Escape to Paradise: Kurrajong House B&B, Launceston
Escape to Paradise (or at least, Tasmania): A Review of Kurrajong House B&B, Launceston - A Chaotic, Honest Take
Alright, folks, buckle up. This isn't your typical fluffy-bunny travel blog. This is me, spilling the tea (and probably some coffee) about my recent escape to Tasmania, specifically, the Kurrajong House B&B in Launceston. Prepare for a messy, honest, and hopefully hilarious ride. Because, let's be real, travel is never as smooth as those glossy brochures suggest.
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First Impressions and the Whole Accessibility Thing (Let's Get Real)
Okay, first things first: getting around. Look, I appreciate the Car Park [free of charge] and the Car park [on-site]. Being able to just park is a win in my book, especially after a long flight. Though, navigating the slightly wonky driveway at night? Let's just say my GPS wasn't the only thing getting confused.
Now, accessibility. This is where things get a little… complicated. I did notice Elevator which is a huge plus! Though the review isn't strong on this and the lack of direct experiences are frustrating, I did what I could. The checklist boasts Facilities for disabled guests, which is good! But do they have ramps? Clear signage? The details are hazy. More transparency on this would be GREAT, honestly. It's a critical detail for many, and I hate the vagueness. More on this later.
The Tech Detailing, and the Curse of Free Wi-Fi
Alright, let's talk essentials. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!. Yes! Though in practice? It was a bit spotty at times. Like, I swear it decided to drop out right in the middle of my Zoom call with my boss. Talk about a panic. Luckily, it was back up… eventually.. (and the Internet access – wireless was good in the end). The Internet access – LAN option? Haven't touched a LAN port in a decade, but hey, it's there.
Cleanliness and Safety – The Sanitizer Symphony
Let's move on to the more serious matters. The current climate demands it, and the Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays all sounded promising. I will say, they seemed to be taking things seriously. The Hand sanitizer bottles were strategically placed throughout the B&B. I am a bit of a germaphobe at the best of times, and I felt like they tried hard. This also might be a good time to mention all the Staff trained in safety protocol and Hygiene certification mentioned at the end of the amenities list which can provide additional security.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Fueling the Adventure
Breakfast, a cornerstone of any good B&B experience, was a mixed bag. The Breakfast [buffet] was back, which is nice. Breakfast service was a breeze. The Asian breakfast, though, was interesting, I am not the biggest fan of Asian food in the morning, but you can always ask for the Western breakfast. And, you could always get your grub Breakfast takeaway service.
Oh! I almost forgot the Coffee shop! (Which isn't really a detail, but a must for me.)
Amenities and Services – The Perks and the Perplexing
(Rambling Alert!) Okay, so. Air conditioning in public area - check. Audio-visual equipment for special events - Hmmm… I guess they've got that covered? Business facilities (including Meeting/banquet facilities and even Xerox/fax in business center)- Well, alright! Concierge - Sweet! That can be a game-changer. Contactless check-in/out - YES! Brilliant in these Covid times. Currency exchange - Don't need that, I'm a digital nomad, baby! Daily housekeeping - Love it. Doorman - Nah, not that kind of place. Dry cleaning - I'm assuming this is a service you can set up, but I didn't need it. Elevator - A vital detail. Essential condiments - Okay, that's a weird and oddly specific item to list. Facilities for disabled guests - (Again, more detail would be amazing.) Food delivery - Awesome! Gift/souvenir shop - (I never buy anything, but I am glad they have one).
The Spa Situation (Let's Get Steamy)
Okay, confession time. I am a sucker for a good spa. And Escape to Paradise just sounds like spa heaven, right? Well, let's see what the options are…
- Body scrub: Always lovely!
- Body wrap: Mmm, sounds relaxing!
- Fitness center/Gym/fitness: Good if you're that type. I'm not.
- Foot bath: YES! This sounds amazing. I wish I had time.
- Massage: Always… yes.
- Pool with view: Ooh, promising!
- Sauna: Always a plus!
- Spa: Well, obviously.
- Spa/Sauna: Double the relaxation!
- Steamroom: YES, I love steamrooms!
- Swimming pool: Gotta have a pool!
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Oh! This is where it gets good!
Okay. I didn't actually use any of the spa facilities. Because… life. But knowing they were there, the thought of a Pool with a View was very nice. The facilities are there.
