



Idle Lake House
Houseboat in Lakes Entrance, Gippsland, VIC, AU
100% Recommended•
4 people
No pets
idle.
Stay on the water at Victoria’s most unique floating lake house. A retro-Californian inspired accommodation for guests who crave the unseen. A design-led retreat for couples and small groups.
Resting on the absolute waterfront of the Gippsland Lakes, is Australia’s idyllic Far South East Coast. Idle Lake House is a luxury two bedroom tribute to its relatively untouched location, connection to its local environment, proximity to the locals and saltwater culture. This must be the place.
- Wake up surrounded by water.
- Swim straight from your private deck.
- Sunset drinks over the lake
- Retro-inspired interiors designed for slow stays
- Sauna access just steps away
Drawing inspiration from nature and dipping into nostalgia, this Chinese restaurant-turned quirky luxury accomodation oozes a stylish retro aesthetic.
While it may look petite, Idle Lake House is surprisingly spacious, sleeping four in two queen-sized bedrooms. There’s a separate bathroom, shower room and a powder room and a large living room with an open-plan kitchen. The sense of space is reinforced by the use of curved walls and floor-to-ceiling glass framing the unbroken lake view. Sliding doors lead to a deck with outdoor seating, with a steel ladder providing entry into the cool green water of the lake should it get too hot.
The space
The luxury accommodation sits on a floating platform moored in the western harbour on The Esplanade, the lake separated from the ocean by a long, thin spine of land.
Idle is all yours, and the space around it is shared by fellow nomads, yachtsman and sauna enthusiasts. Usually, the area around the boat is quiet, and sometimes it's a hive of fishing, hot / cold plunging, boat building and community. Lakes Entrance itself is a picture of wild East Coast activity in summer, and almost abandoned in winter. We love both equally.
While it may look petite, Idle Lake House is surprisingly spacious, sleeping four in two queen-sized bedrooms. There’s a separate bathroom, shower room and a powder room and a large living room with an open-plan kitchen. The sense of space is reinforced by the floor-to-ceiling glass framing the unbroken lake view. Sliding doors lead to a deck with outdoor seating, with a steel ladder providing entry into the cool green water of the lake should it get too hot. Complete with its very own boat mooring.
Please kindly note that pets are welcome on board for an extra cleaning fee.
Guest access
• Two private water view queen bedrooms with INBED / Pony rider / Sheet Society linen
• Bathroom and powder room
• Bath house with 180 degree bay view
• Fully equipped bar / kitchenette including toaster, kettle, coffee machine & percolator, bbq, air fryer oven
• Split system air conditioning / heating
• Electric wall heating in bedrooms
• Private boat mooring
• Uninterrupted private water views
• Wifi / Netflix / Smart TV
• Marshall wireless speaker
• East, South and West decks
• Pets considered for a fee
Other things to note
If you’ve come for a relaxing stay, you’ll find everything you need within arm’s reach. Just a few things to know before you sink in and drift off…
Idle is a boat—so pour the wine, for God’s sake have a dance, and stay safe around the water. We’ve kept the railings minimal to preserve the view, so please take care on the decks and don’t go breaking any bones on this trip.
Idle shares its platform with a public floating sauna. The sauna has its own separate entry and isn’t accessed through your accommodation. We designed this entire vessel—and both of our businesses—for fun and good times, so you may hear a little noise or the occasional splash from the north end. We’ve done everything we can to minimise disruptions, but sound carries beautifully (and sometimes loudly) over water, so you might notice KOHO’s guests from time to time.
The whole place is a vibe—made to be enjoyed. So take it in, embrace the energy, and settle into the experience.
Now go on, have fun and enjoy your stay. We know you will. x
Stay on the water at Victoria’s most unique floating lake house. A retro-Californian inspired accommodation for guests who crave the unseen. A design-led retreat for couples and small groups.
Resting on the absolute waterfront of the Gippsland Lakes, is Australia’s idyllic Far South East Coast. Idle Lake House is a luxury two bedroom tribute to its relatively untouched location, connection to its local environment, proximity to the locals and saltwater culture. This must be the place.
- Wake up surrounded by water.
- Swim straight from your private deck.
- Sunset drinks over the lake
- Retro-inspired interiors designed for slow stays
- Sauna access just steps away
Drawing inspiration from nature and dipping into nostalgia, this Chinese restaurant-turned quirky luxury accomodation oozes a stylish retro aesthetic.
While it may look petite, Idle Lake House is surprisingly spacious, sleeping four in two queen-sized bedrooms. There’s a separate bathroom, shower room and a powder room and a large living room with an open-plan kitchen. The sense of space is reinforced by the use of curved walls and floor-to-ceiling glass framing the unbroken lake view. Sliding doors lead to a deck with outdoor seating, with a steel ladder providing entry into the cool green water of the lake should it get too hot.
