Black magic

Upper Scamander, Tasmania 2 guests, 1 bed, 1 bathroom Host: Jenna

Tamania’s landscapes have a sense of drama, whether it’s the rugged, weather-beaten cliffs or towering peaks that plunge into deep lakes that change shades like a mood ring.

At CNTNR (pronounced “container”)

– a 40-foot shipping-container-turned-cabin snuggled among gums in the north-east coast town of Upper Scamander, about two hours east of Launceston – the moodiness deepens. Midnight-black is a feature at this secluded Airbnb stay – it sheathes the walls inside and out – and is heightened by splashes of vibrant crimson.

“The interiors are definitely an eclectic mix of colour and texture,” says Dion Agius, a former pro-surfer who now owns and co-Hosts the property on Airbnb with his sister, Jenna. “The red that’s used throughout was a colour we matched from a beautiful red found in the gum leaves that fall all around the container. It carries through to the red carpet that wraps the custom-made bed frame – a super-unique piece that references ’70s conversation pits.”

CNTNR’s appeal is in its “me-time” touches: the raised bed in a window-wrapped corner; the sunken patio bathtub with complimentary magnesium salts; the outdoor firepit and the riverside deck with seats for two.

The rugged bushland location adds to this feeling of quiet relaxation though it’s only about five minutes to town and the coast. It’s a spot Dion and Jenna – who grew up in the area – know well and are passionate about sharing. “Dion moved back to Scamander about five years ago and bought this property on the river,” says Jenna. “I started running CNTNR for him and it’s been so great.”

Her favourite thing to do each morning? “Go down and sit by the river and have a coffee. It’s insanely beautiful. Every guest that has stayed at CNTNR has said it’s even better in real life. There’s a feeling that you can’t capture in pictures.”

Eat and drink

“Swims East Coast Coffee is a local spot in Scamander, about eight minutes drive from CNTNR, right near the river mouth,” says Jenna. “The Surfside is a little place down in Beaumaris. It’s a cool pub and does great burgers. Lease 65 in St Helens, about 30 minutes north, is a farm that sells oysters straight out of the basin. Grab some, take them back to the Airbnb and enjoy them on the deck – heaven!”

Things to do

“We have a kayak and paddleboard at the house so guests can spend time on the river and soak up the beauty of the area without venturing too far from home. There are some great surf spots around here, too – from Scamander to Bicheno is called the ‘Surf Coast’ because of its reliable breaks. Even if you’re not a surfer you should still take a drive down to Bicheno. Get a lobster roll at the Lobster Shack or pop into The Gulch for fish and chips.”

Stay a little longer

“We always go to the Bay of Fires – there are so many beautiful walks there and it’s a popular destination on the north-east coast of Tassie, about an hour up the coast. You definitely want to go to Derby, too. That’s about an hour-anda-half away and a wonderful little daytrip. Hire some mountain bikes, ride around the lake and visit the Floating Sauna – it’s a small black shack on Lake Derby with a woodfired sauna inside. It’s pretty special.

“There’s so much to do around here but I really love it when guests are able to relax and completely switch off. When you stay a bit longer and slow down, you can do that, which is awesome.”