In order to relax and refresh, it's important to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, including the late trams, the never-ending gridlock on Punt Road, and the two-hour lines for doughnuts, and instead go out into the wild. The following seven destinations inside Victoria provide world-class lodging and are ideal for rejuvenating your mind, body, and spirit. The joy of a vacation is simply a day's drive away!
Even while many Americans hold national parks near and dear, not everyone enjoys the camping experience. You have to bring in anything hiding in the bushes, as well as the creatures that go "growling" in the night.
Thankfully, Parks Victoria is adapting to modern needs and offering a variety of more upscale lodging options for those who wish to immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing any of the sensory pleasures that come with it.
Let's say you're planning a vacation to Melbourne and want to make the most of your time there by taking advantage of a weekend break or a series of exciting day outings. If that's the case, then this monumental list should motivate you to get up and leave the house, since you're about to go on a journey to some of the most breathtaking natural areas in all of Melbourne.
Alkira Eco-Glamping Retreat
In the picturesque village of Emerald, you'll find the octogonal straw-bale yurt of Alkira Eco-Glamping Retreat. This cottage, built entirely by hand and decorated with loving care and exquisite details, is really one of a kind. The rental's interior and exterior exude a warm, welcoming, and rustic charm.
This shelter belongs in a glossy magazine, that much is certain. It has been featured in a wide variety of media, such as the daily Herald Sun, the television show "Postcards" on Channel Nine, and innumerable fashion editorials.
The space immediately outside the hut is fully equipped with a kitchen, a restroom, and a lovely lounging area.
The peaceful sounds of nature are provided by a magnificent brook that is just a few metres from the property. Make your time in the Dandenong Ranges really special by staying at Alkira.
Lighthouse Studio – The Otways
Although we had spent a lot of time in the Otways, I had no clue that you could spend the night in a room next to the Cape Otway lighthouse (and have access to the Heritage Precinct outside of normal business hours). There's no way to pass up the chance to sleep where Australia's first lighthouse was built. For a special occasion, there is no better way to celebrate than with this.
Your trip to the Otways or Great Ocean Road will be made that much more memorable with this 5*, one-bedroom, one-bathroom accommodation choice bathed with natural light.
Belgrave
Many well-known painters and writers have called this penthouse tower home, and it's easy to see why. With sweeping vistas of landscaped gardens and treetops, it's hard not to feel the peace and inspiration that they did.
Offering a tranquil retreat in the midst of nature is this charming apartment, equipped with a private patio.
Absolutely everything about this place is wonderful, from the exposed beams in the lounge tower area to the beautiful and sophisticated furnishings to the quantity of natural light streaming in through the many, high-quality windows. Maybe this one will end up being my favourite.
Bendigo
To those who have often pondered the question, "What were the 1970s like?" I present to you: the answer. That question may finally be answered for you today!
This vintage RV has all the amenities a free-spirited travelling from the 1970s would need. I mean, check out that umbrella and sunbed! There's even a record player stocked with records from what many consider to be the most sensory period in music's history.
A night or two in a vintage camper in a charming garden seems like a lot of fun, despite the camper's potentially off-putting interior.
How does the idea of spending the night in a vineyard sound? Doesn't it eliminate the need for a quarrel about who should drive?
Glamping in a vineyard is possible at Balgownie Estate in Bendigo, where guests may stay in one of 15 luxurious tents outfitted with modern conveniences like air conditioning, minibars, and trendy rattan furniture.
Enjoy a glass of Cab Sav at sunset on the private terrace of your deluxe Bell Tent, which looks out over the vineyards and woodlands. Do you agree with me?
Wilderness Retreats
Luxury safari-style tents are used as wilderness getaways because of their little influence on the environment. They are raised, so you won't have to worry about the weather or insects, and they have spacious wooden sundecks, a queen-size bed (and a single), an ensuite bathroom (heaven), and everything else you could possibly need.
Cape Conran Coastal Park and the breathtaking Buchan Caves are two places where you may locate these prized objects.
Shacky
You can get away from it all by staying in one of Shacky's little dwellings, which are dispersed among three rural areas in Victoria.
