Lemonthyme Wilderness Retreat

Lemonthyme Wilderness Retreat is a rainforest accommodation base in Tasmania’s Cradle Valley, around 35 minutes from Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Its setting is designed for slowing down: guests can stay among native wilderness, follow on-site bush trails and spend time away from the crowds. The trails range from about 30 minutes to two hours, with routes leading to features including Champagne, Bridal Veil, the Big Tree and Lake Cethana. The surrounding forest is home to varied flora, birdlife and native wildlife.

Accommodation includes luxury spa suites, two-bedroom self-contained family cabins and tree-top hideaways intended for couples. Each option is described as having views across the Tasmanian wilderness, giving the retreat a mix of choices for romantic stays, family trips and visitors using the property as a base for walks around the Cradle Mountain area. The peaceful setting also lends itself to a quieter solo escape, while the family cabins and meeting room provide options for groups.

Dining is centred on the Whispering Woods Restaurant, which serves breakfast and dinner and focuses on fresh Tasmanian produce. The restaurant has a licensed bar with Tasmanian and imported wines, while the lounge area includes an open fire. Vegetarian and gluten-free requirements can be catered for when advised before arrival, and takeaway packed lunches can be arranged through reception. Dinner bookings are essential, with evening service listed from 5:30pm on the venue’s dining page.

One of the retreat’s distinctive experiences takes place near the lodge veranda, where staff feed vegetable peelings and fruit to visiting pademelons and possums each evening. The property also offers a gift shop, TV theatrette, mountain bikes, laundry facilities, tea and coffee-making facilities and free Wi-Fi in the lodge. Its central lodge was built from predominantly full logs of Ponderosa pine and completed in 1990, following a vision from long-time adventurer and environmentalist Darryl Stafford. The result is a substantial hand-crafted log building with a strong connection to the surrounding high-country landscape.