Every Instagram-perfect Airbnb in Bendigo for a stylish escape

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

Discover the best things to do while you’re in Benidgo

From cabins to canvas, craft distillers to destination dining, Heathcote locals reveal their eco-savvy passions in ways that resonate with those seeking to travel lightly.

Heathcote , on traditional Taungurung Country in Central Victoria, is synonymous with its garnet-hued shiraz, but wine isn’t the only string to its bow. The town itself is sprinkled with heritage buildings from the gold rush era, and beyond that a growing collection of sustainable gastronomy and eco-friendly escapes. Nearby Bendigo, one of only 65 cities in the world recognised as a UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy, plates up an astonishing calibre of produce, wine and food for its size. Increasingly the entire region is taking up the challenge, though Heathcote in particular shines with its focus on sustainability.

Pink Cliffs GeologicalReserve — The dramatic landscape of Heathcote’s Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Goodfrey)

The eco-stays bringing sustainability to Heathcote

Yellow BoxWood’s safari-style tents — Yellow Box Wood’s safari-style tents are nestled on 40 hectares of bushland. (Image: Emily Goodfrey)

Andee and Lisa Davidson spent years working in southern Africa before settling in Heathcote. “We had a vision of how this could be,” explains Andee. “We wanted a retreat, but one that was off-grid and environmentally sustainable.” Now, at Yellow Box Wood , two luxury safari-style tents are at the heart of 40 hectares of rolling hills and native bush, with kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, goanna and birdlife aplenty. It’s all solar-powered, wood for the fire is mainly fallen timber, and water is collected on the carport roof. No lack of creature comforts though – en suite with rain shower, espresso coffee maker, comfy seating, wood-burning fire all set to go. There’s also a solar-heated, mineral salt pool in a bush setting, walking tracks, and even a mini bush golf course. On my visit, I put the vision to the test. Cocooned in the plush four-poster bed I can glimpse the stars, while the heater casts a golden glow on the canvas. In the morning, I wake to a blush-pink sunrise, kangaroos feeding and a soundtrack of magpies.

If a tent is not your style, Stephen and Cally Trompp’s carbon-neutral Mt Ida Eco Cabin might entice with its generous deck and farmland views. Inside the cabin, corrugated iron walls as rusty as a shearing shed, gleaming (recycled) floorboards, timber truss ceiling (crafted by Stephen), wood-fired heater and an old-school turntable with a pile of vinyls to spin. It’s fun, and a little boho. “Everything is recycled. The cabin takes maximum advantage of the sun in winter. It’s all solar-powered. Don’t panic, though,” says Stephen, “you can still charge your phone and get 4G reception!” Settle into an Adirondack chair on the deck or pedal off on a mountain bike to suss out the wineries.

A taste of Spain in Central Victoria

Another person with a vision is Evan Pritchard at his Three Dams Estate where the wines reflect his deep love of Spain and of Spanish-style grapes, such as tempranillo. Afternoons in the ‘wine shed’ or cantina are matched with music (flamenco is a favourite), Spanish bites from tapas to paella (with Evan on the pans!) and views to Mount Alexander. Sustainability is also a passion. “You don’t need to buy anything. We decided to be off-grid from the start, but it is a lifestyle change,” he says. “You need to think about it and be careful.” Everything here is recycled, reassembled, refurbished. Evan has an electric car (with solar-powered charger), solar-power for the winery, and even a jaunty little electric tractor/forklift. “I love the idea of all the things you can do using the sun.” Sipping a crisp rosado (a Spanish rosé) with Evan in the sunshine, I couldn’t agree more.

The vineyard redefining sustainable winemaking

Silver Spoon winery — The Silverspoon Estate winery is completely off-grid. (Image: Graham Hosking)

On the other side of Heathcote, Silver Spoon Estate demonstrates sustainability on a more extensive scale. Tracie and Peter Young’s winery, cellar door, award-winning restaurant and their own house are all solar-powered and off the grid. Sustainability is intrinsic to everything they do. The property sprawls across 100 hectares, with 20 hectares under vine – shiraz, viognier, grenache, tempranillo. As the climate has changed, so too has the approach. These are dry-grown vineyards. “We prune for drought. That means lower yields but more intense flavours,” says Peter. The fine-dining restaurant offers sweeping views, a wood-burning fire and a deck for languid lunches. Head chef Ben Hong sources regional, sustainable ingredients and weaves estate wines into the menu – think crispy wild mushroom arancini, viognier-infused chicken breast.

Silver Spoon’s award-winning restaurant.

Heathcote’s other hidden gems

Not all local wineries have a cellar door, but I find local treasures at the Heathcote Wine Hub , a petite 1855 timber church in the main street, lovingly returned to life by Karen Robertson and Carey Moncrieff. “Carey is a scrounger,” says Karen. “He doesn’t throw a single thing away.” He does, however, craft things into something quite special. Heritage floors, light-filtering lancet windows and shelves of regional wines create the perfect ambience for wine tasting. Or order a glass and linger over a cheese platter.

Heathcote is not all wine, of course. Nathan Wheat and partner Vanessa Curtis run Envy Distilling with a committed sustainable ethic – and a serious love of gin. Their small-batch distillery produces grape-based gin, and soon brandy. Distilled water is reused in an ingenious cooling system. All waste is treated on site. They buy excess wine from winemakers to distil and buy recycled barrels. “Distilling with the sun,” as Nathan says. Each Envy gin has its own story. Spicy, award-winning The Dry, is designed to capture the region’s dry, rugged nature. Pull up a stool at the bar (reclaimed timbers and tiles, of course), order a Gin Flight, or kick back with a cocktail and let Nathan share his eco journey.

Envy gins — Sample gins at small-batch distillery Envy.

A traveller’s checklist

Getting there

It’s less than two hours’ drive from Melbourne. The scenic route we take goes past Sunbury, then along a splendid country road through Romsey and the magic, boulder-strewn landscape of Lancefield. Watch for kangaroos on the road!

Staying there

Go off-grid in style at Yellow Box Wood for glamping or try Mt Ida Eco Cabin for a couple’s weekend hideaway.

Eating there

French dishes at Chauncy — Award-winning French restaurant Chauncy.

At award-winning Chauncy , French chef Louis Naepels and sommelier wife Tess Murray have created a tiny, elegant pocket of rural France. Meticulously restored 1850s sandstone building, sun-drenched dining room, impeccable service, a menu suffused with local flavours and thoughtful wine pairings.

Fodder is both cafe and social hub. Chef Mo Pun and sister Lalita serve classic Aussie breakfast-to-lunch fare, though their Nepalese heritage sneaks through.

Playing there

Sanguine Estate ’s cellar door and terrace overlook bucolic vineyards. Its award-winning, dry-grown wines include the distinctive D’Orsa Blanc dessert wine, reflecting the family’s Swiss-Italian heritage. Order a charcuterie board and stay a while. Keep it carbon neutral by cycling some (or all) of the 50-kilometre O’Keefe Rail Trail to Bendigo.

At Bridgeward Grove , learn about the property’s Old Mission Grove heritage olive trees, do a sommelier olive oil tasting, and stock up on sustainably grown olives and oil. Explore the unique landscape, wildflowers and wildlife of pink cliffs geological reserve.