As we drove back to town from the coast this morning, we were greeted with an all-encompassing autumn fog; a haze more familiar to the mountains than the eastern highway. Sitting in traffic, thoughts drifted to another place where misty mornings, glacial lakes and alpine landscape are a part of the everyday. That place is Pumphouse Point, a series of architecturally refurbished heritage accommodations nestled next to Lake St Clair in the Tasmanian wilderness.
Photography left and right: Adam Gibson ©AJG
The Overland Track between Lake St Clair and Cradle Valley, first visited by Europeans in 1832, eventually became a passage for artists, explorers, adventurers and few others. To this day, it remains secluded and largely undisturbed, and Pumphouse is a refuge amidst an unpredictable native landscape.
‘A rumbling glacier grinds down an alpine landscape, forging a steep ravine in its wake. Filling with melted snow and freezing rain, the deepest lake in Australia is born. Many of the spectacular glacial features of the region are visible from Pumphouse Point.’ - Pumphouse Point
Photography left and right: Adam Gibson ©AJG
Pumphouse Point itself has three bespoke accommodations; The Shorehouse, The Pumphouse and the newer Retreat. The Shorehouse, a restored Hydro substation features an original exterior and interior that references the original streamlined, modernist art-deco interior. The Pumphouse, located 250m out on glacial Lake St Clair, is an unassuming and weathered heritage Pumphouse encasing a warm, understatedly elegant interior by Cumulus Studio. The Retreat, designed by Jaws Architects and built in 2017 is hidden amongst native bush on the edge of the lake. Crafted to exist harmoniously alongside the natural landscape, it also features locally crafted furniture, ceramics, and products from local producers.
All photography: Adam Gibson ©AJG
The three structures punctuate the cold wilderness; each spectacularly isolated havens of comfort and warmth.
With days growing colder and mornings mistier, we’re inspired by Pumphouse Point and its capacity to provide shelter, warmth, rest and contentment amidst some of nature’s most adverse conditions.
A winter mood board inspired by Pumphouse Point
b) Photograph by Adam Gibson ©AJG
e) Azmaya Iron Kettle from Analogue Life
f) Photograph by Stuart Gibson ©SGIBSON
h) Seljak recycled merino wool blanket
