About this property
Elevated above the river. Open views to the bay.
Shepherd’s Cottage sits just above the rivulet, looking down to the water and across farmland to Great Oyster Bay. Original stone is paired with light-filled, open interiors in this early 1800s rubble-stone cottage.
Wander the estate’s private beaches along a 4km expanse of unspoiled coastline, kayak or swim the river below, or settle in by the fire with a book and a glass of Lisdillon Pinot.
25 mins to Maria Island ferry, ~1 hour to Freycinet.
The space
Shepherd’s Cottage is a two-storey, rubble stone cottage built by convict hands in the early to mid-1800s.
Set above the rivulet, the cottage looks down to the water and out across farmland to Great Oyster Bay. The view carries — river below, bay beyond.
Inside, the living space runs long and open. A generous kitchen sits at one end, with a dining area leading through to the main living room, centred around the wood fire. Large timber windows connect to the landscape, offering a place to sit and watch the birdlife move along the river.
The interiors are simple and layered — vintage furniture, Tasmanian artwork, and shelves of books and games for time spent inside.
Upstairs, the bedroom is expansive, with king bed beneath a vaulted ceiling. Original windows look out across the estate, river and bay.
The bathroom is light-filled, with a walk-in shower and timber vanity.
Outside, the garden is edged with established trees, with views down toward the river. A barbecue sits nearby for cooking outdoors.
From the gate, a track leads down to the rivulet and out toward the coastline. Lisdillon’s private, unspoiled beaches sit just beyond.
Shepherd’s Cottage is set up for two, with generous space to spread out and settle in.
Lisdillon Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc are available to order, with bottles delivered to the cottage during your stay.
Shepherd's Cottage is one of several stays across Lisdillon Estate. Multiple cottages can be booked together for those travelling as a group, while still retaining a sense of space and privacy.
Guest access
Guests have access to Lisdillon Estate — a historic landscape of vineyards and farmland, stretching along the wide expanse of Puthimiluna, Great Oyster Bay.
From the cottage, follow tracks to the rivulet and out to the shoreline, where three beaches sit along the bay. Two are privately owned by the estate, extending to the low water mark, while the southernmost — Saltworks Beach — is public, but largely undisturbed.
The lagoon at the river mouth has gentle waters suited to families, with black swans and pelicans often moving across the water. The beaches offer clear water for swimming, with good snorkelling around Mitchell’s Reef. Just beyond, the old jetty posts stand along the shore, weathered remnants of the estate’s past.
For surfers, Lisdillon offers a fun reef break when conditions align, with left and right waves and the chance of an uncrowded surf out front.
The river offers calm water for swimming, kayaking and fishing, with a few rods available to use. You may find bream, trevally, Australian salmon, brown trout or eels, among others.
The surrounding landscape opens to longer walks across farmland and coastline. A short walk upstream leads to a deeper swimming spot known as the Black Pool.
Kayaks are available on the river, and bikes can be borrowed to explore the property.
This is a place to move slowly through, or simply settle into.
Other things to note
Lisdillon is a historic coastal property, and part of its character comes with a few practical considerations:
– The cottage is two-storey, with internal stairs
– Grounds are natural (grass, gravel and stone) and may be uneven
– Water is filtered river or tank water, safe to drink
– Wi-Fi is available in the cottage; mobile reception varies
– Wildlife is common, particularly at dusk
– The property operates as a working farm
– The nearest towns (Swansea and Triabunna) are around 20–30 minutes away, so we recommend picking up groceries before arriving
– There is no washing machine at the cottage; a laundromat is available in Swansea
Please move gently through the landscape and follow signage across the property. We ask guests to respect the land and help us care for it during their stay.
Date modifications are not accepted within 5 days of arrival.
Lisdillon Estate lends itself to small gatherings, celebrations and weddings. If you’re considering something like this, please get in touch prior to booking — we can assist with options. Additional arrangements and fees may apply, and events are subject to prior approval.
