Reset and recharge at the best luxury accommodation in regional Victoria
From lakeside estates to clifftop lodges, these are the 13 most luxurious retreats outside of Melbourne.
It’s easy to understand the allure of regional Victoria. Here, the commotion of the city gives way to world-class vineyards, mist-shrouded vistas and natural mineral springs. The luxury accommodation on offer is equally diverse. You’ll find five-star hotels with all of the traditional bells and whistles — hatted restaurants, exceptional service, and more — as well as a host of unique stays, including an Edwardian villa, a house suspended above the ocean, and a modern restored two-storey church. Whether you’re searching for a riverside retreat or a historic estate, these 13 exceptional luxury hotels and lodges certainly live up to the hype.
Lake House
Where: Approximately one-and-a-half-hour’s drive northwest of Melbourne CBD, on the shores of Lake Daylesford.
Lake House was originally established as a destination restaurant in 1984 by Alla Wolf-Tasker, before transforming into a boutique hotel. Guests can choose from 34 studios and suites and have access to exceptional facilities, including treetop hot tubs, tennis courts, the extensive gardens and library. The two-hatted Lake House Restaurant, which specialises in modern Australian fare, also offers cooking classes.
Jackalope
Where: Overlooking a vineyard in the Mornington Peninsula, just over an hour south of Melbourne CBD.
The rolling vineyards and green acreage at Willow Creek greets all residents of Jackalope. Stay in one of the five types of suites on offer, all of which boast Japanese soaking tubs, private terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views. Other highlights include the hotel’s two restaurants, Doot Doot Doot and Rare Hare, as well as their cocktail bar Flaggerdoot, and a wraparound infinity pool. When you’re ready to venture further afield, you’ll find sculpture gardens and the Bass Strait a short drive away.
Brae
Where: Atop a hillside in Birregurra.
The accommodation at Brae prioritises environmental consciousness, and as a result, is net zero on carbon emissions. Each of their suites sleeps two adults, and comes with underfloor heating, views of the Great Otways National Park, and in-house, homemade breakfast from the chefs at Brae. A lunch or dinner reservation at their acclaimed restaurant is also essential.
Oikos
Where: Perched on a cliff overlooking the native bushland in Breakneck Gorge.
Secluded on a hill overlooking Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, this sculptural, award-winning residence is one of a handful of luxurious retreats in Breakneck Gorge. Kangaroos and sunsets will be your company here at Oikos; everything is designed to put guests entirely at ease and grow their connection with nature, from the open-plan living and dining spaces, to the vast outdoor deck.
Lon Retreat
Where: On an estate in Point Lonsdale on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Seven suites and a mineral spa make up the adults-only space at Lon Retreat. All rooms boast ocean views of the nearby Bass Strait, Indian Ocean or Lake Victoria, as well as exclusive access via a private staircase and a variety of in-suite dining options.
Mitchelton Hotel
Where: Just outside of Nagambie in the Goulburn Valley
Mitchelton Hotel is a luxury stay overlooking the award-winning Mitchelton Wines vineyard. Whether you prefer views of the winery or the river, any of the 58 rooms on offer are sure to satisfy. Enjoy the private pool, the five-star cellar door, and of course, their restaurant, Muse, which focuses on farm-to-table cuisine.
Drift House
Where: At the end of the Great Ocean Road in Port Fairy, along the Moyne River.
Winner of Best Luxury Accommodation at the Australian Tourism Awards in 2014 and 2015, Port Fairy’s Drift House is made up of six contemporary suites built inside the shell of Edwardian villas. The Salon, a garden pavilion, extends their design-led focus, transforming from a cafe to a restaurant as the day turns to night. Spend your spare time enjoying the local walking tracks at the neighbouring East Beach.
The Kilnhouses
Where: Scattered across the grassy knolls of Porepunkah.
Three luxury stays make up the accommodation at The Kilnhouses: Cavedons, Eurobin, and The Sorting Shed. The latter, in particular, is a standout; the two-storey residence was renovated from a former tobacco warehouse and now includes two verandas and a sauna.
Clifftop at Hepburn
Where: In Hepburn Springs on Dja Dja Wurrung land, home to Australia’s largest concentration of mineral springs.
Designed by Daylesford architect Robin Larsen, the Clifftop at Hepburn is a multi-award — winning visual spectacle. Its five-star villas are situated on a cliff face overlooking a historic pine forest; enjoy your in-suite breakfast with views of the native bushland, followed by a soak in the stone baths.
Battista
Where: In the middle of Ballarat CBD in Victoria’s Central Highlands.
Built inside a fully restored two-storey Romanesque-style church, Battista comes with plenty of history and soul. Vaulted ceilings, a walk-in shower, glass walls and a reading nook are a few of the design highlights, and you don’t have to use the kitchen if you’re too tired — room service is always available.
The Pole House
Where: Beside the Great Ocean Road, overlooking Fairhaven Beach.
The Pole House, designed by architect Frank Dixon, is a must for those who appreciate unique architecture. The novelty of this luxury stay comes from its placement, suspended 40 metres above the ocean. Each room comes with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer uninterrupted, 180-degree views of the ocean; a full-sized kitchen and living area also features a statement hanging fireplace.
Campbell Point House
Where: Beyond the hamlets of Bellarine Peninsula, on the banks of Lake Connewarre.
The waterfront estate at Campbell Point House only includes eight suites — five within the building itself, and three in the form of stand-alone cottages scattered on the grounds. Any guest here is bound to live in the lap of luxury, though, with each room featuring a private ensuite, vanity, and walk-in shower. Those with a finer taste in food will also delight in the restaurant at Campbell Point House, which offers a range of French fare created from local produce and their own garden on-site.
Franklin House
Where: In Portsea, a short drive away from Sorrento Front Beach.
This six-bedroom house is perfect for a family getaway. Hidden at the end of a cul-de-sac, Franklin House sits on an acre of gardens and comes with a four-car garage, heated pools, a championship-sized tennis court and an expansive outdoor barbecue space.
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