Bus & Hot Tub – Secluded Eco Forest Retreat

Huntingdon Tier Forest Retreat – atop a mountain in Tasmania's Southern Midlands, this luxurious & private off-grid retreat is a place to escape, relax & reconnect.

Soak in the woodfired hot tub and lounge by a warm fire. From your comfy bed, gaze through the treetops to the mountains beyond, observe the wildlife or enjoy the natural meditation cave located just 30 metres below.

Single night stays are always welcomed, however guests often mention they wish they had have stayed longer!

Perched atop a cliff overlooking the valley below, the Treetop bus apartment is aptly named. From your comfortable bed, gaze out the window at the native forest below and – past the treetops – the mountains across the valley. The lounge area, outside deck and hot tub share the same outlook.

The large outdoor hot tub – heated by a wood fire – takes a few hours to heat to temperature, however we'll happily light the fire prior to your arrival to give the process a good head start. Once heated the water stays toasty warm for many hours, all you need to do is pop the occasional piece of wood on the fire.

Perfectly private, Huntingdon Tier is designed as a place to disconnect and reconnect – you will find no wifi or television here. While mobile phone service is available via most major networks, we highly recommend turning on your out-of-office auto-reply – bring a book or choose one from the shelf above your bed instead.

If the weather is wintry (Tasmania isn’t typically known for sunshine, although we do get some!) it's hard to beat cosying up by the indoor wood fire and listening to the sounds of the breeze rustling the tree leaves.

For those that are a little adventurous, a private natural cave can be found just 30 metres below your apartment. Intended to be used as a meditation space, you will find a rug and cushions for your comfort. Please note, the track is steep and a little challenging so take care and take your time.

Huntingdon Tier is also home to a pair of wedge-tailed eagles whose nest is located only 200 metres away and they can be seen drifting through the valley most days. Many other wildlife call this place home, including black cockatoos, wallabies, echidnas, wombats and Tasmanian devils.

If enjoying local produce sounds appealing, the kitchen is well-equipped to cook up a Tasmanian feast. You will find a 130L fridge and two-burner benchtop stove with a small grill along with utensils, pots, pans, crockery and cutlery. We supply pantry basics – olive oil, salt, pepper, sugar, tea, espresso coffee, milk and butter – so don’t forget to plan ahead and source your ingredients beforehand.

The local IGA supermarket (located at Brighton) is a 20-minute drive and has a good selection of local produce, however if you're travelling from Hobart the Hill Street Grocer in West Hobart or Farm Gate Market (Sunday mornings in Bathurst St) is our top recommendation. There are also several pub-style eateries for evening meals within a ten minute drive and a distillery open during the day.

The apartment is completely off the grid and self-sustaining, however this doesn't mean any compromise on enjoyment. You will find everything that you need for ultimate comfort including bathrobes for your post-hot tub relaxation. The bus apartment features a spacious bathroom and rainwater-fed shower, as well as a sophisticated odour-free composting toilet.

Please note however, the solar power system and rain-fed water mean that these resources are not unlimited. Hair dryers and other electrical appliances with a heating element are not able to be used and will cause the electrical system to shut down. If in doubt, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will happily clarify which items can be safely used.

The location is definitely impressive but being perched atop a cliff means some implicit hazards. For this reason, Huntingdon Tier is unable to accommodate children and pets. There are also several steps and a steep path to access the bus, so this should be considered by guests with mobility restrictions. We also request that our visitors only explore the outdoor areas (outside of their bus apartment) during daylight hours.