Private, except for the abundant animal life. It is possible to have a lot of contact with the local pademelons and possums if that is what you are hoping for (that is what we were hoping for). Wombats are also frequently in the area. We liked the cottage very much.

The cottage itself is cosy and appealing, and looks much better in person than in photos on the internet. It is also very clean, and each cottage is equipped with a large supply of wood for the wood stove. Full cooking facilities.

We stayed in the appropriately named Pademelon cottage. The cottages all have individual names and different designs, and cater to a range of different budgets.

In spite of the wood stove, I found it cold sleeping in a bunk bed. There was an electric blanket on the large bed, but not on either of the bunks, and since I was sleeping in a bunk, I was cold on two of the nights when the temperatures dipped below 0 C. It was also a bit difficult to psych myself up for a shower, but once I did, the water was hot, and there was good water pressure. However, I noticed that no one else in the guest book seemed to be complaining about the cold, so I wondered if maybe I am just somewhat wimpish. :>

In the reception cottage, there are many bottles of Tasmanian wines, which it is possible to purchase.

During the day, it is not a far walk to the internet cafe/tourist centre, and at night it is possible to walk to either Cradle Mountain Chateau for dinner and drinks, or to Cradle Mountain Lodge tavern (we also had a light lunch at the latter one day).

Highlanders Cottages are a good base from which to explore Tasmania, and there is a wide variety of activities to take advantage of if you are so inclined.