The Room Itself – My Cozy Little Nest (Or Not)
My room had almost everything. Additional toilet: Useful. Air conditioning: A MUST. Alarm clock: Old school, but effective. Bathrobes: Nice touch. Bathtub: Didn't use it, but good to have. Blackout curtains: My saviour! Closet: Plenty of space for my questionable wardrobe. Coffee/tea maker and Complimentary tea: Essentials. Desk: I managed to write a few things on it. Extra long bed: Always a win for a tall person like me. Free bottled water: Appreciated. Hair dryer: A lifesaver. High floor: Lovely. In-room safe box: Good. Interconnecting room(s) available: Not applicable to me. Internet access – LAN/wireless: Check. Ironing facilities: Meh. Laptop workspace: Yeah, I guess. Linens: Clean and comfy. Mini bar: Too expensive. Mirror: Necessary. Non-smoking: Obvious. On-demand movies: Never used them. Private bathroom: Needed. Reading light: Helpful. Refrigerator: Good. Safety/security feature: Essential. Satellite/cable channels: Didn't turn on the TV. Scale: Used once, regretted it immediately. Seating area: Good. Separate shower/bathtub: Always a bonus. Shower: Necessary. Slippers: Nice addition. Smoke detector: Good. Socket near the bed: Praise be! Sofa: Comfortable. Soundproofing: Essential. Telephone: Ancient technology. Toiletries: Fine. Towels: Plenty. Umbrella: Didn't need it. Visual alarm: Hope no one needs it. Wake-up service: Used it once, worked perfectly. Wi-Fi: Spotty. Window that opens: Needed.
Getting Around and Final Thoughts (The Verdict?)
Airport transfer: Nice that's they have it. Bicycle parking: Interesting detail. Car park [on-site]: The biggest win! Car power charging station: Not applicable. Taxi service: Convenient. Valet parking: Nope.
Okay, so, would I recommend Kurrajong House? Yes. With a few caveats! It's charming, the staff were generally lovely, and the location in Launceston is excellent. However, don't expect perfection. Expect a bit of chaos, some spotty Wi-Fi, and maybe, just maybe, a few things that aren't quite as advertised. But hey, that's life, right? And sometimes, those little imperfections make for the best stories. It's a solid B&B.
Final Verdict: A solid 4 out of 5 stars (with a note to improve accessibility clarity!). It was a great base from where to explore the beauty of Tasmania.
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Alright, here we go. My attempt at a travel itinerary, Kurrajong House Bed & Breakfast, Launceston. Buckle up, buttercups, it's gonna be a bumpy ride.
The Unofficial Kurrajong House Survival Guide (aka, My Itinerary - Because I need one, apparently)
(Day 1: Arrival – The Great Tasmanian Reality Check)
1:00 PM: Landed. Hobart, bless its chilly little heart, felt more like Scandinavia than Australia. The flight from Sydney was… well, it was a flight. Not a particularly memorable one, unless you count the child behind me who practiced the recorder at a decibel level that could crack concrete. Anyway, Launceston. The air smells clean. I mean, actually clean. Like, after a monsoon kind of clean. Immediately, a surge of… hope? This is new.
2:00 PM: Taxi to Kurrajong House. Honestly, the driver looked like he hadn't seen a tourist in a decade. He had one of those sun-weathered faces that tells a thousand stories, and he clearly wasn't about to share any of them. "Kurrajong House," he grunts, in that dry Aussie drawl that just gets you. He pointed vaguely to the general direction of a street I'm pretty sure he'd never heard of, and I somehow managed to understand. Fine with me.
2:30 PM: Arrival at Kurrajong House. Okay, this is… gorgeous. Seriously. Like, picture-perfect postcard gorgeous. The B&B is a Victorian beauty, all gingerbread trim and rambling gardens. I almost choked on my own squeal of delight. The owner, a lovely woman named Brenda with a smile that could melt glaciers, ushered me in. She's got that "you are now family" vibe down pat. I'm already half in love.
3:00 PM: Exploring the room. My room is stunning. High ceilings, antique furniture, and a view of… what is that? A weeping willow? I'm immediately picturing myself reading Jane Austen with a cup of tea (okay, maybe wine). There's even a claw-foot tub. This is going to be the best solo travel trip EVER. I also attempt to unpack. Fail. Pretty sure I packed way too many "just in case" items. I just have to say, if I end up getting murdered here, it’s going to be an elegant one.
4:00 PM: Afternoon tea at the B&B. Brenda’s scones are legendary. I might actually weep with joy. Plus, she’s doling out local gossip like it’s going out of style. Turns out, the house is haunted. A very friendly ghost, apparently, who moves things around from time to time. Honestly, I'm kind of hoping I meet him. I might have to set up a séance.
