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This boutique Tasmania resort is 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)

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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)

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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)

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Lara Picone
Working for many of Australia’s top publications, Lara Picone has had the distinct pleasure of writing, editing and curating content about the finer things in life for more than 15 years. Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, her editorial foundation began at Qantas: The Australian Way magazine, before moving on to learn the fast-paced ropes of a weekly magazine at Sunday Magazine and picking up the art of brand curation at donna hay magazine. Pivoting a near-problematic travel lust into a career move by combining it with storytelling and a curious appetite, her next role was as Deputy Editor of SBS Feast magazine and later Online Editor of SBS Food online. She then stepped into her dream job as Editor of Australian Traveller before becoming Online Editor for both International Traveller and Australian Traveller. Now as a freelancer, Lara always has her passport at-the-ready to take flight on assignment for the Australian Traveller team, as well as for publications such as Qantas Magazine, Escape and The Weekend Australian. As ever, her appetite is the first thing she packs.
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Why you should visit these iconic Tassie destinations

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
    Tasmania’s crisp clear air, misty mountains, lakes and ancient forests beckon as winter approaches.

    Travelling in the off season has many benefits, none more so in Tasmania, where it’s uncrowded and uncomplicated. Ease into winter with a getaway that spells relaxing with a glass of wine or local whisky, bathing under the stars, or gazing at reflections in pristine waters. Add fireside dining, wilderness walks, after-dark gallery visits and plenty of history and you’ve got a curated winter escape designed to make travelling in the quieter months of the year even more rewarding. NRMA Parks and Resorts’ Off Season Signature Packages across Tasmania (plus 10 per cent off for members) make all these things possible.

    Cosy up at Cradle Mountain

    two women walking aorund Cradle Mountain Hotel NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Immerse into the wilderness at Cradle Mountain Hotel.

    For an alpine wilderness experience like no other, chose Cradle Mountain Hotel for a winter getaway. You may even wake up to gently falling snow. Explore nearby Dove Lake, gaze at Cradle Mountain is and listen to the gush of waterfalls.

    As Cradle Mountain works its charm, slow down to enjoy the crisp alpine air away from the hustle of the city. There are no crowds here, just serenity and the chance to recalibrate.

    Cradle Mountain’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, a bottle of wine (Retreat rom bookings only) and off-season dessert with dinner. Then sip on mulled wine as you wander through the Wilderness Gallery admiring the work of Tasmanian artists.

    Finding the flavours of Freycinet

    aerial of Freycinet Lodge NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Stay at the only accommodation within beautiful Freycinet National Park.

    As the only accommodation within Freycinet National Park, among the many reasons for staying at Freycinet Lodge is its easy access to stunning Wineglass Bay, Mt Amos and Honeymoon Bay.

    By day it’s the place for communing with nature, taking hikes in some of Tasmania’s most beautiful locations. By night, savour the regional seasonal flavours of the east coast, sip mulled wine to keep out the chill and gaze up at the star-studded skies. This is slow coastal indulgence at its best.

    Freycinet Lodge’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, a hosted Flavours of the East Coast food and wine tasting experience and mulled wine under the stars, or beside the fire, after dinner.

    Escape to lakeside Pumphouse Point

    interior of pumphouse point NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Stay cosy while looking out onto Lake St Clair.

    Set on the edge of beautiful Lake St Clair in native bushland in the heart of Tasmania’s Central Highlands, Pumphouse Point has launched a new era for its boutique accommodation with the opening of two new luxury retreat rooms last October.

    Each of the trio of rooms are thoughtfully designed, with an indoor fireplace and deep-soak bathtub, both perfect for a winter escape. This retreat offers dining and an expanded collection of hosted experiences, including a guided tour to learn more about this historic place, chocolate tastings and whisky tasting from local artisans – with more to come later in the season.

    Borrow an e-bike and explore on your own, throw a line in, head off for a hike in the ancient forests that surround the lake, book a relaxing massage, or just settle in for an evening by the fire as the lake works its own magic.

    Pumphouse Point’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast, larder lunch and dinner, a bottle of wine with dinner each night, and a chocolate or whisky tasting experience, as well as two $50 massage vouchers.

    Slow down in Strahan Village

    aerial of boat going through strahan tasmania
    Explore UNESCO world heritage wilderness.

    As the gateway to UNESCO world heritage wilderness, picturesque Strahan Village is the ideal base for exploring Tassie’s west coast. With a wide range of accommodation choices, from cosy waterfront colonial-style cottages to hotel rooms with sweeping views over Macquarie Harbour, it’s the perfect place for slow travel.

    Join Gordon River Cruises to explore ancient wilderness and magical reflections on the Gordon River, wander through the village at your own pace or hire a bike to discover local secrets and attractions, including the iconic West Coast Wilderness Railway. Thrill-seekers can hire taboggans to hit the towering Henty Dunes.

    Strahan’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, a Gordon River cruise for two and mulled wine at Hamer’s Bistro.

    Delve into history in Port Arthur

    interior of glamping tent at Port Arthur Holiday Park NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Glamp under the stars at Port Arthur Holiday Park.

    Spend your evenings glamping under the stars and your days stepping back in time as you explore the captivating stories of the World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site. Port Arthur Holiday Park is the perfect base for exploring the Tasman Peninsula and uncovering the stories of Australia’s colonial and convict past.

    Surrounded by nature and history, this off-season escape has the all the makings of an unforgettable getaway. All glamping tents are heated to keep you warm during the off-season months when the nights get a little cooler, and have private bathrooms. Stargazing tents have the added luxury of an outdoor bath on the verandah.

    The Port Arthur Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, a Port Arthur Historic Site tour for two and 10 per cent discount for dining at local restaurant On The Bay during your stay.

    Start planning an unforgetable trip to Tasmania with NRMA Resorts at nrmaparksandresorts.com.au.