The Woodbridge Waterfront Rooms
Understated Georgian heritage meets modern minimalist. 200-year-old blackwood floors, handmade bricks, Huon pine vanities, and original multi-pane windows — but the furniture is clean-lined Italian and the rooms are deliberately uncluttered. Peaceful, private, and completely unpretentious.
Book direct via the official website — you get better rates, guaranteed free parking, kitchenette access, and possible upgrade
Why It Matters
One of Australia's oldest continuously operating heritage properties repurposed as accommodation. Won both the Tasmanian and Australian Housing Industry Association Restoration of the Year awards (2005–2006). Turned 200 years old in 2025. Every single room is inside the original heritage-listed mansion — no barn conversions, no annexes.
A Heritage-listed Georgian mansion built by convicts in 1825, saved from demolition in 2004 and restored by Laurelle and John Grimley into a small private guesthouse on the banks of the Derwent River. It once held five-star status as Tasmania's only member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (2007–2018), but has since pivoted to a relaxed rooms-only model with a shared guest kitchenette — trading room service for independence and space. Guests regularly describe it as 'less a hotel, more like being given the keys to a friend's country mansion.' Just 25 minutes from Hobart.
Where You'll Stay
11 room types available
Academy King – King Room
Entrance level room in the main historic house. River views even from bed, according to the owners. Sleeps 2. Clean-lined Georgian simplicity.
King · 36 sqmAcademy Twin – Twin Room
Twin bed version of the Academy room on the entrance level of the main house. Same views and Heritage character as the King configuration.
Twin · 36 sqm
Alloway Banks – King Spa Suite
Lower ground floor suite with stone-walled corridor, accessed via 15 stairs. Opens onto the garden terrace (Wisteria Terrace). Has a sitting room and shower over spa bath. Private dining table in room, plus use of communal dining room and guest kitchenette.
King · 44 sqmArches King – King Room
Lower ground floor room with distinctive stone walls and unique architectural arches that are a feature of the room. Opens directly onto the garden terrace. Large walk-in shower. Access via 15 stairs.
King · 40 sqmArches Twin – Twin Room
Twin bed configuration of the Arches room, on the lower ground floor in the tower section of the main historic house. Same terrace access as the Arches King. Good option for friends travelling together.
Twin · 40 sqm
Capt Roadknight – Easy Access Queen Room
The accessible room, easily reached from the main entrance via hallway. Entrance level with high ceilings, easy access shower. Designed for guests with mobility needs. River views.
Queen · 36 sqm
Cottage – Queen Junior Suite
The only room not in the main mansion itself — in a historic cottage physically adjoined to the main house. At 46 sqm it's one of the more spacious options, and uniquely it can sleep up to 3 guests. Entrance level.
Queen · 46 sqm
Lindley – Queen Room with Terrace
The most compact room at 30 sqm, but compensates with direct terrace access. Lower ground level with the Wisteria Terrace immediately outside. Good for guests who prioritise outdoor space over room size.
Queen · 30 sqm
Sarah Schaw – Queen Room in Tower
Private enclave on the upper floor of the tower, accessed via 15 stairs. Elevated position gives particularly good river views. Shower over bath. Has a private dining table in addition to use of the communal kitchenette and dining room.
Queen · 36 sqmSharland – Premier Queen Room
Entrance level premier queen room in the main house. Named after William Sharland, the original owner who commissioned the first bridge over the Derwent and renamed the property 'Woodbridge'. 40 sqm with river views.
Queen · 40 sqmThree Bridges – Signature King Spa Suite
The most private room in the house — no rooms above, below or beside it. A hexagonal bedroom with high ceilings and tall windows opens into a two-room living area comprising a lounge and a louvered sunroom. The sunroom steps down to the almond tree terrace with river views. Named after the bridgehead remains visible from the windows, including remnants of the first 1834 bridge ever built across the Derwent. Bathroom has a shower over a corner whirlpool bath sized for two, with Huon pine vanity.
King · 68 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Groups can book the entire property for exclusive use — all 8–9 rooms, plus the Reading Room, Ballroom, Salon, and Kitchenette. Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) can be arranged. Ideal for weddings, corporate retreats, and milestone gatherings of up to 16 guests.
River kayaking and rafting on the Derwent, available via nearby operators. The Woodbridge is positioned right on the river. Tassie Bound Adventure Tours offers guided kayak experiences from the area.
Paddleboarding on the Derwent River, available on-site.
Morning walks through The Woodbridge's riverside gardens and along the Derwent River esplanade. The property provides walking maps. The esplanade is lined with riverside exercise stations and is particularly beautiful in autumn.
Seaplane and helicopter experiences can be arranged from the property's foreshore. Options include scenic flights over the Derwent Valley, Maria Island sunrise flights, and transfers to remote wilderness areas or distilleries. Departure from the riverfront.
Self-drive or chauffeured tours of the Derwent Valley's vineyards (Stefano Lubiana, Meadow Bank, Derwent Estate) and artisan distilleries producing whisky, gin, vodka, rum, and cider. The Woodbridge team can help design itineraries.
Echidnas live in the garden grounds. Platypus and trout inhabit the river. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is a 20-minute drive. The surrounding Derwent Valley is rich with native Tasmanian wildlife.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
One dedicated accessible room (Capt Roadknight) with easy access shower, entrance level with no steps, accessible from main entrance via hallway. Common areas also wheelchair accessible.
Elegant communal reading room in the main house available to guests. Part of the shared mansion spaces.
The historic ballroom, available to guests as a communal space and for exclusive use events.
Complimentary wireless internet throughout the property, speed 25+ Mbps.
Self-serve laundry and laundry service available on-site.
Guests' phones are linked to The Woodbridge's mobile concierge service — staff accessible without being intrusive. Check-in hours 3:00 PM–6:00 PM; contact ahead for late arrivals.
Bathroom vanities crafted from ancient Huon pine sourced during the 2004 restoration — a uniquely Tasmanian heritage detail.
All rooms have reverse-cycle air conditioning and ceiling fans. Double-glazed windows.
All rooms include an in-room bar fridge and tea/coffee making equipment.
Smart TVs in all rooms with premium digital/satellite channels.
Outdoor tables and seating under almond trees in the riverside gardens. A guest favourite in warmer months. The Wisteria Terrace is accessible from lower ground floor rooms.
Fully equipped self-catering kitchen in the main house, available 24/7. Fridge, freezer, microwave, airfryer, sandwich press, egg cooker, toaster, kettle, glassware, crockery, cutlery.
Secure bike storage available on-site.
Guaranteed free on-site parking for guests who book direct. Available for all guests.
BUILD YOUR THE WOODBRIDGE WATERFRONT ROOMS PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning