Aquila Eco Retreat

Aquila Eco Retreat is a secluded place to stay in Richmond, set among the Coal River Valley’s rural landscape and within reach of Hobart. Its accommodation combines off-grid living with a high level of comfort, giving guests the chance to slow down, spend time outdoors and enjoy a stay shaped by the surrounding bushland rather than the usual city routine.

The retreat’s accommodation includes glamping eco pods, with private outdoor spaces designed for taking in the landscape. Standout features include clawfoot outdoor baths with views across the rolling hills towards kunanyi/Mt Wellington, native gardens, a wood-fired sauna and fire pits for quiet evenings outside. Guests can also use the space to simply pause, or explore Richmond and the wider Coal River Valley, where the retreat points visitors towards local experiences and places of interest.

Aquila was created by Alice and Jason, whose family has farmed the property for decades. The retreat takes its name from the Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle, which the owners often see flying above the land. Their connection to the site is reflected in the gardens, bird photography, locally made sculptures, recycled timber, woodwork, winemaking, honey production and rescued parrots kept in aviaries. The result is a stay with a strong sense of place, where the setting and the owners’ hands-on approach are central to the experience.

Sustainability is practical here rather than simply decorative. Aquila operates using solar power and battery storage, with the owners describing a broader reduce, reuse and recycle approach and a preference for locally made materials where possible. The retreat also holds Welcome With Pride accreditation and states that guests of all genders, sexualities, identities and backgrounds are welcome. With its privacy, natural setting, outdoor bathing and quiet pace, Aquila suits travellers looking to disconnect, whether they are spending time alone or sharing a more considered escape with someone else.