The hype
The food and grounds are absolutely spectacular, making it a perfect special occasion getaway.
Lake House
$400-$800 / night
Book this if You want a luxurious, food-focused retreat with an award-winning restaurant and tranquil lake views.
Why People Love It
- Two-hatted destination restaurant on-site
- Beautiful lakeside location with 6 acres of gardens
- Salus Spa with treetop mineral baths
Quick Take: It's a legendary culinary destination, but some of the older lodge rooms and spa facilities are starting to show their age and need a refresh.
Reviewed by @giselleinmotion: I stayed in this incredible room at the Lake House and the view of the lake right from my balcony was absolutely unreal. My bathroom had a spectacular deep bath that felt like a private spa. The gorgeous decor made the whole stay feel so luxurious and relaxing.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You're paying top dollar for the reputation, and the older unrenovated rooms don't quite match the luxury price tag.
- Foodies seeking a farm-to-table fine dining experience
- Couples looking for a romantic, quiet weekend
- Nature lovers who want to walk around the lake
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.5
- Housekeeping: Hit or miss; while many find it spotless, some guests report dusty corners, spiderwebs, and missed spots like greasy remotes in older rooms.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally clean, especially in renovated villas, but older lodge bathrooms can feel tired and show their age.
- Maintenance: Beautifully kept gardens, but several reviews note that standard rooms and parts of the spa are dated and in need of a refresh.
- Linens & towels: Premium Egyptian cotton sheets and plush robes, though occasional complaints of wear in the unrenovated rooms.
- Odors & scents: Fresh country air and luxurious Elemis spa scents, though older rooms can occasionally feel musty.
Sleepability™
8.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Occasional noise from the restaurant or events
- Footsteps in older lodge buildings
Before you book
Good to know
- The restaurant is extremely popular, so book your dinner reservations well in advance.
- There is a 1.75% surcharge on credit card payments.
- Airport shuttle is available but costs a hefty $365 AUD.
What to pack
- Smart casual attire for dinner at the two-hatted restaurant
- Comfortable walking shoes for the Peace Mile walk around the lake
Room Genie
Best picks
- The Retreat (private country house feel with fire pit)
- Waterfront Pool Studios (recently renovated with plush interiors and lake views)
Rooms to avoid
- Older Lodge Studios (some guests report them feeling dated and dark)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hi team, we're so excited for our stay. Could we please request a recently renovated Waterfront Pool Studio with uninterrupted views of the lake, away from the main restaurant foot traffic?”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, a complimentary country-style cooked-to-order breakfast is included.
Can I bring my pet?
No, Lake House is not pet-friendly, though service animals are allowed.
Is there a pool?
Yes, there is a solar-heated infinity pool overlooking the lake, plus a hot tub.
How far is it from Melbourne?
It's about an 80 to 90-minute drive from Melbourne CBD.
Are children allowed?
Children are welcome, but the vibe is very adult-oriented and under-16s aren't allowed in the spa.
Do I need to book the spa in advance?
Absolutely. The Salus Spa is very popular, so book treatments before you arrive.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Take advantage of the exclusive guest-only tours of Dairy Flat Farm on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings.
- ✨
Grab a spot by the Lagoon foreshore fire pit in the cooler months for a cozy evening drink.
- ✨
Don't miss the complimentary canapés served for hotel guests on the alfresco deck before dinner.
5 things to know before you go
💡The hotel has its own resident artist, Allan Wolf-Tasker, whose studio you can tour.
💡The property has a massive 13,000-bottle wine cellar.
💡You can order a picnic hamper from the kitchen to enjoy on the lake's edge.
💡Some of the standard rooms lack the 'wow' factor of the public spaces and villas.
💡They have a dedicated cooking school on-site that draws foodies from all over.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Lake House is located and what's nearby.