+ What time is check-in and check-out?

Check-in from 2pm and check-out at 10am.

You will have been sent detailed directions and check-in details a few days before your stay.

Upon check out we ask that you leave the property how you found it and close the boom gate behind you. If anything is broken or you find something is not working, empty or requires attention, please leave it out on the table and/or leave us a note on the kitchen bench so we can fix/replace it for our next guests. We appreciate your help and honesty with managing this.

+ Can children stay?

The Keep has been designed with a sense of romance and seclusion- the place to go when you don’t have the kids with you.

There is an internal staircase that is not well suited to young children and as it is situated on a rocky outcrop on top of a mountain that isn’t ‘kid friendly’. Babies who are non-mobile are welcome, but the property has been designed without the children in mind, for the well deserved indulgence that adults all need.

+ My car is 2-wheel drive, will it be ok to travel on gravel roads?

Yes, but travel carefully and take your journey slowly. Immediate access to the property is on unsealed or gravel roads. Some of the roads are rough and exposed in places, but are suited to 2WD in all weather conditions. From the boom-gate, the driveway ascends nearly 500m in altitude, so the roads are windy and steep at times. We suggest you take this part slowly at 40 km/hr.

+ I’m hiring a car, do I need to take out any certain insurance?

If you are hiring a rental car we highly recommend that you get travel insurance and that you make sure that you tick the gravel road clause. 2-wheel drive cars have no trouble getting to The Keep, however we suggest not bringing a low-slung sports car.

+ Can I host a party or event at The Keep?

The Keep only sleeps 2 lucky people, so please don’t try to smuggle anyone up in the boot of your car! Events may be considered but they must be by prior arrangement only. An example may be a small wedding, special celebration or photo shoot. This would incur extra costs and only 2 people would be allowed to stay the night.

+ Where are the closest shops/restaurants?

The closest supermarket is at St Helens (40 minutes away), so make sure you have all of your groceries before you get here; it’s a little far to slip out to the shop for milk and it isn’t an ideal road to travel back on in the dark if you leave for dinner.

We suggest that you make the most of the solitude together. Play some old school tunes and make a romantic meal together out of that delectable Tasmanian produce you picked up on the way. There are basic pantry items and basic kitchen appliances available which you can check out here, but if you’re up for exploring afar we have recommendations for you to peruse too.

We also supply a range of Champagnes, Tasmanian wines, gins and whiskies for your enjoyment (extra cost too) but we do suggest that you don’t live off said wine, gin and whisky for your stay despite how tempting it may be.

+ Is there WiFi available at The Keep?

Our WiFi is usually quite reliable and it is beamed in from St Helens. It works inside The Keep and at a short distance around the building. We have tried to create an atmosphere at the Keep that encourages connection with a loved one, not connection with devices. But we also appreciate there are moments where an internet connection is necessary, and as such we have provided wifi. However we have a monthly limit and after this it will slow down once we hit this limit, so please use only if necessary. When you stay at the Keep focus on connection with self and your partner, take a deep breath, talk, laugh, stare out the window, pick up a book, be in the moment.

The WiFi password is in the compendium, so only look if you really, really must. If the winds are strong, the WiFi may be unreliable.

+ Is there a TV at The Keep?

Look out the windows - this is your television! We have 2 Bluetooth speakers for your use. The one on the top floor needs to stay inside, but the one in the bedroom can be taken outside to use if you wish, but please remember to bring it back inside.

+ Outdoor Bath tips

To the right of the fireplace, down a short path, is our outdoor bath. It takes some time to fill (about an hour) so plan accordingly, you could even go on one of our 10 minute short walks.

There are hooks drilled into the surrounding stone for your towels. The plug is in the laundry on the ground floor; please bring it inside after use as there is a very inquisitive crow around The Keep who would love to fly off with it! In the warmer months be careful when walking down to the bath because you are sharing the area with snakes - welcome to the wilderness.

+ Cancellation Policy

The Keep offers free cancellation for all bookings when cancelled at least 14 days prior to your stay. You will incur a 50% cancellation fee if you cancel less than 14 days prior but more than 7. We hold a no refund policy for bookings cancelled with less than 7 days notice, unless due to extenuating circumstances.

+ Is there food included/how does the honesty bar work?

Romance and hunger don't mix and due to our remote location you’ll need to think ahead so you don’t go hungry. We do include a fairly extensive list of pantry items, cooking supplies and kitchen equipment. However we suggest you stop in St Helens at The East Coast Village Providore to purchase all the necessities you'll need to create a romantic feast for the senses. If all else fails you will find some emergency frozen meals (lovingly prepared by Theresa at the Providore).

