caligirl56

Can anyone help me compare the Freycinet Lodge with the Edge of the Bay Resort in Coles Bay?

How do they compare as to beach access/views? We've looked at their websites--but it's difficult to tell.

Melnq8

Hi caligirl -

I haven't stayed at either, but we did visit both places when we were in the area to check out their dinner menus. Unfortunately, I can't remember much about either place.

We stayed at the Pelican Bay B&B which we really enjoyed.

I realize this answer doesn't help you one bit, but I wanted to mention that we loved the Iluka Tavern in Cole's Bay - we had some really good meals there.

pat_woolford

This doesn't help with your accommodation query either as we stayed in a self-contained house at Coles Bay.

Had a great meal at Madge Malloy's, Madge cooks the catch from their own fishing boat, so it doesn't come much fresher.

caligirl56

Thank you both. I always like to get restaurant recommendations--we will definitely look into those!

Betsy

Before you decide, check out the Piermont Retreat. We stayed there about a year ago and can highly recommend it. Booked through wotif.com. Wish I were there right now!

Piermont Retreat
Tasman Highway, Swansea 7190 TAS
+61 3 6257 8131

www.piermont.com.au/display.asp?entityid=1452

caligirl56

Betsy,
Thanks for the link. The Piermont retreat looks beautiful--I love that it's right on the water. Do you remember how long it took you to get to Freycinet from there? Do you go north on the highway and then connect to a road going south?

Betsy

Caligirl, we did go north to get to Freycinet, but I can't remember how long it took to get there.

Ask for a beachfront cottage at Piermont. Ours was back from the beach about 50 feet, but the whole resort is very rustic, low key, eco-friendly, and sooo relaxing. Each cottage has a fireplace and a tub for two. Heaven! There are chickens on the property, and you can buy fresh eggs in the lobby.

Kate's Berry Farm is just across the road and a very short drive north. A great place for breakfast. Kate was very friendly.

caligirl56

Thanks, Betsy.

I'm torn because I know that staying in Coles Bay would be more convenient to the walks we want to do in Freycinet.

But the location of the Piermont is just so incredibly perfect. Looks like paradise. I'm going to try to find out how long the drive is to Freycinet. I'm also thinking that if we visit the penguins in Bicheno one night, it might be easier to get back to the Piermont than to Coles Bay.

Betsy

I loved the Piermont so much that I didn't even care whether we ventured over to Freycinet or not.


You can also buy their soap in the lobby. It's made in Tasmania and smells so good. Tasmanian marigold and leatherwood honey. I only bought one bar and wish I had more.

I have no financial interest in the place. Really.

MikeD

Hope this reply isn't too late for you. I've stayed in Freycinet Lodge twice, but only wandered around Edge of the Bay.

There isn't much to choose between them, they are both in great locations with views and are right on the beach in Coles Bay. You'll see plemty of wildlife whichever you stay at

Edge of the Bay is newer and the cottages /suites are better fitted out, but it's further away (i.e a short drive) from the National Park, and the "town" of Coles Bay, and the Walks to Wineglass Bay and the Hazards.

Freycinet Lodge is a bit more "eco" e.g. no TV in our cabin - but there is in the main building. It's bigger and organises things like night-spotting of wildlife. There's both a formal restaurant and casual dining. It's also right in the national park so is much handier for walks etc.

You won't go wrong with either, Freycinet is a lovely place.

Betsy

Thanks for your input, Mike. The restaurant(s) were under construction when we were there in October 2006. Can you comment on the menu choices, quality of the food, etc.?

We didn't miss having television in our cottage at all!

MikeD

Sorry Betsie, I'm not much of a foodie - so as long as there is meat or fish on the menu I'm happy.