Floating on a Dream at Lakes Entrance

Dream, Dip, Repeat

Stay at a trendy, retro Californian- inspired floating accommodation.

Born to avid fishermen, Nephelle and Daniel Wallis both grew up with strong love and admiration to the water.  And whilst they are both keen travellers, they’ve always believed Lakes Entrance is the most beautiful place on Earth.

So, when the opportunity came up with buy a vessel on the absolute waterfront of the Gippsland Lakes, it was a no brainer. They joined forces with Tom and Brodie, who would create Koho Sauna. And Nephelle, an artist, and Daniel, a shipwright by trade, would create a funky boutique accommodation.

The vessel was previously an award-winning Chinese restaurant that had been part of the local fabric and moored at the same location for nearly 40 years. Drawing inspiration from the nature and blending it with nostalgia, the retro Californian inspired accommodation was designed by Nephelle alongside a team of ‘local forward thinking building magicians.’

From a gorgeous red bath overlooking the water to stylishly curated retro pieces, Idle’s aesthetic is in a class of its own.

‘I wanted to bring all of my favourite objects together in one space. I love bright eye-catching pieces. My motto is ‘go hard or go home’ and that carries through my work ethic, my art and design work.’

Nephelle said Daniel and the team at Hutt Built are a progressive team of local builders specialising in big and tiny spaces with flare.

‘They brought creative solutions to every single part of the project and tackled odd issues such as level and straight surfacing on water… not an easy task but mastered by these guys.’

The accommodation boasts curved walls, floor-to-ceiling glass framing and stunning lake views. While it may appear small from the outside, Idle Lake House is a spacious two-bedroom apartment that sleeps four people comfortably.

It’s perfect spot for everyone to chill out or have fun. From solo adventurers to couples, friendship groups or families.  And though Idle is situated on the water, children are more than welcomed to stay.

‘We love families and young ones to stay. Obviously being completely waterfront comes with its risks for any age, and we leave it wholly up to the discretion of the parent,’ Nephelle said ‘In our experience, kids have a better time on board than the adults!’

Photos: Kate Enno

For more information visit idlelakehouse.com

Sweat, Swim, Repeat.

Immerse Yourself in Koho Sauna’s Contrast Therapy

When Tom and Brodie visited a floating sauna in Derby, Tasmania several years ago, they began ‘floating’ the idea of creating a similar experience in their water-based town of Lakes Entrance.

‘Lakes Entrance is a beautiful part of the world, and we wanted to create a unique experience that would draw a different crowd to the area,’ Tom said. ‘Brodie is from Lakes Entrance and after we settled here following time in England where I am from, we were keen to help grow the area. 

‘There are lots of different, interesting businesses cropping up in the area which not only helps attract tourists but also encourages families and young people to relocate to the area.’*

Tom said the idea festered away for a few years until Brodies sister, Nephelle approached them after having been offered a floating barge in a prime location in Lakes Entrance.

 ‘We quickly bought the vessel and spent the next twelve months turning it into these two unique businesses, Koho Sauna and Idle Lake House.’

Tom said the purchase of the vessel was a smooth process, the challenge lied in the renovations.

‘(We had to ensure) we complied with strict environmental guidelines from Gippsland Ports, who care for the waterways.  They were great to deal with and encouraging of our projects.  Similarly, renovating a vessel, the logistics were difficult, with materials and rubbish often transported via barge to the building,’ he said.

The sauna was completed last year and offers an exhilarating contrast therapy service, where people can mix both the sauna experience with a cold immersion by jumping into the water from the floating sauna, or cooling off in the built-in shower.

The list of health benefits is endless, with hot and cold immersion linked to improved circulation, reduction of muscle soreness, a release of endorphins, promotion of relaxation, and much more.

And the locals and visitors seem to be lapping it up, with the feedback and reviews coming in hot.

‘We have regulars now from our local community who are using the sauna frequently and noticing improvements in their health and wellbeing,’ Tom said. ‘Similarly, visitors are really enjoying our space and the unique, wellbeing experience it offers.  We are extremely fortunate to receive such positive feedback and reviews from locals and visitors alike and currently have a five star google review rating from more than thirty reviews.’  

But with any spa, sauna and cold plunge experience, people should be mindful of the risks.

‘Sauna and cold plunging aren’t for everybody, and guests complete a medical check in form that lists some medical conditions that can affect a person’s ability to use the sauna,’ Tom said. ‘For example, pregnant ladies are not encouraged to use the sauna.  As with any medical condition, it is always advised to seek advice from your doctor before putting your body under increased stress. ‘

Book by visiting kohosauna.com.au. 

 Benefits of Koho Sauna

Improved Circulation
The rapid temperature change causes blood vessels to constrict (cold) and dilate (heat), which stimulates blood flow.
This “vascular workout” may improve circulation and help with nutrient delivery and waste removal from tissues.
Reduced Muscle Soreness and Inflammation
Cold reduces inflammation and numbs pain.
Heat promotes relaxation and blood flow to speed up healing.
Together, this can help reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after intense exercise.
Enhanced Recovery
Widely used in athletic recovery routines.
May shorten recovery time between workouts or competitions by reducing swelling and metabolic waste.
Improved Range of Motion and Flexibility
Warmth can relax muscles and improve joint mobility.
Cold may help reduce stiffness after exertion.
Mental Benefits
The sudden exposure to cold and hot temperatures can increase alertness and endorphin levels.
Helps with mental toughness, stress relief, and possibly even mood improvement due to hermetic stress responses.
Potential Immune Boost
Alternating temperatures may stimulate lymphatic drainage and immune function, although evidence here is still emerging.