Like NSW is the holy land of ocean pools, Tasmania is brewing mecca dotted with the best lake houses you can actually stay in.
And as Australia’s capital of award-winning lake houses located on glacial waters and with cosy reading corners, if Tasmania isn’t high up on your travel bucket list this year, you’ll want to give it a nudge. Because who doesn’t want to stay on private islands and roast up some marshmallows against a Nectre wood stove?
Here, Urban List gives you the best lake houses in Tasmania for a swoonworthy visit in 2025.
Heybridge | Sleeps 2 Blythe River Boathouse
Not going to lie folks, this is the type of lake house in Tasmania you’ll wish you had scooped up yourself. Blythe River Boathouse is a waterfront shack boasting all the wilderness vibes, from sitting right where the river flows into the sea, to backing out onto dense bushland, this super special property, which has been in the owner’s family for four generations now, is like something out of a movie (think Love Actually style when Jamie goes to his cottage to finish his novel). Not only are there all the lake house trimmings like large windows, a Nectre wood stove, a Chesterfield lounge and a clawfoot bath but you’ll also find an actual rowboat you can take out onto the water.
Swansea | Sleeps 4 The Burrows
Okay, technically—not a lakehouse, however The Burrows sports all the foundations of a stunning lake house stay with water views, fresh greenery, European appliances and those stunning, rustic, casement windows. There are mismatched shawls and pillows, wooden floors, suspened lights and an endless supply of little nooks to curl up into with a good book (and dare we mention the intimate bath house?). This beautiful Airbnb in Tasmania is an 1860s stone cottage that has been restored to open up the house to expansive views of Freycinet peninsula and Great Oyster Bay.
Miena | Sleeps 2 Coldwater Cabin
Colourful, secluded and cosy as anything, Coldwater Cabin is offensively stunning. Picturesque at every corner you turn, this worlds-away Airbnb in Tasmania is tucked into The Great Lake, right in the middle of Tasmania’s Central Highlands. This uber-romantic accommodation in Tasmania is all about cosying up with a good read, taking a chilly dip in the lake and warming yourself by the fire, digging into cheese boards on the front deck and of course, sipping wine whenever and wherever you please.
Interlaken | Sleeps 4 The Doctor’s
Apologies in advance for the pun, but a stay at this adults-only lake house retreat in Tasmania could be just what the doctor ordered. This magical spot is located between Lake Sorell and Lake Crescent and there are several boat ramps in the area so if you’ve got a tinnie handy, bring it! Picture yourself waking in your queen size bed to the sight of the sun sparkling off the water right outside your home. You just need to pad on to the deck with a cuppa and take a dip off your own private jetty if you fancy it.
Your uniquely-designed home is made from shipping containers and Tasmanian timber, with the Interlaken Lakeside Reserve literally across the road. You might like to say hello to Dale, the resident sheep who loves to nibble on some veggies if you’ve got them handy. If you want to explore further afield, you can take one of the kayaks at your pad and go visit the shoreline of Lake Sorrell. Back at your accommodation you can fire up the barbecue for a feast before retiring around the fire pit as night falls.
Satellite Island | Sleeps 8 The Boathouse
One of the best luxury Airbnbs in Tasmania? We’d back that. No doubt if you haven’t been to The Boathouse on Satellite Island you’ve definitely seen this one floating around your socials (and in our opinion, you should just take the bait and treat yourself). Satellite Island is just casually a private island which means when you stay here, it’s you and your crew only. The Boathouse gives you unlimited views and surrounds of sea cliffs, native bush, ancient blue gums and a whole lot of pebble beaches to explore. On top of this, you’ll mostly likely get champagne and smoked fish on arrival because when you’re living your best life, why the hell not?
Ellendale | Sleeps 10 The Lake House
How about a lake house that’s big enough to fit the whole crew? That’s what you’ll get if you book this Tasmanian Airbnb on the shores of Lake Meadowbank. You’re surrounded by farmland here, and you’ve got direct water access with complimentary kayaks available for you to launch off your own private jetty.
Prefer lazy days with a book and a cheeky vino? The owners of this place provide you with a bottle of bubbles on arrival so you can dive right in. Take your glass and head to the large indoor living space or the outdoor entertaining zone that has the obligatory water views of course. There’s a children’s playground and board games galore to keep everyone entertained as the day draws to a close. Plus, of course, a fire pit in the garden to gather around once dinner is done.
Strahan | Sleeps 2 Captain's Rest
Antique windows, an old jetty and a deep bath with unlimited hot water. Captain's Rest, an historic fisherman's cabin in Lettes Bay Shack Village, is described as "Tasmania's most sought after stay" and it truly is something else. It's adorbs, inside and out, with a front porch framed by climbing roses and wisteria and the lapping water of Macquarie Harbour literal metres from the windows.
The entire property is a goldmine for morning coffee spots or a sunset wine and hey, if you see the local fishers rolling in, they might just sell you a fresh fish too (bonus). We could say more, but we don't need to really. Just look at her.
Lake St Clair | Sleeps 2 Pumphouse Point
At the absolute pinnacle of all lake houses ever, Pumphouse Point is a Lake St Clair accommodation you need to hit at least once in your life. Pinned as an adults-only retreat (we love it already), this gorgeous lodge sits on glacial waters and surrounded by Myrtle forest and if that doesn’t spell out a fairytale, we don’t know what does. Pumphouse Point is probably the only Airbnb in Tasmania that actually stops time for you, allowing you to try your hand on some electric bikes, go for midday picnics, take bushwalks and hey, even organise an in-house massage if you need it.
Flinders Island | Sleeps 6 The Crayshack
A beachside getaway is always a good time and the secluded feels that come with it just make sense. While this one clocks in as more of a beach shack than a lake house, The Crayshack is still a winning Airbnb in Tasmania you need to hit. Located on the stunning and misty Killiecrankie Beach (which means you’ll get sweeping views across the entire bay), this beauty is the perfect barefoot getaway to hit with your closest mates. Here, the beach is your backyard, you have an outdoor bathroom, there’s a large wooden deck made for morning coffee, evening cocktails and nighttime board games.
Ellendale | Sleeps 5 Merino Cottage
Embrace the farm stay vibes at this adorable cottage on a 4000-acre sheep farm on the shore of Lake Meadowbank. Once you step through the door of Merino Cottage you’ll be greeted by freshly picked flowers and a cosy living space with an impressive mountain view.
Pour yourself a hot chocolate (marshmallows are included) and head to the bathroom where you can fill the tub with bubbles and admire the water vista. Later, there’s complimentary kayaks you can use to paddle down the river, or you could visit your private swimming area and take a refreshing dip. The owners of this pad thoughtfully provide a breakfast of eggs, bread, homemade jam, cereal and yoghurt for you to enjoy during your stay. The deck is the place to eat it, while embracing the serenity and feeling seriously smug.
Tinderbox | Sleeps 2 Aerie Retreat
Aerie Retreat is exactly how it sounds, a peaceful lake house retreat everyone needs to book at least once in their lifetime. It's located on the waterfront among the tree tops overlooking Bruny Island, Storm Bay, D’Entrecasteaux Channel and the Iron Pot lighthouse at the mouth of the Derwent River.
But this lake house has more than just idyllic views. Potter down a path and around 50 steps and you'll find your very own wilderness deck with—wait for it—a round timber hot tub, fire pit and sauna. Go down a few more steps and you'll find the fantastically private Pilot Cove and Tinderbox Marine Reserve, which can otherwise only be accessed by boat. We dare you to say you won’t leave more relaxed than you’ve ever been in your life.
Contributors: Katherine Davison
Image credit: Airbnb
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