Derwent Bridge Chalets & Studios

The hut was clean and had everything we needed, and we couldn't fault the accommodation itself. The décor is a bit dated. It's handy for Lake St Clair, just a 2-3 minute drive away, and the Hungry Wombat cafe is right next door. Finding the studio was confusing. Nobody was at the office, which we hadn't been told about, though there was an envelope with our name and instructions at the door. The directions mentioned a pathway, but from the car park we couldn't see behind the first studio. Having never been there, I worried I'd be going into the first hut's backyard, so I didn't want to wander around. A clear note saying the studio was directly behind the "Narcissus" studio and down the path would've helped. When I called for help, the woman spoke loudly and sarcastically, making me uncomfortable. Explaining the way seemed like a big effort for her. She replied, “Are you joking? Read the instructions,” which was unhelpful and unnecessary. Her phone manner and customer service really let the stay down. We did enjoy walking the different trails around the lake, then had a great pub meal about 500 metres down the road at @Derwent Bridge Hotel. We played pool and fired up the duke box.

The only drawback was no WiFi, though the 4G signal worked fine. We stayed in a comfortable Narcissus Studio, a great spot for Lake St Clair. I hadn't expected a microwave and toaster since they weren't listed, so having them meant we could make breakfast. The poor reviews I'd read about Derwent Bridge Chalets & Accommodation turned out to be completely unfounded.

On my latest stay in early December 2025, I got a puncture on a remote unsealed road while trout fishing. Once I reached the main road, I had to leave the car and hitch a lift back to Derwent Bridge. I was pretty shaken, but Louise stayed calm, advised me what to do, and checked in several times. Optus was down and I had no way to communicate, so she lent me her phone too. Eventually a tow truck took me and my car back to Launceston Airport, where I got a replacement vehicle at 11 pm. Louise, thanks so much. I don't know what I'd have done without your calm, practical help. I stay here whenever I go trout fishing and am impressed each time by how well equipped and furnished the place is. Louise really went above and beyond this time.

For a stop between Hobart and Strahan, we found it very comfortable. Derwent Bridge is small, with only a few places to stay, and this seemed the best choice to us. It sits at a nice midpoint between the other accommodation options, which seemed either cheap and nasty or obscenely expensive.