LUXURY BEACH HOUSE - CASA DE PLAYA - ORFORD.
3 bedroom modern holiday home in a wonderful central position in Orford, Gateway to the East Coast of Tasmania. Less than 200 metres from Orford beach. Other beaches in the area include Raspins, Millingtons, West and East Shelly beach, and Springs beach. Even closer to newsagent, supermarket cafes and restaurants.Dog friendly.
The house has 3 double bedrooms, two bathrooms and a central large family room, including a well equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, induction cooktop, oven, coffee machine, milkshake maker, utensils and some basics. A solid fuel heater warms this area. Washing machine provided. Large carpeted rumpus room with space for kids to play and relax.
Linen, doonas, luxury towels and beach towels..
Utiliterian polished concrete floors throughout the whole house There is sunny north facing outside area with table and benches, a great custom made wood fired pizza oven, and a gas barbecue. Wood and utensils provided.
A double and single kayak are provided along with necessary life jackets.
Orford has lots of walks available. Ranging from lovely sandy beaches, to the convict trail upriver from the bridge.
Triabunna, just 5 kilometres up the Tasman Highway has more stores, an active fishing port, a tourist centre, and the ferry to Maria Island which is visible to the east.
Maria Island was a convict and industry settlement from the 1820s. It is a no vehicle island, and is heritage listed with a number of restored early buildings. There are many walking trails, even one to the summit of Mt Maria. It is a great day trip.
Orford, as the gateway to the east coast is easy acces to Swansea, Great Oyster Bay, Coles Bay , Bicheno and more further north. Have lots of fun fosiking for local produce and sea foods.
Orford is a great holiday centre itself. Good safe beaches, several boat ramps, good fishing, cafes, restaurants, hotel, winery bowls and golf clubs and seasonal local produce.
If you are flying in it is easy to hire cars at Hobart airport. Then head to Sorrel and in less than one hour you will be in Orford and the start of a memorable holiday.
THINGS TO DO AROUND ORFORD
Spot the Tassie Devil in Orford: If you’re coming to Orford I definitely recommend staying at least overnight. Orford and Spring Beach are both very popular holiday destinations for Tasmanians, with many people from Hobart having a ‘shack’ in the area. There are a few more lovely beaches around Orford, as well as the river, which makes it ideal for people who love swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking or any other water-based activity. It’s a peaceful and quiet town, perfect for families. Be aware that it is quite seasonal though, so some places may not be open or with more limited hours during winter.
Beaches and the river: Spring Beach is located about a five-minute drive from Orford, on the East Coast of Tasmania. Most people travelling through Tasmania might stop in Orford for lunch on their way to the more well-known areas of Bicheno, Freycinet National Park, Friendly Beaches and the Bay of Fires. But since Spring Beach is only about an hour’s drive from Hobart. It’s not very big and you can enjoy lovely views across the bay to Maria Island. The rock pools at either end are fun for exploring or fishing and you might even spot dolphins swimming off-shore. There’s also a really cool lookout point from the left of the beach (if you’re facing the water) and a walking or cycling path that leads all the way back to Orford along the clifftops (it takes about an hour to walk).There are some basic toilets and barbecue facilities at Spring Beach, as well as parking. Mostly it’s not a very built-up or busy beach. If you do go for the day in summer it won’t be packed, although there will be locals swimming or sunbathing. The waves can get large after a storm but are very rarely big enough for surfing here. Spring Beach is perfect for body-boarding, swimming, kayaking or for small children to splash around and build sandcastles. If you visit Spring Beach do be careful when swimming as there’s sometimes a strong undertow and no lifeguards. Fun fact, when I was in college I did a surf lifesaving course here, so if you ever do find yourself caught in a rip or undertow that’s dragging you out to sea, just stay calm and swim diagonally for a while until you are out of it and able to swim back to shore. Trying to fight a rip will only tire you out. Spring Beach is located just outside of Orford, but there are some nice beaches within Orford proper that are usually calmer and therefore more suited to young children or people who want to launch a canoe or kayak. Millington’s Beach is the most central one, and if you continue walking right (as you’re facing the water) you will come to East and West Shelley Beaches. If you cross the bridge when driving and continue on the highway you will also hit Raspin’s Beach on your right, just before leaving Orford. All of these beaches have lovely views of Maria Island and the waves are rarely large. The Prosser River also has boat ramps and is lovely for canoeing or kayaking. If you continue up the river towards the dam you might even spot sea eagles that nest in the cliffs there!
