FAQ

Q: What are the check in and check out times?

A: Check in time is usually 2.00pm and check out time is normally 10.00am. If you need to make arrangements for times other than these please let us know as late checkouts can sometime be arranged especially if no guests are arriving on the day of your departure.

Q: How do I collect the keys?

A: The keys will be left for you in the letterbox. After you have paid your tariff we will email you the code for the padlock. When checking out, please leave the keys on the kitchen bench or dining room table and then pull the front door behind you so it locks.

Q: What is provided?

A: We provide all bed linen and bath towels for every guest. In addition guests have access to a complete kitchen stocked with cutlery, crockery, glassware and cookware. Even the little things are included such as Glad Wrap, Alfoil, washing up tablets and liquid, as well as a small supply of tea, coffee and milk.

Q: Is breakfast included?

A: Silverbirch Cottage is self catering, so you will need to buy your own food supplies. Fortunately there is a Woolworths in town about a 3 minutes drive away.

Q: What if the number of guests changes?

A: Since we only make up enough beds for booked guests it is important that you tell us if the number of guests staying changes. Extra guests cost $30 per guest per night, but if guest’s numbers drop then this will reduce the tariff. Any refunds for over payment can be made electronically.

Q: Is a bond required?

A: A cleaning bond (of between $60-90) is payable for all bookings which involve large groups, children and pets. The cleaning bond is only retained by us if the cottage is left in a state which requires extra cleaning over and above what might be ordinarily expected. We are finding that parents who set reasonable boundaries for their children or pets are happy to pay the bond, as they receive it all back. No bond is payable for couples, small groups or bookings where the youngest child is over 8 years of age.

Q: How do I get my bond back?

A: Refunds of the bond are usually made by us on the day of departure, and the funds are normally received into guests’ accounts within 1-3 business days. Guests will need to provide us with their account name, BSB and account number when paying their bond to ensure the funds are refunded quickly.

Q: Do children stay for free?

A: Children aged under 5 years stay for free. Above that age, children are treated as extra guests and are charged $30 per night. We have a high chair and travel cot for babies and interests.

Q: Can I get a discount for an extended booking?

A: We offer discounted rates for bookings of 3 days or more. Please ask about a discount if you are planning an extended stay with us.

Q: How many bedrooms and beds are there at the cottage?

A: Silverbirch Cottage has three bedrooms, the Fern room (one queen bed), the Rose room (one queen bed) and the Lavender Room (one queen bed and one single bed). There is also a sofa bed (that sleeps double) in the living room and a full size single foldaway bed which can be put anywhere in the cottage. For larger groups, obviously some people will be sharing beds or rooms.

Q: How much hot water is there?

A: The Cottage has a 200 litre electric hot water service. For couples and small groups we have found that there is plenty of water to go round. For larger groups of between 8-10 guests there is still enough water for all guests to have a reasonable shower of say 4-6 minutes. However, if some guests have particularly long shower or hot baths, then like in any normal house, this might mean the hot water will be used up. Guests should keep this in mind when using the hot water, since once used up, it usually takes about 6-8 hours for the water to reheat.

Q: Is the cottage heated?

A: Silverbirch Cottage has three high efficiency wall heaters as well as a large reverse cycle air conditioner which heats in winter and cools in summer. In addition each bed has an electric blanket for those chilly Tasmanian nights. We recommend leaving the wall heaters on all the time and to use the air conditioner first thing in the morning to warm the living area, and once warmed, it can be turned off and the temperature is then maintained by the wall heaters.

Q: What if something goes wrong?

A: Our housekeepers Carol and Richard live about 4 streets away and can be on site within minutes if necessary. Their contact phone numbers can be found inside the cottage. Otherwise most queries can be answered by us over the phone as we are generally contactable by SMS or mobile phone.