Overview
Got a big birthday, anniversary or major achievement to celebrate? You're in the right place. There's no better way to do it than by running away to the country — preferably to a dreamy spot with killer views, beautiful artworks, stunning furnishings, and maybe even an infinity pool. Luckily, Melbourne is just a brief drive to a bunch of luxe stays. We've rounded up ten of the best — from the folklore-inspired Jackalope Hotel on the Mornington Peninsula to the 19th century Quondong Homestead in the High Country, surrounded by acres of architect-designed gardens.
JACKALOPE HOTEL, MORNINGTON PENINSULA
When top Australian architect Carr was charged with designing the Jackalope Hotel, the challenge was to make the absolute most of the views. Whether snuggling in your room or kicking back in the 30-metre infinity pool, you'll feel immersed in rolling vineyards. In between, wander among the hotel's extraordinary art collection, from Emily Floyd seven-metre-high Jackalope to Rolf Sacks' 5 Flasks. Every room comes with glass walls, loft ceilings, custom-built furniture by Zuster, a fireplace and a lavish jet-black bathtub. Stick around and dine at the on-site restaurant, Doot Doot Doot, under a 10,000-light chandelier — or go exploring the Mornington Peninsula.
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PORTSEA SANCTUARY
With five bedrooms, a gas-heated pool and a chef's kitchen, this De Campo Architect-designed mansion is ideal for special occasions. There's space for more than 16 guests, so shout all your mates (or split the cost with them). Either way, you'll be making memories. Hang out in the giant indoor-outdoor living spaces, host a tennis table or foosball championship, and get cosy in front of the wood fireplace. Portsea's back beach is just a stumble away. Then there's the whole of the Mornington Peninsula to roam around, including lesser-known spots like Cape Schanck.
FIVE ACRES, PHILLIP ISLAND
Does your idea of luxury involve close-up meetings with highland cows? Five Acres, a trio of lovely, standalone cabins on a working micro-farm, is for you. You'll have five acres of orchards and veggie gardens to explore, where cattle, sheep, goats and chickens roam. Your high-end cabin comes with a cosy log fire, a handcrafted outdoor bath, a north-facing deck, and gorgeous rural views backdropped by Western Port Bay. And, if you don't want to go anywhere, you can order grazing platters and local wine. Alternatively, get out and about on Phillip Island with our foodie's guide.
LON RETREAT & SPA, BELLARINE PENINSULA
With 200 acres of coastal farmland, a destination spa and seven sandstone suites, Lon Retreat & Spa gives you everything you need to sink into total luxury for a night (or three!). Start your day on walking trails around the farm — or wandering deliciously aimlessly. Look out for native flowers, a veggie garden, World War Two remnants, an old dairy and even a labyrinth on your way. Then head to the spa for mineral water hot tubs, steam rooms and massages with invigorating ocean views. Back in your suite, you'll find yourself surrounded by organic shapes, earthy colours, luxe linen, a king bed and scenery on every side. Find out what else there is to experience on the Bellarine Peninsula with our weekender's guide to Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale.
We Met in June
BRAE, CAPE OTWAY
You might know Brae best as one of the World's Top 100 Restaurants. But fine dining isn't the only reason to take yourself on a trip to chef Dan Hunter's organic farm in the Cape Otway hinterland. The property is also home to a string of equally tempting suites. Once you've conquered the tasting menu, stumble your way to a king bed — canopied by a stargazing skylight, surrounded by Melbourne-made furnishings and accompanied by a giant hot tub with views. Soundtrack your adventures with vinyl, and wake up to breakfast at your door: wood-fired sourdough, pastries, preserves and seasonal produce, served with fresh juice and coffee. After your stay, carry on along the Great Ocean Road with our wintery weekender's guide, or try these greatest hits.
Moloney Architects
ROYAL MAIL HOTEL, GERIWARD/THE GRAMPIANS
The Royal Mail Hotel made the news in July 2025 with the opening of its outdoor wellness suite. Under open skies, while overlooking Wurrgari (Mount Sturgeon), sink into a hot tub filled with magnesium salts, warm up in a Finnish-style sauna and refresh under a giant shower. And, to get the most out of the experience, sleep over — in a deluxe mountain view suite or a cosy cottage. Either way, you'll be a stone's throw from the 1.2-hectare organic garden, which provides the freshest and most local of produce to the hotel's two eateries: the high-end Wickens, where chef Robin Wickens oversees a tasting menu accompanied by a 4,500-strong wine list, and the more casual Parker St. Project. For more eats and adventures in Gariwerd/The Grampians, check out our weekender's guide.
SHADOWS, THE GOLDFIELDS
Designed by Ballarat's Moloney Architects, Shadows has transformed a tiny triangle of land in Creswick into a minimalist, Japanese-inspired hideaway — built with spotted gum, charred blackbutt, radiata pine and concrete. Leave behind your everyday worries, and disappear into a tranquil cocoon for a day or two. Within the open-plan space, you'll find a plush king bed, sunken lounge, round terracotta shower and a full kitchen. Outside, dissolve into an outdoor bath surrounded by a private native garden. Ballarat is just 20 minutes' drive away, and all the wonders of the Goldfields are on your doorstep.
QUONDONG HOMESTEAD, HIGH COUNTRY
Take a trip to the 19th century at Quondong Homestead in Wahgunyah. Built in the 1880s by an English-born merchant, this four-bedroom beauty has since had a luxe renovation. It's also been encircled with acres of gardens and lawns under the watchful eye of landscape architect Kathleen Murphy. Spend your holiday exploring them — in between lounging about on queen beds, lazing on the deck watching your private lagoon, and kicking back in the sauna. When the sun sets, cook up a storm in the cast-iron pizza oven before gathering around the fire pit for stargazing and marshmallow-toasting. On the way home, spend some time sipping muscat and eating French fare in the Rutherglen wine region.
BILLABONG FALLS, YARRA VALLEY
Billabong Falls isn't just a luxe stay; it's also a treehouse of sorts. The former home of international award-winning landscape designer Phillip Johnson is a two-bedroom house, where you can sleep among lush greenery and private waterfalls, enjoying views from every room. The interior, filled with timber, organic shapes and natural colours, creates a seamless indoor-outdoor feel. Wake up to find yourself surrounded by mist or, on a clear day, a glorious sunrise. Come evening, snuggle up in front of the fireplace. On your way out, swing by Healesville and the Yarra Valley, where you'll find excellent wines, top-notch eats and pretty picnic spots.
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HONEYSUCKLE BARN, KYNETON
Whether you want to spend a weekend exploring the Macedon Ranges or taking turns in private gardens, Honeysuckle Barn in Kyneton is the luxe stay for you. This five-star, super-cute, 170-year-old two-bedroom cottage makes you feel like you're in the 19th century, but with a coffee machine, comfy beds and a bathroom with underfloor heating. The grounds, created by landscape designer Michael Pithie, give you a secret garden complete with a pond, blooms all-year-round and fresh veggies. Kyneton's Piper Street — filled with good eateries, cafes, boutiques and galleries — is just five minutes' drive away.
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