Tasmania has got a thing for cabins, especially in winter. Picture sipping wine by the crackling fire, curling up with a book in a cute reading nook, or hanging out with farm animals, all while taking in the fresh country air. Bet you’re booking that annual leave right now. Find your winter hideaway in these charming cabins, cottages, and farms this Off Season.

FOR STARGAZING Winter is almost here and thanks to the earth spinning its way around the sun, we’ll soon be getting the best look at the Milky Way for the year. Tasmania – blessed with some of the darkest skies on the planet – is the perfect place to take it all in. The Picker’s Hut (thepickershut.com.au) sits perched above the Jordan River Valley in southern Tasmania, and offers uninterrupted views of the stars. Light the outdoor fire, sip something warm, and watch the night sky do its thing. During winter, your stay includes a mulled wine kit and two bottles of pinot noir. Up on a hill in the Huon Valley, Orchards Nest (orchardsnest.com) has views of apple and cherry orchards, mountains, and night skies. There’s also a custom-built mineral spa. Are you thinking what we’re thinking? That’s right, stargazing and a hot soak! Pure winter bliss. Red Rock Hut (redrockhut.com.au) is on King Island’s rugged west coast overlooking the Southern Ocean, with a wood-fired hot tub and sauna. As the winter sun sets, let the stars take over in an area unspoiled by city lights. Craggy Peaks Wilderness Cabins (craggypeaks.com.au) sits in the Fingal Valley, right at the foot of Ben Lomond National Park. That means pure wilderness. As night falls, the wildlife comes out to play – quolls, pademelons, wombats – while the sky above dazzles. During the Off Season, book two nights, and they’ll include a third for free.

FOR ACTIVITIES Take home a little piece of magic from The Whimsy (thewhimsy.com.au), a charming cottage in the ancient, fairytale- esque rainforests of Weldborough in north east Tasmania. The area is known for its sapphires, hiding in creeks and rivers. Stay for two nights and take your pick from two Off Season offers. One hooks you up with a local gem hunter, who’ll guide you in crafting your own custom jewellery. Another hands you the tools to fossick for gemstones yourself. Either way, you’ll leave with something special. Compass Hut (compasshut.com.au) is an eco-friendly tiny home near Devonport. Book during the Off Season and you’ll get a native plant seedling, a hand shovel and gloves to help green up the bushland next to the hut. Plus, a basket of local produce to picnic with. Currawong Lakes (currawonglakes.com) is one of Tasmania’s premium fly fishing locations. Try your hand across three different freshwater lakes packed with brown and rainbow trout. But the water’s not all you’ll be aiming at. To add something else exciting to your stay, you can try your hand at clay target shooting. Shout, “Pull!” and see if you aim as well as you fish. At The Cove (thecovetasmania.com) on the north west coast, you can watch little penguins waddle back to their burrows in the evening. During the Off Season, enjoy a complimentary bottle of Devil’s Corner wine, cosy rug, fire-starting kit and red-light torches for a penguin-friendly viewing experience. Then top it all off with some homemade double-chocolate lava cake.

FOR WINING AND DINING Some places know how to satisfy your cravings. At Twamley Farm (twamleyfarm.com.au), a 7000-acre working farm on the Tea Tree Rivulet near Buckland, breathe in the crisp country air and indulge in a farmhouse picnic. Unwind and take in the stunning views from the warmth of the outdoor wood-fired hot tub, then enjoy homemade pumpkin soup simmered over the firepit, pheasant terrine, crusty artisan bread and a bottle of local pinot noir. End the day with a billy of hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows. Yum. At Hunter Huon Valley (hunterhuonvalley.com), an adults-only luxury stay in the heart of the Huon, warm up your winter getaway with a whisky flight showcasing exceptional Tasmanian single malt whisky paired with worldclass handcrafted cheese. A perfect compliment to their bath with a view.

FOR BATHING In the historic town of Avoca, Crooked Chimney Cottage (crookedchimneycottage.com) is a charming and rustic miner’s cottage that’s hiding something. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a key, and this key unlocks the door to a secret bathhouse which only you can access. Soak your worries away, then talk about it only in whisper. At Derby Bank House B&B (derbybankhouse.com.au), you can submerge in a six-foot wood-fired tub under a beautiful old ornamental cherry tree. Surrounded by soft fairy lights, it’ll stay warm well into the evening, adding a touch of romance to your Off Season. Cedar Cottage Meander (cedarcottagemeander.com) knows how to treat you right. Reconnect with your wild side by taking a cold-water dip in the nearby lake before sinking into a hot tub beneath the stars, set against the backdrop of the Great Western Tiers. Take in the view, and on the right night, you might even witness an aurora dancing across the sky.

Created in partnership with Tourism Tasmania. For more discovertasmania.com.au/off-season