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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Take in Tasmania’s wild beauty with warm hospitality. (Image: Adam Gibson)
