12 of the best Bendigo accommodation picks

Strike gold with a stay at one of the most exceptional Bendigo accommodation picks.

Historical Bendigo, Victoria’s small-yet-mighty country town, boasting less than 125,000 people, flows with a surprisingly extensive range of overnight stays. Plotting a break in Goldfields region? Whether you’re keen to treat yourself to a boutique hotel in the city’s centre, on the hunt for a romantic winery, or just plain desperate for a family-friendly change of scenery, our guide to the best Bendigo accommodation presents a smorgasbord of possibilities.

Hotels

Bendigo’s hotel game thoroughly excels. Just add character-filled touches of true Australiana for some of the most memorable Bendigo accommodation you’ll ever come across.

1. Bendigo Ernest Hotel

a woman relaxing in her suite at Bendigo Ernest Hotel — Each bespoke suite at Bendigo Ernest Hotel is a design lover’s dream. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Legacies of Bendigo’s gold rush past linger at the Bendigo Ernest Hotel . Though it only opened its doors as what we see now in early 2022, the 1864 building has lived several lives including one as the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney. See the history for yourself by idling in the hotel lounge, housed within the old bank vault, and you might even spot a bullet hole, believed to have originated from a gold-rush era heist. Each of this Bendigo accommodation’s individually designed rooms feature Australian artwork and natural, earthy colour palettes, while fur parents will be utterly charmed to learn that there’s a pet-friendly suite that welcomes your house-trained bestie.

2. Bendigo Lodges

the dining area inside Bendigo Lodges — The lodges feature nature-inspired architecture. (Image: Dylan James)

A boutique Bendigo stay unlike any other, Bendigo Lodges is architecturally staggering and environmentally friendly. While one is larger than the other (60-sqm vs. 36-sqm), the two self-contained builds are equally breathtaking, inspired by the region’s natural bush surroundings and magazine-styled to perfection. There’s not even a check-in counter—the entire system works remotely—and you can expect a delicious blend of polished concrete, high vaulted ceilings and warm timbers to help fill your dream home mood board. Rain showers, private courtyards, Sonos entertainment systems and electric vehicle charging stations ensure five-star joy no matter where you’re sprawled.

3. Hotel Shamrock

the exterior of Hotel Shamrock in Bendigo — The architecturally designed hotel mirrors the city’s glorious past. (Image: Hotel Shamrock)

Step into a bygone era dressed in ornate architecture, red carpets and chandeliers at Hotel Shamrock , a total time warp in the middle of Bendigo. While it’s renowned locally as one of the best pubs around, this Bendigo hot spot is also home to 37 overnight suites with ensuite bathrooms, TVs and tea and coffee making facilities. Clean, crisp bed sheets and spacious floor plans equal comfortable and convenient lodgings, with two dining areas and that-all-important-bar dialling up the party right downstairs.

4. Mercure Bendigo Schaller

a bedroom with balcony and scenic views at Mercure Bendigo Schaller — Each suite opens up to scenic views. (Image: Mercure Bendigo Schaller)

On the hunt for something contemporary and funky? Mercure Bendigo Schaller is the place for you. An art-filled Bendigo accommodation pick located slap-bang between Lake Weeroona and the CBD, the hotel offers two categories of rooms: standard or superior, with the latter promising almost double the space, and both offering balconies. This wheelchair-accessible hotel also has a cafe and bar onsite.

5. Quality Hotel Lakeside

Quality Hotel Lakeside ’s outdoor pool might well be a deal clincher for some. For others, it might be the property’s location just opposite Lake Weeroona, and only a short stroll from Bendigo’s CBD. Moreover, this Bendigo accommodation’s spacious rooms ooze contemporary chic thanks to a simple neutral colour scheme, while some stays feature balconies and pool or lake views. There’s also the relaxed Lakeside Restaurant on site, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner inspired by international cuisines.

Caravan parks and camping

Glamp, camp and RV your way around the city at these Bendigo holiday parks and wineries, which range from peri-urban settings to bushland.

6. Balgownie Bendigo

a safari tent at Balgownie Bendigo — The luxe glamping tent is fitted out with a private ensuite and a deck with vineyard views. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Balgownie Bendigo is a scenic spot to sample a few local drops, devour a three-course lunch and retire to your choice of indulgence—a decked-out glamping tent or a plush room. If you’re opting for the former, don’t be deceived by that blank canvas. Inside you’ll find almost every mod con, from an in-tent split system to a mini bar, fluffy robes and slippers. Choose from the slightly more compact bell tent or go for a safari tent that can sleep up to four guests. Both varieties feature private decks with bushland or vineyard views. Meanwhile, Homestead Deluxe and Queen rooms are beautifully styled and ultra-comfortable, and an additional one-bedroom suite looks out over the vines and sleeps up to three.

7. BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks – Bendigo

tents at BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks – Bendigo — Bask in the outback for an elevated camping experience. (Image: BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks)

There are multiple BIG4 holiday parks to choose from in the Bendigo region — but BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks – Bendigo is arguably the cream of the crop. Not only is this Bendigo accommodation the closest to central Bendigo, but it also offers a plethora of different accommodation options and a litany of facilities: think a solar-heated outdoor swimming pool, barbecue areas, mini-golf, an outdoor fire pit area, a pump track, a half-size basketball court, arcade games, a giant chess board, a giant jumping pillow, go karts, a pool table, table tennis and more.

As for your unique digs, dial up the luxe in a glamping tent or go for a schmick three-bedroom cabin. Bring the excess down just a notch by pitching up at the park’s campsite or booking a powered caravan site.

8. Lake Eppalock Holiday Park

Though it’s a 30-minute drive from the centre of Bendigo, the rural location of Lake Eppalock Holiday Park is undeniably the allure.

Featuring 2.5 kilometres of lake frontage, a stay at this Bendigo accommodation is your ticket to a nature-focused getaway perfect for water babies. That lake is great for swimming, canoeing, boating and water skiing, while various species of perch inhabit the waters so it’s a hit with anglers, too.

You can, of course, camp or park your RV, though there are standard, deluxe and premium cabins available for those who fancy extended creature comforts. Beyond the lure of the lake, visitors can exploit onsite facilities spanning a heated pool, a playground, a games room, a jumping pillow, a mountain bike track, and even an open-air cinema come summer.

Airbnb and holiday homes

From spacious abodes begging to be filled with large groups to intimate apartments inviting true romance, the best Bendigo Airbnbs and holiday homes flow with unique charms.

9. The Stables at Byronsvale

a married couple at The Stables at Byronsvale, Bendigo — The Stables at Byronsvale is an idyllic wedding venue.

Searching for an idyllic winter escape? The Stables at Byronsvale comprise three self-contained apartments immersed in photo-ready, vine dripping wine country. Located about ten minutes’ drive from the centre of town, this Bendigo accommodation is romance central, complete with sandstone walls, parquetry floors and full kitchens so you can stock up on supplies and never leave. Even more enticing, gourmet breakfast baskets and yoga classes can be arranged upon request.

10. Grandview Apartment

Grandview apartment in Bendigo — The apartment is swathed in sumptuous red velvet.

It would be tough to come up with a better way to describe this Bendigo Airbnb than pure theatre—you need to see it to appreciate it. An atmospheric gem of a place, Grandview Apartment gives off a near stately vibe with exposed red-brick walls, ornate brass wall sconces, dark timber furniture and plush crimson soft furnishings. Whatever the season, this one-of-a-kind Bendigo accommodation appeals. Come winter, there are plenty of nooks to lean into with a good book, and when warm weather breaks through, its sizable balcony is a lovely spot for sundowners.

11. Bendigo Cottage

Bendigo accommodation — The cosy cottage is heated by a fireplace in winter. (Image: Bendigo Cottage)

Almost every conceivable amenity you could need is on offer at two-bedroom Bendigo Airbnb —a hot tub, indoor fireplace, Nespresso coffee machine, blackout blinds, cot, highchair, bathtub, children’s books and toys, even condiments and breakfast supplies. An Airbnb ‘plus’ property, this little cottage – complete with a white picket fence – features a simple, modern and minimalist design and is located just on the northern cusp of the CBD, across the road from the historical Ulumbarra Theatre.

12. Harcourt House

the exterior of Harcourt House, Bendigo — The elegant exterior of Harcourt House boasts country charm in spades.

Travelling en masse? Harcourt House is our top pick. This spotlessly clean five-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home was made for groups, sleeping up to 10, and it also happens to be tastefully designed, too. The facade features a fretwork verandah and a palette of smoky greys and creamy whites, while inside you’ll find clean lines, modern furnishings and pared-back styling.

The crowning glory is its large, well-equipped kitchen, which features every amenity as well as plenty of pantry staples (tea, coffee, hot chocolate, flour, oil, vinegar, canned goods, pasta and cereal). Enjoy a home-cooked meal while sitting at the kitchen island or venture al fresco and linger over a long lunch on this Bendigo Airbnb’s deck.

Originally written by Chloe Cann with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams

Discover the best restaurants to check out while you’re in Bendigo

There’s no better place to unwind than the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges – a leafy and idyllic region shrouded in mist, fern-filled gullies and a peaceful atmosphere.

Wrapped in the crisp mountain air, ancient ferns and ethereally verdant landscapes of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges , you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in another world (or at least another part of the planet).

