The Post Office, 1913

History

Discover a tiny town built atop a waterfall, ensconced in pristine Tasmania wilderness. Waratah lies at the edge of the Tarkine - the largest cool temperate rainforest in Australia, and second largest in the world. An enchanted forest with ancient moss-covered trees and giant ferns, framed by button grass moorlands & misty dunes, Tarkine is named after one of the first indigenous groups in Tasmania, the Tarkiner people. With rich cultural significance, it is a place that will enter your soul, and invite you to connect deeply with nature.

The historic township of Waratah was founded by James 'Philosopher' Smith, who uncovered the mining potential of the town, first discovering tin deposits in 1871. Waratah was soon home to the largest tin mine in the Southern Hemisphere, operating for 70 years until its closure in 1947. Whilst this impacted the natural environment, the wealth generated by the mine during this period allowed Tasmania to remain a financially viable State in its own right.

The main communication hub for North West Tasmania from the late 19th century, The Post Office in Waratah was constructed in 1913 to replace the original c. 1882 Post Office. Centrally located in Waratah, over the years it’s also served as the town library and bank, with a two-foot-thick concrete safe at its core. Accessed off the kitchen, it now serves as the kitchen pantry, with solid seven foot safe door! The Post Office holds an interesting past, filled with the comings & goings of the community - even surviving a failed bank heist, when thieves used explosives in an attempt to access the town’s coffers.

Accommodation

Owners & hosts Madeleine and Andy have lovingly restored The Post Office into a luxury escape that will transport you to another time. Heritage listed, admire unique period features in every room, including the original cedar post office & bank countertop with money drawers, soaring 14 foot pressed metal ceilings made using local tin from Mount Bischoff mine, original double entry doors with brass fixtures, the old bank safe door, grand arched sash windows & wooden floorboards, and floor-to-ceiling exposed brick fireplace.

The interior has been beautifully furnished with a curated collection of antiques and oil paintings sympathetic to the building, sourced from around Tasmania, France, and the United Kingdom. Deep moss green walls, sumptuous velvets, and soft lighting evoke a sense of quiet nostalgia. Here, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds - the charm of yesteryear, balanced with contemporary comforts.

Accommodating up to four guests, The Post Office is the perfect retreat for one or two couples, and also families with children over 12 years of age. The main bedroom features a queen bed nestled within a purpose-built nook of the main room, with tall linen curtains framing the arched window. It’s a place to wake slowly with breakfast in bed, watching the morning light change as the day unfolds. The second bedroom features a double bed, views over Happy Valley, and its own romantic cast iron clawfoot bath & basin - where rainy days are best spent, with long soaks, books, and wine. Both beds are dressed with pure flax linens, microfibre toppers, and have electric blankets for cooler nights. The main bathroom features a spacious walk-in shower, underfloor heating, and heated towel rail.

An open plan living space with lounge, dining area and kitchen has a cosy wood pellet fire to keep you toasty warm in winter. Upon arrival, pour yourself a complimentary cocktail from a selection of your hosts’ favourite Tasmanian drinks, light the fire, and choose a book, puzzle or board game from The Post Office’s collection. Watch a movie on the smart TV, or connect to the Marshall bluetooth speaker and pop on The Post Office’s playlist, while taking in magical views of Mount Pearce, Happy Valley, and Tarkine wilderness beyond.

In the kitchen, the original post office counter has been repurposed into an island bench. Fully equipped for staying in and cooking, there’s a five burner gas ILVE stovetop & oven, large SMEG fridge and microwave, so you can enjoy preparing your favourite meals, and also enjoy a longer stay to fully explore Tasmania's West Coast. Behind the old bank safe door is now a pantry, with essential cooking supplies & condiments, ground coffee, hot chocolate, and Mayde tea station with a range of organic teas. Breakfast is provided for your first night’s stay, including free-range eggs, local honey & preserves, and bread maker with ingredients to make your own freshly-baked bread. In the lounge, the feather-filled sofa & custom velvet bench seat are perfect for curling up on with your morning coffee.

Outside, discover the original foundations of the Post Master's residence and the hand-carved steps where the Post Master once accessed the Waratah weather station. As you’re surrounded by nature, it’s not uncommon to see wallabies and wombats ambling by, grazing on the property. And just across the road from your accommodation are the majestic Waratah Falls, with a track guiding you to the gully below.

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Special Features

Fully Equipped Kitchen

Heritage Listed

Nearby Hikes

Mountain & Valley Views

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Things To Do

Waratah sits 600 meters above sea level, and sees snowfall several times during and either side of winter. Within walking distance from The Post Office, admire heritage buildings and explore Lake Waratah and Waratah Falls, Ringtail Falls downstream, and the Old Waratah Power Station. Learn more about the history of Waratah, by visiting the Waratah Museum, Kenworthy Stamper Mill and Athenaeum Hall.

There are plenty of nature walks to choose from, including the short picturesque walk to Philosopher's Falls, and it’s only 45 minutes to Cradle Mountain with incredible scenery, hikes, and day spa activities. An hour’s drive will see you in Corinna, on the Pieman River. From there you can hop on a river cruise (book well in advance) or set off on many walks alongside the river.

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