The Invisible Lodge, Then and Now

In the end, all apprehensions were soon resolved, and the lodge has since been awarded by The Royal Australian Institute of Architecture for its sustainability, continuing to set the benchmark for eco-tourism in Tasmania and beyond.

The Invisible Lodge is sympathetic with it’s environment.

The purpose of the lodge is to provide shelter for walkers on a four-day guided tour of the Freycinet Peninsula, operated to this day by Joan and her highly praised team of guides. The intention is to offer walkers an understated but comfortable place of rest where they can experience a closeness to nature with minimal interventions to the site’s ecology. Amongst the fragrant native flora, Friendly Beaches Lodge humbly welcomes hikers from the trail with a rustic warmth and charm. Comprising of primarily Tasmanian sourced timber, the almost charred appearance of the hut camouflages the structure from the approaching eye.

The communal areas’ split levels follow the natural slope of the land, where the large timber dining table hosts family-style meals separated by a central bagged-brick fire place to the lower living area. Each space enlarged by the expansive sliding glass doors that beam with natural light and share views of the surrounding bush. Off these spaces are the sleeping areas which serve as blissful nooks of privacy for guests to truly embrace the solitude of the environment. Joan’s appreciation of the arts is evident with works displayed throughout the lodge adding a sense of sophistication and home.

A visionary project in both Tasmania’s tourism and architecture, Latona Masterman and Associates set an archetype for each industry alike. In its unmodified state, Friendly Beaches Lodge is commended for its continual service to the community, proving without doubt the integrity and passion that formulated its design.