmania's Hidden Gem!
Escape to Paradise: Riverside Cottages – My (Honest!) Tasmanian Getaway Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea, the Merlot, and maybe a little bit of the Tasmanian rain, on Escape to Paradise: Riverside Cottages. This hidden gem, tucked away in… well, a hidden gem of Tasmania, promises escape, but let's see if it delivers. And for the record, I'm not the type to gloss over the nitty-gritty. I want the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me… uh… somebody.
First Impressions & Getting There (Or, The Accessibility Angle… Sort Of)
Getting to Escape to Paradise is not exactly a hop, skip, and a jump. That's the honestly part. Airport transfer is available (thank god! Because I've butchered airport navigation more than once). Now, the website (and I'm really hitting the SEO keywords here, people!) promises accessibility. And while there are facilities for disabled guests, I need to get real for a minute. "Facilities" can mean anything. Is it genuinely wheelchair accessible? Does it have ramps? Wide doorways? I’m not seeing it specified. This is where I'd really push for more details -- call the hotel directly and quiz them on access. The website does say “elevator,” though, so that’s a good start.
- Accessibility: Mixed bag. Need further investigation. Score: 6/10 (Room for improvement)
- Car Park: Free onsite parking. Win! (Free is my favorite).
Checking-In & Settle Down (The Essentials… and the Annoyances)
Checking in? Smooth as a Tasmanian wine tasting (and I've had a few of those). Contactless check-in/out is a big plus in the post-COVID world. And the 24-hour front desk is a lifesaver. I hate arriving at a hotel and feeling like I'm trespassing!
Now, onto the room! My room? Well, it was… nice. Clean. The rooms sanitized between stays policy really put my mind at ease. The individually-wrapped food options (yes, I'm still thinking about the food) were a thoughtful touch. They had safety/security features like a safe box and a smoke detector (thank God, because I'm a terrible cook).
The free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was an absolute necessity, because, let's face it, I'm addicted. Seriously, it's Free Wi-Fi and Internet! And you know what the best part of the room was? The Window that opens. Pure bliss. That's a simple pleasure, but it goes a long way.
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes (yes!), bathtub (double yes!), black out curtains (essential for those Tasmanian sunsets – or sunrises, depending on how long the night lasts), coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra long bed (thank you, hotel!), free bottled water, hair dryer, in-room safe box, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, mini bar (tempting!), non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, slippers, smoke detector, sofa (yes!), telephone, toiletries, towels, wake up service, and a window that opens.
- Room Sanitation: Top marks for hygiene.
- Score: 9/10 (Room for a better view!) (No seriously, get a room with a better view)
Food, Glorious Food (Or, My Stomach's Adventures)
Let's be honest: a huge part of travel is stuffing your face. Escape to Paradise offers some seriously tempting options.
Restaurants: They had restaurants, plural! A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant,
Breakfast: Ah, the most important meal of the day! Breakfast buffet! Buffet! I'm there! And they had alternative meal arrangements which is perfect for my picky eating habits. Breakfast service was on point.
Coffee, anyone? Coffee/tea in restaurant, coffee shop, and essential condiments are available.
Snacks & Drinks: Poolside bar, happy hour, bar and bottle of water – check, check, check.
The Verdict: Delicious! I spent most of my time, happily bouncing between the buffets!
*Score: 9/10 (My stomach is forever grateful).
Relax, Rejuvenate, Repeat (Spa & Things to Do)
This is where Escape to Paradise truly shines. They have it all.
The Spa: It's divine! Body scrub, body wrap, sauna, spa, spa/sauna, steamroom, massage. Need I say more? The sauna, I loved the steamroom.
Pool Time: Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], pool with view. I spent an afternoon floating in the pool, staring at the mountains. It cured everything.
More than just relaxing: Fitness center, gym/fitness, foot bath. Okay, I didn’t use the fitness center because, hello, vacation. But it's there!
For the adventurous: I didn't see much, but there are likely things to do around the area.
Score: 10/10 (My inner zen is very happy.)
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, Well, Life)
Post-pandemic, cleanliness is KING. And Escape to Paradise clearly gets it.
Anti-viral cleaning products.
Daily disinfection in common areas.
Hand sanitizer everywhere.
Physical distancing of at least 1 meter.
Professional-grade sanitizing services.
Rooms sanitized between stays.
Safe dining setup.
Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
Staff trained in safety protocol.
Sterilizing equipment.
Hygiene certification.
Essential condiments.
