By Rama Gaind.
Staying at the Peppers Silo Hotel brings with it a new perspective over Launceston, with extensive views across the beautiful Tamar River and in close proximity to Cataract Gorge. Kings Wharf grain silos are now exceedingly luxurious! Photo: Rama Gaind
“So much of our future lies in preserving our past” is a true saying when it comes to preserving history and making it available to everyone. Olden times have been revitalised – and certainly taken on a luxury persona – on the banks of Tasmania’s idyllic Tamar River in Launceston.
Occupying prime land on the King Street Wharf, overlooking the conjunction of the North Esk and Tamar Rivers, an architectural triumph has taken shape – from unused four grain silos – to become the Peppers Silo Hotel. Transformation of this part of the riverfront is truly amazing!
With work underway on recreational facilities in the adjacent Riverbend Park, it also complements the Launceston Seaport precinct where I’ve stayed during numerous past visits. Even the new pedestrian bridge, linking the Seaport boardwalk with Riverbend Park, is not only a striking addition to the area, but it’s also a delight to daily see hundreds of people taking advantage of the bridge to access dining facilities, and walking and cycling paths along river edges.
What’s truly amazing is the site was where the Kings Wharf grain silos were originally erected in 1960. They were left un-utilised for decades, that is, until last year when after careful construction breathed new life into the structure, transforming the silo barrels into a state-of-the-art contemporary new hotel.
Steve Tan is the Rooms Division Manager at Peppers Silo, Launceston. Photo: Rama Gaind
The heritage building is an iconic landmark converted into a sophisticated nine-storey hotel providing a novel place to stay.
Overlooking nearby Seaport, Royal Park, the Tamar River Basin, Cataract Gorge and Riverbend Park, in-house guests are centrally placed to walk to the city centre, with public transport a mere five-minute stroll across the footbridge. As Australia’s third oldest city (after Sydney and Hobart), there’s a lot of land that’s soaked in history.
Walk through the picturesque City Park and you’ll see a wealth of attractions. In the city, we admired the historical architecture including the Clock Tower (above the post office), Customs House, Albert Hall and Chalmers Church.
Staying at the Peppers Silo is exhilerating, where friendly, smiling staff and in-house experiences define the hotel experience, which begins when you walk up to the reception desk.
Welcome experience
On check-in, the freshly baked chocolate cookies and just squeezed juice are refreshing, but it’s your first meeting with the hotel’s official canine mascot named Archie that makes an endearing impact.
Todd Nankervis is sous chef at Peppers Silo. Photo: Rama Gaind
The four-year-old black Labrador has been fully trained by Guide Dogs Tasmania. Eyes glimmering and tail wagging, Archie is mild-mannered, loveable and makes an excellent ambassador playing a pivotal role in welcoming guests, who can even take him for a walk!
The hotel
The Mantra Group has redeveloped the site and made it come ‘alive’ because it’s full of character and re-created a lot of its olde world charm, enhanced by featuring 108 guest rooms. The 52 rooms inside the barrels of the 35-metre-high former silos is an aspect that makes this hotel unique. The remaining rooms are located in the hotel’s northern tower.
Rooms Division Manager Steve Tan personally showed me to the seventh floor and inside a Gorge River deluxe room in the south tower, one of the original grain silos. This is where you see the semi-circular original large rustic slabs of concrete tastefully blend into the contemporary design of the building. Stringybark and ironbark recycled from old woolsheds that once stood nearby have been used to create furniture and woodwork around the hotel. Interior design is smart; a classy and stylish colour scheme that enhances the cosiness of the grey cement of the original silos.
A fitting end to the day with dinner … potato gnocchi and Sharmans Chardonnay at Grain of the Silos Restaurant at Peppers Silo, Launceston. Bellissimo! Photo: Rama Gaind
The steel artwork in the rooms (depicting old photos of the silos and the hotel’s new plans) is cut from the structure’s original steel features.
The Peppers Silo precinct also includes a day spa, hairdresser, gym, restaurant, private dining rooms, a meeting and events venue, bar and café.
The restaurant
Dine on the best of local produce at the Grain of the Silos Restaurant. It delivers on its promise of ‘paddock to plate’. Here you’ll find world-class produce from local farmers, including beef and lamb farmed just up the road, combined with the freshest seafood sourced from the coastal waters.
The menu sees a dynamic rework of the humblest ingredients, in a way that’s tasty and wholesome. Sous chef, Todd Nankervis, said the food focus was on local Tasmanian produce and supporting local farmers and producers. The best ingredients are sourced for the restaurant and a carefully curated wine list features award-winning wines from regions across Tasmania and afar. While wagyu beef has a superior eating quality, the potato gnocchi with roasted cherry tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, basil oil and toasted sourdough crumbs is a taste sensation!
Comfortable accommodation in one of the original grain silos: a Gorge River deluxe room in the south tower on the seventh floor of Peppers Silo Hotel Launceston.
Even the coffee is sourced from locally roasted coffee beans.
Reasons to visit
Follow the Tamar Valley wine trail where you can enjoy renowned Tasmanian wine and gourmet food, while soaking up the region’s spectacularly lush scenery.
Venture deep into the pristine Tasmanian forest where you’ll encounter waterfalls, glacial lakes and wildlife at the World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain in St Clair National Park.
Discover the magic of Launceston on-board a multi-award-winning Tamar River Cruise. Go on a walking tour through Tasmania’s most famous brewery through James Boag Brewery Tours, located a short 15-minute walk from Peppers Silo Hotel. The fully- guided 90-minute tours conclude with a tasting session of some of Australia’s best-loved beer matched with local Tasmanian cheeses.
Not your ordinary fixture in a reception area, but Archie is a welcome resident at the Peppers Silo Hotel Launceston. Everyone warms to him on arrival, especially excited children!
Exhilarating experiences are available with Rock Climbing Tasmania, offering introductory trips in Launceston’s Cataract Gorge, as well as, personalised multi-day adventures for experienced climbers.
Participate in unforgettable adventures at Hollybank Treetops Adventure Park in Tasmania’s north, just 15 minutes outside Launceston. Fly through the treetops on the Ziplines Treetops Adventure Tour or glide through the forest on a segway tour. With the choice of a day or night tour, you can have two completely different experiences flying through the air.
When it comes to travel in Tasmania, Launceston is a hidden gem located in the state’s north. Places that look ordinary are nothing but extraordinary.
DETAILS BOX
Peppers Silo Launceston
89-91 Lindsay Street
Launceston, Tasmania 7248
T: (03) 6700 0600
Reservations
1300 987 600
