Harbour Cottage

Harbour Cottage is a unique, much loved example of an original 1930s Bruny shack, located within the equally nostalgic beachside enclave of Dennes Point. If you are after a relaxed, sun-filled haven, full of character, with gorgeous views of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel, immediately overlooking a safe swimming beach, you'll adore this traditional Tasmanian shack. With simple coastal charm this rustic retreat offers a safe harbour, equipped for resting, for reconnecting and rejuvenating. The space Whilst perched above the ocean, you do have the sensation of being surrounded by water, drifting off to sleep and waking to the sound of lapping or (very occasionally) crashing waves. You can see your family and friends on the beach as you brew tea at the kitchen bench, or watch boats sail past sitting up in bed with a glass of champagne! There is a wide staircase up to the front door and an inclined walk through the beach daisies to the back door and terraced area also. Quirky and eclectic this rustic old world shack has a few foibles and loads of character. It's a cosy space decorated with a combination of things gathered, inherited, treasured and recycled. It's designed to make you feel you can relax and just 'be'. The galley kitchen is functional with all of the basic necessities to put together an island meal. The rather feisty stove is electric, there is a sandwich press, rice cooker, pots, pans and woks and a portable weber style BBQ suitable for cooking the squid or flathead you may catch on the jetty! There is an oyster knife, a bucket and fishing rod also with a couple of squid jigs incase they are running when you arrive. The beds are comfortable with good Tasmanian made, soft but supportive mattresses. Feather pillows and snuggly feather duvets with bamboo and cotton sheets, also contribute to making bed a haven. Mosquito nets are above each bed to deter any flying visitors while you sleep. Books are aplenty, as are board games for blustery days by the fire or relaxing on the deck. If needed there is a small beach umbrella as the sun can be harsh on a bright day. There are chairs for reading and lounging. Please locate a place you are happiest and be found in one of them there! The spare block next to Harbour was long ago gifted to the children of Bruny Island, so can be another place to enjoy filtered light and sea breezes whilst listening to the whispering She-oaks. The bathroom is basic but ideal for a swift spruce up. Our rain shower is just that, provided by rain water alone, so it's not a place to linger too long as North Bruny is rather dry. The WC is located in a separate room from the bathroom. The paved terrace behind the shack can provide privacy and shelter if you find the wind picks up beach side, it's a sunny alcove and a lovely spot for a BBQ. Feel free to enjoy the BBQ up there if the location appeals. There was a time in Tasmania, when if you didn't have a shack of your own, there was always one you could use. In that tradition after your stay you would list the things that were getting low, need attention or the goodies the next visitors might need. Many of those shacks were without power, of the most eclectic designs and everything was 'make do'! We so hope you'll enjoy Harbour. She seems to nurture those who stay. We also hope the experience of staying in an original Tasmanian shack on an island by the sea is a memory you will treasure. Guest access Please make yourself at home! Every part of the house is accessible with a deck overlooking the beach, and a paved BBQ area behind the shack which is sheltered on a blustery day. Any area that is not accessible is for storage. Other things to note Various essentials are on on hand in the pantry at Harbour. Olive oil, sugar, pepper, salt, coffee and long life milk. You will need to stock up on your preferred supplies for your stay though, as the nearest shop at Adventure Bay although terrific, is more than 40 kilometres away. There is a lovely café at Dennes Point, Bruny Island Wild, ( @brunyislandwild ) mentioned in the 'about the neighbourhood' section below. You would wrestle someone to the ground for their pizzas! They have fish and chips on Friday nights and various themed dinners, fabulous breakfasts and coffee. It is essential to book and check in to ensure they are open when you stay as hours can change. I will also provide you with details about where you could shop on your way to Bruny along the most direct route and with the nicest local provisions for your stay. The very thoughtful and helpful souls at Hill Street Grocer deliver to Dennes Point. Check their Delivery and Pickup timetable for weekly details on their service. For Oysters, Get Shucked is the place to make a beeline for. The Adventure Bay Store has many provisions, the café next door Mari Bruny has great reviews and is loved by locals. Loved also is trusty Hotel Bruny, Bruny Island Cheese, and Bruny Island Premium Wines. All have a lovely menu. We can't have anyone leaving Bruny feeling undernourished! There are some lovely walks on Bruny, the Cape Queen Elizabeth walk and the Fluted Cape walk are two that are wonderful. Here at Dennes Point if you head up the beach towards the Northern most point there is a trail and an interpretive walk along the waterfront and the lane which runs behind the coffee au lait coloured shack on the bend. You can do a loop! If you venture to the left along the road ( or over the rocks at low tide ) you will find yourself on a beautiful long white sand beach. There are shacks and boat sheds along the waterfront and its worth walking to the end to see the sandstone formations and boulders. Wildlife: Wallabies are often passing or congregating around the shack in the evenings and if you would like to fill up the sandstone trough for them you will find they are super grateful and come and have a drink. We hope you don't have to navigate unwanted wildlife in terms of visitors, it's worth mentioning spotted quolls are known to take thongs and shoes if left outside. You can throw in a line off the rocks on the beach directly infront of the shack, and the jetty is a wonderful place for catching squid and fish. It can also be quite a social place when there are a few people fishing together! We always clean our fish and squid on the rocks before bringing them up to the shack. The well loved bamboo boards in the bottom of the pantry are ideal for this. Registration details Exempt: This listing falls under Section 12 of the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993