Discover the best of Tasmanian Food & Wine

Quamby Estate, 25-27 June 2010

Join us in June from 25th - 27th for a weekend of culinary exploration and world-class indulgence at Quamby Estate. This exclusive experience includes hosted tours of renowned Tamar Vineyards and local produce suppliers; plus dinner at acclaimed restaurants.

A once in a lifetime experience the weekend is offered as a complete food and accommodation package for just $1200 per person.

Price includes:

• 2 night’s accommodation at Quamby Homestead
• All meals and beverages
  (including an allocation of Tasmanian wines at dinner)
• Full day tour of the Tamar Vineyards including lunch
• Half day “hunters and gatherers” farm gate tour
• Exclusive dinner at acclaimed Stillwater Restaurant

Space is limited. Book now!
T. 03 6392 2211
E. reservations@quambyestate.com.au

Note: Conditions Apply: Subject to availability. All prices quoted are per person, twin share.

Posted on March 9, 2010

Wilpena Under the Stars

Every year the Royal Flying Doctor Service organises a special event at Wilpena Pound called Wilpena Under the Stars. On Saturday 19th February 2010 approximately 720 people from around Australia donned their finery and headed bush for the party. It was a wonderful experience in a spectacular location. The latest news from the RFDS is that the event raised over $80,000 this year. A great result for a very worthy cause. We were proud to be involved.

Posted on February 26, 2010

Save the Tasmanian Devil

Anthology’s Cradle Mountain Huts has joined forces with the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal to raise much-needed funds for ongoing research and management of the Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD).

For bookings made in January 2010 on the Cradle Mountain Huts six-day walk on the Overland Track, Anthology will donate $200 per person to the Appeal (www.tassiedevil.com.au).

While the bookings need to be made and paid for by 31 January, the fundraising campaign is for any 6 day Cradle Mountain Huts guided walk departing throughout the remainder of the walking season, which runs until 1 May, 2010.

Book now online or call (03) 6392 2211

And remember to tell us you want to “SAVE THE DEVIL” when you make your booking.

Read more about Save the Tasmanian Devil Program

Posted on December 18, 2009

3, 4 & 6 Day Overland Experiences

This season Cradle Mountain Huts will offer a choice of a 6, 4 and 3-day guided walks within Tasmania’s pristine wilderness in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

All guided walks follow the famous Overland Track commencing in the Cradle Valley and taking in the spectacular scenery of Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake on the first day. The shorter 3-day and 4-day itineraries have been designed to depart the Track earlier for those of you that may not have the time to complete the complete six day walk extends from through to Lake St. Clair.

This extraordinary World Heritage Area features a huge diversity of flora and fauna. Glacial lakes, rainforests, craggy peaks, button grass plains and alpine meadows sit side by side, with wombats, echidnas, wallabies and Tasmanian devils all making the area their home. It is a truly magical place. 

Each evening’s accommodation is in one of our five private huts nestled away in this remarkable park. The 3-day itinerary is a loop and based for two nights at Barn Bluff Hut. The 4-day itinerary stays at the first three huts along the track and then leaves by the Arm River Track. Each hut is a haven to retreat to at the end of the day with hot showers, heating, twin-share rooms and a hearty three-course dinner with fine Tasmanian wines.

Click here for full details

Posted on October 14, 2009

Let us carry your bags for you on the Bay of Fires Walk

In recent months we have received enquiries from customers asking if we would consider offering portered walks on our famous 4-day Bay of Fires Walk in Tasmania.

In answer to these requests we are pleased to announce that portered walks are now available on limited departures this season. For a supplementary cost of $500 per person, we will transport your backpack to the Forrester Beach Camp for the first night and then on to the Bay of Fires Lodge for the last two nights of your itinerary. All you will need to carry each day is a day pack for your lunch, water bottle, camera and other personal items you want with you.

Space is limited and available on request at the time of booking. All guests on a specified portered departure must have pre-paid the $500 supplement.

If this sounds like the perfect option for you, contact us now and ask about availability.
T. (03) 6392 2211
E. bookings@cradlehuts.com.au
Click here for more information on the Bay of Fires Walk

Posted on October 14, 2009

New Walking Base for Cradle Mountain Huts & Bay of Fires Walk

The first walks of the season departed from our new walking base at Quamby Estate on Thursday 1st October. The new base is now housed in Quamby’s original Georgian stables which have been fully restored. Cradle Mountain Huts and Bay of Fires Walks depart early in the morning from the base each day throughout the season, making Quamby Homestead the most convenient  place to stay before or after your walk.

Plus we have a new range of branded merchandise available at the base for those last minute requirements and souvenirs. Items include Zuma tops, fleeces, water bottles and day packs.
 

