PEPPERS SILO HOTEL HISTORY, STORIES AND SURROUNDS

At Peppers Silo Hotel, history comes to life on the tranquil banks of the Tamar River.

Thousands of years before European settlement, the Aboriginal people of the kanamaluka (or River Tamar) inhabited the area. It’s reported that several clans of nomadic hunter-gatherers lived along the riverbank, existing in harmony with the seasons. In 1798, the arrival of George Bass and Matthew Flinders, and subsequent European settlers, had a dramatic and irreversible impact on the cultural and physical landscape. In 1806, a colonial settlement was established in the area today known as Launceston, though the municipality was not officially proclaimed until 1852. And so began an era of rapid settlement and expansion, and the gradual rise of agricultural and industrial development.

Peppers Silo Hotel is situated on the doorstep of picturesque Riverbend Park. This popular all-abilities playground was once the site of a 1930’s wool store and industrial precinct. Nearby, Kings Wharf was the loading and unloading point for ships laden with cargo, including grains and cereals which filled the silos in their earlier days. Kings Wharf came into full operation in 1917, and was extended and redeveloped over the subsequent 40 years as it served as Northern Tasmania’s centre of maritime cargo handling. It was the farewell point for servicemen and women heading off to World War II, and the terminal for Bass Strait passenger ferries up until the late 1950s, when the State Government moved operations to Devonport.

Today, the Kings Wharf precinct proudly continues to showcase elements of its agricultural and industrial past, allowing visitors the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a slice of Launceston’s rich heritage.

History of the Hotel

For well over half a century, the towering grain silos of Kings Wharf have been a beacon for the city, commanding attention from every angle.

Originally constructed in 1960, the four cylindrical concrete silos which feature on the hotel’s southern side were originally built to store reserves of grain unloaded off ships at nearby Kings Wharf. These grain supplies were an important commodity to the local community, providing food and nourishment to the people of Launceston. However, over time they became obsolete. Unused for decades, the once iconic agricultural landmarks of Launceston became dilapidated.

Then along came the visionary owner and developer, Errol Stewart, who initiated an ambitious project to breathe new life into this commanding community centrepiece. With meticulous attention to detail and an investment of over $25 million, Stewart has successfully transformed the disused grain barrels into a luxury landmark hotel, seamlessly integrating the area’s rich agricultural heritage into its modern and sophisticated design.

This newly purposed hospitality hotspot is idyllically positioned on a bend of the meandering River Tamar, surrounded by the spectacular Tamar River Basin. Opening in 2018, this cleverly designed nine-storey hotel features 108 luxury one- and two-bedroom guest rooms, including 52 rooms located within the repurposed barrels of the historic grain silos. With its impressive suite of meeting facilities and food and beverage offerings, Silo Hotel has quickly emerged as a celebrated mingling mecca for locals and visitors alike.

The curved concrete walls of the original historic silos have been artfully integrated into the hotel’s impressive façade, complemented by the addition of the new North Tower, which wraps around the northern side of the structure.

With a harmonious blend of historic features and contemporary design, Peppers Silo Hotel offers guests a unique insight into the ongoing evolution of this beautiful city.

Thoughtful Touches

Peppers Silo Hotel presents an exciting opportunity to immerse your senses in the rich heritage, relaxed ambience and finest fresh flavours this beautiful city and island state have to offer. Here you can literally feel history come to life, with a host of thoughtful touches integrated into the hotel’s design and décor.

As you exit the elevator on your way to reception, you will enter the first of four historic silos through a cut-out in the wall. Pause for a moment to run your hand along the surfaces as you enter. Feel the thickness of the curved wall and the changing textures, as you move from the glossy painted exterior to the exposed concrete of the silo’s interior, left largely as it was to help guests ‘get in touch’ with the property’s industrial past.

This recurring theme of regeneration can be felt throughout the hotel, in bespoke, locally made furnishings created from repurposed timbers sourced from a nearby demolished warehouse. Local touches are also cleverly woven into the very fabric of the hotel, with all guest rooms featuring soft, luxurious woollen blankets sourced from Launceston’s Waverly Mills, Australia’s oldest working textile mill.

In public spaces throughout the hotel (and in some guest rooms) enjoy fresh orchids sourced from local botanists. Or let your senses be your guide on the first floor, where the enticing scent of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon beckons you to breakfast. Later in the day, the sound of glasses clinking and quiet conversation signals it’s time for sunset drinks, while the tantalisingly rich aromas of roasted pork belly or locally sourced lamb searing on the grill invites you to dine on the freshest flavours and local produce.

Introducing Archie – Canine Ambassador

While all Peppers Silo Hotel staff are renowned for their warm hospitality, there is only one team member who possesses the power to stop guests in their tracks, as they encounter his enthusiastic welcome and gush over his utter cuteness. Enter Archie, the adorable black Labrador, permanent pooch resident and chief canine ambassador here at Peppers.

Adopted through a special partnership with Guide Dogs Tasmania, Archie found his home at the hotel when he unfortunately didn’t make the final cut in his extensive guide dog training. Fortunately for hotel staff and guests, his exuberance and enthusiasm, along with his gentle nature and very good manners, have perfectly equipped him for his new career as ‘chief welcomer’ at Peppers.

Archie loves a little scratch behind his soft floppy ears, or pats of his sleek, shiny black coat of fur. He is kind and gentle, and loves to mix with guests of all ages and abilities. He obligingly smiles for the camera, and his good looks and lovable nature have earned him quite a following on social media.

If you happen to be travelling with an assistance dog, Archie can make a great playmate when your dog is off duty and out of harness. Hotel staff are on hand to ensure he won’t be a distraction while your own dog is ‘on the job’.

Archie embodies the strong charitable partnership that exists between Peppers Silo Hotel and Guide Dogs Tasmania. Each year the hotel hosts ‘Archie’s Ball’, a gala event to raise vital funds for the organisation, as well as offering permanent opportunities for donations to Guide Dogs Tasmania at reception.

Get Out and About

Peppers Silo Hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of many of the city’s most acclaimed attractions.

Take a five-minute meander across a footbridge to the vibrant Seaport precinct. Take your tastebuds on a tour of some of this City of Gastronomy’s culinary delights, as you linger in the relaxed, sun-soaked ambience of this waterfront dining district.

Also, within walking distance, you can explore the CBD’s intriguing streets and laneways, dotted with heritage buildings and century-old parks. Discover a unique slice of wilderness right near the city centre at majestic Cataract Gorge. Enjoy a hike, picnic or invigorating swim amidst this tranquil piece of paradise.

Take a leisurely cruise along the waters of the River Tamar, or get your adrenaline fix with ziplining and mountain biking adventures beckoning just outside the city limits.

Take your time exploring the nearby Tamar Valley region, where the pristine rural countryside is spread with a patchwork of iconic lavender farms, quaint historic villages, orchards and vineyards. Cellar doors and farm gates deliver some of the freshest and best paddock-to-plate experiences and cool-climate wines the Apple Isle has to offer!

For more information about things to see and do in the region, be sure to check out the suite of audio guides about Launceston and the North available on the Vacayit app.

When you’re ready to venture out, the friendly staff at Peppers Silo Hotel are ready and willing to help with information, recommendations and assistance with bookings to ensure you experience the very best Launceston and surrounds has to offer.