Pumphouse Point: inside one of Australia’s most unique stays

Unwind within the astonishing beauty of Tasmania’s Lake St Clair when you stay at the historical Pumphouse Point.

Reflecting a landscape of ethereal beauty at the southern culmination of the Cradle Mountain-Lake Sinclair National Park, shimmering Lake St Clair holds the title of Australia’s deepest freshwater lake. It’s on these enigmatic waters that you’ll find NRMA’s boutique Pumphouse Point .

This adults-only retreat perched within the remote beauty of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is all for encouraging you into the pristine surrounds. But when you’re not hiking, biking or picnicking, the architecturally and historically significant lodge has been designed to put that pictorial beauty on high-definition display with as little interruption as possible.

Here’s what to expect.

The Hydro Electric Commission Building at Pumphouse Point. — Unwind in pure serenity at Pumphouse Point. (Image: Jemima Phelps Fiddle)

Discover serenity at Pumphouse Point

While its draw-dropping location alone makes Pumphouse Point an entirely covetable destination, its limited size and access also give off secret hideaway vibes. Arriving here is like slipping through a portal where daily life is not permitted to intrude.

Set directly atop the serene lake – known to the Traditional Owners as Leewuleena (meaning sleeping water) – the historical Pumphouse buildings are seemingly untouched from the outside. But step within what was once a hard-working pump house and a refined style with soft references to an industrial past places you in modern times.

Here, art does not adorn the walls, instead, each space is crafted to draw the eye outward to the undulating light over the water and the soft, dappled greens of the bush beyond. Come winter, snow rests across the landscape, upping the ambience tenfold.

With a focus on nature’s restorative attributes, Pumphouse Point encourages guests to interact with the wild environment at a rhythm of their choosing. From outdoor pursuits to focusing on wellness with an onsite massage or simply enjoying the view from fireside communal spaces.

When unwinding stokes appetites, guests take their time enjoying the seasonal all-inclusive meals in the communal dining area, or may pack a picnic to relish outdoors.

Boutique without any vestige of pretension, Pumphouse Point is warm and intimate with an easy-going Tasmanian sensibility.

A woman looking at a big wind in Pumphouse Point with the view of Lake St. Clair. — Relax fireside while enjoying the view. (Image: Rachel Vasicek)

Pumphouse Point rooms

Stylish and timeless, choose to stay in either the three-level water-top pumphouse or nestled amid the trees on the water’s edge in The Shorehouse.

Those looking to elevate their stay can book The Retreat . Secreted within the bush by the lake’s edge, you’ll need to make the hard decision between sinking into the deep indoor bathtub or enjoying a starlit soak outdoors on your private deck. Either way, your own fireplace will be waiting for you to cosy up beside, with a stocked in-room larder and Tasmanian wines to boot. Inside, pared-back furnishings are honed with local craftsmanship to bring warmth to the space.

Both Pumphouse and Shorehouse rooms are open-plan and pivoted to swallow up as much of the view as possible, be it watery vistas from the shore to the floating Pumphouse, or the drama of the mist-shrouded mountains.

Wherever you choose to bed down, make the most of access to all communal lounges in both buildings.

The cosy room honed with local craftsmanship to bring warmth to the space. — Savour the luxury of lakeside tranquillity. (Image: Adam Gibson)

Pumphouse Point dining

Culinary journeys play out within the wilderness at the warm and welcoming dining area on Lake St Clair , where communal dining is heartily encouraged. The menu shines a light on high-quality seasonal fare sourced from local Tasmanian producers and is deftly curated on the plate with a robust, rib-sticking style that pairs perfectly with days spent exploring the outdoors.

With dinner, breakfast and in-room larder provisions for lunch all-inclusive, you can easily spend the day grazing. A hot, freshly baked sourdough loaf arrives every morning to complement your breakfast eggs or picnic lunch.

Aperitivo hour takes on a Tasmanian accent with wines, beers and spirits sourced locally. The bar staff are on hand to mix your favourite tipple as you assume a fireside position in time to watch the sun fade across the lake.

A plate of food that you can enjoy while at the Pumphouse Point. — Fuel your day with hearty Tasmanian fare. (Image: Adam Gibson)

The Pumphouse Point experience

With front-row seats to the raw and untamed Tasmanian wilderness, where unpredictable weather can dramatically cast the landscape in nuanced colours, Pumphouse Point is an anchor of warm hospitality.

The experience is tailored to provide all you need for a restful break, while placing you within easy reach of Tasmania’s most incredible bushwalks and scenery. Weave around Lake St Clair as you walk along tracks through ancient forests, try your hand at fishing in the pristine waters.

Hop on an e-bike to ride along canopied tracks, taking care to observe the native fauna that shelter in the undergrowth and keeping an eye out for endemic flora. Serious walkers may choose to end their hike of The Overland Track with a stay at the lodge, where the famous track concludes. If you’re not that committed to blazing a trail, there are more than 100 kilometres of bush walks around Pumphouse Point.

But, of course, weave restful pursuits into your itinerary with a massage, meditation or unfurl tired limbs with a self-led practice in the yoga pod. Whatever your style of immersion, you’ll find it in the wild beauty and adventurous spirit of Pumphouse Point.

Two people having a picnic at Pumphouse Point. — Take in Tasmania’s wild beauty with warm hospitality. (Image: Adam Gibson)

Hobart has quietly become our coolest capital, but the real wonder lies just beyond the city limits.

In the cool shade of Kunyani/ Mt Wellington, Hobart has earned a reputation. Home to culture-defining Dark MOFO, the city blends rugged, raw wilderness and rule-breaking galleries. But, step beyond the thrumming capital’s border and you’ll find a new perspective: historic towns, Jurassic-era cliffs and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. With ALL Accor as your home away from home, fill your days with epicurean odysseys and wild scenery on the best day trips from Hobart.

