Lake St Clair, Australia
Pumphouse Point
Hydroelectric wilderness lodge
Hydroelectric wilderness lodge
Guests walk a 250-metre concrete jetty out into Australia's deepest lake to sleep inside a converted 1940s turbine station.
What it’s good at
Exceptional
Myrtle beech rainforest meets Australia’s deepest freshwater glacial lake in the highland wilderness.
Remarkable
Rough-sawn hardwood and exposed pipework inside a 1940s turbine house over the lake.
Notable
Listed 1940s hydroelectric scheme buildings preserve raw Art Deco industrial concrete shells.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
This adults-only retreat straddles land and lake. At the turn of the last century, work began on an ambitious network of hydroelectric power stations, one of which was located incongruously in the middle of Lake St Clair.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Ancient myrtle beech forests line the water, and walking trails lead straight onto the Overland Track.
The rooms
Suites inside the Pumphouse have exposed copper plumbing and timber veneer walls that look straight across the water.
Massage and meditation
Massages take place in the shoreline cottage, and a glass-and-timber pod sits hidden in the forest for self-guided yoga.
At the table
Guests gather at communal tables in the Shorehouse for three-course dinners of Tasmanian produce, looking out across the lake.
How it began
The pumphouse was built in 1940 for a highland hydroelectric scheme, yet it never operated and sat abandoned for decades.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.