Tanonga Luxury Eco Lodges
Imagine a region the size of Tasmania, one that stretches from Whyalla to the Nullarbor, from the Gawler Ranges to Port Lincoln - with nearly 2000kms of unspoilt coastline, it is home to sheltered bays, surfing beaches, fabulous sailing and fishing. Imagine exploring from the limestone cliffs to the national parks, watching whales and dolphins and enjoying the birdlife that abounds… well don’t imagine it – visit the Eyre Peninsula and see it all.
Another treasure tucked away into this magical region is Tanonga Luxury Eco Lodges. Its aboriginal name means ‘sweet water’ and refers to the permanent springs and billabong on the creek, which runs through the historic 200-hectare property. This is purpose-built luxury accommodation, designed to make the most of all the southern Eyre Peninsula has to offer.
There are two architect-designed luxury eco lodges, one nestles into the bushland of the valley and the other has commanding views across the property to the sea. Whichever one you choose to stay in, you are in for a treat and you can enjoy the wild beauty of nature, knowing that the lodges were conceived using the principles of environmentally sensitive, sustainable design and solar power.
The interiors feature limestone walls, north-facing windows, a Japanese-style bath, wood fire, an entertainment system with mp3 connectivity, fully equipped kitchen and more. The king-size beds are luxurious and although these lodges have only one bedroom, they have an amazing sense of space and can sleep extras on the quality double sofa bed and single rollout bed.
You are surrounded by nature, whether it is the panorama from the lodge on the ridge with its spectacular views, or the valley lodge, with its feel of being settled into the park-like bush. The vast expanses of the windows are open to all that nature offers, yet you still have a sense of total privacy.
Your comfort is assured, with ceiling fans, air-conditioning, dishwasher, washing machine, espresso machine… all you need to enjoy a wonderful holiday, all the while being surrounded by the beauty of this property. The owners have planted over 25,000 native trees, shrubs, under-storey grasses and sedges to revitalise the bush and recreate the woodland that existed here. There is abundant wildlife in the area, and it is home to over 100 recorded bird species.
There is so much to see and do and the owners are happy to assist with your enjoyment of the many activities of the region, such as fishing, swimming with dolphins and sea lions in local waters and further up the coast at Bairds Bay, golf, visiting the Gawler Ranges and wineries. The delights of the peninsula could keep you busy for many days, but the hardest thing will be to leave the wild beauty and serenity of the lodges… it is very tempting to stay in with some local seafood and gourmet provisions, a bottle of local wine and answer the siren lure of the Japanese-style bath – after all, there are views from everywhere in Tanonga!
About the Author
Lisa Monk is a marketing communications writer with a diverse background that includes experience in travel, hotel, finance, public relations and advertising. She has worked with Club Med, the Holiday Inn group and on a number of other travel projects on a freelance basis. Lisa has travelled throughout Asia Pacific, North America and England.
Lisa now works with TakeABreak.com.au as editor of the Holiday Inspirations newsletter and other publications. She lives in Sydney with her husband Andy, and sons Joseph and Nicholas.
Lisa is a professional editor for Holiday Inspirations.