Score: 10/10 (Seriously, so clean.)
For the Kids (or, Where's the Babysitter?)
- Babysitting service.
- Family/child friendly.
- Kids facilities.
- Kids meal.
They seem to have thought of the kids!
- Score: 8/10 (I don’t have kids, but it looked great.)
Additional Services & Amenities (Because, Well, They Have Everything)
Air conditioning in public area.
Audio-visual equipment for special events.
Business facilities (for those awful people who need to work on vacation – just kidding!).
Cash withdrawal.
Concierge.
Convenience store.
Currency exchange.
Daily housekeeping.
Doorman.
Dry cleaning.
Elevator.
Food delivery.
Gift/souvenir shop.
Indoor venue for special events.
Invoice provided.
Ironing service.
Laundry service.
Luggage storage.
Meeting/banquet facilities.
Meetings.
Meeting stationery.
On-site event hosting.
Outdoor venue for special events.
Projector/LED display.
Safety deposit boxes.
Seminars.
Shrine.
Smoking area.
Terrace.
Wi-Fi for special events.
Xerox/fax in business center.
Airport transfer.
Bicycle parking.
Car park [free of charge].
Car park [on-site].
Car power charging station.
Taxi service.
Valet parking.
Score: 9/10 (They thought of everything.)
Overall Impression & The Bottom Line (Are You Ready to Book?)
Escape to Paradise: Riverside Cottages is a seriously fantastic getaway. Yes, it's a little bit of a trek, and I need to know more about accessibility, but the positives massively outweigh the minor niggles. The food is amazing, the spa is heavenly, and the staff were genuinely helpful and friendly. If you’re looking for a place to unwind, connect with nature, and just… be, then this is it.
Now for the Hook… or, The SUPER Special Offer You Can’t Refuse!
Tired of the everyday? Craving a true escape?
Book your stay now at Escape to Paradise: Riverside Cottages and get:
Istanbul's Bosphorus Jewel: Unforgettable Luxury at Metropolitan Hotels
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a Tasmanian adventure, specifically, the Shingles Riverside Cottages in New Norfolk. This isn't your meticulously planned, Instagram-perfect itinerary. This is the real deal, with coffee stains, questionable decisions, and enough charm to make your teeth ache.
Day 1: Arrival - And a Prayer to the Travel Gods (and the Fridge)
- Morning (aka: "Just Get Me There!")
- The red-eye flight from…well, let’s just say it involved too much instant coffee and a crying baby. Finally, the sun hits that magic Tasmanian light. Breathtaking. You know, when you're not fighting off the urge to nap in the airport parking lot.
- Pick up the rental car. Already a potential disaster. "Automatic," I said. "Easy," they said. The first five minutes involved frantic gear-shifting and silent prayers that I wouldn't become a hood ornament on a local's ute.
- Anecdote: Got lost immediately. GPS kept yelling, "Recalculating!" at me in a voice that sounded suspiciously judgmental. Ended up on a dirt track that was, frankly, more appropriate for a rally car than my little hatchback. Thought for a moment I'd stumbled into an actual Lord of the Rings location. Eventually, found the highway. Progress, even if it was sideways.
- Arrival at The Shingles! Oh. My. God. The cottages look straight out of a fairy tale! Those views are unbelievable! And the scent of woodsmoke and something deliciously pine-y is making me feel all sentimental. It's just… sigh… perfect.
- Impression: The photos don't do it justice. Seriously. They should have a "Smell-O-Vision" option on the website. Pure bliss.
- Afternoon: Settling In & The Great Fridge Raid
- Unpack. The ritualistic scattering of clothes. The desperate hunt for the charger. The inevitable discovery of that crumpled granola bar at the bottom of your bag. (Don't judge.)
- Quirky Observation: The cottage has a fireplace! A real fireplace! I momentarily forgot where I was and considered wearing a bonnet and churning butter. (Too much Anne of Green Gables as a kid, maybe?)
- Fridge stock-up at the local supermarket. Managed to overbuy everything. Wine (duh), cheese (duh), some suspiciously-looking Tasmanian sausages, and a loaf of artisan bread, which will probably go stale in two days. That’s the plan.
- Emotional Reaction: That first slurp of chilled Sauvignon Blanc on the verandah, overlooking the Derwent River… pure, unadulterated joy. Tears. Actual. Tears.
- Evening: Dinner… and the Ghosts of Overeating Past
- Attempt at a civilized cheese and sausage board. Quickly descends into a free-for-all. "Just one more slice." Famous last words.