But this gorgeous pocket is under an hour from Melbourne, a mix of top-notch food and wine, boutique stays and forested scenery that make for an easy weekend away or even a midweek escape. In fact, visiting during the week can offer a deeply relaxing experience, with fewer crowds and more space to linger.

If you’re keen to unwind, here’s how to spend your time in this idyllic neck of the woods.

Where to eat

From farm gates to cosy eateries, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges house a plethora of places to feast. Start your day with a leisurely brunch and coffee at Ripe . This local hangout combines warm hospitality and hearty cafe fare against a backdrop of the hills’ iconic tree-fern canopies. It’s also nestled in the heart of Sassafras, the quaint village that best captures the Dandenong Ranges’ old-world charm.

Next, take yourself on a gastronomic adventure. Visit Yarra Valley Dairy , a regional favourite doing handmade cheeses, or Cherry Hill Orchards , where in summer you can pick your own cherries and enjoy them in the farm’s picturesque grounds. Treat yourself to a tasting at one of the Yarra Valley’s renowned wineries to finish – Rochford , Re’em and De Bortoli are standout picks for a sample of the region’s signature drops.

By night, book a table at either Citrine in the mountain town of Olinda or restaurant 1309 at Balgownie Estate in the Yarra Valley. Both do elevated seasonal fare paired with excellent drinks.

And if you’re simply in the mood for a tipple, you’re spoiled for choice. The Alpine Hotel in riverside Warburton is a historic and character-filled spot pouring pints and locally made drinks, while Four Pillars is a must for gin lovers. The distillery’s award-winning spirits are famed nationwide, but here you can try them right from the source.

Things to do outdoors

two people walking through Dandenong Ranges National Park — Wander the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

A motley patchwork of misty rainforest, rugged bushscapes and beautifully tended gardens, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are some of Melbourne’s most scenic pockets. No visit to the region would be complete without a wander through its lush surrounds, either by bike or on foot.

The Ngurrak Barring trail stretches 39 kilometres through the Dandenong Ranges, connecting the towns and fern-filled forests that make the hills so unique. Along the way, be immersed in thought-provoking art installations and cultural stories, sharing a different perspective of this ancient landscape.

While in the area, wander through Cloudehill Garden & Nursery and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens , situated in Olinda. The cooler climate, rich volcanic soil and consistent rainfall offer both gardens ideal conditions for vivid and vibrant flora.

Over in the Yarra Valley, the 40-kilometre Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is a flat and family-friendly path perfect for leisurely bike rides and longer walks. It takes you through vine-lined scenery and towns like Seville and Wandin. Biking enthusiasts should head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, a network of 160 kilometres of trails that traverse through untamed terrain.

For a more laidback outing, Alowyn Gardens encompasses seven acres of themed gardens perfect for a meandering stroll. The nearly 100-metre-long wisteria archway that connects different garden zones is a highlight – especially in October, when the lilac blossoms are in spectacular bloom.

The arts and culture scene

Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges are havens for arts and culture thanks to their inspiring landscapes and thriving creative community. Naturally, a slower escape should include a visit to some of the region’s best studios and galleries.

The TarraWarra Museum of Art in Healesville showcases modern and contemporary Australian art, with both a permanent collection and a rotating display of thoughtful exhibitions. The building and grounds are well worth exploring: a striking architectural landmark amid landscaped lawns and open-air sculptures overlooking the Yarra Valley.

Delve into the area’s rich history at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum , a treasure trove of more than 13,000 unique pieces. See everything from Indigenous artefacts to archival photographs and historical objects that tell the region’s story.

On your way back to the city, stop by the leafy enclave of Eltham to discover Montsalvat . This five-acre artistic playground is Australia’s oldest continuous art community, combining galleries, Gothic-style buildings and expansive heritage gardens.

Stay at a local retreat

Re’em yarra valley accommodation — Re’em is an ideal pick for an indulgent stay.

No matter your style, and no matter your budget, you’ll find a suitable spot in the region to rest your head. If the weather is warm and the sky is clear, set up a tent at BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park or Pine Hill Cabin & Caravan Park. The former has secluded camping spots surrounded by tranquil bushland and local wildlife, along with glamping pods and cabins. The latter has powered and unpowered sites suitable for all kinds of campers, and is pet-friendly if you’re travelling with your four-legged friend.

Or, book yourself into the RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort – a sprawling retreat complete with stylish rooms and luxe amenities that invite you to unwind. Relax at the day spa, tee off at the 18-hole golf course, or recharge with a round of tennis or a few laps in the pool.

And if you’re after something truly indulgent, Re’em is an ideal pick. A boutique collection of just 16, the luxuriously appointed rooms feature plush linens, high-end amenities and oversized baths with panoramic views across the estate. A gourmet breakfast showcasing gorgeous local produce is also included.

Start planning your reset getaway at visityarravalley.com.au.