If you are planning to be part of the supporters for the Ashes series at the end of 2025, or Rugby World Cup in 2027, or Brisbane Olympics in 2032, or just planning a trip to Australia over the coming years, then there is one hotel that must be on your list: Saffire in Tasmania.
Before extolling the praises of this outstanding operation on the edge of the Freycinet National Park, this missive also details a number of other options in Australia that are very much worth a visit.
Tasmania - Saffire
Saffire contains 20 suites set overlooking Coles Bay, with the most charming, the most professional, and certainly the most courteous hotel crew we have ever come across anywhere in the world. It is rare for an entire ensemble to make you feel so welcome.
Combine that with a location that is breathtaking on arrival, a brigade in the kitchen that is exceptionally talented, bar staff that can mix any cocktail with flair and imagination, sommeliers who have crafted an exotic list, with a space that is sumptuously well put together, then I cannot think of a reason why you would not spend as many nights here as your schedule, and budget, would allow.
The ratecard looks a bit steep on initial inspection. However, it is all inclusive. And I do mean all inclusive: breakfast, pre-lunch drinks, lunch plus wine, pre-dinner nibbles and drinks, and dinner plus wine. Then you include excursions to wineries, steep climbs exploring the national park, and a host of other options, that are part of the package - all detailed on their website. There is also an extended wine list if your wish to go off-piste.
The suites are flawless. Attention to detail is perfected to a very, very high level. Everything has been considered, refined and executed with immense skill and talent. Australia is a long way to go just to visit a single hotel, so that would be somewhat over-the-top to suggest it, but if you are here, then add this to the plan.
The design of the hotel is very calm. The use of wood, and the carpentry that has executed the design, is a strong and very prominent feature throughout all of the settings. As well as the acres of glass affording spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
The General Manager, Dylan Counsel, has honed a team from all over the world with a very broad spread of ages. The culture is one of welcoming guests and ensuring that all of their requirements are met in a very low key, relaxing and friendly manner. We should have stayed longer, but then there will be another visit.
Saffire - 2352 Coles Bay Rd, Coles Bay TAS 7215
Sydney - Restaurant - Aria
Certainly deserves 2 Michelin Stars, with a flawless view of the Opera House and Bridge. Comfortable, spacious surroundings, acres of perfectly starched white linen, impeccably seasoned and engaging staff, menu options for two or three courses or the full-blown tasting menu, and of course, a biblical wine list. Lunch here with a couple of mates was without question the culinary highlight of this trip. The food still resonates in the taste buds. Simply, outstanding.
Aria - 1 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000
Mornington Peninsula - Lunch - Merricks
If you have the time, there is an abundance of wineries to visit an hour or so south of Melbourne in Mornington Peninsula - Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays are the focus here. Detail on one specific winery to follow - Ten Minutes By Tractor - but if you need a spot of lunch amongst your research, then Merricks is the place to go. Low-key, charming service, wonderfully executed and filling dishes plus an array of local wines to sample. What’s not to like? Stay at Jackalope Hotel for a few nights to explore the wine tourism options in this very pretty region, and book a room overlooking their vineyards. The hotel served the best Eggs Benedict imaginable: they had created a level of discrete acidity in the hollandaise that just lifted the dish to another level. Unforgettable. Jackalope also has a jolly lunch time restaurant - Rare Hare.
Merricks Store - 3460 Frankston - Flinders Rd, Merricks VIC 3916
Melbourne - Shopping - Watering Hole - Marion
Gertrude Street contains a collection of boutiques and artisan retail options where funds can be exchanged very readily. If a pit-stop is required amongst these delightful emporiums, then Marion hits the brief. Either perch on their bar for a glass whilst debating the important decisions that need to be made further down the street, or head in for lunch when the arms can carry on more bags. Friendly, enthusiastic team. A booking is needed.
Marion Wine Bar - 53 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Other recommendations include:
Melbourne - Gimlets - old school, classy brasserie
Sydney - Bondi Beach - Iceberg Dining Room & Bar - fun, busy, lively, entertaining and noisy. Great views.
Hobart - Landscape Restaurant & Bar- without question the finest steak ever - Wagyu Eye Fillet | Robbins Island, TAS, grass fed, +9 marble score. I can still taste it! Plus an exceptional wine list: choose the Tolpuddle Chardonnay with the first course. Exquisite.