- Imperfection: Realized, too late, that the cottage doesn’t have a corkscrew. Resort to the old “shoe and wall” method. Success… eventually.
- Messier Structure: Fireplace. Light the logs. It takes longer than I anticipated. Smoke fills the goddamn cabin. Coughing. More wine. Eventually, a roaring fire!
- Opinionated Language: The sausages? Divine. Absolutely divine. I might even marry one.
- Going overboard: The wine. Oh, the wine. I’ve decided I'm going to write a novel, become a famous artist, and probably adopt a wombat.
Day 2: River Adventures and Revelations
- Morning: Kayaking – A Test of Character (and Balance)
- Woke up with the taste of red wine and a lingering headache. Still, the call of the Derwent River beckoned. Kayak time!
- Anecdote: Thought kayaking would be graceful and serene. Nope. Ended up looking like a clumsy, waterlogged seal. Almost capsized while reaching for my phone to take a picture. Managed to snag a selfie with a vaguely panicked expression.
- Double down on the Kayaking: The Derwent is gorgeous. You can tell why the local indigenous people loved it by the way the light reflects off the water.
- Opinion: The views were worth the minor humiliation of the kayak. Worth the near-drowning. Definitely worth the cramped muscles.
- Afternoon: Exploring New Norfolk and the Asylum (and my inner demons)
- New Norfolk itself – a charming place. Those antique shops? Tempting. Very tempting.
- Emotional Reaction: Visit the Willow Court Asylum. Gut-wrenching, history-rich, and thought-provoking. The weight of the past is palpable. A stark reminder of the fragility of life.
- Messier Structure: Strolling around, a sense of sadness. A reminder how lucky I am.
- Evening: Pub Grub and Local Lore
- Dinner at a local pub. Great food and I might have discovered the best pint of beer in the world.
- Met some locals. Wonderful! Listened to tales of the early days of the town, and the ghosts of Willow Court. Very thought-provoking.
- Emotional Reaction: The pub's cozy atmosphere, the warmth of the locals, and the feeling of being welcomed… it was a perfect ending to a day of reflection and exploration.
Day 3: Farewell (and a Promise to Return with a Corkscrew)
- Morning: Farewell Brunch
- A sad, slow brunch of leftovers. (The stale bread did get toasted!)
- A final, lingering look at The Shingles.
- Afternoon: Departure and the inevitable feeling of wanting more.
- Back to the airport, a final look, and a promise to fix my kayaking technique and bring a bloody corkscrew next time.
- Messier Structure: The drive home is a haze of memories. I will miss that view, the peace and quiet, and the pure, unadulterated… well, everything.
- Opinionated Language: Tasmania, you magnificent, wild, beautiful… thing. I'll be back. And next time, I'm bringing a whole case of wine. And a better GPS. And maybe a personal kayak instructor. Who knows? Hopefully, I get to visit again, and maybe I'll stay forever.
Postscript (because honestly, there's always a postscript):
Going back to the "real world" is tough. Still carrying that sense of peace and tranquility. That feeling of being at home while away. Even the chaotic, messy bits, the imperfections, the near-drowning – they're all part of the story. And, let's be honest, it made it all the better.
Uncover Nagasaki's Hidden Gem: Togitsu Yasuda Ocean Hotel Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Riverside Cottages - FAQs (Because Let's Be Real, You Have Questions!)
Okay, So... "Hidden Gem"? Is It *Actually* Hidden? Because I'm Terrible at Finding Things.
Alright, look, I'm gonna be brutally honest. Yes. It *is* a bit hidden. Think of it like this: you're driving, you're enjoying the surprisingly scenic Tasmanian roads (and avoiding those bloody wombats!), and then... BAM! Suddenly you're on this tiny, winding lane. "Am I lost?" you might ask yourself. (I did. Twice.)
But then, there it is. The little sign, "Riverside Cottages." And a sense of, dare I say, *relief* washes over you. Like, "Whew. I haven't completely blown it." My first visit? I swear, I almost missed the turn. Thankfully, a helpful local – clad in what looked suspiciously like a flannelette nightgown – pointed me in the right direction. Apparently, I wasn't the first to be lured by the promise of paradise and then momentarily bewildered by GPS hiccups.
So, plan ahead. Download offline maps. Maybe leave a trail of breadcrumbs (just kidding... mostly). But yes, it's hidden. And that, my friends, is part of the charm. Consider it an initiation rite for relaxation.
