Work has commenced to transform Freycinet Lodge on Tasmania’s East Coast with an environmentally sensitive and architecturally innovative accommodation offering.

The rejuvenation of the Ecotourism Australia accredited Lodge is designed to propel the property into the 21st century with a series of contemporary upgrades that are carefully sensitive to environmental sustainability, Aboriginal history and the protection of native flora and fauna.

Designed by a large consultant team led by well-known Tasmanian tourism developer Brett Torossi, the development will include the installation of a lift and accessible suite in the main Lodge building, along with six new rooms and nine new accommodation pods on the existing site.

Nine waterfront pods will replace six existing waterfront cabins and have been designed to nestle into the site. Guests will be treated to an experience that is elegant in its offering, but also grounded and natural. The use of curved glass and natural timbers and finishes will enhance the experience. The main construction of each pod will be done off-site, with the components transported into the Freycinet National Park and each one custom-fitted to the landscape.

Six Hazards View Pavilions will be hidden behind the tiered landscape, taking the magnificent views of the Hazards Mountains. There will be four single-bedroom pavilions and two double-bedroom family pavilions. Each pavilion will feature its own private deck along with a large, vertical volume of glass at one end, designed to best capture the iconic Hazards views.

Perhaps the most luxurious room happens to be the universally accessible suite – the only room on the site that will enjoy both Hazards and water views. It’s a move that has the potential to completely change the perceptions of what accessibility suites can offer.

James Wilkinson

Editor-In-Chief, Hotel Management