Indulgent overnights in regional Victoria

Luxury accommodation in regional Victoria offers much more than fluffy dressing gowns and high cotton thread counts these days. Those looking for accommodation with a private cinema, antique mahogany furnishings, a spa bath with mountain views or gourmet dining, can find self-indulgent gems to accompany every regional break. Here are just a few ideas for where to find that extra level of comfort while exploring Victoria.

GEELONG & THE BELLARINE PENINSULA

Starhaven Retreat. This luxury bed luxury bed and breakfast, with magnificent views across Port Phillip Bay, has been awarded for its architectural design and featured on the Grand Designs Australia television series. Visitors can enjoy a dip in the jet stream swim spa, a glass of wine on the rooftop terrace or relax with a movie in the 15-seat theatre room.  Available by room or as an entire house rental. 13 Calimo Place, Indented Head, Portarlington. +61 3 5257 3163. 

Vue Grand Hotel (The Turret Suite). For a sense of both luxury and history in the Bellarine’s picturesque historic village of Queenscliff, the Turret Suite at the top of the 19^th century Vue Grand Hotel offers 180-degree views of Swan Bay, the main street and Port Phillip Heads. The suite includes a king size bed and a private spa overlooking the ocean. Telescope also included so guests can  make the most of their lofty views. 46 Hesse Street, Queenscliff.  +61 3 5258 1544. 

Lonsdale Views. This property is nestled on 200 acres of farmland, with 360-degree ocean views, and a choice of luxury suites or a deluxe apartment. Features include an indoor heated pool and spa, private hydrotherapy, billiards room, an open fireplace and private beach access. In-house spa treatments can also be arranged for guests. 25 Gill Road, Point Lonsdale. +61 3 5258 2990. 

GRAMPIANS

Boroka Downs. This award-winning, luxury, boutique retreat provides all a couple needs to relax and unwind or as a base to explore. Five private, one bedroom residences and one two bedroom, two bathroom bungalow offer luxury accommodation just minutes from Halls Gap. Full glass walls afford stunning views of the Grampians surrounds and wildlife, while privacy is guaranteed. The little extras include surround sound, yoga mats and fluffy slippers. 51 Birdswing Road, Halls Gap. +61 3 5356 6243. 

DULC (Downunder Log Cabins). Eco-conscious, designer cabins nestled amid the beauty of the Grampians. Guests can choose from three contemporary cabins – single storey one and two bedroom Mountain View cabins and the ‘Treehouse’ cabin which has an attic in the trees. All feature elegant minimalist décor, abundant natural light, glass top bathrooms and secluded settings with tree-fringed views. Each cabin contains king size beds, espresso machines with freshly ground coffee, gas log fires, Moran leather seating and spa baths. 9 Thryptomene Court, Halls Gap. +61 3 5356 4711. 

Eco-Luxe @ Mount Avoca. Nestled amongst the picturesque Mount Evoca vineyard and olive grove, eco-luxe @ Mount Avoca blends luxury with an eco-sensibility to create an elegant and stylish Grampians retreat.  Three self-contained lodges are available, designed with native materials such as Australian Cypress Pine cladding and polished, Spotted Gum floors, joined by wall to wall windows overlooking the magnificent backdrop of Mount Avoca and the Pyrenees Range. King size beds and spa bathrooms offer luxury comforts, with gourmet hampers available for in room indulgence or daytime exploring. Moates Lane, via Vinoca Road, Avoca. +61 3 5465 3282.

GREAT OCEAN ROAD

Brae. The region’s newest luxury accommodation opened its doors in late February, with restaurant Brae now also offering six luxury villas for its dining guests – perfect for retiring after enjoying Brae’s three-hatted, 12 course degustation menu. Features include star-gazing skylights, lounge area complete with turntable and record collection, underfloor heating and views of the Otways Ranges. All villas are designed with sustainability in mind and guests have access to Brae’s produce garden where they can find chefs and gardeners at work before and during service. 4285 Cape Otway Road, Birregurra. +61 3 5236 2226.  

Rotten Point House. A magnificent property on a cliff top over looking Johanna Beach. Architecturally a ‘rammed earth’ house design, Rotten Point offers stunning views over the Southern Ocean to Moonlight Head and sits on 100 acres of native bushland adjoining the Great Otway National Park. Floor to ceiling windows allow guests to take in the ever changing views from each room. The property sleeps up to eight people in three bedrooms with two king beds, one split king and two spacious bathrooms. A private in-house chef is available on request to create meals from fresh local produce. Evans Track, Johanna. +61 3 5237 1098.

