Initially known as Bernacchi Lodge, the building was constructed on Hydro land at Lake Augusta in 1980 to train and prepare Antarctic staff for their expeditions. The building’s initial name was after Louis Bernacchi a Tasmanian, who in 1899 was a member of the first party to spend a year in Antarctica.
Sadly, from 1999 onwards, this former Antarctic Training Facility in the Central Highlands, fell progressively into a state of disrepair.
In 2016 racing car legend Marcus Ambrose purchased the property and commenced renovations. Thousand Lakes Lodge is now luxurious relaxing and welcoming. Totally off the grid, power on site is renewable solar, supplemented by a backup generator. The fireplace is gorgeous!
We opted for a Lodge room with an ensuite located upstairs but the Lodge also has rooms that provide shared bathroom options as well and is in the process of completing an accessible needs room on the ground floor, the accessible bathroom though is located further down the hallway.
There are 2 large lounge areas. The Den is great especially at Twilight, pour a beverage from the bar and grab a front row seat of the wildlife. Over our few days stay we saw Tasmanian Devils, Wallabies & their Joey’s, Ravens & a Wombat on an afternoon walk. We did not see any Quolls but other guests we spoke with showed us their photos of these gorgeous creatures right outside the Lodge door, super cute!
A well-stocked bar of local beers, wines & spirits by way of an honesty system to mark down your beverages on your allocated room sheet and pay at the end of your stay. Dinner is communal tables offering you the chance to meet other guests. Complimentary tea, hot chocolate & coffee at your disposal in the bar area. The drinking water just great. It’s a walking/trampers paradise.
The Lodge is the highest altitude accommodation in one of the coldest regions of Tasmania, sitting approximately 1154 meters above sea level. Central Plateau Conservation Area is also known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes” Yingina. The Lodge is full of self-guided walks, the plateau is classified as a “free walking zone” meaning no board walks, tracks as such but see the staff at the Lodge and they’ll point you in right direction depending on your needs.
Please remember when walking/tramping in the great outdoors of Australia to be mindful of the many animals & reptiles that reside in these areas.
https://www.thousandlakeslodge.com.au
https://www.discovertasmania.com.au/
