Where to stay for Victoria’s best country winter experiences
From farm stays to cosy cabins and a boat in the middle of the Grampians, there are a host of places to take shelter from Melbourne’s harsh winter.
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Country Victoria is home to some of the state’s cosiest winter havens — think steaming hot tubs, log fires and sweeping sunset views fading into crisp nights.
Whether you are after the creature comforts of a luxury farm stay or the likes of an eco-friendly cabin, the colder months are a great time to wind down with nature and connect to Victoria’s country lifestyle.
CENTRAL LARNOOK, SHERBROOKE
Located less than an hour from Melbourne, this luxury off-grid hideaway is nestled in the hills of the Yarra Ranges with views all the way to Port Phillip Bay.
Curl up by the fire with a book, bathe under an outdoor shower and watch the sun set over the hills with a glass of wine by the fire pit.
TATHRA MUDBRICK COTTAGE, FLOWERDALE
Did someone say alpacas? This gorgeous free-standing mudbrick cottage — sitting high on its own hill — is on a more than 12ha family farm with fruit trees, horses, sheep, chickens and alpacas.
An outside spa also beckons. Perfect for acouple’s weekend away.
WIGGLEY BOTTOM FARM, BADGER CREEK, HEALESVILLE
Watch horses graze, miniature goats gambol and geese take to the dam at this 6ha property in the Yarra Valley.
A cottage and apartment cater for couples, and a tiny house can be added to your booking. Enjoy misty mornings and wine o’clock with sunset views over distant rolling hills.
Bring your pet along and treat them to a Pooches & Pinot wine tour.
VISIT VICTORIA: Get more winter travel inspo and ideas in Space magazine, in your Sunday Herald Sun on May 23.
FELLCROFT FARMSTAY, COBAW, MACEDON RANGES
Host to six generations of the Crozier family, this property has been a working farm since 1862, so expect to see sheep, cattle and working dogs.
The two guest dwellings, designed with couples in mind, capture views of Mt Macedon, Hanging Rock and Camel’s Hump.
Open the french doors to expansive decks, admire the vistas while relaxing in a twin spa or settle in next to the fire pit with a glass of local wine.
NORTH BULLERROO, MANSFIELD, HIGH COUNTRY
Feed the pygmy goats at this striking alpine apartment on a goat stud.
Inspired by a modern industrial ski lodge, the architect-designed apartment features timber, stone and Corten steel, and has full-length windows with far-reaching views of the High Country.
Design-savvy touches include a warming chiminea and indulgent triple shower.
A staircase leads to a private rooftop terrace for awesome sky and landscape gazing.
[’KABIN] MANSFIELD
For a High Country hideaway with a difference, this restored Canadian cedar log cabin will not disappoint.
With breathtaking views of Lake Eildon, mountains stretching into the distance and king parrots paying a visit to your porch, it is a great spot to unwind from city life or just enjoy a red by the crackling fire.
HOTEL GRANYA FARMSTAY, GRANYA, LAKE HUME
Sink into the outdoor woodfired hot tub at Cedar House, one of two lovingly renovated self-contained dwellings at this peaceful farmstay on Lake Hume.
The owners’ animals wander about, which makes for delightful encounters with alpacas, miniature ponies, miniature Hereford cows and sheep.
Help feed brekkie to the animals, explore Mt Granya State Park and enjoy a tipple at the renovated Hotel Granya, dating back to 1928, which is also on the farmstay property.
SOUTH TEA TREE HOLLOW, WALKERVILLE
After a day out exploring the wonders of Wilsons Prom, snuggle into this super-cosy retreat or loosen muscles with a luxurious steaming bath on the deck.
Inside, crank up the fire, snooze on a soft alpaca wool rug or whip up a feast in the fully equipped kitchen.
FIVE ACRES, VENTNOR, PHILLIP ISLAND
The three one-bedroom eco-friendly cabins on this micro-farm have sweeping views to Western Port Bay, to be enjoyed while soaking in a handcrafted concrete outdoor bath.
Highland cows, goats, chickens and sheep share the property.
Rom and Katie Lamaro also own The Pantry Phillip Island, which creates grazing platters/tables and takeaway boxes filled with delicious regional produce.
Stay, graze and enjoy a bottle of local wine beside the log fire, or head out and explore all the area has to offer.
DEEP BLUE HOTEL & HOT SPRINGS, WARRNAMBOOL
Soak alfresco to warm up on a chilly winter’s day.
Stay in one of the 80 guest rooms and walk from your room to the adjoining springs — or directly to the day spa for a massage.
CAPE OTWAY LIGHTSTATION, CAPE OTWAY
Switch off your mobile phone (reception is blissfully poor here) and savour the unforgettable experience of staying in a lighthouse — thick sandstone walls and all.
Relax with a book, enjoy spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the ocean, or gaze at the stars.
WEST DAIRY FLAT LODGE AND FARM, MUSK, NEAR DAYLESFORD
From the folk behind the Lake House at Daylesford, the European-style lodge delivers hotel-style comforts for up to 12 guests.
An onsite concierge takes care of all needs, including mixing the negronis, while you delight in the exquisite interiors and 15ha of regenerative farmland.
Enjoy the library, cedar hot tub, fire pit and electric bikes, and explore the olive grove, orchard, vineyard and vegie garden supplying the Lake House kitchens.
Early risers can catch the aromas coming from the onsite bakehouse.
dairyflatfarmdaylesford.com.au
A BOAT IN THE GRAMPIANS, CAVENDISH
Adventurers Suzan and Jon Muir sailed Shannon the yacht from Fiji to Australia — through a cyclone.
Now you and your family can enjoy the romance of staying on a boat, without the seasickness.
Perfect for children aged 6+, or the young at heart.
PICCOLO, HEPBURN
This petite cottage (in Italian, piccolo means small or little) is minutes from the spa town of Daylesford.
Explore the village, or head to Daylesford for restaurants, day spas and a reinvigorating soak
at Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa.
VISIT VICTORIA: Get more winter travel inspo and ideas in Space magazine, in your Sunday Herald Sun on May 23.
Discover more: visitvictoria.com/cosystays, visitvictoria.com/farmstays
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