The Shacky is a sustainable wood small home including a private toilet, grill, and solar electricity, all of which may be found in beautiful, out-of-the-way locales like an Olive Grove in Victoria's High Country or a cattle farm in the Yarra Valley.
The Shackys put guests in in the middle of nature (just look at the vistas from the floor-to-ceiling windows), and the hosts are always happy to help you out with whatever you need, like finding locally produced ingredients for your evening meal.
Bimbadeen Farm Retreat, Phillip Island
Bimbadeen Farm Retreat on Phillip Island is another option for those looking to go (comfortably) close to nature.
On its 340-acre cattle farm, Bimbadeen offers three separate flats for rent; your only neighbours will be the cows and a few alpacas.
The retreat has a fully equipped kitchen, and the farm store sells a wide variety of fresh, locally grown foods.
One other way to get up close and personal with the chickens and the rest of the farm's inhabitants is to sign up for one of the daily farm tours.
The Grampians
The highlight is the bathroom's floor-to-ceiling glass windows, which provide a picturesque view of the surrounding landscape while you lather up. There is a restaurant called Harvest Halls Gap nearby that serves breakfast and lunch and has enticing shelves of vegetables to take home, including locally produced beer. Is there really any use in going back to the city?
Hepburn Springs
Clifftop at Hepburn is a must-visit if panoramic views of the surrounding landscape are your notion of paradise. The breathtaking lodging is hidden away in the foliage, perched on the brink of a clifftop, and can accommodate a total of four guests. It has windows that go all the way to the ceiling, an Oblica fireplace that hangs over the play area, and a Lord of the Rings pinball game. The perfect celebration for people who complement their connection to nature with a healthy dose of nerdiness.
Echuca
The Alpines
The outside of The Kilns makes them appear like the most luxurious barns we've ever seen, but the inside is all about the designer touches. Each of the three kiln houses, which take their design cues from tobacco kilns, can be found on a genuine Angus stud at the foot of Mount Beauty and have breathtaking views of the countryside. Have you suddenly got a hankering for a steak cooked to a medium-rare doneness? Absolutely, we feel the same way.
DULC Treehouses
You won't find many more idyllic settings in nature than this hidden wooded area, which is home to a variety of natural plants and animals and has been designed with sustainability in mind.
Lorne Bush House Cottages & Eco Retreats
Nestled amid the gum trees of Lorne's wooded background, Lorne Bush House Cottages & Eco Retreats provide a beautiful combination of bush and beach and are just a short drive to the Great Ocean Road. They provide a variety of lodging options, such as glamping tents and family-friendly two- and three-bedroom bush cottages.
Boroka Downs
Boroka Downs Retreat in the Grampians National Park is another option for a parent-only anniversary or birthday weekend away due to its combination of high-end lodging with breathtaking natural surroundings, such as vineyards, olive groves, and lakes.
A 5-star boutique hotel with vast vistas, gorgeous night sky, and wandering local animals outside your house, Boroka Downs is located on a one-of-a-kind 80-acre Trust For Nature property and emanates a romantic atmosphere in a spectacular natural environment. Due to the property's isolation, your only potential encounters will be with the local kangaroos, emus, and birds for which binoculars are given. There is an abundance of restaurants, cafés, and galleries in the neighbourhood.
Ramada Resort Phillip Island
Staying at the Ramada Resort Phillip Island will allow you to unwind and enjoy your time off in a beautiful natural setting. The Ramada Phillip Island is spread out on 65 acres of picturesque scenery, with native gardens and natural woodlands all around the accommodations.
For those looking to cool down in the water, the resort has two outdoor pools and a children's pool, while those with active lifestyles will appreciate the seven kilometres of walking and cycling routes that wind through the resort's natural surroundings. This budget-friendly resort is popular with tourists because it offers an ideal location from which to discover Phillip Island's many attractions.
Conclusion
Alkira Eco-Glamping Retreat's octogonal straw-bale yurt is located in Emerald, a picturesque village. This cottage was built by hand and decorated with care and attention to detail. It is only a few feet away from the property that you can hear the peaceful sounds of nature. The first lighthouse in Australia was constructed in the penthouse tower of Cape Otway. Everything a free-spirited travelling could possibly want is in a 1970s-vintage RV.
