Ormiston House Strahan: Tasmania's Most Stunning Coastal Escape?
Ormiston House Strahan: Tasmania's Coastal Charm - Or Is It? A Brutally Honest Review (Plus, a Really Good Offer!)
Okay, so, Ormiston House Strahan: Tasmania's Most Stunning Coastal Escape? That's what they claim, right? Well, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to dissect this place like a particularly stubborn oyster. I’ve just spent a few days wrestling with the Tasmanian wilderness (and my own expectations) and here's the unvarnished truth, warts and all, plus a killer deal at the end… 'cause, well, even a skeptical reviewer needs a vacation.
First Impressions (and the Quest for Accessibility):
Let’s be real, Strahan is remote. Getting there is part of the adventure, and Ormiston House feels like it’s perched right on the edge, gazing out at that wild, windswept coastline. Accessibility is a huge factor for some of us, and I’m happy to report they seem to be making efforts. The website boasts facilities for disabled guests, and the elevator is a lifesaver for reaching those dreamy high-floor rooms with panoramic water views. HOWEVER, and this is a BIG however, I didn't dive deep into the accessibility details because I wasn't traveling with anyone who needed those specific accommodations. So, while there's promise, I'd recommend contacting them directly to get the nitty-gritty. Check their website for all the details about Wheelchair accessible and Facilities for disabled guests.
Once Inside, Let's Get Wired (and Unwired):
Listen, when you're escaping to the edge of the world, you probably WANT to disconnect. But let's be clear: I am often tethered to the digital world. The good news? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yessss! And it actually worked, which, let me tell you, is a minor miracle in some far-flung locales. They also have Internet [LAN] and Internet services for those needing a more secure connection. Wi-Fi in public areas was pretty reliable too. Score!
The Room: My Little Oceanic Prison (in a Good Way)
My room? Oh. My. Room. (This is where the stream-of-consciousness flow begins.) I opted for one looking out at the harbor. Aaaah… the view. Seriously, breathtaking. The kind of view that makes you actually want to stay in your room and stare out of the window that opens. It had air conditioning, which was a necessity because even Tasmania can get a little… balmy. The blackout curtains were a godsend – perfect for sleep, in case you want it. They had bathrobes and slippers, always a win in my book. And a coffee/tea maker – because caffeine is essential for survival. The desk was functional (thank god for the laptop workspace), the in-room safe box… well, I always use them, it makes me feel all spy-like. The interconnecting room(s) available are a good thing for families, although I had the place to myself, and I was totally enjoying it.
There were some small things, the towels were fluffier than I expected. The additional toilet came in handy. And the sofa let me just collapse after a long day of… well, existing. The soundproofing was pretty good, which I appreciated when the seagulls got particularly energetic.
The bad? Well, the décor was a little… safe. A bit predictable. But you're there for the view, right? (Oh, and the mini bar which I definitely explored.)
Cleanliness and Safety: Above and Beyond (Mostly)
In this post-pandemic world, everyone is hyper-aware of cleanliness. Ormiston House scores pretty well here. They're clearly taking things seriously. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. Hand sanitizer was strategically placed everywhere. They even had Room sanitization opt-out available if you’re feeling extra paranoid. (I wasn't.) Hygiene certification? I didn’t see it, but given their other measures, I’d assume they’re on the right track. They also had Staff trained in safety protocol. The thing I LOVED was the Cashless payment service. Easier and safer.
A Culinary Adventure (Or, Sometimes, a Mild Disappointment):
Food. The eternal question. The restaurant is a bit of a mixed bag. They have Restaurants, a Bar, and a Coffee shop. The Breakfast [buffet] was decent: Western breakfast, Asian breakfast was also on offer. Lots of options for that all-important morning fuel. The Breakfast service.
The dinner restaurant had an A la carte in restaurant menu. There was International cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant. I tried the scallops. They were… okay. The desserts in restaurant were far better. The Salad in restaurant was good too. Coffee/tea in restaurant was there, which is critical. A bottle of water was given to me at the start.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax):
This is where Ormiston House really shines. Strahan is all about the rugged beauty.
- Swimming pool. Swimming pool [outdoor].
- Spa. Spa/sauna.
- Fitness center.
