St Martin’s of Tasmania

St Martin’s of Tasmania is a heritage-listed self-catering retreat in Dunalley, a small fishing village between Hobart and the Tasman Peninsula. The carefully restored former community building combines period character with considered contemporary comforts, creating a private stay with a strong sense of place.

The accommodation centres on a queen bedroom dressed with luxury linens, extra toppers, sustainable cottons and generous pillows. A writing nook faces the water, while the original pews, period details and working gramophone add to the building’s connection with its past. More than 200 records are available for relaxed listening, alongside a selection of period games.

A Finnish spruce sauna with steam stones and Tasmanian essential oils provides a warm indoor retreat, and the log fire gives the main living space a cosy focus in cooler weather. Outdoor firepit seating extends the stay beyond the building, with the deck offering another place to take in the waterside setting.

The galley kitchen is equipped for self-catering, with modern appliances, cookware, a gas cooktop and a large oven. A servery opens towards the dining area, where original pews frame the space for candlelit meals. The kitchen suits guests interested in preparing local produce, with regional wines and whisky also part of the wider Tasman Peninsula experience. The bathroom includes an oversized shower rose supplied with rainwater and instant hot water, while luxury hair and body products and a GHD hairdryer add practical comfort.

St Martin’s suits a quiet escape shaped around cooking, reading, music and time outdoors. It also works as a base for exploring Port Arthur and the surrounding peninsula, with both destinations accessible by car. Hobart Airport is around 30 minutes away, and Port Arthur is also approximately a 30-minute drive. The setting supports different styles of stay, from an unhurried weekend beside the fire to a more active itinerary centred on the coast, historic sites and nearby food and drink.

Weather can shift quickly, but the building is insulated and supported by heating, a well-stocked fire and warm bedding for cooler periods. In warmer conditions, stonework and natural airflow help maintain a comfortable interior. The result is an intimate retreat where restored architecture, water views and practical self-catering facilities come together in a peaceful village setting.