A woman who wears many hats, Kylie Bell recently launched her first book, exploring the beautiful north parts of Tasmania.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I grew up in the countryside near Forth on Tasmania’s Central North Coast, shortly after my parents made the move from South Australia. These days I spend my time between that coastal family property, home to my business and devel­oping mini-farm, 10 Acre Wood, and the countryside just south of Hobart.

Readers may know you best for your eco-accommodation Compass Hut (and earlier, Wagonhaus). What has building that business taught you? Originally, my studies in architecture and my fascina­tion with micro and sustainable design naturally drew me to eco-accommodation. I love the challenge of creating spaces that are sustainable, small in footprint but big in experience; whilst balancing creativity with practicality, and about designing and curating meaningful experiences. I see design as both art and form in the landscape, merged with concepts around phenomenology and organic design, ex­ploring the blurring of nature and the built environment.

Your debut book, 50 Incredible Desti­nations in Northern Tasmania, marks a new creative chapter. What inspired the book and what do you hope readers take from it? The beauty and diversi­ty of Northern Tasmania’s landscapes, combined with my insatiable passion for adventure and for writing, inspired this book. Nature is a huge draw for travellers to Tasmania, and hosting guests from all over the world has taught me what people are really looking for when they explore. My goal was to create the ultimate travel companion, one that helps readers uncover the magic, charm, and richness of the north.

What is Lost Oar? How does it reflect your personal connection to place and your online community? Lost Oar is a fusion of my passions: nature, photography and videography, storytelling, travel, and design. It’s about connecting with like-mind­ed explorers, creators, and brands, and inspiring people to see the world with curiosity. At its heart, it celebrates the thrill of discovery, the beauty of landscapes, and the idea that the most meaningful parts of life are experiences shared with others.

What’s something you wish more peo­ple knew about what you do? I suppose now that I’ve announced my book, people are discovering that writing has always been a big part of my creative life; some­thing I was once quite shy about. Another side people might not know is piano. I’ve been playing since I was six, exams and all. Music has always been a creative outlet for me and a huge companion to my writing.

Who do you admire? I admire creatives who dare to dream – often women – and find a way to turn passion into purpose. People who trust their intuition, don’t wait for permission, and build their own path aligned with what they love. I draw a lot of strength from that.

Favourite tv show or podcast? I grew up without tv, so it’s never really been part of my life — which I suspect is how I ended up with so many (perhaps too many) hob­bies growing up. I do love a good podcast though, and recently discovered Travel with Rick Steves. Listening to interviewees from all over the world talk about travel, culture and place is a wonderful way to fuel my insatiable travel aspirations and curiosity.

What are you reading now? Eureka by Peter FitzSimons. I’m a hopeless history lover.

What was your first job? Drawing land­scape masterplans for a landscape architect in New South Wales.

What are your daily news/social media habits? I tend to start and end my day on social media, using it as a source of inspi­ration: ideas, travel dreams, creative work, and discovering other creators. It has played a big role in my businesses, both as a story­telling tool and to connect with like-minded people. For news, mostly ABC.

Dream holiday destination? Right now, Germany and Scotland. Both for their in­credible landscapes, but also, being a quar­ter German, to meet more of my relatives there – our family coat of arms and tree stretch back to the 12th century! Scotland is about beginning to fulfil a long-held dream of researching and tracing our Bell ancestry even further back than the 1700s.

Your favourite place for:

Breakfast: Boho At The Beach, Kingston Beach.

Lunch: Daci and Daci, Hobart waterfront.

Dinner: Friday night at the Turners Beach Berry Patch – wood-fired pizza with local produce.

Favourite Tasmanian Secret? Don Heads, a hidden gem, one of the most peculiar and bizarre examples of mixed volcanic geolo­gy balanced against the sea.

Parting words: Chase your passions and what feels meaningful to you, however it fits into your life. Be open to opportunity and cherish moments with others. Find ways to add adventure to your life, in whatever form that takes. Every journey is unique, and that is what makes it so special.