- Sauna.
- Massage.
- Body scrub. Body wrap.
- Steamroom.
- Pool with view.
- Foot bath.
The real gem? The Gordon River Cruise. They can help book these. DO IT. It's the reason you come to Strahan. It's pure Tasmanian magic. The concierge can assist you with these things too.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Ormiston House offers the standard array of services. Daily housekeeping was efficient. Laundry service was available. Dry cleaning, too. They have Concierge.
For the Kids (and the… Well, Us):
While I didn’t travel with a tiny human, I noticed that they are pretty family/child friendly. They have Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and even a Kids meal.
Getting Around (and Parking Your Car, the Tasmanian Way):
Airport transfer? Yes. Car park [free of charge]? Absolutely. Car park [on-site]? Also yes. That was easy. Taxi service is available, and a car power charging station for those eco-friendly travelers.
The Verdict (and That Offer I Promised!)
Ormiston House Strahan is a solid choice. It's not a perfect place, but it offers a superb location, beautiful views, and a decent level of comfort. It's a launching pad for exploring the wild beauty of Strahan.
The Imperfection? The food could be more stellar. The décor could be more…. inspired. But the staff are friendly, the views are epic, and the overall experience is hard to beat.
Here’s the Deal (That’ll Make You Say YES!)
Book through the link in this review (coming soon - I'm just writing it, you know?) and receive:
- A free upgrade to a room with a harbor view (subject to availability, because, let's be honest, those views are popular).
- A complimentary bottle of Tasmanian sparkling wine (because… celebration!).
- A voucher for 10% off your Gordon River Cruise (again… DO IT!).
- Guaranteed early check-in or late check-out (because everyone loves a little extra time to soak it all in; of course, subject to availability).
Are you ready for the wild? Then book it! Ormiston House awaits.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Poloma Villa 04 Awaits in Vung Tau!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, Instagram-filtered trip to Strahan. This? This is my real Ormiston House adventure. Expect some bumps, probably some questionable decisions fueled by Tasmanian wine, and definitely, absolutely no perfect photo ops. Consider yourself warned.
STRAHAN, TASMANIA: A MESSY LOVE LETTER
Day 1: Arrival and "Oh Dear God, It's Raining"
Morning (ish): Touch down in Launceston. The airport? Tiny. Cute. Slightly terrifying in its isolation. Scavenged a rental car – a blue beast with more character than I have on a Monday morning. The drive to Strahan? Holy moly, the Tasmanian countryside. Lush, green, gorgeous. And then… the rain. It arrived with the force of a scorned lover. Thought I'd packed for sun? Nope. Turns out, I packed for a swamp. Note to self: Invest in a decent raincoat. And maybe flippers.
Afternoon: Arrived in Strahan, which, let's be honest, is more "charming fishing village" than "bustling metropolis." Found Ormiston House, which is… well, let's just say it's got history. It's like stepping back in time, in the best way possible. A little creaky, a little musty (in a good way, like a library filled with old books), and utterly captivating. The house itself? A maze of rooms, each telling its own story. Initially I was like “wow this is like the titanic, if the Titanic wasn’t sinking”. Seriously, who needs a massive hotel when you get to be immersed in the history of a place?
Evening: Wandered around the harbor, getting soaked in the process. The wind was brutal. Saw a few hardy blokes fishing, looking like they'd wrestled the elements for breakfast. Ate at a pub where the fish and chips were spectacular. Had a conversation with a local about the best fishing spots. I think I’m in love with their accents. Drank too much Tasmanian Pinot Noir, promptly lost a game of pool to a 10-year-old, and stumbled back to Ormiston House, feeling simultaneously exhilarated and exhausted. This is the life.
Day 2: The Gordon River Cruise of Joy (and Dramatic Weather)
- Morning: The Gordon River cruise. Everyone raves about it. And you know what? They’re right. It's stunning. Think mirror-smooth water reflecting the ancient rainforest, the quiet broken only by the occasional bird call. We’re talking pure, unadulterated, postcard-worthy beauty here. The sheer scale of the trees is mind-boggling; I could barely comprehend the ancient forests. My inner tree-hugger was in ecstasy.
