BE entertained
Though an escape to Aquila makes the rest of the world feel miles away, the working sheep farm and secluded bushland within which it is set sits just outside a Tasmanian tourism mecca. Exploring a new place for the first time can feel like navigating a maze of unknowns. So, to make your visit as memorable as possible, it's always best to ask the locals!
Whether you're a food and wine enthusiast, a history buff, an adventure seeker, or just love spending time surrounded by Tasmanian flora and fauna, you'll discover a plethora of inspiration below to ensure your stay at Aquila is nothing short of unforgettable.
3 Day
Foodie Indulgence
Day 1 - Arrival
Make yourself at home and indulge in the exhilarating Hot Cold Therapy experience at our communal area, Flame Space. As the night unfolds, relax on your deck with a thoughtfully curated Larder & Vin grazing box brimming with local delights while savouring a glass of Coal River Valley Pinot Noir. We take immense pride in showcasing produce from smaller, lesser-known local producers who excel in delivering exceptional flavours that are a true delight to discover.
Day 2 - Richmond by E-Bike - we have E-bikes for hire
This is an exceptionally fun and eco-friendly way to explore our historic town, Richmond, named the winner of Tasmania's Small Tourist Town Award in 2024.
Enjoy breakfast at Ashmore on Bridge, located in the heart of Richmond. Then, pedal through the Village and explore its many boutique shops offering handcrafted Tasmanian wares. Don't forget to take some selfies with the famous Richmond Bridge—Australia's oldest surviving freestone bridge—while pedalling along the riverbank.
Spend the afternoon relaxing on the lawns at Pooley Wines. Savour a delicious wine tasting at the magnificent Georgian convict-built cellar door, The Coach House. Wine tastings are available seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and cheese and charcuterie boards are available daily.
Pedal home and settle in for some well-deserved hammock time and a barbecue at Flame Space. We offer local gourmet BBQ packs for purchase.
Day 3 - Adventure a little further afield
Start your morning off leisurely by brewing a coffee using the Nespresso machines provided in each accommodation and taking a relaxed stroll through the retreat grounds. Don't miss Aquila's 'Bird Talk' at around 10 am every day, where you can watch the excited parrots being fed.
Book a farm tour at Barilla Bay, and try Tasmania Oysters and Abalone.
Afterwards, enjoy a walk along Seven Mile Beach. Stretch your legs and bask in the freshest air in the world!
Slowly make your way home via Richmond Road. It's a foodie's paradise! Watch the chocolatiers at work at Coal River Farm. Pay a visit to Puddle Duck Vineyard for a distinctive and educational wine-tasting experience. All of their wines are made onsite in this special, family-run business. If you find a wine you like, be sure to grab a bottle, as they only sell their wine at their cellar door. Stop at Every Man and His Dog for lunch and a delightful wine tasting. They are known for having the best wood-fired pizza along Richmond Road! At Littlewood Berry Farm, you can pick your strawberries or buy a delicious strawberry ice cream for dessert.
Book a fine dining dinner like no other at Prospect Country House. The freshest Tasmanian produce, sourced from the on-site orchard and kitchen garden, makes for an exquisite food and wine experience.
Day 4 - Check Out
All good things must come to an end, but that doesn’t mean you have to rush. We recommend heading to Czegs for breakfast after you’ve checked out. Don’t forget to visit the Richmond Chocolate Shop.
3 Day
Tipple Trail
Day 1 - Arrival
Relax on your deck with a thoughtfully curated Larder & Vin grazing box brimming with local delights while savouring a glass of Coal River Valley Pinot Noir. We take immense pride in showcasing produce from smaller, lesser-known local producers who excel in delivering exceptional flavours that are a true delight to discover.
As the sun sets, head to the guest communal area, Flame Space, and fire up the barbecue. We offer gourmet BBQ packs for purchase when you book with us. Enjoy dinner and a drink around the fire pot, surrounded by millions of stars twinkling above you.
Day 2 - Self-Guided Wine Tour
Enjoy brunch at Wattlebanks in Richmond.
Our region, the Coal River Valley, is known for producing high-quality white wines made from Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling grapes, as well as red wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir grapes. There are many incredible vineyards and cellar doors all located just a short drive from Aquila:
Nocton, Domain A, Pressing Matters, Pooley’s, PuddleDuck, Every Man and his Dog, Frogmore Creek, Craigow, to name a few. You'll find a Coal River Valley touring wine map located in your accommodation to easily guide the way.
Book dinner at the Richmond Arms Hotel. This grand sandstone building is only a two-minute drive from Aquila and serves up hearty pub-style Australian cuisine.
Day 3 - Distillery Discover Day
Breakfast in your accommodation. We offer continental breakfast packs for purchase when booking your stay.
Embark on a private or group Drink Tasmania gin and whisky tour.
- or -
Visit Killara Distillery for a tasting of their Private Whisky Experience
Finish off with a visit to Drifters End Distilling and Spring Bay Distillery
End your day of indulgence by booking a hot-cold therapy session at Aquila. This paid activity offers exclusive access to the guest communal area, Flame Space, for a one-hour session. Afterwards, relax in your accommodation as the sun sets over the breathtaking Tasmanian countryside.