Posted on October 14, 2009

Quamby Estate Officially Re-Opened

Tasmanian Premier David Bartlett officially re-opened Quamby Estate on Sunday 4th October and congratulated Anthology on our “outstanding development”.
 
It was certainly fitting that the current Tasmanian premier should officially re-open Quamby, as it was once the northern home of former Tasmanian Premier, Sir Richard Dry and became known as the ‘Government House of the North’. Dry was Premier from 1866 to 1869 and was the first Tasmanian-born premier and the first Tasmanian to be knighted.
 
Sir Richard’s former home has been thoughtfully restored in keeping with heritage principles and converted for sustainable, contemporary use as a luxury lodge.
 
“It is exciting to see visionary tourism operators like Grant Hunt investing in properties like Quamby Estate to ensure we continue to deliver high-quality and world-class experiences to the visitors the Government works so hard to entice here,” Mr Bartlett said.
 
Recently completed works at the property include the restoration and refurbishment of ten luxuriously appointed guest rooms, a nine-hole golf course and the conversion of the heritage-listed Georgian stables into a purpose-designed centre for guests on multi-day walking tours.
 
Quamby is also the home-base for the acclaimed guided walking tours, Cradle Mountain Huts and Bay of Fires Walk.

Posted on October 14, 2009

New Aboriginal Cultural Tours at Wilpena Pound

We are delighted to announce that award-winning Aboriginal owned and operated tour company, Bookabee Tours are now operating from Wilpena Pound Resort. Offering a morning and afternoon tour Bookabee will take guests on a cultural journey that incorporates story-telling, Aboriginal cultural experiences and visits significant locations including Arkaroo Rock and Brachina Gorge. This is a unique opportunity to gain insight into the Adnyamathana creation stories relevant to the region and learn about the relevance of plants and animals to the Adnyamathana people.

Choose from the morning Adnyamathana Rock Art Tour and the afternoon Culture and Wildlife Tour. Click here for more details.

Posted on September 28, 2009

Bay of Fires Lodge awarded "most unique"

It's official - we are "unique" 
 
Our spectacular Bay of Fires Lodge has won the Best Unique Accommodation award  in the 2009 HM Magazine Awards for hotel and accommodation excellence.
 
The Lodge was among eight finalists including the Q Station retreat at Manly (highly commended), Injidup Spa Retreat in WA, Peppers Seven Spirit Bay in the NT and Southern Ocean Lodge in SA.
 
We were also honoured to have another Anthology property in the finalists list - Wilpena Pound Resort in SA.
 
The "Unique" property award reflects Anthology's philosophy of providing unusual and truly memorable experiences for our guests in amazing parts of Australia. We couldn't be more delighted to take home this gong.

Posted on August 19, 2009

A Tasmanian Gourmet Weekend

Exclusive luxury gourmet weekend in Tasmania - $990 per person
Quamby Estate has joined the team from Travel + Leisure magazine to create an exclusive gourmet weekend in Tasmania. Hosted by T+L’s editor, Anthony Dennis, stay at Anthology’s historic and luxurious Quamby Estate for two nights with dinner at Stillwater, one of Tasmania leading restaurants.

WHEN? Friday, September 26 - Sunday, September 28

ITINERARY:

Friday	Check in at Quamby available after 2pm Dinner and overnight at Quamby Homestead
Saturday	Breakfast at leisure Mid-morning departure on Tamar Valley vineyards tour, including lunch. Tour hosted by Kim Seagram, co-owner of Stillwater. Exclusive wine-themed dinner at Stillwater restaurant in the evening Overnight at Quamby Homestead
Sunday	Breakfast at leisure Mid-morning departure on “hunter and gatherer” tour of local producers, including Christmas Hill Raspberry Farm, Ashgrove Cheese and truffle farm. Lunch at the newly opened Quamby Room restaurant Return transfer to meet afternoon / evening flights departing Launceston airport

COST: $990 per person, twin share

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

• 2 nights luxury accommodation with breakfast daily
• All meals and beverages included in the itinerary
• Hosted tour of Tamar vineyards with Kim Seagram
• Half-day "hunter gatherer" tour of  local producers
• Return transfers to Launceston Airport

All you need to add is your airfare and taxi fare from Launceston airport to Quamby.

BOOK NOW: Space is strictly limited.
Call Quamby (03) 6392 2211 or email reservations@quambyestate.com.au

Please note: There is the option of extending your stay, depending on availability at Quamby

Posted on July 27, 2009

WE HAVE A WINNER

Anthology is delighted to announce that Mary O’Callaghan from Queensland is the winner of our Flinders Ranges Escape competition. In the May issue of our New Editions e-newsletter we invited you to send in stories describing your own travel experiences and give an insight to what travel means to you. It was a tricky task for some as we asked that stories be contained to 100 words. Thanks to all those who entered. We received some inspired tales and great photos. You can read Mary’s down to earth tale of Cradle at Christmas at www.anthology.travel/tales/.