Where to stay

Behind every good road trip is the perfect home base. Somewhere central to review your camera roll, make the most of Hobart’s dining scene and relax before setting off again.

For modern, Tasmanian-inspired design, book a stay at the Movenpick Hotel Hobart . Standing at the Salamanca Markets, look to the Hobart skyline and the award-winning hotel will catch your eye. As the third-tallest building in the CBD, the views across the harbour toward Antarctica are totally unique to your room. Here, end each day at the daily free chocolate hour (plus a free Movenpick ice cream for the little ones).

For a more budget-conscious option, head to the picture book, sandstone buildings of Macquarie Street. Nestled along the buzzing, historic streetscape, you’ll find Tasmania’s biggest hotel: the Ibis Styles . Return home each day to defrost in one of the hotel’s two saunas. Make use of the proximity to MONA, or take an easy stroll to the candy-coloured cottages of Battery Point between your adventures.

A stylish, Tasmanian-inspired bedroom at Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, your perfect base for relaxing after the best day trips from Hobart. — Elevate your Hobart stay with sleek style at Mövenpick.

1. Bruny Island

Craggy cliffs and tropical-hued, white sand beaches signal your arrival to Bruny Island/ Lunawanna-Alonnah.

Start your day trip at the island’s most iconic spot, the Neck Game Reserve. Scale the Trunganini steps to gaze out over the teensy stretch of land that juts through the sea connecting the two ends of the island.

Catch a rare glimpse of the white furred wallabies that call Bruny Island home at Adventure Bay. Then, for ocean-fresh oysters, pull into the drive-thru window at Get Shucked . Sample Bruny Island cheese at the cellar door before catching the ferry home with an esky full of local produce.

Bruny Island Neck is an isthmus of land connecting north and south Bruny Island. — Begin your adventure with a climb and a view. (Image: Elise Weaver)

2. Mount Wellington

At 1271 metres, Mount Wellington watches protectively over Hobart. Follow the winding road to climb through alpine forest and tufts of snow to reach the summit. Gaze down over Hobart and out to sea, or over your shoulder to the southwestern wilderness.

Reset your adrenaline with a mountain bike ride back down. Or, make like the locals and head into the mountain on foot. Try the hike to the Jurassic-period Organ Pipes which slips under the mountain’s magnificent dolerite cliffs (perfect for families thanks to the trail’s minimal incline).

For a view of Mount Wellington itself, hike nearby Cathedral Rock.

No matter where you are in Hobart you are never far away from the City's beloved mountain, Kunanyi / Mount Wellington — Climb through alpine forest to the summit. (Image: Paul Flemming)

2. Port Arthur

Constructed entirely by convicts, the manicured gardens and penal buildings of Port Arthur offer a day trip that practically hums with history.

The rugged, seagirt location was chosen for its difficult escape conditions. Now, you can cruise the coast below the towering, jagged cliffs of the Tasman National Park or wander the sloping fields of fragrant lavender.

Tickets to Port Arthur include a walking tour and harbour cruise. See the Isle of the Dead where 1000 men are buried in marked and unmarked graves. And Point Puer, Britain’s first prison for children.

The Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Australia's most important heritage sites and tourist destinations. Located on the scenic Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula in the south east of Tasmania, it offers a unique and essential experience for all visitors to the area. — Wander convict-built grounds and gardens. (Image: Dearna Bond)

3. Launceston

You’ll find Launceston at the confluence of three rivers after an easy 2.5-hour drive from Hobart. Launceston is a patchwork of old and new. Here, heritage streetscapes meet modern architecture.

Visit Cataract Gorge, the green, sun-dappled heart of the town and sacred meeting point for Tasmania’s indigenous communities. Pull up at roadside produce stalls that dot the Tamar Valley, or dine out. Launceston is, after all, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Should the local wine scene persuade you, simply extend your time in Launceston at Peppers Silo (but definitely at least stop by the onsite restaurant, Grain of the Silo , for a farm fresh menu) or Mercure Launceston before heading back to Hobart.

Walk the sunlit paths of Cataract Gorge. (Image: Nick H Visuals)

4. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a 35-minute drive from your hotel and you’ll find Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary . This social enterprise is run by a team of extremely passionate Tasmanians with a mission to look after critically endangered species who have found sanctuary here after facing extinction on the mainland.

Choose to wander the sanctuary at your own pace or join a guided tour (free with your ticket) to come face to face with Tassie’s most iconic species. Tasmanian Devils, wombats and echidnas are part of the free tour. You can book up close encounters with your favourite animals, too.

Bonorong is a Sanctuary for wildlife run by a passionate team of like-minded people. We're a social enterprise: a little business with a big heart. — Snap a cuddle-worthy encounter. (Image: Tourism Australia)

5. Richmond Village & Coal River Valley

Richmond is a town that belongs in a snow globe. Fifty colonial-era, Georgian buildings have been painstakingly restored and turned into cafes, cosy restaurants and galleries. Visit Richmond Gaol , said to be the home of a prisoner so vile he inspired Charles Dickens to pen Oliver Twist’s Fagin.

Then, follow the Coal River as it flows past grassy, duckling-dotted knolls and under the iconic Richmond Bridge, the oldest bridge in Australia. From the crest of the bridge, see the oldest Catholic Church in Australia. The river crawls past many cellar doors, perfect for a day of wine tasting.

Richmond is a picture-perfect town in the Coal River Valley wine region, offering a glimpse into early colonial life, one of the best day trips from Hobart. — Trace the river through history and wine country. (Image: Fin Matson)

Plan your trip to Hobart and beyond with ALL Accor at All.com .

This boutique Tasmania resort is one of Australia’s most unique stays