Quamby Estate near Launceston, Tasmania: A Hotel With History

This photo courtesy of Quamby

Welcome to a wee tour of a magnificent hotel that Paul and I stayed in the night before we joined the Bay of Fires Lodge Walk.

Come along as we step back in time, to the convict era of the 1830s, early in Tasmania’s colonial history.

Quamby, which means ‘a place to camp, to settle down and rest’ was built by a pardoned Irish political prisoner, Richard Dry. He owned a vast estate that swathed the house he was to build. These days Quamby Estate has 64 hectares of land, with a 9 hole golf course, sweeping lands, tennis courts and more.

The house is built in the Anglo-Indian barracks-like architectural style, with large rooms and immensely high  ceilings.

Our house in Sydney was built in the 1980s, and has the lowest ceilings ever. So it felt very grand indeed to stay at Quamby.

Our vast four poster bed. The room doors have huge brass keys, amazing. Door into the vast bathroom, which actually has two armchairs in it as well as shower, bath, toilet and basins. Marvellous views from the sitting rooms. So like home… not! One of the sitting rooms for guests. I spent a couple of restful hours sitting here with a pot of tea and a book. Meanwhile my husband played golf in roaring heat. Beautiful trees and lawns in front of the terrace.

Some of the poplars, hawthorns and elm trees around the property are over 150 years old.

Loved this fruit tree in the grounds. We ate in the dining room, feeling very tiny indeed in its vast proportions. Salads for starters, loved mine with the scallops. The menu is small with an emphasis on fresh local produce. My salmon was delicious, the vegetarian option was a little sparse for a golf playing husband though. Dusk slowly starts to fall at Quamby. Sunset over the stunning rural landscape around Quamby.

We had an early start the next day, Quamby is base for the Bay of Fires Lodge Walk.  Read more about our walking adventures on my 50th birthday here.

We paid just under $350 for room and breakfast.  A treat!!

Room rates vary from $250 – $400 a night, room and dinner packages are available. Quamby Estate offers a free pick up and drop service to Launceston Airport.

You can read more about Quamby Estate on the website here.

Linking today with Travel Photo Thursday with Nancie at Budget Travellers Sandbox – do pop over for some great armchair travelling.

Do you love a hotel with history?

Where have you stayed that felt like utter luxury?

Happy travels,