Every Instagram-perfect Airbnb in Bendigo for a stylish escape

Jo Stewart 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?

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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.

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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

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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The best trails and natural moments around Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges boast some of Victoria’s most stunning natural scenery, making them a prime destination for outdoor experiences.

    There’s something very special about the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. A mix of rugged bush, mist-laden rainforest, gardens bursting with vivid blooms and a network of rivers and waterfalls, the landscapes here are layered and diverse. Late summer is a particularly good time to visit, when the days are long and the region’s outdoor offerings are ripe for sun-soaked adventures.

    The best part? Despite being only an easy one-hour drive from Melbourne, the area feels a world away from the hustle. You’ll be greeted by a slower pace with fewer travellers and more room to move – allowing you to truly switch off and take it all in.

    From rail trails to rainforest walks, this is where you’ll find nature at its most rewarding.

    1. Warburton

    Biking around Warburton is one best natural experiences in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.
    Hit the trails at Warburton Mountain Bike Destination. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Perched at the top of the Yarra River, surrounded by pristine national park, the town of Warburton is a haven for nature lovers. It’s known for its towering redwoods, found in the Californian Redwood Forest just 15 minutes out of town. You’ll be in utter awe of these giant trees, some of which reach heights of up to 55 metres.

    The Warburton Rail Trail is another way to experience the town’s natural beauty. This flat, 40-kilometre route goes all the way to Lilydale and is ideal for a stroll or cycle past native bushland, wineries, farmland and parts of the Yarra.

    If you want to up the pace a little, head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, which encompasses 160 kilometres of purpose-built tracks amid wild bush terrain. For something a little more laid-back, the Rainforest Gallery is a standout spot for a wander. The gallery features statuesque Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beech trees, moss-covered logs and tree ferns, and a 40-metre elevated walkway that brings you right into the centre of the forest canopy.

    2. Yarra Glen

    Yarra Glen is a beloved food and drink destination, but it offers far more than excellent produce and top-notch wines.

    A highlight is Alowyn Gardens, which stretches over seven acres. Inside, you’ll find nine different gardens with vivid floral and seasonal displays, plus a nursery featuring exotic plant species. The Wisteria Arbour is a crowd favourite, a curved walkway connecting the different gardens with a display of cascading lilac blooms.

    Intersecting with the Warburton Rail Trail, the first stage of the Yarra Valley Trail runs from the gateway town of Lilydale to Yering Station. A more manageable track of just 7.5 kilometres, it takes you through rolling farmland and pockets of native bush, with ample opportunities for wildlife-spotting.

    If you’re travelling with kids, McKenzie Reserve is a non-negotiable stop. The reserve encompasses a skate park, plenty of open grass to stretch little legs, and a nature-inspired adventure playground to suit every age and every energy level.

    3. Healesville

    One of the best natural experiences in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges is seeing a Koala upclose.
    Get up close and connect with koalas. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Healesville is the region’s best place to meet local wildlife. It’s home to Healesville Sanctuary, where you can get up close to kangaroos, koalas, emus, dingoes, reptiles and more. Beyond giving you front-row access to these gorgeous creatures, you’ll appreciate the scenic charm of the tracks and trails that meander through the wildlife park.

    To see even more birdlife, head over to Badger Weir for a picnic. Situated among soaring Mountain Ash trees and tranquil waterways, the area supports several bird species, including crimson rosellas, Australian king parrots and the elusive lyrebird. Barbecue facilities are available, and several tracks leading to Badger Weir are pram-friendly.

    Fernshaw Picnic Area, located in the Yarra Ranges National Park, is another idyllic setting for picnicking and short walks, also encircled by Mountain Ash trees. Compared to Badger Weir, though, Fernshaw provides a slightly more secluded experience, making it ideal for quieter outings.

    4. Olinda

    Cloudehill Gardens is a beautifully curated, year-round garden destination featuring nine terraced gardens filled with seasonal blooms and lush plant varieties.
    Wander through terraces of ever-changing blooms. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Sitting more than 600 metres above sea level, the Dandenong Ranges have an enchanted feel and are shrouded in lush rainforest filled with tree ferns, mossy trunks and lingering mist.

    The town of Olinda is one of the finest places to experience this unique environment in all its verdant glory. At the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens, rhododendrons reign and drape the gardens in a riot of colour every spring.

    The nearby Cloudehill Gardens are well worth visiting any time of year. In each of the garden’s nine terraces, you’ll find an array of plant varieties that bloom and transform across the seasons, including weeping Japanese maples that have been growing here for nearly a century.

    Besides being a haven for arbory enthusiasts, the nearby RJ Hamer Arboretum is a spectacular spot to enjoy panoramic views. Here, more than 150 tree species grow and overlook the neighbouring Yarra Valley and Great Dividing Range.

    5. Emerald

    A lady eating with the view of Emerald Lake Park.
    Enjoy a lakeside picnic at Emerald Lake Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Set just behind the Dandenong Ranges, the foothills town of Emerald has a slightly more open feel, featuring rolling hills and open bushland. The town sits on the edge of the Dandenong Ranges National Park, with a patchwork of forested reserves and accessible bush trails on the Emerald side.

    You can also take to the water at nearby Aura Vale Lake, which is popular for sailing, canoeing, fishing for eel and perch, and picnicking on the grassy banks.

    The stand-out, though, is Emerald Lake Park, a sprawling green with multiple recreation zones. Across 52 hectares, there are walking tracks, playgrounds, paddleboats, a model railway, fishing sites and a family-friendly wading pool that comes to life every summer. The park also lies adjacent to the iconic Puffing Billy, making it a perfect stop if you’re travelling on the historic steam train.

    Start planning your next adventure at visityarravalley.com.au