Places to stay in Bright, King Valley, Nagambie
For some, winter means snuggling near the fire with a glass of red. While others embrace the cold by sleeping in an igloo. Here’s High Country’s most memorable stays — indoors and out.
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Looking for a winter weekend away?
We’ve found some of the best places to visit, and stay, in Victoria’s High Country — only a few hours drive from Melbourne.
Learn the history of Mount Ophir Estate, relax with a massage at Mitchelton Winery or channel North American vibes at Bright’s Big Sky Retreat.
LINDENWARRAH AT MILAWA
223 Milawa-Bobinawarrah Rd, Milawa.
This country house hotel is the perfect place to unwind. Choose your room based on the experience you’re after — be it overlooking the Brown Brother’s vineyard at sunset, or waking up to lush gardens or Mount Buffalo. There’s also a pool, art gallery and restaurant on site.
www.lancemore.com.au/lindenwarrah
MOUNT OPHIR
168 Stillards Ln, Rutherglen.
The historic Mount Ophir Estate was built in 1891 and at one stage was the largest winemaking complex in the Southern Hemisphere. Today the Brown siblings (of Brown Brothers wines) Eliza, Angela and Nick, own the 140 acre property. You can stay at either the tower, gatehouse or residence rooms in the building, or three cottages.
MITCHELTON HOTEL
470 Mitchellstown Rd, Nagambie.
After a revamp two years ago, Mitchelton Hotel is proving to be a popular place for weekends away in the High Country. About 90 minutes drive from Melbourne, guests can have a tour of the property’s unique underground cellar, unwind in the day spa or enjoy a feast at The Muse restaurant. Wine tastings also available.
QUINS GAP PRIVATE RETREAT
93 Quins Gap Rd, Bright.
This three bedder is a few minutes drive from Bright. If the weather holds up, you can enjoy a BBQ in the property’s garden. If it doesn’t, there’s always cosy-ing up to the fireplace indoors. Pets allowed.
www.visitbright.com.au/listing/quins-gap-private-retreat-bright
FEATHERTOP WINERY
6619 Great Alpine Road, Porepunkah.
Make the most of your Feathertop Winery experience by staying a night. The Mt Buffalo View comes with a pot belly fire and balcony BBQ, while the Peggy Adelaide has a private outdoor bathtub. Perfect for winter.
KILNHOUSES
Cavedons Lane, Porepunkah.
The Kilnhouses in Porepunkah, near Mount Buffalo, has three choices of accommodation — Cavendons or Chinaman’s kilnhouse or The Sorting Shed, ranging between two and three bedrooms in size, with large glass windows.
3741 BOUTIQUE: BIG SKY IN BRIGHT
107 Gavan Street, Bright.
Feel like you’re on a North American adventure at the Big Sky Retreat in Bright. The four bedroom property is perfect for groups looking for a weekend away, with king beds in each room, and luxe fittings. Guests receive a welcome hamper on arrival. There’s also a pool, steamroom, wine fridge, BBQ and private fitness space.
YARRANUGARA ECO GLAMPING RETREAT
512-514 Oxley-Meadow Creek Road, Oxley.
Reconnect with the outdoors by glamping at Yurt Rereat, surrounded by red gum bushland and waterways. You’ll spend the night inside a Yurt — a traditional, round Turkish tent. Complete with bedroom, shower, outdoor camp kitchen and living area.
BEST WINTER ACTIVITIES THAT DON’T INVOLVE SKIING
WINTER STAY SPA COUNTRY HOTELS
ALPINE NATURE EXPERIENCE
Great Alpine Rd, Hotham Heights.
Make the most of winter by staying a night in the snow. Don’t worry, it’ll be in style and comfort. The Alpine Nature Experience at Mt Hotham allows you to experience Igloo to Skidoo. Guests sleep in either an snowdome or an igloo overnight, with a scenic skidoo ride the morning after and hot breakfast. Snowdomes come with woodfire heaters and igloos with -8 sleeping bags.
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