5:00 PM: Wandering around the gardens. The gardens are just as magical as the house. Blooming flowers, winding paths, and a giant, slightly intimidating, chicken coop. I definitely nearly tripped over a rogue garden gnome. I'll be keeping an eye out for that ghost now.
6:00 PM: Unsuccessful attempt at dinner reservations. Everything’s booked. Clearly, Launceston knows how to keep a secret. Panic sets in. I settle on a pizza place on the main street.
7:30 PM: Pizza. Mediocre pizza. But… I'm here. It's Launceston. My expectations are high. I wander around the town after, and the city is very pretty at night.
9:00 PM: Back to Kurrajong House. Bath time! I soak in the tub with bubbles and a guilty pleasure novel, feeling like I’m living in a movie. The stress of the day melts away. This is what being alone and travelling is all about. Possibly the best bath I've ever had, possibly the best day of my life.
10:30 PM: Bed. Curled up, reading, the faint, almost imperceptible scent of roses drifting in from the garden outside my window. I am completely, utterly, and utterly in love with this place.
(Day 2: Cataract Gorge & The Great Aussie Panic)
8:00 AM: Woken by the sound of birdsongs. Absolutely glorious. Breakfast is served by Brenda. She asks about my dreams. I may or may not have mentioned the ghost.
9:00 AM: Visit Cataract Gorge. The Gorge. It’s stunning, no other word for it. The chairlift is an experience. It's terrifying and fantastic. I swear I caught a glimpse of a wallaby bounding through the bush. So much green. The silence is almost oppressive. In an awesome way.
11:00 AM: Lunch at the Gorge. A very basic picnic lunch, I totally forgot to pack anything. I feel like a failure. This is going to be a theme, isn't it?. I may or may not have spilt half my drink down my front. I blame the wind.
12:00 PM: A walk around the Gorge. I am almost overwhelmed. The beauty. The immensity. So many trees. I'm not exactly what you would call "outdoorsy," more of a "pretend I know what I'm doing" kind of person.
1:00 PM: Panic sets in. I decide to go back to Launceston, to change my clothes, and to regroup.
2:00 PM: Back at Kurrajong House. I am a new woman.
2:30 PM: Wandering the City. I go to a local cafe, drink coffee, and write in a notebook. I feel much calmer.
5:00 PM: Decide to cook for myself for dinner. Brenda is happy to give me access to the kitchen. I get to work on a simple meal. I am going to attempt something… from scratch.
7:00 PM: The meal is finished. The food is delicious. I am a culinary genius, apparently. Brenda comes into the kitchen and we have a chat about local history and the next place I should visit. She is just so lovely.
9:00 PM: Watching TV and a movie, and eating a delicious piece of cake that Brenda baked. Going to bed early.
(Day 3: Departure – Goodbye, Sweet Launceston Sweetness)
8:00 AM: Breakfast. Brenda’s final scones. Honestly, I could live here. I seriously might have to see about moving here.
9:00 AM: Final walk through the gardens. Said goodbye to the chicken (or the chickens, I can never tell the difference). The world feels different.
10:00 AM: Packing. Now I’m packing a professional.
11:00 AM: Taxi to the airport. Another quiet driver.
12:00 PM: Flight back to Sydney. Blah. Blah. Blah.
Observations & Ramblings:
- The Australians: They're a special breed. Warm, friendly, and possess a dry wit that I adore. They also make the best coffee.
- The Food: Delicious (when one's not cooking). The local produce is outstanding. Eat everything.
- The Ghost: He's cool. Wish I’d actually met him. I feel like we could have had some meaningful chats.
- Me: I'm better, I guess? A little less panicked, a little more adventurous. This trip… it was exactly what I needed. I think. Maybe.
Final Verdict:
Kurrajong House and Launceston: Go. Just. Go. Book the trip. Pack your bags. And for the love of all that is holy, try Brenda's scones. You won't regret it. This wasn't just a vacation; it was a necessary dose of sanity. I feel like I could actually… breathe again. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to start planning my return. Cheers to that.
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Escape to Paradise: Kurrajong House B&B - FAQs (Or Rather, My Ramblings...)
Is Kurrajong House really "Paradise"? Seriously, is it?
Okay, the name's a bit... ambitious, right? Paradise? Let's just say it's more like "Escape to a Delightful Getaway." Look, I've stayed in places that *definitely* weren't paradise (cough, that hostel in Prague, cough). Kurrajong House? It's got potential. The garden is gorgeous, proper lush Tasmanian green, and the house itself? Old-school charm. Think, like, the kind of place your eccentric Aunt Mildred *should* have lived. But paradise? Well, I'm skeptical of anything that promises perfection. Life’s too messy for perfection!