If you haven’t already, go ahead and sign up to our Travellers Collective at www.anthology.travel/collective/ where you will receive the latest news, special offers and competitions from Anthology.

Posted on July 13, 2009

Top 20 Australian Tours

Two of Anthology's experiences have been included on Australian Traveller magazine's Top 20 Australian Tours.

Our Bay of Fires four day guided walk and the Lake Eyre flood flights run by Air Wilpena from our Wilpena Pound Resort. The magazine's editor, Greg Barton commented "The very best tours provide levels of access not available to your average traveller, with expert commentary and guides to help squeeze every last drop out of an experience."

The 20 best tours piece is featured in Australian Traveller's June/July issue which is now on sale.

Posted on June 1, 2009

Newly restored guest rooms at Quamby

The ongoing restoration of Quamby Estate is proceeding to schedule with newly restored guest rooms completed in the homestead. Tasmanian heritage architect, David Denman and leading interior designers, Pike Withers have transformed Quamby into a superb luxury lodge. Each guest room is unique in design and has been impeccably restored in keeping with the home’s original features, but without compromising modern-day luxuries. Modern bathrooms, luxury bedding and flat screen televisions are just a few of the new additions. With warm fires, cosy bedding and luxurious spa baths in the deluxe rooms, Quamby is a perfect venue for a romantic winter getaway.

Here are some recent images from the homestead.

 

 

Posted on April 30, 2009

Wilpena Pound renovation update

There has been plenty of activity in the last month at Wilpena Pound Resort. The team working on our room renovations were asked to have work completed to the Brachina and Aroona rooms before Easter, which they successfully did. The resort was very busy over Easter and every new room was occupied. Feedback from guests inhouse over the weekend was really positive and we are encouraged that renovations will give the resort a fresh new feel. Here is a photo of one of the new Aroona rooms.

Work will continue over the next few months, with every room in the resort to receive an upgrade to the interiors. Be assured that ongoing work is now being completed gradual stages so that we can manage the noise levels and minimise any potential impact on guests staying with us during this period.

Posted on April 15, 2009

Lake Eyre from the Air

Wilpena Pound Resort and Air Wilpena are giving Australians the opportunity to view one of nature’s rare moments from the best vantage point – 1,000 feet in the air - as Lake Eyre fills with water.

Air Wilpena has just celebrated its 50th anniversary and prides itself on in-depth local knowledge of flora, fauna, geography and history providing visitors with an opportunity to immerse themselves in one of Australia’s iconic locations.  The airline is offering three different experiences, designed by the pilots to take advantage of this extraordinarily rare natural phenomenon.  View flight details and maps here.

Air Wilpena’s “Flood Flights” include views of Lake Eyre and the surrounding spectacular outback expanses of South Australia.  They vary in length and route to cater for a range of visitors.

Contact us:
T. (08) 8648 0004
E. admin@wilpenapound.com.au

Posted on March 16, 2009

Yoga and Photography at Bay of Fires Lodge in May 2009

This May we have some special interest weekends planned for Bay of Fires Lodge - both weekends are very different but the common ground is the embracing of the unique location of the Lodge. Sydney-based yoga instructor, Muriel Corcoran, will be teaching a four day yoga and meditation workshop; and acclaimed photographer, Grenville Turner, will be guiding a four day landscape photography tour.

21 – 24 May: Discover the Regenerative Power of Nature
> more info


28 – 31 May: A Photographer’s Paradise - Landscape Photography Tour
> more info

Posted on February 17, 2009

New three and four day guided walks on the Cradle Mountain Overland Track

Following an overwhelming response from our latest newsletter, we are pleased to announce a series of LIMITED EDITION departures on three and four day guided walks on the Overland Track. The details are available now at www.cradlehuts.com.au/limitededition/ for the 3 day CRADLE MOUNTAIN LOOP and the 4 day ARM RIVER TO LAKE ST CLAIR itineraries. They are departing in October 2009 and offer a fantastic opportunity for people who have previously taken the Cradle Mountain Huts walk and would like to explore a different area within this spectacular wilderness region, or they provide a great opportunity for people who have always wanted to go but simply didn't have the time to experience the six day itinerary.

