Property

Perched on the edge of Macquarie Harbour, Risby Cove is a sanctuary where Tasmania’s wild West Coast meets understated luxury. Every detail is designed to connect you with this extraordinary landscape—from sweeping water and forest views to intimate spaces that invite rest, reflection, and discovery. Here, the rhythm of the tides and the whisper of the wind set the pace, and each moment unfolds naturally, effortlessly, and memorably.

Our Story

On my first visit to Risby Cove, I arrived as a guest—a stressed, exhausted executive carrying too many demands. One morning, I rose early, made tea, and sat on the deck of what is now a Cove Pavilion. As the sun rose over Macquarie Harbour, I breathed the pure air, listened to waves and birdsong, and felt a profound calm wash over me. For the first time in a long while, I felt deeply connected—to the harbour, the history, and the land itself.

When I learned the property was for sale, I knew I was meant to be its custodian. Together with my sons, I began reimagining Risby Cove; not just as a luxury boutique retreat, but as a place of wellness, tranquillity, and connection. A place that celebrates Tasmania: its food and wine, art and design, and the heritage of the Risby Bros. sawmill.

I look forward to welcoming you to the Risby Cove of today—restored, reimagined, and ready to be experienced.

—Jacinta

Allure Tasmania

Risby Cove is the first of Allure Tasmania’s luxury lodges, offering unforgettable retreats on the edge of Tasmania’s most iconic wilderness.

As proud locals, we’re excited to share the very best sights, tastes, and experiences the region has to offer. For us, this means not only creating moments you’ll want to relive, but also supporting the sustainable growth and preservation of Tasmania’s environment and community.

A Brief History of Risby Cove

Long before the suites were designed or the restaurant poured its first glass of wine, this cove held a different kind of life. This was once the site of the Risby Bros sawmill; a vital part of Strahan’s maritime and logging history. For decades, it stood as a symbol of industry and resilience on Tasmania’s remote West Coast. Today, while the saws have long since quieted, the stories remain.

Where it all began

Artwork from 1889 of the Risby sawmilling branch.

Risby Cove takes its name from Charles Wallace Risby, the younger son of the distinguished Risby timber merchant family. In 1889, Charles established a sawmilling branch along the sheltered northern side of Long Bay — today known as Risby Cove — at the head of Macquarie Harbour, the West Coast’s only protected deepwater port. During Tasmania’s mining boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this harbour became a vital gateway for the transport of goods and people into the region's rugged interior.

As Strahan grew into one of Tasmania’s busiest ports, the Risby Bros helped shape its development, supplying prized Huon pine for the extension of the Strahan Wharf. When the wharf was rebuilt in 2001, several original timber cross-heads, remarkably preserved after more than a century of exposure to saltwater, were salvaged. They now feature in the bespoke benchtops of Risby Cove’s restaurant, a lasting tribute to the strength and beauty of Tasmania’s legendary Huon pine.

The Legacy of Risby Bros

Strahan Wharf in 1890 built from timber supplied by the Risby Bros Sawmill.

The land on which Risby Cove now stands carries the rich imprint of its industrious past. Over the decades, the site hosted sawmillers, boatbuilders, and craftsmen, each leaving their mark on the waterfront. Remnants of this history are still visible today, including the weathered boilers at the creek’s edge; once used to power the original Risby sawmill, and relics of the tools that once helped haul logs from deep within the forests.

Through years of prosperity and challenge, including shipwrecks, fires, and the eventual downturn of the mining era, the spirit of resilience remained. In the late 1990s, the area was transformed, blending the lands’ rich heritage into a boutique hotel. Today, Risby Cove offers guests the rare experience of staying at the water’s edge, surrounded by the enduring stories of Tasmania’s pioneering past — and the timeless beauty of its natural landscape.

A New Chapter Begins

Following a rich history as the site of the Risby Bros. sawmill, Risby Cove enters a new chapter as a refined boutique hotel on Tasmania’s rugged West Coast. The reimagining of the property has been guided by a philosophy of quiet evolution: honouring the Cove’s storied past while elevating the guest experience through considered design, craftsmanship and connection to place.

What’s New

Risby Cove’s transformation introduces a range of thoughtful enhancements designed to elevate the guest experience while preserving the property’s unique heritage. In addition to the redesigned accommodations, new wellness amenities have been integrated, offering guests the opportunity to unwind in private cedar hot tubs overlooking Macquarie Harbour or the adjacent rainforest.

The property’s architecture has also been refined to enhance the connection between interior and exterior, with floor-to-ceiling double glazed windows and open, light-filled spaces that invite the natural beauty inside.

Values & Stewardship

At Risby Cove, we honour the true spirit of Tasmania from its wild coastlines and ancient forests to its enduring creativity. Every detail, from the timber that shapes our spaces to the flavours that define our table, reflects a deep respect for place and the people who call it home. We showcase the island’s finest produce, artisans and designers while creating experiences that invite restoration and renewal in nature.

Here, luxury is defined not by excess, but by meaning. By time well spent, beauty well-crafted and stories well told. Risby Cove is a place to regenerate; to connect with self, with nature and the essence of Tasmania itself.

Sustainability & Community

Sustainability and supporting a thriving community are at the heart of how we operate at Risby Cove. Our eco-practices, partnerships with local producers, artists, and community initiatives reflect this.

We have busily planted more than 1,200 natives that are sympathetic to the area, and we grow our own delicious herbs and edible flowers onsite. From composting to double glazing and eco-decking, to our bio ethanol fires flickering away, you can be assured we try to tread lightly on the landscape and work closely with our Tasmanian people.

Art & Design

Risby Cove is more than a place to stay—it’s a living gallery showcasing original works by Tasmanian artists, each chosen for its authenticity and connection to the West Coast. This considered collection reflects the island’s creative spirit and rugged beauty, with pieces by acclaimed artists like Raymond Arnold, whose work is displayed globally, including at the Imperial War Museum and Australian National Gallery.

The collection also includes works by Di Allison, Joshua Andrea, Helen Demazuk, Katina Gavalas, Andrea Jordan, Di Masters, Jonathan Partridge, and Mandy Reynard, each offering a distinctive voice.

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Stay

Each of our twelve bespoke suites are designed for comfort, rest, and a deep connection to the landscape—whether perched at the harbour’s edge or nestled by lush rainforest. Experience Tasmania’s West Coast in unmatched luxury.

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Dine

Our award-winning restaurant showcases the best of Tasmania’s rich foodie culture with fresh Tasmanian seafood and local produce, complemented by an extensive selection of Tasmanian wines, gins and spirits. Open nightly from 5:30pm.

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Packages and Offers

Retreat to the tranquillity of our luxurious, newly renovated suites and enjoy up to 30% off this winter with our exclusive packages. Indulge in gourmet dining, explore the rugged beauty of Tasmania’s West Coast, or simply unwind in comfort.

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