Wilderness residencies

These unique residencies are based at some of the most iconic destinations in Tasmania. Offering typically rustic accommodation, each location has been handpicked for its outstanding natural qualities. These residencies are made possible through a partnership with Tasmania's Parks and Wildlife Service. The applications are assessed by the Assistance to Individuals Panel and the Tasmania's Parks and Wildlife Service management is consulted. Emerging artists are encouraged to apply, wilderness residencies are only available from April to September unless otherwise stated.

A residency may be made for a minimum of four weeks ($2 500 max) to a maximum of eight weeks ($5 000 max).

Wilderness Residency Locations

Cockle Creek
Surrounded by rugged landscape and serene white sandy beaches, Cockle Creek is located 90 km south of Geeveston at the end of the most southerly road in Australia. This very quiet corner of Tasmania is the beginning of the wild and inspiring World Heritage Southwest National Park and is steeped in history. Accommodation consists of a two bedroom ranger's shack overlooking the bay and river. It is twenty-five kilometres from nearest shop. Limited mobile phone coverage.
Accommodation fee: $175 per week.

Cradle Mountain
Cottage
Mt Kate Hut
Offering two accommodation options, this very popular location is based amongst rainforests, glaciated landscapes and a large variety of wildlife. Cradle Mountain forms the northern end of the wild Cradle Mt - Lake St Clair National Park, itself a part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The jagged contours of Cradle Mountain epitomise the feel of a wild landscape, while ancient rainforest and alpine heaths provide a range of environments to explore. Accommodation is situated by the creek at the base of the majestic mountain itself.
Accommodation fee: $140 per week

Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs
Featuring the spectacular, Precambrian Dolomite rock back drop to the Hastings Karst area, Hastings Caves are believed to be one of the largest dolomite show caves in the southern hemisphere (stalagmites, stalactites, columns, shawls, drapes, cave pearls, helictites, flowstone). The site features an abundance of warm thermal springs. Settled under the majestic Adamson's Peak, the area is surrounded by state forest, borders on Southwest National Park / World Heritage Area, and is well known as a place to observe Platypus. Computer access is available at the nearby visitor centre. Accommodation fee: $130 per week

Lake St Clair
Located at the isolated, southern end of the world famous Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, this incredible area is famous for its rugged mountain peaks, icy lakes, wild forests and alpine moorlands. Carved out by ice during several glaciations over the last two million years, this is the deepest lake in Australia. A rustic two bedroom cottage 300m from lake and close to walking tracks is available.
Limited mobile phone coverage.
Accommodation fee: $140 per week.

Maria Island
Located off Tasmania's East Coast, Maria Island is noted for its spectacular cliffs, as well as the remains of a township and penal station. The wildlife is often tame and there are no cars on the island. Accommodation is in a small, rustic cottage nestled behind sand dunes near the old penitentiary at Darlington.
Accommodation fee: $140 per week + ferry costs

Maatsuyker Island
Lying 12 kilometres off the southwest coast of Tasmania, Maatsuyker is part of the Southwest National Park and Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. It is significant as a breeding ground for seals and seabirds as well as one of Tasmania's best preserved lighthouse stations. Dramatic, rugged and isolated, access is by helicopter only and special conditions apply to this residency. Accommodation is in the ex-light keepers house.
Accommodation fee: $140 per week + helicopter (Approx $5 000 inclusive of accommodation)

Mole Creek Caves
Located in the Mole Creek Karst National Park and featuring Marakoopa and King Solomon's Caves, this site offers excellent displays of flowstone, stalactites, straw stalactites, stalagmites, columns, shawls, and calcite crystals within two of Tasmania's most celebrated caves. Accommodation is located near the entrance of the caves.
Accommodation fee: $140 per week

Narawntapu
Stretching from low coastal ranges to long Bass Strait beaches, Narawntapu includes a historic farm, a complex of inlets, small islands, headlands, wetlands, dunes and lagoons and an amazing variety of plants and animals. Among the features of the park are the easily observed animals that come out in the evening to graze on the grasslands. Accommodation consists of the old ranger's quarters located a short walk from the beach and ranger's station.
Accommodation fee: $140 per week

Rocky Cape
Located close to the water's edge at the small township of Rocky Cape with views across to the village of Stanley and the volcanic plug known as The Nut. This simple two bedroom shack is close to stunning rock formations, beautiful hills and an incredible variety of flowering plants as well as a dramatic cave in the nearby cliffs. Five kilometres from nearest shop.
Accommodation fee: $140 per week