Day 4 - Check out
Breakfast at Ashmore on Bridge
Check out
5 Day
The Ultimate Coal River Valley Adventure
Day 1 - Arrival
Relax with a grazing platter and a glass of local pinot in your home for the next few days
Head into the township of Richmond to the Richmond Arms Hotel for some hearty pub-style Australian cuisine.
Day 2 - Richmond Village
Settle in for a lazy breakfast at Ashmore on Bridge
Explore Richmond Village, featuring beautiful boutique shops that sell Tasmanian wares. Visit the historic Richmond Gaol and wander the banks of the Coal River for superb photo opportunities at the famous historic Richmond Bridge
At the end of the day, head back to Aquila for some Hot and Cold Therapy and a barbecue at Flame Space.
Day 3 - Wine and Food Indulgence
Enjoy a quick in-room breakfast to start the day.
Book a half-day tour with Drink Tasmania or RotorLift Heli Tours
Then spend the afternoon indulging in an in-room massage.
Splash out for a 5-star dinner at Prospect Country House. Bookings essential.
Day 4 - MONA and More
Start with breakfast and coffee in bed
Enjoy a day trip to MONA and a drive up to the top of kunanyi/Mt Wellington for breathtaking views over Hobart and beyond.
Indulge in dinner on the Hobart Waterfront, or Hobart's famous Salamanca precinct (Frank, Aloft, Peppina, Mezethes). The North Hobart restaurant strip is also filled with a variety of restaurant choices (OGEE, Barwa Izakaya, The Winston or Pancho Villa)
Day 5 - Explore the Peninsula
Visit the Tasman Peninsula
Take some photos at the Tessellated Pavement and a walk along Eaglehawk Beach
Visit Doo Town, the Blow Hole and Waterfall Bay Walk and grab some fish and chips
- or -
Head to the Port Arthur Historic Site and the Remarkable Cave
Visit Bangor Shed for a wine tasting on the way home, followed by some takeaway from the nearby town of Sorell for your last night at Aquila
Day 6 - Check Out
Breakfast at Czegs in Richmond
Check out
3 Day
Aussie Wildlife Adventure
Day 1 - Arrival
Enjoy a gourmet grazing box on the deck and see if you can spot a Wedgetail Eagle.
As dusk settles, keep an eye out for the nocturnal Australian wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies and possums. Red light torches are provided inside each accommodation to keep our wildlife happy.
Head out for dinner at the Richmond Arms Hotel.
Day 2 - Explore Richmond on e-bikes
After breakfast, take a stroll down to the parrot aviaries for Parrot Talk at 10 am.
Explore Richmond Village - make sure you drop into the award-winning Pooseum - a quirky science museum dedicated to animal droppings!
Have a picnic with the ducks at the Richmond Bridge
Visit Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary to get up close with some of Tasmania’s native wildlife, including Tasmanian Devils and Eastern Quolls, on a night feeding tour.
Finish the day with a pizza delivered to your room from Pizzarazzi Sorell.
Day 3 - Adventure a little further a field
Breakfast in Richmond Village.
Take a scenic drive down the Tasman Peninsula to Tasmanian Devil Unzoo - a unique wildlife experience that focuses on wild animals rather than captivity. Located one hour's drive from Aquila.
Lunch at Tasmanian Lavender Company
Return to Aquila for a barbecue dinner at Flame Space at dusk for some more wildlife spotting.
Day 4 - Check Out
Enjoy your last morning with a lazy breakfast, and after check out, make sure you stop at the Richmond Chocolate Shop for a few treats on the journey home.
3 Day
History Buffs & Puzzle Adventure
Day 1 - Arrival
Take a stroll around the grounds. Make sure to stop by the sculptures and look for the interactive signs. You'll have the opportunity to discover the history of our land, learn about the wine industry in Tasmania, and even hear a spooky tale about the famous Richmond Bridge.
Enjoy dinner in-room or a barbecue at Flame Space.
Day 2 - Explore the Coal River Valley tourist region
In-room breakfast.
Book a Historic Richmond Riddle Me Adventure, where you'll explore the Coal River Valley with riddles to guide you through this prominent tourist region.
Dinner at the Richmond Arms Hotel, just a two-minute drive from Aquila Eco Retreat.
Day 3 - Adventure a little further afield
Enjoy breakfast at Ashmore on Bridge Street.
Drive to Hobart and explore Hobart’s stunning waterfront.
Stroll through the shops in the historic buildings at Salamanca.
Tour Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum. This true-to-life museum recreates the historic huts used by the team of men who participated in the Australian Antarctic Expedition of 1911-14.
Lunch at T42 or Fish Frenzy - Two local institutions.
Drive to the top of kunanyi/Mt Wellington for breathtaking views.
Dinner in Hobart’s restaurant strip, North Hobart.
Day 4 – checkout
10 am check-out.
Late breakfast at Amaze Richmond - try to navigate your way out of the two mazes.