- Afternoon: Okay, so the weather did its Tasmanian thing and decided to throw a tantrum. The rain returned with a vengeance. The wind picked up, churning the water into a choppy mess. The boat swayed! I got seasick for about five minutes, which was bad, but then I realized the dramatic weather was also making the scenery even more dramatic. Everything became moody, atmospheric, and utterly epic. The crew provided hot tea and biscuits, which was the perfect antidote to the turbulent seas. We saw a wedge-tailed eagle soaring overhead! I almost missed it because I was too busy fighting off a rogue squall. It was terrifying, and beautiful, and I was so present in the moment.
- Evening: Walked the Hogarth Falls trail, which was surprisingly beautiful. The path was a little muddy, and I definitely slipped once (thanks, rain!), but the falls themselves were worth it. The forest smells amazing. I smelled a tree, don’t judge me. Ate dinner at a restaurant overlooking the harbor, where I again consumed way too much Pinot Noir. Regretted eating so much cheese. Wondered if I'd become a Pinot Noir and cheese monster by the end of this trip.
Day 3: Hell’s Gate and a Tiny (and Mostly Unsuccessful) Quest for Adventure
- Morning: Drove up to Hell's Gate (Macquarie Heads), which is basically this narrow channel where the harbor meets the ocean, and the waves just crash. The power of the ocean is genuinely terrifying, and utterly mesmerizing. I spent a good hour just watching the waves, feeling small and insignificant, which sometimes is precisely what I need.
- Afternoon: Decided to be adventurous (read: slightly delusional). Attempted to find a hidden beach marked on a dodgy map. Got hopelessly lost. Walked through prickly bushes. Found a discarded boot. Concluded that the adventure was a failure – or, perhaps, a character-building exercise in humility. Eventually gave up and found a cafe, where I ate cake and stared out at a rain-washed beach.
- Evening: Cooked a simple dinner at Ormiston House, trying to channel my inner Tasmanian chef. Failed miserably. Had a conversation with one of the house owners. She seemed very interesting. Read a book in front of the fireplace, feeling profoundly content, despite the rain. Felt like a local.
Day 4: Farewell, Strahan (and the Promise of More Wine)
- Morning: One last walk around the harbor, soaking up the atmosphere. Said goodbye to Ormiston House, feeling a pang of sadness. It was like leaving an old friend (a very old, slightly creaky friend).
- Afternoon: The drive back to Launceston. The rain had finally eased. The sun tried to peek through the clouds. Stopped at a roadside cafe and bought some local honey. Contemplated whether I could survive in Strahan.
- Evening: Back in Launceston – ready for a big dinner, more wine, and a deep sense of gratitude for this messy, wonderful, imperfect adventure. This trip was a whole new level, and I’m eternally grateful I decided to take it.
Final Thoughts:
Strahan isn't for everyone. It's a place that demands you slow down, embrace the weather (even when it's conspiring against you), and accept the imperfections. It's a place that stays with you, even after you've left. I fully recommend a visit, but prepare to be humbled, delighted, and perhaps, slightly tipsy. And don’t forget the raincoat. Seriously, pack the raincoat.
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Ormiston House: Strahan's "Perfect" Escape? (Spoiler Alert: Nothing's Ever Perfect!)
So, Ormiston House… Worth the Hype? I Keep Seeing Those Pictures!
Alright, let's be real. The pictures? They're *stunning*. Seriously, Instagram's gonna make you think you’ve stumbled onto a secret paradise. And yes, Ormiston House *is* pretty darn breathtaking. When the sun hits the water just right, and you're sipping your wine on the deck… pure magic. But, and this is a BIG but, it's not all perfectly curated sunsets and untouched beaches.
My first thought when walking in was, "Wow, this place smells like money!" Which I guess it kinda does, it's definitely a luxury experience. The whole property is beautiful, from the manicured lawns to the, 'oh my god my bank account' view. But, and I kid you not, I dropped my keys *immediately* upon arrival and spent a good ten minutes silently cursing myself and desperately searching under the perfectly placed ferns. Glamour... it arrives with a few bumps, let me tell you.
What's the Vibe? Is it all Super-Chic or Can I Actually Relax?
