
Finalist for Airbnb Best Unique Stay 2023
A Pause Between The Tides.
Hosted in Hillwood, Tasmania.
Nestled peacefully on the edge of a hill overlooking the Tamar Valley, a re-imagined ‘85 bendy bus sits snug ready to welcome you. Lovingly tinkered away at for four years, with the end result a sustainable, earthy abode— The Bus Home is one of Tasmania’s most unique slow stays, in every sense of the word.
You’ll find her parked up near a 100-year-old shearing shed in the quiet town of Hillwood. For a time serving as a family home, and since 2018 to other families and couples looking for a pause between the tides. Inside, a toasty fireplace awaits and numerous nooks and crannies to escape for awhile, make a cuppa and breathe.
Meet your hosts.
Hi, I’m Emma, your host of The Bus Home. I lived in the Bus with my husband and our first two boys. We now have three young boys that keep our days hectic and grounded.
We still live in the beautiful Tamar Valley and just love this home state of ours. We love to travel and support local business. We believe in simple, conscious living. We love all things healthy food related, gardening and the great ocean. We enjoy bushwalking, camping, surfing, music, dirt-bike riding and reading. We are passionate about creating a space for people where guests can stop, connect and be inspired.
The Bus is more to us than a business. It is a place of deep rest, solace, inspiration and a feeling of home. Giving it's inhabitants a place to retreat and be inspired before they head back to their homes with renewed, fresh vision for their days.
Go on, be our guest.
As featured in
What Our Guests Say
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Luxurious Linen & Bedding
Look forward to falling into a luscious king bed with a mix of beautiful linens and bedding. The towels are luxurious organic, fair-trade cotton.
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Fresh Air & Scenic Views
There are stunning views over the tree tops and the Tamar River with green bushland all around. Breathe in the clean, crisp Tasmanian air while feeling secluded and peaceful.
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Stay Toasty By The Fire
The bus is warmed by a toasty Jotul wood fireplace that you can brew your coffee on in the morning. There is a full kitchen if you want to cook and stay in.
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Rediscover Old Hobbies
Pick up the guitar to play some tunes. Read a book from our little library, play one of our many games or make use of our mini art space for painting, drawing or writing.
Frequently Asked Q’s
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The Bus Home sleeps up to 4 people.
There is 1 King Bed and 1 Bunk Bed, so this arrangement suits couples and small families mostly. However, adults have been known to have a comfortable night’s sleep in the bunks!
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We love to host families. Kids love the novelty as much as the adults. Contact me and let me know if you plan to stay with children.
We have a set of bunks for kids. Please note there is no fire guard around the fire. There are steps and a high king bed with a small door above the bed outside up the back of the bus. There is also no completely fenced area on the property. It is all at the parents risk.
Please let us know how many children are staying so we can make up the bunks if you need.
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Not typically, however if you are the owner of a well behaved furry friend we may make an exception. Please ask when making your booking request.
Strictly no pets allowed without prior arrangement.
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There will not be fresh produce in the bus. We provide the basics. Coffee and coffee pot, teas, hot chocolate, sugar, oil, salt and pepper.
We recommend stocking up on all the goodness you want for your stay. There is a full kitchen if you want to cook and stay in.
The closest shopping centres are in Launceston (half an hour from the bus). There is a petrol station and pub at Mt Direction about 10 mins away from the bus. Caltex on Wellington St is 24/7. Alps & Amici and the Trevallyn Grocer are both incredible little grocers with everything you could want. There are also plenty of your big grocery stores in Launceston.
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The Bus is all yours. Your own private hideaway from the hustle and bustle of life.
The old farm property that The Bus is on is yours to wander and enjoy. Please do not go into the 100 year old shearing shed nearby - but feel free to admire.
Our lovely family live nearby and share the main driveway. The bus has its own private driveway off the main driveway.
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There are stunning views over the tree tops and the Tamar River with green bushland all around. Breathe in the clean crisp air while feeling secluded and peaceful.
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The bus is situated on a farm and possums are our friends out here. There are plenty about that sometimes get onto the roof and may give you a bit of a fright. It's luxury bush living. Spiders and mice may be about on the rare occasion. Kookaburras and other birdlife are arund. Sheep can be heard on the farm next door. Wallabies love to suss out who is in the bus sometimes.
Its earthy, grounded and peaceful.
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No parties, gatherings, weddings, elopements or extra guests allowed without prior arrangement. Please contact us if you would like to discuss.

All images on this page © Saskia K Photography