Our bespoke drinks cabinet is brimming with tantalising spirits and award winning Tasmanian wines for you to indulge in during your stay. In the fridge you will also find a curated selection of French Champagnes for purchase.

Go ahead and grab a tipple (and a snack or two) to enjoy by our open fire, or to accompany you while you draw a long hot bath.

If The Keep cabinet draws you in like the magical wilderness surrounds simply use the Square terminal in the pantry to make payment, the instructions provided are simple to follow.

+ Is there an option for a Private Chef to be included?

We work with a great local chef who can come to The Keep to create fresh meals for you while you relax and enjoy the serenity. Talk to us if you would like the added luxury of a private chef. Call Sue to discuss your options here.

+ How do I light the Outdoor Fire?

Our outdoor fire is our pride and joy and (if it isn’t windy) is a magical place to sit in front of and stare into the flames. There should always be some wood under the huge stone to the left of the fireplace, and more can be found in the wheelbarrow in the garage. This is also where you will find some old newspapers, firestarters and a lighter. You may need to fossick around outside to find some smaller kindling, we advise not leaving this job until it gets dark.

We have provided some foldable camping chairs in the cupboard by the front door to take out to the fire too. When you turn in for the night please bring them back inside because if the wind picks up overnight, they will be blown somewhere off into the distance and never be seen again!

+ Where is the BBQ located?

In the cupboard by the front door is an electric Weber BBQ that can be taken outside to use. On the left-hand side of the fireplace, behind the smooth bench is an outdoor power point where you can plug in and start cooking. Please give the BBQ a clean after use and don’t leave it out overnight.

+ What do I do if the power goes out!

There is a very powerful rechargeable torch in the bathroom vanity. It is magic if the power goes off, but it is also handy to use outside and can also be used to look for our native wildlife at night if you go for a late stroll. Please return it to the bathroom after use and plug it back in.

+ Can I bring my pet?

The Keep is a pet free property for a number of reasons; The building is not pet friendly, and the location is surrounded by a number of native species that could be terrorised by domestic animals. It would break our hearts if the movement of native animals in and around The Keep was hindered by the introduction of domestic pets, the abundant wildlife is one of the special features about staying somewhere remote. In addition, if they wandered off you may never see them again. Any evidence of pets will incur a further cleaning fee.

+ Can I smoke at The Keep?

Outside only and please dispose of your butts responsibly, the Tasmanian bush is prone to bushfires, so if you smoke can you please be very careful with the ash and butts, as one spark could burn all the vegetation you can see from The Keep. We want you, the wildlife, property and vegetation to stay safe.

+ What do I do with our rubbish?

There is no rubbish service up to The Keep, so we suggest that you take it with you or place it in the bins provided for the housekeeper to remove. Please do not leave any rubbish outside because our local wildlife will find it.

+ Heating

Our gas heater on the top floor has a remote and there are instructions on how to use it on the wall to the right. The top floor heats up very quickly, so please only run the heater on low as required and please turn it off overnight.

We also use hydronic heating throughout The Keep. The big brown units on the wall in the bedroom, bathroom and at the front door are hydronic heaters. They circulate water around the house to keep it warm. They will usually be turned on when you arrive. They can be adjusted with the wall mounted thermostat in the bedroom. Choose the desired temperature with the arrow buttons, it will show “SET” and then revert back to the current room temperature. Over time the room will heat up or cool down.

+ Safety

The rocks and bush around The Keep can be slippery and dangerous. Once you get further down the hill there is no WiFi or phone service, so please be careful, especially when the weather is inclement.

In summer many snakes can be out and about so be mindful whenever you are walking in the bush and around the boulders.

In winter there are likely to be leeches in the undergrowth, they may not be as scary as snakes but they make unwelcome hitch-hikers all the same.

There is a basic First Aid kit in the kitchen if required.

If you need emergency services dial “000” and tell them you are at 535 New England Rd, Goulds Country. Remember this will get them to the boom gate and then they will need to go a further 4.6km up to The Keep.

In event of a fire in the kitchen pantry you will find an all purpose fire extinguisher and a fire blanket.

+ Damage or Theft

We have gone to great lengths to make The Keep a unique and wonderful place to stay. If the property incurs any damage (malicious or accidental) or items are stolen, you will be deemed responsible and charged for the cost of replacement, repair and for any associated or potential loss of income we incur while repairs are being carried out.