Local Experiences and Attractions
The Coal River Valley
Set in the heart of Tasmania’s Coal River Valley, a veritable food and wine mecca sits upon Aquila’s doorstep. Take a short drive to many of the state’s best vineyards to sip on iconic Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, sparkling and other cool-climate varietals.
Fine-dining restaurants, boutique cellar doors, distillery tasting rooms, quaint cafés and homey pubs satisfy both palate and appetite.
Hobart
The bright lights of a capital city feel miles away, but cosmopolitan Hobart is only a 20-minute drive from Aquila’s rural seclusion. Heritage buildings, contemporary art, and a thriving food and wine culture are the city’s best drawcards for idling away a day or two.
Visit historic Salamanca Place on Hobart’s waterfront, where original sandstone buildings have been converted into restaurants, art galleries and boutiques. Get a taste of Tasmania from over 300 stallholders at Saturday morning’s Salamanca Market.
In nearby Berriedale, step into the unique world of ancient, modern and contemporary art at MONA, the southern hemisphere’s largest privately funded museum and a trove of often controversial delights.
Or drive to the kunanyi/Mt Wellington peak for 360° views over Hobart, the Derwent River and beyond … and, in winter’s chilliest depths, blankets of snow.
Port Arthur Historic Site and the Tasman Peninsula
Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Australia’s most popular tourist attractions and retains much of its convict history. Hauntingly picturesque, Port Arthur lies just one hour south of Aquila on the Tasman Peninsula. Uncover the dark story of a 19th-century penal settlement through self-guided audio tours, interactive installations and daily harbour cruises.
Make the most of the drive along the Peninsula, with pit stops to marvel at incredible geographic formations: the Tesselated Pavement, Devils Kitchen and Eaglehawk Neck are all en route.
Richmond by e-bikes
Aquila’s fleet of e-bikes makes the journey into Richmond fun, easy and kind to the environment. Cruise over Australia’s oldest bridge and into the town centre to soak in Tasmania’s early history, including a centuries-old gaol that once housed some of the state’s most notorious convict criminals.
Antiques, galleries and artisanal handcrafts pay homage to the Tasmanian spirit, alongside award-winning cheese, chocolate, ice cream and an unmissable confectionary shop.
Aquila
Amongst 20 hectares of working farm and secluded bushland, you’re invited to reconnect with nature, yourself and your loved ones at Aquila. Meet the resident sheep and visit the three on-site aviaries where talking parrots provide a friendly welcome (and possible wolf-whistle!). Or cast your gaze skyward from the comfort of your private deck hammock, and look out for wild birdlife, including the property’s namesake – Aquila or Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle. The wildlife is just as home here as you are.
Amongst gardens of flowering natives, a burgeoning vineyard showcases the potential of decades-old Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines that were once destined for a bonfire. An outdoor collection of locally-crafted Tasmanian sculptures sit aloft magnificent old timber beams recycled from the most unusual places around Hobart.
Indoors, savour the slow pace of creating a home-cooked meal from local produce, or nestle in front of the fire with a glass of Coal River Valley wine and a grazing platter from Richmond’s foodie trail.
Aquila tells a story – you’re invited to wander, explore, and find your own place in it.