The space
The luxury accommodation sits on a floating platform moored in the western harbour on The Esplanade, the lake separated from the ocean by a long, thin spine of land.
Idle is all yours, and the space around it is shared by fellow nomads, yachtsman and sauna enthusiasts. Usually, the area around the boat is quiet, and sometimes it's a hive of fishing, hot / cold plunging, boat building and community. Lakes Entrance itself is a picture of wild East Coast activity in summer, and almost abandoned in winter. We love both equally.
While it may look petite, Idle Lake House is surprisingly spacious, sleeping four in two queen-sized bedrooms. There’s a separate bathroom, shower room and a powder room and a large living room with an open-plan kitchen. The sense of space is reinforced by the floor-to-ceiling glass framing the unbroken lake view. Sliding doors lead to a deck with outdoor seating, with a steel ladder providing entry into the cool green water of the lake should it get too hot. Complete with its very own boat mooring.
Please kindly note that pets are welcome on board for an extra cleaning fee.
Guest access
• Two private water view queen bedrooms with INBED / Pony rider / Sheet Society linen
• Bathroom and powder room
• Bath house with 180 degree bay view
• Fully equipped bar / kitchenette including toaster, kettle, coffee machine & percolator, bbq, air fryer oven
• Split system air conditioning / heating
• Electric wall heating in bedrooms
• Private boat mooring
• Uninterrupted private water views
• Wifi / Netflix / Smart TV
• Marshall wireless speaker
• East, South and West decks
• Pets considered for a fee
Other things to note
If you’ve come for a relaxing stay, you’ll find everything you need within arm’s reach. Just a few things to know before you sink in and drift off…
Idle is a boat—so pour the wine, for God’s sake have a dance, and stay safe around the water. We’ve kept the railings minimal to preserve the view, so please take care on the decks and don’t go breaking any bones on this trip.
Idle shares its platform with a public floating sauna. The sauna has its own separate entry and isn’t accessed through your accommodation. We designed this entire vessel—and both of our businesses—for fun and good times, so you may hear a little noise or the occasional splash from the north end. We’ve done everything we can to minimise disruptions, but sound carries beautifully (and sometimes loudly) over water, so you might notice KOHO’s guests from time to time.
The whole place is a vibe—made to be enjoyed. So take it in, embrace the energy, and settle into the experience.
Now go on, have fun and enjoy your stay. We know you will. x
Features and Amenities
2 bedrooms
2 beds
2 bathrooms
Air conditioning
Bath
BBQ
Details
- Check in after 3:00pmCheck out before 11:00am
- Weekday minimum booking: 2 nightsWeekend minimum booking: 2 nights
Cancellation Policy:
Receive a full refund (minus service fee) up until 1 week prior to check-in.
Additional Information
There is a welcome booklet provided which showcases everything we love about the area, places to eat, things to do and everything in between. A few early recommendations within close proximity to us are:
Breakfast & Coffee: Albert & Co. Across the other side of the road, you will find this Melbourne-inspired cafe, serving coffee, fresh pastries and an array of breakfast choices!
Dinner: Sodafish. Turn right at the end of the jetty, walk 300m and you will hit Sodafish. Opened by renowned head chef, Nick Mahlook, this predominantly seafood restaurant is high quality and serves fresh seafood straight from the local trawlers.
Wellbeing: Koho Sauna (Our sister business). Located on the same vessel, Koho Sauna is a wellbeing experience that focuses on hot/cold therapy. Guests alternate between a wood-fired sauna and an invigorating dip in the Gippsland Lakes. Your can check their website for availability, and don’t forget to add our special discount code at the checkout for 20% off your private sauna session.
Check out is 11am. A later check out may result in a late check out fee. We ask that on your departure any used kitchen items have been cleaned and returned and the house is left in a respectable condition, and ensure all the external doors are closed and locked.
Thank you again for choosing us for your visit to Lakes Entrance and we hope to see you again someday!
Neph & Dano
Breakfast & Coffee: Albert & Co. Across the other side of the road, you will find this Melbourne-inspired cafe, serving coffee, fresh pastries and an array of breakfast choices!
Dinner: Sodafish. Turn right at the end of the jetty, walk 300m and you will hit Sodafish. Opened by renowned head chef, Nick Mahlook, this predominantly seafood restaurant is high quality and serves fresh seafood straight from the local trawlers.
Wellbeing: Koho Sauna (Our sister business). Located on the same vessel, Koho Sauna is a wellbeing experience that focuses on hot/cold therapy. Guests alternate between a wood-fired sauna and an invigorating dip in the Gippsland Lakes. Your can check their website for availability, and don’t forget to add our special discount code at the checkout for 20% off your private sauna session.
Check out is 11am. A later check out may result in a late check out fee. We ask that on your departure any used kitchen items have been cleaned and returned and the house is left in a respectable condition, and ensure all the external doors are closed and locked.
Thank you again for choosing us for your visit to Lakes Entrance and we hope to see you again someday!
