Where is Moonbird beach shack?
We are located in the town of Beaumaris, right opposite the beach on the stunning East Coast of Tasmania. By car, it is located approximately 90 minutes from Launceston or 120 minutes from Hobart.
We love the simplicity and natural beauty of Beaumaris, taking long walks, observing local bird and wildlife or fish, swim, and surf uncrowded waves. Crystal clear water, white sand beaches, and many a day with the sun shining makes this part of Tasmania one of the sunniest places in Eastern Australia.
Moonbird is a unique space to relax, restore and rejuvenate. The spacious north facing deck and cozy living room provide ocean glimpses with the hinterland, mountain views to the south and west. Built with the traveler in mind, Moonbird is a perfect base to explore the east coast of Tasmania.
Featuring two bedrooms with queen beds we can accommodate 4 guests comfortably. If you are traveling with children and they don't mind being separated from you overnight we have a double bunk room available to book at additional cost. The bunk room is downstairs, separated by the outdoor stairs and is where our children have spent many happy years laughing and telling their best surf, beach, fishing, biking adventure stories from the day. The perfect escape for children over the age of ten.
The Moonbird bathroom features a Japanese style deep soak bathtub with shower over; Aspar botanical products and organic Tasmanian bath salts to enhance your bath rituals and invites you to relax, luxury 100% cotton towels to wrap you up after time for you.
Moonbird’s garden reflects the natural coastal flora with extensive plantings of local indigenous species. Enjoy the abundant bird life, grazing and mournful call from the Yellow Tail Black Cockatoos. Stretch out on a banana lounge or swing in a hammock for a snooze under the lush tea tree canopy, escape the sun for a while; dappled light and cooling shade, while bumble bees buzz past and superb wrens chirp and skip around the trees. Drift off to sleep or lose yourself in a good book.
On the beach opposite you will find Short-Tailed Shearwater ‘Moonbird’, endangered Hooded Plovers, Orange Billed Oystercatchers and Pacific Gulls. Spot dolphins and Gannets diving for fish just beyond the waves.
What is there to do?
Walk, surf, swim, or chill out stroll the beautiful untouched beach of Beaumaris, quite literally across the road. You can swim or surf out the front or there are numerous options close by that offer a range of conditions dependent on swell, wind and tide. If you choose to surf, swim or dive on the east coast, you need to pack a 4-3 wetsuit for winter and a 3-2 for summer. Water temp can vary dramatically due to the Eastern Australian Current and some days can be surprisingly warm so worth packing board shorts and a vest. Don’t forget your beach towel.
Tasmania is world-renowned for its pristine wilderness, incredible white sand beaches and crystal blue waters. No matter whether you plan to trek the central high country, roam the remote west, or prefer a more leisurely pace climbing to the lookout overlooking Wineglass Bay you will not be disappointed with the variety of walks and incredible scenery on offer. One of our favourite day walks is the Wineglass Bay summit approximately 5 hours return via the Hazard’s track on the west side of the Freycinet Peninsula. Remember to carry enough water and allow 60 minutes to drive to the park. Park fees apply and the walk is popular during the peak holiday season.
If you are a fan of mountain bike riding then you will have heard of Derby which is the centre of MTB on the east coast. In recent years, the region has been transformed by enthusiasts who have built some of the best trails in the world. The variety of trails on offer in Derby 60 minutes north and around St Helens 15 minutes north is guaranteed to make any MTB enthusiast smile. Check in at the bike shops in St Helens or Derby if you don’t have your own gear, as they hire bikes and and offer daily bus tours to various drop off points so you can maximise your downhill time.
For more casual exploring, the hills just behind Moonbird are criss-crossed with a web of forest tracks and gravel roads that extend as far as the eye can see. Cycle up Skyline Drive in Beaumaris and ride all day, straight from your doorstep, without ever getting in a car. After your ride, fix up your bike in the fully-equipped garage workshop.
Curl up on the couch in front of the Nectar wood heater and you will be warm as toast. Stare at the flames, read your book, doze, and relax. For instant warmth Moonbird has panel heaters in the kitchen/ dining and bedrooms, and luxury woollen wraps to make for a cosy retreat. Double glazing ensures it stays warm during the cooler months.
The pantry is stocked with all the essentials for your stay. Fresh Villano coffee, organic loose leaf herbal and black tea, hot chocolate and marshmallows are provided. Olive oil, Apple cider Vinegar, Tasmanian sea salt and Tasmanian pepper berries, herbs and a jar of welcome biscuits. The galley style kitchen, includes a gas cooktop, convection oven and outside a Weber BBQ outdoor dining with ocean glimpses. There is a dishwasher, TV and DVDs to choose from to keep you entertained. There is also WIFI access for Netflix and a Marshall bluetooth speaker for you to connect to and play your favourite tunes. No shack is complete without board games, books and cards so disconnect from the tech and enjoy a game or two.
When’s the best time to go?
The East Coast of Tasmania is renowned for its temperate dry climate so expect it to be warm from November to April and cool from May to October. If it turns cold, fire up the Nectar wood heater to warm the shack.
The east coast during summer can be surprisingly hot. With clear blue skies and very little humidity days in the 20s can feel a lot warmer. On most days a sea breeze will cool things down and if you open up the doors and windows to cross ventilate the shack in the evening generally this will cool it down. If it is still warm during the night portable fans are provided.
During the colder months curl up and glimpse the ocean from the comfort of the leather sofa in front of the fire. Make yourself a tea or coffee or pour a glass of your favourite tipple. Relax. Restore. Unwind.
You can easily spend your days relaxing and unwinding at the shack discovering the local scene, or if you crave exploring you can spend the day discovering many popular east coast destinations within an easy drive.
Tasmania is world-renowned for its fresh local produce and you won't have to venture far to stock up on a variety of tasty locally grown foods. The most varied selections can be found in St Helen’s about 25 minutes drive north however there is a small supermarket in Scamander 5 minutes away where you can stock up on the basics.
Skippers Fish Shop serves the very finest seafood and sustainably sourced fish. Dine-in or take away, or buy fresh seafood to cook at home. Our personal favourite fish is the seasonally caught Blue Trevella and the calamari is always fresh and tasty. Always popular is the Lease 65 sourced locally grown oysters which can be bought at Skippers or direct from the sea farm beds at Lease 65, 444 Binalong Bay Road, St Helens.
The Surfside Hotel is walking distance from the shack right opposite the beach and has a selection of craft beers and a delicious variety of burgers, with some other options available depending on the season. During the summer months there is often live music on weekends.
The East Coast Providore is the place to source all your Tasmanian fresh foods including a wide range of local meats, cheeses, wines, veggies, condiments, breads as well as ready-made meals. Don’t forget to ask about their delicious homemade ice cream with a range of tasty flavours depending on the season. Keep an eye out along the roadside on your drive into St Helens as many of the locals sell seasonally grown produce.
Swims in Scamander is where you will find the best coffee and the cafe is built from a recycled 40-foot shipping container offering casual dining experience with some indoor seating and a larger outdoor grass area right out front.
