Updated Feb 2023
Spring Bay Mill is on a mission to be the most sustainable weddings venue in Australia. The site of an old wood chip mill that once created environmental devastation is now dedicated to hosting unique weddings, business events and school camps whilst practicing ecological regeneration and promoting sustainable living. By holding your wedding at this eco-luxe venue on Tasmania’s pristine east coast, you are actively supporting an ethically minded business, as well as helping locals gain environmentally sustainable employment.
Team Less Tasmania recently gathered to showcase industrial x sustainable luxury here at Spring Bay Mill. Our couple Nick and Ezra wore pre-owned outfits, blooms were sourced from local Tasmanian growers by Wildly Abigail, and images were captured by Nina Hamilton Photography and Less Stuff, More Meaning. Styling was included gratis thanks to the uniqueness of Spring Bay Mill.
Spring Bay Mill has a really interesting story and mission, could you please tell us about that?
Spring Bay Mill was once known as the Triabunna Wood Chip Mill which was built in the 1970’s. It was the world’s largest wood chip mill in its heyday with a license to export thousands of wood chips to Japan every year. It was a significant cog in the logging of old-growth forests in lutruwita/Tasmania, until it eventually became economically (and environmentally) unviable. In 2011 philanthropists Graeme Wood and Jan Cameron bought the mill in an effort to place it on more of an ecologically sustainable path.
With its history as an important part of the Triabunna community (particularly in employment), the vision for the new mill was always going to be focused on people and the environment. The decision to create an events venue, by up-cycling the industrial infrastructure into state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor spaces, was made with the intention of employing the local community and returning the site to a place where people could gather again. And to demonstrate that through regenerating landscapes, we regenerate ourselves.
Weddings at Spring Bay Mill combine eco-friendly with sophistication…how do you go about creating your eco-luxe weddings?
We think all weddings can lessen the impact without, lessening the impact, if you know what we mean.
Choosing us as your wedding venue is a great start to being more eco-friendly because sustainability is at the heart of everything we do.
The old wood chip mill infrastructure was up-cycled by Gilby and Brewin Architecture who worked with a team of experts including horticulturalist Marcus Ragus, interior designer Clare Ferri and furniture maker Laura McCusker to add a touch of modern flair whilst acknowledging the rich history of Freestone Point.
Our landscapes are carefully designed to provide the best habitat opportunities. We regularly witness echidnas, Tasmanian Devils and wombats happily exploring the site. These days our on-site nursery propagates over 10,000 plants annually with native grasses being reintroduced alongside original species that existed prior to European settlement.
Our organic kitchen gardens are designed to supply the mill with fresh, local, wholesome food for events and to maximise biodiversity. The result is fresh produce which we use to deliver unique garden-to-plate menus without the carbon footprint. Organic waste including kitchen scraps are then returned to the earth via a range of onsite composting methods including our own commercial worm farms.
We do our best to reduce our reliance on non-renewable energy sources. Our Beach Shacks are run entirely on solar power. All lighting throughout the site is low-energy and we have a fleet of electric vehicles for onsite transport and housekeeping.
Furthermore, our versatile range of indoor/outdoor spaces and award-winning eco-accommodation means guests get to immerse themselves in nature, sleep well and wake up to bird song.
What are some of the unique experiences available for weddings/guests held at Spring Bay Mill?
We invite couples to choose from a range of added experiences like tree-planting, historical tours and cultural walks to create a celebration full of lasting memories for them and their guests. We believe that shared experiences deepen our connection to those around us, as well as to the environment.
What is the best season for weddings at Spring Bay Mill?
We’re not your average wedding venue. We care about the details that are important to you. Intimate or spectacular, Spring Bay Mill has the flexibility to cater for all seasons. Unique outdoor spaces for Spring and Summer surrounded by stunning sea views, and for the cooler months, cosy interiors with indoor and outdoor fireplaces. Everyone loves a Spring or Summer wedding, but we think Winter weddings in Tassie invite a different kind of creativity, atmosphere and beauty.
Do you offer small wedding/elopement experiences also?
Yes! Inside, outside or barefoot on the beach, we offer a range of picture-perfect locations for smaller weddings and elopements. Plus our off-grid Beach Shacks are ideal for those wanting stylish comfort, privacy and a sense of stillness each with an outdoor hot tub overlooking Windlass Bay and wukaluwikiwayna/Maria Island National Park. We can accommodate up to 118 people onsite but if you need more we can arrange other nearby accommodation.
Mesmerised by Spring Bay Mill and want to learn more? You can contact them HERE.
If traveling from interstate, remember to offset your carbon emissions! We recommend Team Less member GreenFleet, who re-forest landscapes in Australia and New Zealand, for carbon capture and wildlife protection, with each site protected for a minimum of 100 years.
Happy wedding planning!