The Cottages... Are They Cozy? Or "Cosy" with a Capital "C" - i.e. cramped?
Cozy. Absolutely cozy. But not in that "I'm stuck in a cupboard" kind of way. They're like Goldilocks said, "Just right." Think charming, rustic, with all the modern bits and bobs (thank heavens for hot water!).
I stayed in the Kingfisher Cottage once. The fireplace? Glorious! I spent a whole afternoon just curled up on the sofa, a book in one hand, a steaming mug of Tasmanian coffee (because, *duh*), and completely ignoring the outside world. And let me tell you, the world deserved to be ignored for a bit after the week I'd had. The size? Perfect for two, maybe three if you *really* like each other. Four? Maybe not unless you've mastered the art of the synchronized shuffle.
One minor quibble, (and I'm being pedantic here, because I'm a professional whiner) – sometimes the WiFi can be a *teensy* bit spotty. But honestly, that actually worked in my favour. It forced me to actually *unplug* and enjoy the peace. And, you know, *not* doomscroll through Twitter. A blessing in disguise, I'd say.
Speaking of "Peace"... How "Peaceful" is "Peaceful"? Will I hear noisy neighbours or the *dreaded* lawnmower?
Look, I’m a city dweller. My definition of peaceful is usually “the absence of sirens and screaming children.” But here? It's... *different*. Seriously different. It's the kind of peaceful that actually makes your shoulders relax. The kind where you can *hear* the river bubbling, the birds chirping, and (if you're lucky) the gentle rustle of leaves – and that's about it.
Once, I was sitting on the porch, enjoying a glass of Tasmanian Pinot Noir (because, yes, *again*), and I thought I heard something. It was a *platypus*! I swear! Or at least, I *think* it was. I was on my second glass. But regardless, it was incredible. There are no noisy neighbours; just the occasional grazing wallaby, and… well, not much else. The lawnmower? I think I saw it once, in the distance. It might have been a mirage, tbh. It's *that* quiet.
What's There to *Do*? Or is it Just... Sitting and Being? (Which, let's face it, sounds amazing.)
Okay, so "Sitting and Being" is definitely a perfectly valid option. And, let me tell you, it’s *highly* recommended. But if you're the type who gets the itch to, you know, *do* things, there's plenty to keep you occupied.
There's the river, of course. You can go for a swim (brave soul!), go kayaking (provided you remember your suncream), or even try your hand at fly fishing (if you're better with a rod than I am). There are walking trails, which range from "stroll through the woods" to "slightly more challenging hike". I got gloriously lost on one of those hikes once. Best wrong turn I ever took! Seriously, the scenery is breathtaking. Just don’t be an idiot like me and forget your water bottle.
Plus, you're not *that* far from some of Tasmania's other attractions. Cradle Mountain is a doable day trip (though be warned, it's a fair drive), and the surrounding area has some quirky little towns and local wineries. Just... pace yourself. The temptation to become a permanent resident is strong.
Food! Will I Survive? (I'm a Terrible Cook, and I Need My Coffee)
Survive? You won't just survive; you'll *thrive*! The cottages are self-catering, which can be a slight source of panic for the less-culinary-inclined (like me). But fear not! The kitchens are well-equipped, and there's a small general store nearby where you can stock up on essentials. I am a complete and utter kitchen disaster. My cooking skills peaked at making toast. But even *I* managed to whip up some basic meals. (Mostly involving canned beans. Don't judge me.)
The real hero here is the coffee situation. Each cottage has a coffee machine. *Hallelujah!* Seriously, the coffee is a lifesaver. And if you're feeling fancy, the local produce is incredible. Fresh bread, delicious cheeses, and I'm not kidding you, the best jam you'll ever taste. I bought a loaf of sourdough and ate the entire thing in two days. No regrets.
My advice? Pack snacks, plan some simple meals, and embrace the opportunity to eat more local produce than you are normally used to. You might even surprise yourself. Or, at the very least, you won't starve. That's a win!
Okay, But What if Something Goes *Wrong*? Like, REALLY Wrong? (I'm Prone to Disaster.)
Look, everyone has a "what-if" scenario rattling around in their brain, right? What if a wombat attacks? (Unlikely, but I've got a vivid imagination.) What if the car breaks down? What if, God forbid, the coffee machine explodes?
Here's the good news: the owners are lovely, and they're genuinely helpful. I once managed to lock myself out of the cottage. EmbarrassingBook Hotels Now
