The enduring appeal of Captains Rest holiday home in Tasmania

There’s a very good reason why a little shack named Captains Rest, in Lettes Bay near the fishing village of Strahan on the edge of Tasmania’s western wilderness, has become one of the most iconic cabins in the world.

It’s proudly owned by Sarah Andrews, who bought the property in 2016, sight unseen. The heritage-listed dwelling was in a “desperate state”, requiring six months of full-time renovation, often involving eight-hour round trips to the nearest large hardware store in Hobart.

Though the isolation of the shack proved to be a hurdle during the renovation process, it’s this same sense of seclusion that ultimately led to its striking success as an Airbnb listing, with travellers from far and wide eagerly checking in.

“I listed Captains Rest in mid-2017, and have had all types of guests stay ever since; from elopers to honeymooners and global companies using the space for product shoots,” Andrews says.

“The most frequent feedback I get is how the place is even more incredible in person, providing those who stay an opportunity to enjoy a moment of solitude – and during those rare times when I myself get to go back, I still feel this way whenever I walk in.”

Although the shack’s natural beauty is no doubt what dazzles guests the most – including the still waters of the bay, as seen from the large Georgian windows, and the crackling central fireplace filling the house with warmth – Andrews’ talent for telling stories through her styling mastery only adds to the cabin’s innate sense of romance.

“I love old, found and treasured things collected from my travels around the world and time at sea, such as the portraits and paintings throughout the shack, each picked up on a special trip from a faraway place. I love how they all get to live here together,” she says.

“I also source items from a selection of beautiful brands, such as bedding from In the Sac, hardware from The Society Inc, and ceramics from Eun Ceramics.”

Having worn many hats as the captain of Captains Rest – stylist, photographer, designer and host – Andrews has taken on another role as teacher, launching The Hosting Masterclass, where she conducts workshops for other budding hosts, both in-person throughout Australia and online around the world.

While in Strahan …

Take a cruise

For a truly unforgettable experience, take a slow, six-hour-long trip with Gordon River Cruises on one of their sleek catamarans, winding across Macquarie Harbour and into the Tasmanian World Heritage Wilderness Area, departing daily.

Get your coffee fix

Before taking a stroll through the picturesque township of Strahan, grab a coffee and a delicious bite from The Coffee Shack, a cute blue cottage located right across the road from the cruise wharf, overlooking the harbour.

Climb aboard

Set aside a full day to steam your way from Strahan to the old mining village of Queenstown aboard the West Coast Wilderness Railway, a unique, nine-hour return trip that journeys through ancient rainforest and other spectacular natural beauty.

Pop in for pancakes

If you prefer to miss the train, you can still grab a meal from Tracks on Point, a cosy cafe in the heritage-listed Regatta Point Station. Try their famous pancakes and sit out on the platform to watch the sun set.