Couples accommodation • Fireplace • Direct lake access • Dog-friendly • Fully fenced • Secure covered parking
The Lake House Coongulla is an original waterfront holiday house on Ryan’s Cove at Lake Glenmaggie in Gippsland, Victoria.
Hosting guests since 2017, our two-bedroom lake house accommodates up to four guests and offers direct access to the lake, a huge, fully fenced, dog-friendly yard and kayaks for guests to enjoy during their stay.
Spend your days swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, fishing or water skiing. Then come home and relax inside beside the Coonara wood heater, gather around the outdoor fire pit with plenty of seating, or enjoy a glass of wine by the lake as the sun goes down.
The House
Described by guests as "warm and relaxing", the home is an original Coongulla holiday house built by local builders in the 1970s. The Lake House has been updated while retaining the relaxed character and simplicity that made these original lake houses so special.
We’ve deliberately kept its personality, warmth and originality rather than turning it into something it was never meant to be.
Tucked away in a private setting, it feels wonderfully removed from the outside world.
There’s space to settle in, switch off and make yourself completely at home - whether that means a slow morning with a freshly brewed coffee, a day on the lake, an afternoon by the fire or sitting outside with a glass of wine as the day winds down.
Guest Access & Parking
Guests have full use of the house and property.
There is a private undercover carport for two vehicles, plus room in the driveway for a boat or additional vehicle.
Parking is off road behind secure gates. Once you arrive, simply close the gates and unload in privacy with direct covered access to the house.
House Preparation Before You Arrive
Every stay at The Lake House Coongulla begins with a thorough clean and thoughtful preparation, so you can settle in and feel at home.
All bed linen, towels, mattress protectors and pillow protectors are changed between stays, with each bed freshly made using quality, freshly laundered and sanitised bedding. Some of our bedding is natural linen, chosen for its comfort and softly textured, relaxed appearance.
Cupboards, drawers and shelves are thoroughly cleaned, while appliances and household equipment are checked and cleaned, ready for your use. Floors are steam-cleaned, doors and frequently touched surfaces receive careful attention, and the bathroom and laundry are thoroughly cleaned and sanitised.
We choose cleaning products with sensitive noses and four-legged guests in mind. It’s all part of making the house feel fresh, comfortable and welcoming from the moment you arrive.
Dog-Friendly Stays
Dogs are very welcome.
The entire block is securely fenced, giving your dog plenty of room to enjoy the huge grassed yard while remaining visible from the lounge.
The yard can also be divided into two separate secure areas, allowing you to separate the main garden from the driveway when required.
For your paw family member(s), there's plenty of open, secure space to enjoy the garden or take them straight down to the lake for a swim.
There are also plenty of pet-friendly cafés, pubs, parks and outdoor areas in the surrounding towns.
Your Local Surroundings
We want guests to experience the house in much the same way we do: not simply as somewhere to stay, but as a private, warm and comfortable home by the lake where you can genuinely relax. Stay in and enjoy the serenity, OR use The Lake House as your base for exploring this beautiful part of Gippsland.
Family first introduced us to Lake Glenmaggie more than 20 years ago. There is something about this part of Gippsland - the lake, mountains, changing seasons and slower pace - that keeps drawing you back. Over the years we have certainly explored this local area and there is so much to do.
Below is a list of the places on your door step when you stay here.
Lake Glenmaggie
The lake is at the heart of Coongulla - and it's right at the bottom of the property.
Popular activities include:
- Swimming
- Boating and sailing
- Water skiing and wakeboarding
- Kayaking and paddleboarding
- Fishing
- Picnics and BBQs
- Walking and wildlife spotting
(Two kayaks are provided for guests to use.)
Lake Glenmaggie is particularly well known for Australian bass fishing, with trout and redfin also found in the lake.
There are several boat-launching locations around Lake Glenmaggie, including Coongulla and Sandy Point. Water levels vary seasonally as Lake Glenmaggie is also an important irrigation reservoir. Check the water levels.
The Glenmaggie Weir Reserve is also worth visiting for a picnic and a look at the historic weir and surrounding countryside.
Walking, Hiking & Exploring
From an easy morning stroll to a serious High Country adventure, there is plenty to explore.
Heyfield Wetlands ~
More than 4 km of walking paths and boardwalks through wetlands rich in birdlife.
Gippsland Plains Rail Trail ~
A mostly flat 63 km trail linking Traralgon, Glengarry, Toongabbie, Cowwarr, Heyfield, Tinamba, Maffra and Stratford. Walk or cycle a small section or make a day of it.
Blores Hill & Glenmaggie Regional Park ~
Native bushland and trails for walking and mountain biking. The easy 3.9 km Family Loop is a good option for a relaxed outing. Bring your bikes!
Avon Wilderness Area ~
For experienced adventurers looking for genuinely remote Victorian wilderness and rugged High Country scenery.
Bryce Gorge Circuit ~
An impressive 8 km High Country circuit featuring alpine plains, Bryce Gorge, Pieman Falls, Conglomerate Falls and historic Guy’s Hut.
Tali Karng ~
For serious hikers, head beyond Licola into the Alpine National Park to discover Tali Karng, the only natural lake in the Victorian Alps.
Local Wineries
Coongulla is perfectly positioned for exploring the small wineries and rich agricultural country of Central Gippsland.
• Blue Gables Vineyard
Just a short drive away at Maffra West Upper. A relaxed vineyard known for local wines, wood-fired pizza and produce platters.
• Glenmaggie Wines
A local favourite near Tinamba, offering cellar-door wines and dining showcasing produce from the surrounding region.
Explore the Nearby Country Towns
• Heyfield – around 15 minutes
The closest main township for groceries, fuel, cafés, a country pub and everyday supplies. Visit the Heyfield Wetlands or join the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail.
• Tinamba – around 20 minutes
A tiny farming village surrounded by dairy country and vineyards. Perfect for a leisurely country drive, winery visit or lunch.
• Maffra – around 25–30 minutes
A larger historic country town with supermarkets, cafés, pubs and shops. Car enthusiasts can visit the Gippsland Vehicle Collection, while food lovers can explore the surrounding wineries and local producers.
• Cowwarr – around 25–30 minutes
A small heritage village on the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail, surrounded by historic buildings and country scenery, with
Cowwarr Weir nearby.
• Sale – around 40 minutes
The major regional centre with supermarkets, restaurants, shopping and services. A good option for a day out or stocking up before returning to lake life.
• Licola – around 50–60 minutes
Follow the Macalister River north into the mountains to this tiny High Country settlement — the gateway to the Alpine National Park and spectacular hiking, fishing, camping and 4WD country.
The Best of Both Worlds
Coongulla is close enough to explore Gippsland's wineries, historic towns, walking trails and spectacular High Country, yet wonderfully removed from the bustle of everyday life.
Spend the morning hiking, stop at a winery or country pub for lunch, then come home for an afternoon swim, paddle or sunset drink overlooking Lake Glenmaggie.
Or don't go anywhere at all.
Sometimes the best days at The Lake House are the ones spent simply enjoying the lake.
At a Glance
• Sleeps: Up to 4 guests
• Bedrooms: 2 queen bedrooms
• Location: Ryan's Cove, Lake Glenmaggie
• Waterfront: Yes – direct lake access
• Dogs: Welcome
• Yard: Large, grassed and fully fenced
• Kayaks: 2 provided for guests
• Heating: Coonara wood heater
• Cooling: Air-conditioned
• Outdoor: Fire pit
• Parking: Secure off-road, undercover space
• Setting: Private lakeside property in Central Gippsland
• Access: Direct covered access from cars to the house
• Living Area: Open living with lake views