Neph & Dano
Prices
- Base Price $550 / night
- Weekend Price $600 / night
- Discounts
10% discount for bookings of 7 nights or longer
Finding fulfillment
Based on traveller reviews, these are the top fulfilling moments experienced while staying here. Learn more
Joy
Rejuvenation
Slowness
Reviews (14)
100% Recommended
Pamela
28 Oct 2025
Idle Lake House was lovely. Just as nice as the photos, with thoughtful extras in the fridge that made for a warm welcome.
Nephelle was great to deal with, and the location couldn’t be easier once yo...u’re in Lakes Entrance - smooth arrival, no hassles.
The house sits along a quiet jetty with a few neighbouring boats that people stay in, but it’s very peaceful. You’ll only occasionally see tourists strolling past the east windows, so you can keep the blinds open and enjoy the sunlight from every direction.
Their sister business, the sauna, is right next door, but you only hear the odd sound of people coming or going. I saw swimmers out front of the living room once, but most stayed on the other side of the partition of the sauna.
The main view faces west, so you get gorgeous sunsets; even on a cloudy, cool weekend, the light was beautiful. And the lake really is right on your doorstep; even at 16 degrees, it was perfect for a dip.
Would happily recommend this spot to anyone, any time of year.
Nephelle was great to deal with, and the location couldn’t be easier once yo...u’re in Lakes Entrance - smooth arrival, no hassles.
The house sits along a quiet jetty with a few neighbouring boats that people stay in, but it’s very peaceful. You’ll only occasionally see tourists strolling past the east windows, so you can keep the blinds open and enjoy the sunlight from every direction.
Their sister business, the sauna, is right next door, but you only hear the odd sound of people coming or going. I saw swimmers out front of the living room once, but most stayed on the other side of the partition of the sauna.
The main view faces west, so you get gorgeous sunsets; even on a cloudy, cool weekend, the light was beautiful. And the lake really is right on your doorstep; even at 16 degrees, it was perfect for a dip.
Would happily recommend this spot to anyone, any time of year.
Rejuvenation
Peter
14 Aug 2025
Relaxing on the back deck watching the birds frolic on the glassed out lake soaking up the last of the winter sun. I couldn't recommend this place any more. Close to everything and it has everything.
Challenge
Excitement
Spontaneity
Freedom
Joy
Self-discovery
+6
Rejuvenation
Groundedness
Slowness
Peacefulness
Human connection
Unplugged
Jarryd
30 May 2025
The photos do not do it justice.
Stayed here in the off peak season and it was absolutely gorgeous. So peaceful and a lovely long weekend to get away and relax.
Will absolutely look to stay here aga...in in peak season and use the lake for a swim directly off the deck.
Blown away with the house. Everything in it was absolutely perfect.
Stayed here in the off peak season and it was absolutely gorgeous. So peaceful and a lovely long weekend to get away and relax.
Will absolutely look to stay here aga...in in peak season and use the lake for a swim directly off the deck.
Blown away with the house. Everything in it was absolutely perfect.
Human connection
Excitement
Freedom
Spontaneity
Joy
Rejuvenation
+2
Slowness
Peacefulness
Host
Nephelle
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Lakes Entrance VIC 3909, Australia
1Listings
Born out of a desire to create an authentic experience that could be shared with all. We dreamt up a vision to honour the location, embrace the unique and celebrate our local community.
Ask a QuestionOutdoor Equipment Provided
Enjoy the outdoors with the following equipment included in your stay.
Stand-up paddleboard (2)
2 SUP's tucked under the West deck
Location
The map shows the listing location and awesome adventures nearby.
Listing location
Adventures nearby
Adventures Nearby
Here are some details about the adventures nearby. Refer to the map for their location.
Koho Sauna
An invigorating floating sauna on the lake. Take a plunge into the water after for a unique hot/cold therapy experience!
Albert Co
Enjoy a delicious meal at Albert & Co. They are open for breakfast, lunch and seasonal dinner and also have a cocktail lounge and bar.
Resin Art Workshop The Saltwater Creative Co
The Saltwater Creative Co is a waterfront art studio / gallery / creative design company / home decor hub in Lakes Entrance.
We host weekly kids and adults art workshops and courses, as well as private celebrations and corporate events.
We host weekly kids and adults art workshops and courses, as well as private celebrations and corporate events.
Charnwood Antiques
A charming antique shop full of a range of collectables and treasures.
Lakes Entrance Beach
A spacious, pristine and easily accessible beach. A perfect spot to enjoy water, sand and sun!
Cunninghame Arm Foot Bridge
Take a relaxing stroll across the bridge, take in the scenic views of the Lakes Entrance coastline and head to the beach.
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$550per night
































































