Every Instagram-perfect Airbnb in Bendigo for a stylish escape

Jo StewartBy Jo Stewart
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Place yourself in proximity to memorable Central Victoria adventures with our map to every outstanding Airbnb in Bendigo.

On a mission to sniff out every dream accommodation, including the best Airbnbs, in Central Victoria? Savvy travellers should be, at least once in their lifetime. Upon research, you’ll find an impressive concentration in little old Bendigo, located 90 minutes from the hipster haven of Melbourne. From one-of-a-kind tiny homes to character-filled cottages oozing with heritage charm, we’ve found an Airbnb in Bendigo for every holiday style.

1. Goldmines Guesthouse

the Goldmines Guesthouse Airbnb with two beds in Bendigo
Sleep in a cosy bedroom near the CBD at Goldmines Guesthouse.

Best for: A family getaway.

Tucked away on a quiet street just outside of Central Bendigo, Goldmines Guesthouse is a modern one-bedroom retreat treated to ample sleeping space. With a fully equipped kitchen (including a coffee maker), HDTV with Chromecast, and a laundry with a dryer, the serene sanctuary sleeps up to six people. Cosy up for a night in on the six-seater couch watching Netflix over takeaway or head out for a pub meal at the longstanding Gold Mines Hotel, just a walk away and home to one of Bendigo’s oldest gardens.

2. Bendigo Lakeside

the exterior of Bendigo Lakeside accommodation with a bonfire setup
Bendigo Lakeside comes with a spacious garden and a bonfire setting.

Best for: Large groups.

Looking for something to fit you all? Bendigo Lakeside is a contemporary, split-level winner that can accommodate up to 12 guests (plus pets if your clan includes four-legged members). A short drive from the city, the Airbnb in Bendigo is close to a golf course and lakeside walking tracks, so soaking up that delightful country air is a cinch. When night falls, kick back on the deck with a beverage or cook up a feast in the well-equipped kitchen (there’s a dishwasher, thank goodness) before you settle into a family feast. Once the formalities are over, a backyard fire pit will prove all too welcoming, ensuring quality face time with your loved ones that’ll wind into the wee hours.

3. Renovated Cottage

the entryway at Renovated Cottage, Bendigo
The modern interior adds to the sophisticated, country-chic vibes.

Best for: A couple’s escape.

Find your two favourite couples and start splitting up the grocery grabs. This renovated cottage in Bendigo dials up country chic vibes with its white picket fence and ornate patio, making it an instantly impressive escape. Sleeping up to six people across three bedrooms, the Airbnb in Bendigo is within walking distance to soothing Lake Weeroona, pubs and eateries — not that you’ll need to leave given the gourmet kitchen is filled with all your necessary appliances and pantry staples. Additionally, there’s off-street parking and an outdoor area where a fire pit can be brought in upon request. Who’s saying no to that?

4. Grandview Apartment

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

Best for: Romance.

Grand by name, grand by nature. Grandview Apartment is an Airbnb in Bendigo with theatrical flourishes to help bring a sense of occasion to your next visit. With a red velvet lounge, clawfoot bath and reading room filled with books, this oh-so-romantic apartment is ideal for couples who appreciate the finer things in life. Use the kitchen to prepare a decadent dinner to enjoy around the dining table, savour a glass of local red on the wrought iron balcony or head out to explore the UNESCO Heritage-listed gastronomic scene – some of Bendigo’s best restaurants are just a short stroll away.

5. Hargreaves Cottage

the exterior of Hargreaves Cottage, Bendigo
Hargreaves Cottage welcomes guests with its charming facade.

Best for: Culture vultures.

Just a short walk to central Bendigo’s best galleries, Hargreaves Cottage evokes the quintessential period charm visitors flock to Bendigo to experience. Behind the white picket fence you’ll find two bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, kitchen, renovated bathroom and a grassy backyard. Staying with the kids? A highchair and collection of children’s books and toys should do the trick. In the morning, wander across the road to Percy and Percy for your preferred AM elixir with a serve of Dr Marty’s Crumpets – a revered crumpet-maker based in Castlemaine.

6. Ravenswood Tiny House

scenic views from the Ravenswood Tiny House, Bendigo
The architecturally designed Ravenswood Tiny House opens up to scenic views.

Best for: Architecture fans.

