Tanonga

Sweet water sanctury

‘Tanonga’ has the aboriginal meaning ‘sweet water’ referring to the permanent spring, billabong and creek running through the 96 hectare property.

On early settlement maps ‘Tanonga’ was an established homestead and farming property.

Today, thanks to the efforts of your hosts Raimund and Heidi Mueller , Tanonga boasts vast tracts of stunning natural and regenerating native forest, as well as traditional farming land.

Deliberate corridor plantings of native trees, shrubs, understorey grasses and sedges have re-established woodland habitat across the property.

And with this wonderful regeneration, the natural wildlife has returned in abundance.

A bird checklist compiled by local birdwatcher Larry Bebbington records around 109 species on and around the property, including rare, vulnerable and endangered species such as the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo – now often found feeding on the Aleppo pines (Pinus halepensis) on Tanonga from November to March.

Look closer to the ground during winter and early spring and discover a vast array of flowering local plants and orchids.

This wildlife paradise is all yours to discover. Relax, unwind and take it all in from the comfort of your private, luxury eco villa, or get out amongst it all as you explore the extensive walking trails on Tanonga.

Find out more about flora and fauna on Tanonga.

Sensitive and sustainable

The luxury eco lodges at Tanonga were designed by Adelaide architect Gianni Zandel around passive solar principles both in design and construction. Care was taken from the onset to minimise energy, water, waste and fuel use throughout the building phase, and beyond.

Staying at Tanonga is a wonderful way to experience the splendour of nature and architecture working together - a uniquely luxurious retreat that operates entirely off-grid.

An in-ground slab and limestone block interior provide thermal mass; insulation runs from R2 to R5; south-facing windows are double glazed and large north-facing windows capture winter sun. All wastewater is treated on site by a Biolytix worm filtration system. Experience first-hand how these principles work in practice - and what a night entirely off mains power, water and sewer actually feels like.

Power. The lodges are off-grid - not connected to mains electricity. Solar with battery storage is the primary supply, backed by a diesel generator used occasionally in winter when there isn't enough sun to charge the batteries.

Water. Harvested rainwater is the only water supply for the lodges. A bore on the property is used for garden watering only. Fittings throughout are minimum-flow, and appliances are energy efficient.

Wastewater. All wastewater is treated on site by a Biolytix worm filtration system. Because it is a living treatment bed, cleaning products are chosen for compatibility with it - Earth Choice at The Ridge, Bosisto's at The Valley.

Design. Purpose-designed by Adelaide architect Gianni Zandel. An in-ground slab and limestone block interior provide thermal mass. Insulation ranges from R2 to R5. South-facing windows are double glazed; large north-facing windows and considered ventilation retain winter sun and limit summer heat.

Heating. Firewood is gathered from fallen timber on the property.

Food. Breakfast includes eggs from our own chickens, with bread baked on site or sourdough from Port Lincoln.

Wildlife. A bird checklist compiled by local birdwatcher Larry Bebbington records around 109 species on and around the property, including the vulnerable Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo and Diamond Firetail, the latter subject of a local recovery program.

Find out more about the design features of Tanonga eco villas.

Recognition

Booking.com Guest Review Awards - 2015 (9.4) and 2016 (9.5)
Featured in Lonely Planet Australia - 2016 and 2018 editions
Quality Tourism Accredited Business - Australian Tourism Industry Council

At Tanonga you really can indulge in the luxury of nature