Who needs to catch a plane, when an enticing array of accommodation options is never more than a day’s drive away? Stimulate all the senses with breathtaking coastal vistas, or mountain-top retreats. Wake to lake views, stay among enchanting vineyards, or immerse yourself in the romance of Victoria’s historic golden era. Choose from a growing number of glamping options, sustainably opening up a fabulous new selection of stunning locations.
Head for the coast
Coastal vistas don’t come much finer than Wye River’s Sea Ranch with its sweeping West Coast views, while Ocean Grange Homestead on Gippsland’s Ninety Mile Beach provides an idyllic getaway for large groups that’s only accessible by boat. Other sublime coastal options include the newly opened Metung Hot Springs overlooking the Gippsland Lakes, or self-contained Sky Pods commanding views of rugged Cape Otway.
Stay like a settler
Wherever you wander throughout Victoria, the state’s rich history comes to life. Stay like a settler at the Star Hotel in charming Walhalla, in Omeo’s tiny Snug as a Bug, or at Oscars Waterfront Hotel in Port Fairy. Revisit the Art Deco era at Circa 1936 in Rutherglen, combine Victorian elegance with modern convenience at Dunroaman near Daylesford, or book in for a romantic weekend at 1860, a luxuriously appointed original timber cabin of the same vintage as its name in Beechworth.
High and mighty
Victoria’s High Country has unique attractions at any time of the year but especially during the winter months, and a stay at Mt Buller’s Hotel Pension Grimus channels an authentic Swiss ski chalet experience. The more adventurous might join the Alpine Nature Experience at Mount Hotham, overnighting on the snow in a luxurious ‘snowdome’ - or opt for a genuine igloo. For panoramic views with all the mod cons, try BullerRoo at Mansfield.
Farms and wineries
Farmstays and vineyards highlight the enduring appeal of Victoria’s engine room, agriculture. Stay in a luxury eco villa overlooking the vines at McGlashan’s Estate at Wallington on the Bellarine Peninsula, or escape to Glut Farm, a sustainability-focused working farm at Raglan in Central Victoria.
Go glamping
There’s simple but stunning stays beneath canvas at a range of well-appointed glamping sites, from Iluka Retreat at Red Hill South atop the Mornington Peninsula and Pebble Point at Princetown on the Great Ocean Road, to the unique combination at Peninsula Hot Springs of high-end glamping including ensuites and private decks with signature bathing and spa treatment experiences.
All you need is a car and some overnight bags to begin your journey to discovering a state of adventure and intrigue.