Craving fresh air and wide-open spaces but don’t want to stray too far from the city? Drive south from Bendigo for 20 minutes and you’ll hit the rural idyll of Ravenswood, home to a sleek tiny house stay complete with special guest appearances from 14 resident alpacas. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to stay entertained for a weekend, including a collection of boardgames and a flat screen TV with streaming services. Want a bottle of wine to enjoy on the deck while taking in sweeping views of the valley? Visit the cellar door of Killiecrankie Wines nearby to source a drop of local red.

7. Grandview on Mitchell Bendigo Penthouse

the rooftop views from Grandview on Mitchell Bendigo Penthouse
Unwind on the rooftop deck with a local beer.

Best for: That rooftop life.

Be wowed by phenomenal city skyline views while staying in this chic heritage warehouse conversion. Located in the heart of the city, the Grandview on Mitchell Bendigo Penthouse is just a stone’s throw from some of Bendigo’s biggest drawcards including Bendigo Art Gallery and Rosalind Park. Unwind on the rooftop deck with a local beer, chill out in the lounge room with a good book or bliss out in the private hot tub – this is a space to enjoy a slice of the good life.

8. Stargazer by Tiny Away

a tiny vacation home at Stargazer by Tiny Away, Bendigo
Take some time off in this tiny vacation house.

Best for: Going off the grid.

A scenic 20-minute drive from Bendigo, this solar-powered home located on a 133-acre rural property is the ideal spot to get away from it all. Pack all your food and drinks before you arrive at Stargazer by Tiny Away – you’ll want to maximise your time in this remote spot without wi-fi. While small in stature, this space has everything you need for a comfy stay including a composting toilet, loft bed, pot-bellied stove and kitchenette with gas cooktop. After dark, get toasty around the outdoor fire pit while admiring the blanket of glittering stars above. BYO marshmallows for a quick campfire dessert.

9. Queens Loft

the dining area at Queens Loft, Bendigo
Stay in a modern and fully furnished NYC-like home.

Best for: A slice of NYC.

Yes, we’re nowhere near the bright light energy of New York City, but a stay at Queens Loft might just send you there spiritually. A loft-style apartment with exposed brick, located inside the historic (and exclusive) Webb and Co building in the middle of town, this Airbnb in Bendigo is filled with all the mod-cons — think high-speed wi-fi, a kitchenette with stainless steel appliances, lift access within the building and a 55-inch HDTV with multiple streaming services. A bedroom with a queen bed will also provide added privacy when it’s time to catch some shut eye.

10. Castle Studio

Bendigo Airbnb
Castle Studio mirrors a medieval castle’s facade.

Best for: Fantasy lovers.

Looking for something totally unique? Castle Studio is a quirky studio Airbnb in Bendigo that, throughout the exterior garden spaces, mirrors a medieval castle’s facade. Pet-friendly and located within the heart of town, the outdoor space is seriously creative, providing makeshift sets to help you reenact movie moments from every angle. Inside, however, it’s all very contemporary, complete with a little kitchenette, queen bed and ensuite bathroom.

Originally written by Jo Stewart with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams

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Jo Stewart
Jo Stewart is a freelance features writer who pens stories about nature, pop culture, music, art, design and more from her home in the Macedon Ranges of Victoria. When not writing, you can find her trawling through vinyl records and vintage fashion at op shops, antique stores and garage sales.
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Victoria’s most memorable guided tours to book now

    Lara PiconeBy Lara Picone
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    Get around the natural beauty and bounty of regional Victoria on a guided tour that reveals extraordinary moments from coast to country.

    Walk the Great Ocean Road

    forest walk along the Great Ocean Road
    Swap your car for walking shoes on the Great Ocean Road.

    The Australian Walking Co’s immersive three-day, lodge-based walk is absolute bucket-list fodder. The easy-going, guided coastal hike is marked by epic scenery and end-of-day luxury. You’ll have no need for heavy packs or tents, instead expect fresh-caught crayfish, post-walk canapés and local wines. Each day explores the drama of this ocean-facing landscape with an approachable three-hour-ish walk, leaving plenty of time to unwind at the lodge.

    Swim with seals and dolphins at Port Phillip Heads

    dolphins swimming in Port Phillip Head Marine Park
    Swim with dolphins in Port Phillip Head Marine Park.

    Dive into Popes Eye, within Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park, for this wild swimming experience with mankind’s BFFs of the sea. On the See All Dolphin Swims 3.5-hour experience, departing from Queenscliff, you’ll begin in shallow, calm waters before venturing off to Chinaman’s Hat and beyond to meet seals and dolphins in their own habitat. All gear is provided and all ages are welcome.

