Wheelhouse Luxury Apartments, Strahan

As you approach these two stunning air-conditioned contemporary apartments through the backstreets of this charming fishing hamlet, you might see a sign for West Coast crayfish - buy some - as once you arrive, you simply won’t want to leave! Strahan nestles on the banks of Macquarie Harbour (the second largest harbour in the southern hemisphere) on Tasmania's rugged West Coast - and The Wheelhouse Apartments enjoy a spectacular clifftop position overlooking the fishing boats, yachts and Gordon River ferries on the harbour below. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows appear to almost hang over the cliff-edge - and the living areas are cantilevered towards the water on elevated steel girders!

The apartments are the result of a true labour of love for owners Richard and Amanda Dyson who have built and designed these stylish ‘beached fishing trawlers’ over the past 3 years. Their vision was to create ‘a sense of standing in the wheelhouse of a huge ship’, hovering high above the harbour. The maritime feel is subtly accentuated by the polished timber floors, the uncluttered space and porthole-style windows in the main door. Upstairs, the bedroom has a corner spa bath which takes full advantage of the magnificent views - and there is also a separate ensuite. Downstairs, the kitchen opens on to an expansive sundeck. Strahan sits on the edge of the pristine Franklin - Gordon Wild Rivers National Park - and a ‘must’ is a cruise on the Gordon River aboard the Lady Jane Franklin. Cruises depart at 8.30am and return at 2pm. You should also take a ride on the restored West Coast Wilderness Railway - a fascinating 35 kilometre journey through one of the world's last pristine wilderness areas.

PRICES Prices from £45 per person per night based on 2 people sharing including continental breakfast daily. Flights to Australia vary in price considerably depending on date of departure though there are always good deals on quality airlines. Fares on Qantas/British Airways, for example can start from as little as £699 including taxes and fuel surcharges. From April 2008, Qantas will be introducing its all-new Premium Economy cabin. With dedicated check in, 40" seat pitch, extra width and enhanced meal service, all this extra luxury comes at a suprisingly low upgrade cost. Please ask your sales consultant for more details.