Fonthill Farmstay, TASMANIA
Airing Date: Jul 7th, 2003
Located just over an hour from Hobart, Fonthill is a farmstay with plenty of history.
It's run by the Harvey sisters, who grew up there but were forced away in a court battle. After 30 years, the sisters and their husbands finally bought the land back. With the property rightfully theirs again, the Harvey sisters are keen to show off its natural beauty to overnight visitors.
Each of the log cabins can accommodate up to nine guests, and despite being the oldest in Australia, the cabins look surprisingly comfortable.
The sisters got to work on restorations a couple of years ago and now the cabins are in great condition, offering guests a kitchen, bathroom, laundry and a spacious living area with a cosy fireplace. Even if it's freezing outside, you can still snuggle up by the fire with a good book and a fine glass of Tassie wine.
You won't want to stay indoors during your whole stay. The stunning Tasmanian landscape is right on your doorstep, with misty mountains in the distance and rolling green paddocks full of sheep and cattle.
You can take a wildlife walk and enjoy the fauna and flora of the land, or fish for trout on the dam, or even help out with the day to day running of the farm by shearing a few sheep.
Whether you put your feet up and relax or get stuck into some hard yakka, you'll come away delighted with your time at Fonthill.
The Harvey sisters and their families are friendly, hospitable and always willing to spin a yarn or two about the property's history. They even dress up in olden-day clothes during luncheons.
The facts
Qantas and QantasLink fly to Hobart daily from all capital cities. Prices start from $226 from Melbourne and $659 from Perth.
Qantas
Tel: 13 13 13
A night in a cabin at Fonthill costs $190 per couple per night, which includes breakfast.
Fonthill Pastoral Trust
Tel: 03 6255 5101
