Freycinet Cottage 1

The house is spacious and has lovely timber paneling. Its covered deck looks across Coles Bay and the Freycinet Peninsula, and the location is great. One thing to know: they provide just one towel per person, so ask for extras when you arrive.

We spent many evenings on the balcony enjoying the spectacular Hazards views, and the house made a great base for exploring the area. It’s close to the beach, local shops, a good coffee spot, and the jetty for boat trips to Wineglass Bay. We’d happily come back. There was plenty of room for us, with five bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a large lounge and dining area beside a well equipped kitchen with modern appliances. The place was very clean, had everything we needed, and was comfortably furnished. Heating and cooling, comfortable seating, a TV, and tasteful decor all added to the pleasant feel.

The view was the main thing this place had going for it. The house wasn’t cleaned properly, the kitchen drawer latches were broken, and the frying pans weren’t fit to cook with. Two bedrooms had no hanging space, and there were no wardrobes at all. The BBQ ran out of gas before we could cook even one meal. There weren’t decent cleaning cloths or scrubbers, which left me feeling a bit cheated. Even the outdoor furniture was dirty camping furniture. I’ve stayed in lovely houses with great views for a similar price. I wasn’t happy, and this place needs some work to reach an acceptable standard.

The thoughtful touch at the end was the take-home “Freycinet on the Bay” carry bag, recognizing Coles Bay as Australia’s first town to ban plastic shopping bags to help protect the pristine environment. We’d love to return and explore more. My wife, our two children, and I had one of our most relaxing holidays in a long time. The accommodation was spotless, with everything we could think of provided. There was heaps of indoor space for the kids, while Mum and Dad could relax by the wood heater with a glass of wine. We also loved having the beach and local shops close by. Sunset BBQs on the deck, looking out over the Hazards after a day exploring, were breathtaking.