The Lake House Coongulla - Lakeside Getaway for Couples

The Lake House Coongulla is an original waterfront holiday house on Ryan’s Cove at Lake Glenmaggie in Gippsland, Victoria. The two-bedroom house accommodates up to four guests and offers direct lake access, a large fully fenced dog-friendly yard and kayaks to enjoy during your stay.

When you're not skiing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, fishing, swimming, etc, relax next to the inside Coonara wood heater or outdoor fire pit!

Pet-friendly, with the whole block fully fenced, your dog(s) have a huge grassed yard to enjoy. The yard can be closed off into 2 areas, providing safe access to the driveway.

The space
An original Coongulla lakeside holiday house built by local builders in the 1970's. A cosy escape for couples wanting to stay in and simply enjoy the serenity of the lake at your back door, or explore this part of Gippsland.

The house has retained the relaxed character and simplicity that made these original lake houses in this area so special. It has evolved over the years, but 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 coffee, a day spent on the lake, an afternoon by the fire or sitting outside with a glass of wine, lakeside as the day winds down.

Family first introduced us to Lake Glenmaggie more than 20 years ago. There is something about this part of Gippsland, the lake, the mountains, the changing seasons and the slower pace that keeps drawing you back.

We want guests to experience the house in much the same way we do: not simply as somewhere to stay, but as a private and comfortable home by the lake where you can genuinely relax.

You can simply stay in and relax or adventure out and enjoy the many experiences Gippsland has to offer.

Bring your dog(s) and let them enjoy the fully fenced grassed block with plenty of space to throw the ball or straight down to the lake for a swim.

There are also many pet-friendly cafes, pubs and parks in the surrounding towns.

Lake Glenmaggie

The lake is the centrepiece of Coongulla and one of Central Gippsland’s favourite destinations for:

• Swimming
• Boating and sailing
• Water skiing and wakeboarding
• Kayaking and paddleboarding
• Fishing
• Picnics and BBQs
• Walking and wildlife spotting

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 the lake, including Coongulla and Sandy Point. Water levels vary seasonally because the lake is also an important irrigation reservoir for the surrounding farming district.

The Glenmaggie Weir Reserve is also worth visiting for a picnic and a look at the historic weir and surrounding countryside.

Walking, hiking & exploring

There are excellent walks ranging from an easy morning stroll to serious High Country adventures.

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 – Just outside Heyfield, with 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 & produce

Coongulla is perfectly positioned for exploring the small wineries and rich agricultural country of Central Gippsland.

Blue Gables Vineyard – Just a 4 minute drive is a relaxed vineyard at Maffra West Upper, known for local wines, wood-fired pizza and produce platters.

Glenmaggie Wines – A local favourite near Tinamba, with cellar-door wines and a restaurant showcasing produce from the surrounding region.

Continue towards Tinamba, Maffra and Briagolong to discover more local wine, farm produce and country dining.

Nearby country towns

Heyfield – around 15 minutes
The closest main township and the place to head 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. A great destination 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 should 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 with historic buildings, country scenery and nearby Cowwarr Weir.

Sale – around 40 minutes
The major regional centre, with supermarkets, restaurants, shopping and plenty of services. It’s also a good option for a day out or stocking up before settling back into lake life.

Licola – around 50–60 minutes
Follow the Macalister River north into the mountains to the tiny High Country settlement of Licola – the gateway to the Alpine National Park, 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.

Guest access
Off-road undercover carport for 2 vehicles. There is plenty of room to store a boat or additional vehicle in the private driveway, all behind secure gates.