Mixed bag, honestly. It *leans* chic, like, definitely not your grandma's holiday house. Think minimalist décor, roaring fires (if you're there in the colder months), and a definite air of "refined relaxation." But, and this is important, it *is* meant to be relaxing. If you're the type who feels utterly awkward in posh situations, you might be a bit on edge at first.
Here's a story: I once spilt coffee *all* over the pristine white linen of the breakfast nook. I swear I could have heard a pin drop in that instant, I spent the next half an hour apologising to the staff! Embarrassing, absolutely! But you know what? They were lovely about it. It's not a place where you're going to be judged for the occasional fumble. They actually want you to be comfortable, even if comfort involves a lot of expensive hotel laundry.
The Rooms: Are They as Fabulous as They Look Online?
Okay, let's talk rooms. Yes. They *are* pretty damn fabulous. The beds? Cloud-like. The views? Even better in person. I remember waking up one morning, and the view was almost unbelievable! I swear, I'm not exaggerating. It makes you want to throw open the curtains and sing at the top of your lungs (I didn't, because, you know, the chic factor). The bathrooms are luxurious, the amenities are top-notch. It's the kind of place you spend an hour just admiring everything.
However, and this is a minor quibble, it’s not perfect. The floorboards in my room creaked like nobody's business. And it wasn't a charming creak, it was more like an insistent "HELLOOO, STILL HERE!" creak with every single step. The first night, every time I went to the bathroom... everyone in the building probably knew. But, really that's not a deal breaker to such a fantastic trip.
What is there to do? I'm not sure I can just sit there and admire the water for days on end!
Okay, so this is Strahan, which means you're not exactly in the middle of a vibrant city. BUT! There's plenty to do. The Gordon River Cruise is a must-do. Yes, it’s touristy, but the scenery is phenomenal. Seriously, words cannot describe how cool it is to see the rainforest. The water's still and incredibly clear, and the silence is astounding. You'll think you've gone into another world.
Beyond that, there are some great walks, exploring Hogarth Falls is a must. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try some fishing. The area is teeming with great fish - you're guaranteed to catch something!. Or, if you're like me, you can just sit back in the cosy library and get lost in a good book, which, if I'm honest, is what I did for most of my stay. It was glorious. Strahan is great, it will give you a taste of a more relaxed lifestyle.
Food! What's the Food Scene Like Around Ormiston House?
Okay, let's talk food. Sadly, Strahan isn't exactly a Michelin-star mecca. However, there's good food to be found! Ormiston House itself has an amazing restaurant, the food is incredible and a bit of a highlight, but the best part is the stunning views. Booking in advance would be recommended, because it's pretty popular, but it is well worth it!
The town centre has various restaurants, and they're all worthwhile, but if you're looking for a fancy night, then Ormiston House is the place to go, the service is great as well! There's also options for taking food back to the house, so you can sit on your deck with your wine and a nice piece of fish and chips! Honestly, that felt like total heaven! Don't be afraid to try the local fish!
Who is Ormiston House best for? Is it suitable for families?
This is a tricky one! Well, for the most part, I think Ormiston House is perfect for couples, or people seeking a romantic getaway. It's quiet, romantic, and oozes luxury, so it's great for romantic getaways. However, if you have kids, it could be a bit of a different experience.
There's not much in the way of kid-friendly activities, aside from splashing in the water, which could be dangerous! It also might give parents a bit of a headache, with kids running around in such a luxurious place. But, do you have a well behaved, quiet bunch, who don't mind the quiet life, then you might be in luck!
Okay, Lay it on Me: The Downside? What's REALLY not perfect?
Alright, honesty time. The price. It's not cheap, and that needs to be said upfront. This is a luxury experience, so you're paying for it. But, even if it is expensive, it is worth it! I'm still saving up to go again!
Also, you're pretty remote. Strahan is isolated, so if you're expecting instant access to shops and nightlife, you're in the wrong place. The Wi-Fi can be patchy. The weather in Tasmania can be unpredictable. You might get rained on. You might get bugs. You might feel a little lost when you arrive. Strahan is certainly a very different experience! However, none of these things are *bad*, they just are. It's part of the charm. Honestly, if the Wi-Fi was perfect, I'd probably be glued to my phone the whole time, and that wouldn't be a holidayHotels With Kitchen Near Me
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