> Cradle Mountain Loop Walk (3 days)
> Arm River to Lake St Clair Walk (4 days)

Posted on February 4, 2009

Upgrade planned for Wilpena Pound Resort

Wilpena Pound Resort in the Flinders ranges will soon undergo an extensive refurbishment program of all 60 guest rooms. Accommodation at the resort is currently in four different room types, including a self-contained option, designed to suit individuals, couples and families. These areas will all be upgraded to a 4-star category and will be completed around Easter 2009. The property will remain open during the planned renovations, as the work will be done in stages to minimise the impact to guests. During this period guests can take advantage of a "Book three nights and pay for two" offer. Call us for more details.

Posted on January 28, 2009

Best Eco-Wilderness Experience

The Australian newspaper awarded Bay of Fires Walk the “Best Eco-Wilderness Experience” in their annual Travel & Tourism Awards, 2008. This year there were 102 finalists in 17 categories and readers were invited to vote for their favourites. This is our second year to be recognised in these awards and as a result Bay of Fires is now listed in The Australian’s “best of the best Winners’ Circle”. We are delighted to receive this recognition from readers of The Australian. For the complete list of nominees click here

Posted on January 19, 2009

We're one of the Best in Travel for 2009!

Bay of Fires is featured in the category “Top 10 Regions” in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2009, an annual book profiling travel recommendations for the year ahead.
Plus in 2009 guests have the choice to join us on the 4-day Bay of Fires Walk, or stay at the Lodge during the walking off-season from May – September. You can read more about this option at the new www.bayoffireslodge.com.au web pages.

Posted on November 5, 2008

Anthology Acquires Wilpena Pound Resort

ANTHOLOGY ACQUIRES WILPENA POUND RESORT: About 4.5 hours drive from Adelaide, it is our first purchase in South Australia adding to the diversity of the experiences offered by Anthology. The Resort is spectacularly located in the Flinders Ranges National Park.

Set amidst the stately old red gums and ancient landscape of the Flinders Ranges, Wilpena Pound Resort is a natural base for exploring this extraordinary region. Many activities are available to visitors. Guests come to bird watch, hike the nature trails including sections of the famous Heysen Trail – one of South Australia’s longest walks, and particularly to paint or photograph the amazing richness of colours found in the flowers, trees and rock formations. It can also be seen by 4x4 tours and also on scenic flights. We are keen to develop further experiences for guests in the National Park helping to deliver a deeply engaging experience.

Plus, we have plans to completely refurbish all 60 guest rooms in the resort and some of the public spaces as well as expand on the number of powered sites for campers. It is envisioned this work will be completed by Easter, 2009.

Posted on September 5, 2008

Bay of Fires Lodge open all year

BAY OF FIRES LODGE OPEN ALL YEAR - The award-winning Bay of Fires Lodge is to be opened year round. Since it opened in 2000, the Lodge has only been accessible to guests on the 4-day Bay of Fires Walk and then it would close in the non-walking season (from May until October).

From May 2009 the Lodge will be available for group bookings over this off season period for a minimum of six people.

With 10 rooms, the lodge can accommodate up to 20 people at one time. The daily rate for exclusive use of the Lodge is $450 per person per day to stay. This rate includes guides for kayaking and hiking, all meals and non-alcoholic beverages, with an allocation of Tassie wines at dinner.

This offers a uniqe and exclusive venue for corporate getaways and special events. Interested groups should contact us early to secure their dates.

Posted on August 28, 2008

Coolest Hotel Rooms

COOLEST HOTEL ROOMS – Trend spotter and author Bill Tikos has listed Bay of Fires Lodge as one of the 50 chosen for his new book “The World’s Coolest Hotel Rooms”. Due for release this month the book is targeted at people interested in architecture and design, plus savvy travellers of course. We are delighted to be only one of two hotels in Australia featured.

Posted on July 17, 2008

Travellers Tales

TRAVELLERS TALES – Anthology invites people who have travelled with us previously to share their stories and pictures. So don’t just take the latest news from us, read through what your fellow travellers have to say about their own experiences.

View Travellers Tales Here

Posted on June 28, 2008

Best Trek Experience

June 2008: Travelling in Australia magazine awards Cradle Mountain Huts “Best Trek Experience” in “Australia’s 20 Best Experiences Awards”. Announced in the latest issue of the magazine, the awards were judged by qualified Aussie Specialist travel agents from around the world.

Posted on June 10, 2008

Quamby Estate

June 2008: Grant Hunt, Anthology CEO, announced the Group’s latest addition – the historic Quamby Estate near Launceston. Built in the 1830’s the Quamby homestead has historic significance in Tasmania and has been beautifully restored in recent years. It is our intention, subject to relevant approvals, to continue with the restoration and development of the buildings on the Estate, increasing the inventory to 17 luxury rooms. Plus, the original stables will be developed to house our walking base operations. Special rates will be available for guests on our walk to take advantage of this luxury accommodation option in the 2008-2009 season.

Posted on June 10, 2008