BE curious
explore
Aquila and beyond
Aquila is a sanctuary. A place to stop, breathe and enjoy magic in the moments. We’ve created this haven so you can truly relax. Set amongst 20 hectares of working farm and secluded bushland, take the time to reconnect with nature, yourself and your loved one.
“When one tugs at a single thing in nature,
one finds it attached to everything else."
– John Muir
Aquila Eco Retreat
MEET THE LOCALS: Say hi to the resident sheep. Watch the guinea fowl play. Chat to the talking rescued parrots in the on-site aviaries. See the wallabies grazing. Or spot the Tasmanian Wedge-tailed Eagle as you sway in your private deck hammock. This is your time, you choose.
GO FOR A WANDER: Relish a romantic picnic in the paddock, there are plenty of spectacular places to choose from. Venture into the vineyard. Our burgeoning vineyard showcases the potential of decades-old Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines that were once destined for a bonfire.
FEEL THE HEAT: Indulge in our Flame Space. This is where wellness happens. Feel the deep relaxation in the wood-fire sauna as your cares melt away. Then experience the invigorating power of cold immersion. Your skin will tingle for hours.
IN-ROOM MASSAGE: What is more indulgent than your own private masseuse coming to you? With the choice of relaxation or remedial massage, you'll be transported to a state of bliss without even having to leave your room.
BATHE IN THE STARS: Snuggle around the firepit in Flame Space and share a story over a glass of Tassie Pinot Noir. Look up! A trillion stars are twinkling in the night sky. With no light pollution and an expansive sky, lose yourself in the wonders of stargazing.
EXPLORE ON E-BIKES: Our e-bikes will give you the chance to explore at the perfect pace. Don't miss the little things by whizzing around in a car, take your time and stop whenever you want to literally smell the roses or take photos of your stunning surroundings.
Richmond and the Coal Valley
You probably won’t want to leave the tranquillity of Aquila, but if you choose to explore, you are conveniently close to many of Tasmania’s best attractions.
MEET THE DUCKS: The small things can bring the greatest joy. The ducks at Richmond Bridge interact with tourists as they admire the oldest bridge in Australia. Take a stroll along the path by the river and savour the peacefulness.
EAT DELICIOUS BERRIES: There’s nothing like the burst of flavour from fresh berries. At Littlewood Berry Farm you can pick your own strawberries or if it’s not the season, indulge in the ice cream, gin, coffee and local produce on offer at this 4th generation working farm.
PLAY A ROUND OF GOLF: Hit the greens at picturesque Richmond Golf Course. This welcoming 9-hole private country course extends an invitation to all golf enthusiasts. With 10 challenging holes that accommodate players of all skill levels, it offers a fun golfing adventure.
DO THE COAL VALLEY WINE ROUTE: Take a short drive to some of the State’s best vineyards and sip on the finest Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, sparkling and cool-climate varietals. Savour lunch with matching wines and call into boutique cellar doors and distillery tasting rooms. And, of course, bring a bottle or two back to Aquila to appreciate while watching the sunset. Maps are located in your accommodation.
EAT PIZZA AND DRINK PINOT: Find a spot on the lawn at Pooley Wines in Richmond and indulge in wood-fired pizza and mouthwatering wine. From 12-3pm Fridays to Sundays, this is the place to while away the afternoon in the grounds of a Georgian convict-built home. Try an in-depth wine tasting in The Coach House and wander the pretty gardens or simply settle into a bean bag.
SAVOUR TASMANIA. Richmond is home to some eclectic and delicious dining options. Enjoy classic pub grub at the Richmond Arms Hotel, graze your way through one of the many local wineries, grab a quick bite at the famous Richmond Bakery, enjoy a lazy day under the trees at Wattlebanks Cafe or go all out and book a romantic 5-star fine dining experience at the historic Prospect House. There is something to suit all tastes and budgets.
A little further down the road
SEE EXTRAORDINARY ART: Delve into your subconscious as you enter MONA to see one of the most controversial private art collections in the world. Located in Berriedale, you can drive to Mona or catch a fun ferry from Brooke Street Pier. The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) is a major gallery in Hobart showcasing some of Tasmania’s finest collections, and there are galleries scattered throughout Salamanca Place, including Long Gallery, Handmark and Despard Gallery.
EMBARK ON HOBART: Aquila might feel a world away, but cosmopolitan Hobart is only a 20-minute drive. Visit the boutiques and galleries in historic Salamanca Place on the waterfront. This is where the largest open-air markets in Australia come to life every Saturday. Wander over to Battery Point and marvel at the quaint convict-built cottages and cozy pubs. Take the 30-minute drive to kunanyi/Mt Wellington for 360-degree views over Hobart, the Derwent River and the Huon Valley. There are many bushwalks to choose from on the mountain – from 30-minute strolls to several-hour hikes.
TRY LOCAL BUSH TUCKER: kipli takara is a 90-minute bush tucker tour at piyura kitina/Risdon Cove. Guests are treated to a 90-minute guided walk of the culturally rich and unique property, with palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) guides. Along the way, you can taste the native bush tucker currently in season and get a first-hand glimpse into how palawa continues to enjoy Indigenous foods and undertake culturally-centred land management across lutruwita/Tasmania.
STEP BACK IN TIME. No trip to Tasmania is complete without a visit to the Tasman Penisula and more specifically Port Arthur. Consistently one of the most visited places in Australia, and for good reason, this globally significant historic site sheds light on one of the most significant and brutal times in our history. Part of the UNESCO Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property, Port Arthur will stay with you long after you’ve left the site.
indulge
treat yourself
Want to explore the local area at a leisurely pace, why not add some e-bikes to your room booking? Giving you the freedom to get into Richmond easily, but also the chance to slow down and soak up the historic beauty and quaint village vibes. Visit Australia’s oldest bridge, stop in at the Lolly Shop, feed the ducks and indulge at one of the many cafes and restaurants. You’ll also find wineries right on the doorstep of town and can test your sense of direction at the famous Richmond Maze.
Booking our e-bikes is easy, you can add them as an extra when booking your room along with one of our many delicious hampers and wine offers.
No stay at Aquila would be complete without some indulgent food and wine to enjoy while you’re here. We’ve partnered with some of the region's best providers to bring you some of our favourite things, and to make sure you don’t have to think of a thing while you relax and discover the beauty of Aquila.
From brunch and picnic hampers to local wines, continental breakfast and gourmet BBQ packs, you can truly make a day of it, enjoying all manner of tasty treats and soaking up the views from one of our many picnic spots or the new Flame Space, the open-air BBQ and fire pit area.
Booking is easy, you just select which extras you’d like while booking your room.