It is possible for guests to stay in 15 air-conditioned luxury tents, each of which has a minibar and rattan-furnished furnishings. Because of their low impact on the environment, luxury safari-style tents are popular for wilderness getaways. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the Shackys put guests right in the middle of nature. On its 340-acre cattle farm, Bimbadeen Farm Retreat offers three separate flats for rent. Clifftop at Hepburn is a must-see for those seeking panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Treehouses like DULC Treehouses are a haven for a wide range of wild animals and plants. They are inspired by the Alpines' three kiln houses, which were inspired by tobacco kilns. All of Lorne Bush House Cottages & Eco Retreats are located in the heart of Lorne, where you can enjoy the best of both worlds. The Grampians National Park's Boroka Downs resort is situated on an 80-acre Trust for Nature property. Phillip Island's Ramada Resort Phillip is situated on 65 acres of natural beauty.
Content Summary
- If you're looking for a place to unwind and recharge your batteries, consider staying at one of these seven luxury hotels in Victoria.
- Let's say you're thinking about taking a trip to Melbourne and want to make the most of your time there by going on a weekend getaway or a series of exciting day trips.
- Inn at Alkira Eco-Lodge
- Alkira Eco-Glamping Retreat's octogonal straw-bale yurt is located in Emerald, a picturesque village.
- Staying at Alkira will make your stay in the Dandenong Ranges truly memorable.
- Aside from a couple of days at Cape Otway, we knew nothing about the possibility of staying overnight at the Cape Otway lighthouse (and have access to the Heritage Precinct outside of normal business hours).
- No one should miss the opportunity to sleep at the site of Australia's first lighthouse.
- What do you think about the idea of sleeping in a vineyard?
- Because of their low impact on the environment, luxury safari-style tents are popular for wilderness getaways.
- Shacky's little dwellings are scattered across three rural areas in Victoria, so you can get away from it all and enjoy the peace and quiet.
- Phillip Island's Bimbadeen Farm Retreat
- It's a good option for those who want to get back to nature in a more comfortable way.
- You must go to the Clifftop at Hepburn if you want to see the surrounding landscape from a vantage point like no other.
- While the exterior of The Kilns makes them appear to be some of the most luxurious barns we've ever seen, the interior is awash in designer touches.
- There are three kiln houses at the foot of Mount Beauty, each inspired by the design of a tobacco kiln, where you can enjoy stunning views of the countryside.
- Cottages and eco-retreats at Lorne Bush House
- A short drive from the Great Ocean Road, Lorne Bush House Cottages & Eco Retreats are nestled among the gum trees of Lorne's wooded backdrop.
- If you're planning an anniversary or birthday getaway just for parents, consider the Grampians National Park's Boroka Downs Retreat, which boasts luxurious accommodations and stunning views of vineyards, olive groves, and lakes.
- Phillip Island's Ramada Resort & Spa
- The Ramada Resort Phillip Island is the perfect place to relax and enjoy your vacation.
- In the middle of 65 acres of natural beauty, you'll find the Ramada Phillip Island.
FAQs About Melbourne
- The Twelve Apostles. external link.
- Philip Island's Penguin Parade. ...
- Buchan Caves. ...
- Organ Pipes National Park. ...
- The Pinnacle in The Grampians. ...
- Sealers Cove.
- BUCHAN CAVES, BUCHAN.
- TOWER HILL WILDLIFE RESERVE, TOWER HILL.
- CALIFORNIAN REDWOOD FOREST, BEECH FOREST.
- TRENTHAM FALLS, TRENTHAM.
- PINK LAKES, MURRAY-SUNSET NATIONAL PARK.
- SKULL ROCK, TIDAL RIVER.
- THE PINNACLE LOOKOUT, HALLS GAP.
- THE ORGAN PIPES, KEILOR NORTH.
These places are best for nature & parks in Melbourne: Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Dandenong Ranges National Park. Melbourne Zoo.
Melbourne is known for being one of the most liveable cities on earth. Often referred to as 'the Sporting Capital of the World', besides this it is also famous for its graffitied laneways, excellent coffee, cultural diversity and bayside location. This eclectic Australian city has something for everyone.