Getting stranded in the Tasmanian wilderness isn’t everyone’s idea of fun. Just ask the contestants from the first season of Alone Australia, who were left out here with no food, no shelter and no technology. But that couldn’t be further from reality at Pumphouse Point – Tasmania’s most luxurious wilderness retreat, suspended 250 metres out on a glacial lake in Cradle Mountain. The already luxe property has just scored a $2.25 million glow-up, introducing two fancy retreats to its trio of award-winning stays.
Set on the southeastern shore of Lake St Clair amongst ancient myrtle forests, Pumphouse Point is a marvellous contradiction to its UNESCO-listed surroundings. The original hydroelectric station was erected in the 1940s, but after a 2015 renovation, the buildings have found new life housing opulent suites and world-weary travellers.
Pumphouse Point offers three distinct accommodation options. First, there’s the titular Pumphouse, a grand three-storey building floating on water and overlooking the often snow-capped Cradle Mountain. Those who prefer solid ground can opt for the Shorehouse, the old Art Deco substation tucked among the trees on the water’s edge. Finally, you have Pumphouse Point’s most lavish offering: the Retreat. Hidden on the edge of the lake and wrapped in native bush, this all-inclusive Retreat is for guests serious about their privacy.
In July, Pumphouse unveiled two new private Retreats with all the same bells and whistles. Inside, there’s a cosy fireplace, a sink-in bath, a spacious lounge room framed by floor-to-ceiling windows with knockout views of the lake, and an all-inclusive bar stocked with local wines, beers and gourmet nibbles.
Happily stranded in the Tassie wilderness, you’re probably wondering about the food sitch. You’ll never go hungry at Pumphouse thanks to a generously stocked in-room larder that includes everything from charcuterie, artisanal cheeses and smoked salmon to condiments and chocolate. The team will even bring you a loaf of sourdough still warm from the Pumphouse ovens on request. On top of that, every stay includes a communal-style breakfast and a seasonal three-course dinner each night.
Along with its new retreats, Pumphouse has rolled out a suite of fresh experiences, including a guided 45-minute history tour of the 1930s building and its man-made lagoon, plus a chocolate tasting journey with Tasmania’s famed chocolatier, House of Anvers. All-inclusive stays in the Retreat start at $1,950, and you can find out more here.