Captain’s Rest.
“It’s been well and truly said so eloquently by previous guests and press around the world. All I can add is this: If there is,in this world, such a thing as the perfect tiny piece of paradise, it's Captain's Rest.”
— Leisa, Captain’s Rest Guest.
Nestled into the serene shore of Macquarie Harbour, Captain's Rest in Strahan, offers an experience in Tasmania like no other. Just a few steps to the water's edge, this heritage listed Tassie Shack is more than just a getaway; it's a sanctuary for those seeking peace, beauty, and a touch of magic. The stunning vistas from the huge antique windows, where the water meets the wilderness lets the natural splendor of Tasmania and the Wilderness World Heritage Area captivate your soul.
Captain's Rest has always been a retreat for those seeking solace by the sea. She was originally hand built with found and repurposed odd's and ends by workers at the Mount Lyell Mining Company looking to take time out from their hard working lives underground in the copper mines of Queenstown. Her nickname was the 'King Shack' seated right in front of the Jetty in Lettes Bay Shack Village with the best outlook, she was the pride of all her owners over the years.
After sitting for years forgotten and unloved after the closure of the mine, in 2017 she was purchased by Sarah Andrews after surviving a shipwreck off the coast of Mexico whilst trying to circumnavigate with her boat, Gabrielle. She used this magical slice of the universe to build a safer world of her own to rest from the experience, and was affectionately named 'The Captain's Rest'.
The rich history that has been woven by so many who have cherished this incredible place has been lovingly preserved. Captain's Rest is now Heritage Listed so that she may forever be protected and has quickly become an icon of this beautiful island state and its accommodation on offer. Sarah now lovingly shares her Captain's Rest with open arms to anyone looking to retreat on Tasmania's west coast from their own turbulent world.
Sarah Andrews, living alone at Captains Rest on the waters edge in 2018.
“My wife and I have been all over the world - we said after our stay this was in the top 2 - a slice of heaven ! We will be back”!
— Ed. Captains’ Rest Guest.
This humble Tassie Shack has evolved lovingly from her time hosting tired miners and fishermen looking for a catch worthy of telling some tall tales about. Every detail has been considered, curated and crafted to make your stay feel like stepping through the wardrobe doors to Narnia, to a place a little more perfect and slightly otherworldly. Captain's Rest is not just a destination; it's an experience. A place where time slows down and every moment is filled with beauty and tranquility.
Our guests tell us they wish they had just spent their entire time in Tasmania perched right here. There really is no place on earth like it. But for those wanting to explore the West Coast, Ocean Beach, Hogarth Falls, King River, Henty Dunes & the incredible Southern Ocean are just a few minutes away. World class experiences such as the Gordon River Cruises, West Coast Wilderness Railway and Morrisons Huon Pine Sawmill are at our doorstep. Strahan Village itself is a hamlet lost in time with everything you need for your adventure. We have been curating the best of Tasmania and Strahan in our Travel Guides for you and all our guests to enjoy.
Captain's Rest is just how Sarah left it, a deep claw foot bath with views to the expansive sky with all the mood it brings. An entire antique glass frontage to spot whales, dolphins, seals, ducks, swans, rainbows and the occasional wooden tall ship. A queen sized bed with luxury linens with a private nestled view to the shore to keep long slow mornings in bed gentle.
Named Tasmania's Best Airbnb by Vouge and one of the worlds Most Special Stays by Australian Traveller, Captain's Rest awaits you to create memories of your own.
“As a writer, it’s a rare occasion that I’m at a loss for words, but one step inside Captain’s Rest and any ability to form a sentence was stripped away completely.”
- Antonia Day for Bed Threads