    Get your ghost on in the Grampians

    For those with a penchant for the paranormal, get ready for goosebumps when you embark on the Lantern Tours J Ward Paranormal Investigation excursion that takes place under the moonlight in the west wing of Aradale Lunatic Asylum. As you keep a lookout for supernatural activity, you’ll enjoy tales of the criminally insane inmates that will make the hairs on your neck stand to attention.

    Paddle along the mighty Murray

    a woman on a stand-up paddle board along the Murray
    Glide along the scenic Murray on a stand-up paddleboard.

    Swoosh softly through the silky waters of the mighty Murray on a stand-up paddle board with Echuca Moama Stand Up Paddle . This gentle downstream sojourn meanders for one-and-a-half hours covering 4.5 kilometres of the river, taking in the beauty on the banks and the vibrant birdlife. From Echuca Moama slip under the Moama Bridge and glide beside its iconic paddlesteamers and the historic port.

    Sip and cycle in the Yarra Valley

    cyclists exploring Yarra Valley
    Cycle around Yarra Valley wine country.

    Wine and wheels make a great pairing on the Tour De Vines six-hour Yarra Valley tour that weaves through vine-threaded roads. It’s a relaxed pace along 20 kilometres of the Warburton Rail Trail as you spot native birds and stop in at local vineyards and produce stores. You’ll pull in at a local winery for a tasting and enjoy lunch before hitting up a couple of cellar doors. Depending on your pedal power, there may be time to sneak in a visit to a chocolate or cheese factory.

    Dig for gold in Bendigo

    Think you have what it takes to unearth a gilded treasure? Try your hand at prospecting and learn the art of gold-digging (in the geological sense) on the two-hour Gold Nugget Hunter tour in the Loddon Valley. On the tour, mine the wisdom of locals Shane and Jackie – who have honed their hobby of gold-detecting into an art – to learn how to read the land and use a gold detector. You may even go home with a nugget of your own.

    Cruise around Wilsons Promontory

    the Skull Rock in Wilsons Prom
    Cruise around Skull Rock in Wilsons Prom. (Image: Connor Vaughan)

    It’s a thrill to drive directly from the sand into the waves aboard the Wanderer Adventures ’ bright-yellow amphibious boat. On this 2.5-hour tour, you’ll skip along the water to take in Wilsons Prom’s top highlights, such as the imposing Skull Rock, The Glennies, Anderson Islets and Anser Island. Spot seals, penguins and seabirds as you absorb the tranquillity of this stunning environment.

    Walk with llamas in the Macedon Ranges

    a llama in the Macedon Ranges
    Make friends with a llama in the Macedon Ranges.

    If you’ve always felt an affinity for long-lashed camelids, then bonding with a llama on a leisurely walk might just be the thing for you. Opt for either a three-hour, five-kilometre hike or a longer 12-kilometre trek along the Domino Rail Trail paired with a gentle, hooved friend. Things kick off with a llama orientation, where you’ll learn how to lead and look out for your new mate before you hit the track. It’s a lovely way to explore the beauty of the region with a sensitive and curious companion by your side.

    Go underground in the Grampians

    a subterranean tour of Seppelt Wines
    Take a subterranean tour of Seppelt Wines. (Image: Ben Savage/We Are Explorers)

    Oenophiles and cave-lovers alike will enjoy going underground at Seppelt’s ‘Drives’ . The largest underground cellar in Australia, The Drives were dug by local goldminers in 1868 and meander for three-kilometres – keeping wine treasures at a temperate 16-degrees year-round. A 50-minute tour through the heritage-listed granite tunnels happily conclude with a tasting of the label’s celebrated sparkling wines.

    Discover island life in the Mornington Peninsula

    a guided tour of French Island
    Discover the Mornington Peninsula’s flora and fauna on a guided tour of French Island.

    Eject from the mainland on a catamaran bound for the wildlife haven of French Island with Naturaliste Tours . Once you disembark from the boat, you’ll hop into a 4WD to explore the pristine flora and fauna, from salt marshes to vast Fairhaven Beach. Look out for echidnas and koalas and enjoy short walks and historic sites on this half-day tour.

    seals in Wilsons Prom
    The southernmost tip is a haven for wildlife. (Image: CMcConville)