DAYLESFORD AND HEPBURN SPRINGS

Lake House. Luxury accommodation on the shores of Lake Daylesford, comprising individually appointed lodge style suites and waterfront suites. Walking tracks lead from the property, around the lake and into the Wombat State Forest, complete with local fauna and the abundant  mineral springs the area is renowned for. The nearest spring bubbles out right on Lake House’s doorstep. Guests can also enjoy tennis, explore the kitchen garden, waterside terraces as well as the Lake House’s renowned restaurant and spa. King Street, Daylesford. +61 3 5348 3329.

Clifftop at Hepburn. A luxury spa-country retreat with breathtaking panoramic views that plunge from the site of an old pine forest down a sheer cliff face and onto native bushland below. The property is appointed with imported French fireplaces, Italian Washplane sinks, Apaiser stone baths, wooden floors, high beamed ceilings and wraparound windows that showcase nature from every room. Guests can enjoy spa treatments such as Inada Sogno shiatsu massage and unwind in cantilevered day beds suspended in the air. 209-219 Main Road, Hepburn. +61 1800 112 114.

PHILLIP ISLAND

Oak Tree Lodge. Located in the village of Rhyll, this property offers period elegance with a contemporary twist, overlooking an English garden setting. Four self-contained apartment suites are available, all with lounge, kitchen, bathroom and outdoor seating, along with wood burning stoves for cooler months. 32-34 Walton Street, Rhyll. +61 3 5956 9090.

Kitty Miller Bay Bed & Breakfast. Relaxed accommodation with stunning views overlooking the ever-changing waters of Kitty Miller Bay. Located just a ten minute drive from Cowes village, Kitty Miller Bay Bed & Breakfast is set on a lush five acre property with direct beach access. Ocean front units have separate guest entrances and personal facilities including TV, BBQ and kitchenette equipped with the latest cooking accessories, providing guests with complete privacy. 251 Watts Road, Ventnor. +61 411 330 961.

Clifftop at Smiths Beach.  Overlooking Phillip Island’s stunning coastline on one side, and rolling farmland on the other, Cliff Top accommodation provides boutique accommodation featuring eight guest rooms with luxurious furnishings and amenities, and exceptional hospitality. Perched between sea and sky with views of Pyramid Rock, Smith’s Beach and Bass Straight, the property is equally well suited for a romantic getaway, or a weekend escape with friends. 1 Marlin Street, Smiths Beach. +61 3 5952 1033.

HIGH COUNTRY

187 Merrijig. Set on a 100 acre property with sweeping views over the Delatite River Valley just outside of Mansfield, this new luxury retreat encompasses two suites with B&B offering. Guests can enjoy the mountain views and local Prosecco on designer lounges by the outdoor, heated pool or enjoy sundownders on the jetty. The luxury-appointed suites offer king size beds with lounge, kitchen and private terraces. Native wildlife is in abundance on the property as well as alpacas. For directions and further information contact +61 408 743 134.

Beyond Bliss. A brand new, luxury property located on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail near Bright, comprising two private townhouses, each with two king size bedrooms, large living areas, fully equipped kitchens and outdoor decks with High Country views. Gourmet hampers available on request for in room dining or daytime excursions. 1 Mill Road, Bright. +61 407 614 232.

Villa Gusto. Recently reopened following a full refurbishment, this Italian villa style property is nestled near Bright overlooking the Mount Buffalo National Park. Villa Gusto offers luxury accommodation complete with marbled bathrooms, tapestries, porcelain, pristine white linen and feathered pillows. Set amongst stunning High Country surrounds, guests can enjoy fine dining and local wine tasting onsite, as well as the living, chemical free water pool and beautiful gardens. 630 Buckland Valley Road, Buckland. +61 3 5756 2000.

MURRAY

Talo Retreat @ Moama on Murray. These luxury yurts offer a new level of glamping, set in the beautiful Australian native bushland amongst red gums and native wildlife. Inspired by traditional nomadic Mongolian dwellings, the yurt is a circular room set on a timber floor with canvas walls lined with Australian wool. The interior features timber lattice and a beautiful domed skylight allowing stargazing from the comfort of the room, while the exteriors include private outdoor spas and comfortable hammocks. The yurts are set on an 82 hectare property, with access to nearby activities such as canoeing, tennis and cycle hire. 62 Dungala Way, Moama. +61 3 5480 3031.

All Seasons luxury houseboats. This award-winning fleet includes several luxury houseboat options under its ‘Indulgence’ range, each providing world class accommodation with rooftop luxury spa, bar and sunbeds. The boats offer up to 12 luxury berths, an executive layout and state-of-the-art appliances including plasma TV, DVD and CD player, dishwasher, washing machine/dryer, large fridge with ice & water dispenser, and microwave in a fully equipped kitchen. Bedrooms, some with ensuites, all include personal TV/DVDs. 818 Calder Highway, Mildura. +61 1800 223 375.

MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Tussie Mussie. Set in a peaceful and secluded valley, with seven acres of vineyard, olive groves and rose gardens, this collection of three private residences is suitable for couples up to groups of fourteen people. The Vineyard Lodge is the principle accommodation that has four king size bedroom suites, while the Vineyard Cottage accommodates 1-2 couples and the Old Laundry offers a private secluded hideaway suite. All feature Provencal styling, king size sleeping and private outdoor areas. Tennis court and outdoor pizza oven also provided onsite. 206 Bittern Street, Dromana. +61 408 976 410.

Port Phillip Estate. Luxury, boutique accommodation at this dramatic, architecturally renowned winery set in the hills of Mornington Peninsula. Six contemporary suites enjoy spectacular vineyard and coastal views, private terraces and designer features such as sunken living areas furnished with black sofas, dramatic reindeer pelt sofa throws and evocative artworks by Bill Henson. 263 Red Hill Road, Red Hill South. +61 3 5989 4444.

Lakeside Villas. Three fully self-contained and secluded, boutique villas literally perched over the Crittendon Estate winery’s lake. Each villa features a well equipped kitchen adjoining a dining area and expansive living room, king size bedroom with a large walk in robe, an authentic wood fire, deep spa bath and a BBQ on a private deck. Guests can also enjoy the vineyard’s restaurant, Stillwater, and in-room spa treatments. 25 Harrisons Road, Dromana. +61 3 5987 3275.

YARRA VALLEY

Yering Gorge Cottages. A series of one, two and four bedroom private cottages with spa baths, heated floor tiles, large private decks and floor to ceiling panoramic windows looking out across the Christmas Hills and Yarra Ranges. Located alongside the Eastern Golf Course, all guests have the option to play on the member only course and each cottage comes with its own golf buggy for exploring the area. The gorge also offers 12km of walking trails and abundant native wildlife around the cottages including swamp wallabies, grey kangaroos and echindnas. 215 Victoria Road, Yering. +61 3 9739 0110. 

Chateau Yering.  A heritage listed Victorian mansion location on 250 acres, bordering the Yarra River and set amidst gardens dating back to 1854. This luxury period accommodation comprises 32 individually decorated suites, with public lounges and a sitting room area adorned with fine paintings and antique furniture. Also on the property is much awarded fine dining venue, Eleonore’s Restaurant. 42 Melba Highway, Yering. +61 3 9237 3333.

GIPPSLAND

Walhalla Star Hotel. Luxury accommodation in the heart of the historic village of Walhalla, redesigned for the modern visitor with 12 guest suites all with king size beds, ensuite and lounge. Guests can enjoy quality country style meals from the hotel’s à la carte restaurant and a comfortable guest lounge complete with leather chesterfields. Main Road, Walhalla. +61 3 5165 6262.

Limosa Rise. Luxuriously appointed self-contained accommodation with expansive views of Corner Inlet and the northern mountains of Wilsons Promontory. These cottages provide space, comfort and tranquillity with a choice of two-bedroom, one-bedroom and studio accommodation. All bedrooms are comfortably appointed with a queen size bed and ensuite and enjoy the same stunning views as the living area. Wood heaters and private outdoor areas are available for guest use. 40 Danagleish Road, Yanakie. +61 3 5687 1135.

Inverloch Resort. The multi award winning, eco-friendly RACV Inverloch Resort features 26 contemporary Ocean View and Premium Ocean View rooms providing views over Bass Strait. There are also 20 fully self-contained two and three bedroom villas nestled amongst the rolling grounds, providing self contained accommodation for families and groups. On site facilities include an indoor pool, tennis courts and jumping pillow, while there’s easy access to surrounding walking tracks, beaches and golf courses. Cape Paterson-Inverloch Road, Inverloch. +61 35674 0000.

GOLDFIELDS

Langley Hall. For a dose of history, Langley Hall is a beautiful, 1903 Edwardian property that the owners have opened as a unique bed and breakfast experience with six suites. Set in 2.5 acres of gardens, Langley Hall includes ample verandahs, vast gardens, beautiful original artwork adorning the walls and antique furniture.  484 Napier Street, White Hills. Tel. +61 3 5443 3693.

Emypre Hotel. A finely restored, boutique hotel with period features seamlessly blended with contemporary refinement and luxury. Dating back to the late nineteenth century, the historic property is equipped with modern amenities and signature suites leading to balconies overlooking Castlemaine. 68 Mostyn Street, Castlemaine. +61 3 5472 5166.

Chocolate Lilly. A luxury bed and breakfast getaway combining energy efficiency with stunning rural views. Set on 10.5 acres of rural land in the Axe Creek Valley, with views of the surrounding North Harcourt hills and Mt Alexander, the property includes two spacious bedrooms, luxury bathroom with spa bath, kitchenette and lounge room with cosy wood fire. Guests have access to an 8m pool to relax in and around with BBQ cooking facilities and outdoor seating to take in pastoral views. 55 Tarrleah Drive, Sedgwick. +61 418 214 637.