Our Park: If you continue straight ahead when you come to the bridge (instead of turning hard right or left across the bridge) you will come to Millington’s Beach which is quiet and lovely. The park attached to the beach, called ‘Our Park’, is great for kids as there’s lots of play equipment, barbecue facilities and toilets. There’s even a really cool skate and bike-park area, with working traffic lights, lanes and roundabouts!
Darlington Vineyard: Check the map below to get directions for Darlington, a vineyard in Orford that was opened by one of my high-school teachers after he retired! I’m not much of a wine drinker but I’m assured that they make lovely Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. So if you do like wine, make sure you stop in to sample and maybe buy some.
The Three Thumbs and Wielangta: If you like bushwalking then you should definitely drive through the Wielangta Forest near Orford. There’s a couple of spots within the forest with walkways for exploring, and if you drive all the way up to The Thumbs lookout you’ll be rewarded with stunning views all the way to Maria Island. Do be aware that it’s a very bumpy dirt road to get there though!
Maria Island: From all the beaches around Orford you will be looking out towards the beautiful Maria Island. This National Park and ex-convict settlement is definitely worth a visit, which you can do via ferry from the nearby town of Triabunna. Triabunna is about fifteen minutes from Orford, continuing up the highway. You can stay overnight on the island or simply visit as a day-trip. Make sure you check the ferry timetable though, as it varies during the year.
Kate’s Berry Farm: Continue driving up the east coast from Triabunna towards Swansea and not only will you be treated to some spectacular views but just before the town of Swansea you’ll come to Kate’s Berry Farm. The drawcard is the gift shop/cafe where you can taste and buy all manner of delicious berry jams, wines, chocolates, ice-cream, smoothies, crepes and more. It takes about 45 minutes to get to Swansea from Orford, while you’re there make sure you check out the pretty town itself and you might also like to stop and check out the convict-built Spiky Bridge or one of the stunning beaches along the way.
WHERE TO EAT NEAR ORFORD
Orford isn’t exactly a foodie getaway. Most of the time this is where you come for a rustic vacation where you’ll be eating barbecue or simple home-cooked meals. There’s a small IGA supermarket near the bridge and a slightly larger one in Triabunna for stocking up on groceries.
Scorchers by the River: Next to the Prosser River (in the building with the blue roof in the picture above) is Scorchers by the River. Scorchers is a cafe/restaurant that does wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes.
Orford Blue Waters: The local pub is actually where I used to work during the summer holidays while I was at uni. They do good pub food like surf n’ turf steaks and seafood platters, with a lovely view of the river from the dining room. There’s also outdoor seating on a small patio and a bottle-shop if you want to buy alcohol to take back to your accommodation.
Orford Cafe Diner: Located in what used to be a roadhouse, but they don’t sell fuel anymore, is this cafe that’s open from 6.30am to 5pm on weekdays. Also nice to eat in. They also serve the local Darlington Wines and the food is simple but yummy.
Orford Bowling Club: I only mention the local bowls club because my grandparents are members and so I know that they do dinners on Friday nights during the summer holidays. These dinners can be attended by anyone (even if you’re not a member) so long as you let them know ahead of time how many people are coming.
Spring Bay Restaurant at the Eastcoaster: The Eastcoaster is a resort that includes a waterfront restaurant.
The Colonial Food & Wine: Probably the most gourmet experience you’re going to get in the area is the recently opened The Colonial, in nearby Triabunna. They’ll also make fresh, gourmet lunch packs for you to take with you to Maria Island.
The Fish Van: If you want the freshest local fish and chips, head over to Triabunna to the Fish Van. They’re open 11am – 8pm every day during summer, and have lots of delicious fresh seafood as well as burgers etc. You can also buy raw fish or crayfish to cook for yourself.
Spring Bay Hotel: The other local pub in the area is this one, literally right next to the Fish Van. Whenever my grandparents go out for dinner they nearly always come here for their simple, but delicious pub food. Just be aware that their opening hours are limited in winter, but bookings are recommended during summer as they get quite busy.