I arrived after a truly horrendous drive (roadworks! Never ending roadworks!) and honestly, just wanted a nap. Checked in and immediately, was offered tea and biscuits. That, my friends, is the start of something good. It's not *Eden*, but it's a good start to recharging your batteries.
What's the deal with the location? Is it convenient?
Okay, location. It’s in Launceston, which is a lovely little city. Kurrajong House is kind of on the edge, in a nice-ish, quiet-ish area. You're not smack-bang in the middle of everything, which I *personally* think is a good thing. I'm not a fan of being right in the thick of it. It's a bit of a walk or a short drive to the city centre. Finding a park can be… well, let's just say it’s not the easiest. Plan accordingly. But the peace and quiet? Totally worth it for me. The sound of actual birds waking you up is way better than sirens at 6 am.
I remember once, desperately needing a coffee after a disastrous attempt at bushwalking (turns out I'm not a bushwalker. Who knew?). It was a bit of a trek to find a decent cafe, but honestly, it was a good thing. Made me appreciate that first latte all the more.
The rooms... are they actually nice? Are they clean? Because, let's be honest, that's important.
Okay, cleanliness is non-negotiable. And from my experience, Kurrajong House delivers. Spotless. Like, you could eat off the... well, probably not *off* the floor. But the bed linens? Pristine. The bathroom? Sparkling. I’m a bit of a clean freak, and I was definitely impressed. The rooms themselves… well, they're full of character. Think antique furniture, maybe a slightly creaky floorboard or two. It's not "hotel modern," which, again, is a bonus for me. It's got that lived-in feel that's actually more… comforting.
I remember my first night. Exhausted, wanting nothing more than a sleep. I was so worried that someone would be in the bed, but as I opened the door and collapsed on the bed, it was heavenly. And no one. I was so happy!
What about breakfast? Is it a decent spread? Because I need my coffee and, let's be honest, a bit of bacon.
Breakfast: the make-or-break of any B&B, in my opinion. And Kurrajong House *mostly* delivers. There's usually a decent continental spread – fruit, yoghurt, cereals. And the coffee? Pretty good. The bacon can be a bit... hit or miss, depending on the day, but the eggs are usually cooked to perfection, and they always offer some amazing toast. I’m a toast fiend. I could eat toast all day. They had homemade jam! My god, the jam was magnificent. I might have, ahem, taken a small jar with me (don't tell anyone!). It's not a Michelin-star breakfast, but it's satisfying, and it sets you up for a day of exploring.
One morning, though... disaster. The bacon was practically prehistoric. Tough as old boots. Now, I'm usually not one to complain (mostly), but I asked if there was another bit of something that might soften my heart, and they were lovely about it. They actually apologized! Then, they brought out a new plate of perfectly cooked bacon. I was in heaven.
Is there anything that's, well... not so great? Be honest!
Okay, the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Not everything’s perfect. The walls aren't exactly soundproof. You might hear the occasional creak or the muffled conversation from the other room. And parking… did I mention the parking? I’m not particularly lucky when it comes to parking spots. Finding a space *close* is a challenge, especially if you arrive later in the day. And, okay, the decor *could* be updated, just a *little*. It’s got that "grandma's house" vibe, which is charming, but maybe a bit… dated. (Though, I secretly love a bit of vintage, so its not the worst)
For instance, the television… was small. Like, postage stamp small. Look, I’m not saying I watch a lot of telly on holiday, but if you have a day of rain? Yeah. Smaller than I would have liked. (Also, I was there last time during the football finals. The horror! The horror!)
What’s the vibe? Friendly hosts? Or do they just leave you alone? I need to know.
The hosts? They're lovely. Properly lovely. They're not in your face, but they’re there if you need anything. They're genuinely welcoming, and they're happy to offer advice on where to go and what to see. They're the kind of hosts who genuinely seem to care that you're having a good time. I’m a bit of a shy person, and I'm not a fan of overly effusive hosts, and they were perfect. Friendly, helpful, but not intrusive. They gave me local tips, and then left me alone. Glorious.
I remember getting completely lost trying to find a restaurant. I had to call them (mortifying!) and they were so helpful. Not only directed me, but also suggested a better place to eat! (And they were right. The original place was terrible.) Saved me from a culinary catastrophe.
Would you go back? The big question.
Honestly? Yes. Absolutely yes. Imperfections and all. It's not a five-star hotel experience. It's better. It's comfortable, it's charming, and it's relaxing. And the jam… I’m still dreaming about the jam. Blog Hotel Search Site
