Top Bendigo hotels for a unique stay

From art-themed boutique stays to vineyard glamping, here’s your guide to the top Bendigo hotels to book for your next stay.

Researching a trip to Bendigo? There are plenty of Bendigo hotels to choose from when you’re planning your next getaway to Central Victoria. Whether you’re travelling solo on a business trip, organising a fun trip with your family or getting out of town for a romantic weekend, we’ve made it easy for you with this list of top Bendigo hotels.

Hotel Ernest

Only 100 or so metres from wine bars, restaurants, cafes and the Bendigo Art Gallery, this classy boutique hotel will delight art aficionados. Housed in what was once the oldest bank in Bendigo, each of the ten rooms and suites is a unique space that has been thoughtfully designed with art in mind.

a look inside the bedroom suite of Bendigo Ernest Hotel — Each room is equipped with thoughtfully appointed amenities.

Featuring the works of artists like Robin Wallace-Crabbe and James Meldrum, every room is equipped with a Smart TV with Netflix, Nespresso coffeemaker (including coffee pods from Melbourne roaster Padre) and deluxe bathroom amenities by Salus. If you value a personal touch and the finer things in life – you’ll enjoy Hotel Ernest .

Bendigo Ernest Hotel artworks — Artworks by Melbourne Studio School director Richard Birmingham and Archibald finalist David Bromley adorn the walls of the hotel.

Want to know more? Read our review of Hotel Ernest.

Balgownie Estate

Treat yourself to award-winning drops of wine, exceptional culinary experiences and a peaceful sleep under a star-filled sky while glamping at Bendigo’s oldest working winery. Just 10 minutes from central Bendigo, Balgownie Estate has everything you need for a good time in one handy place: bell tents complete with a private deck, a lauded fine dining restaurant and a cellar door offering tastings, cheese boards and charcuterie. Not a fan of glamping? Book into a Hermitage House room or cottage instead.

Glamping at Balgownie Bendigo Winery — Sleep under a star-filled sky while glamping at Bendigo’s oldest working winery.

The Stables at Byronsvale

Just seven kilometres from central Bendigo, this modest, historic winery fringed by woodlands is a serene spot to unwind in comfort away from the sounds of the city. The stone stables once housed Clydesdale horses but have now been transformed into three, self-contained apartments featuring fully-equipped kitchens and luxe soft furnishings.

By day, walk along the bush tracks nearby, where you’ll likely see kangaroos, echidnas and flocks of loud and colourful native birdlife. After dark, spark up a conversation with your hosts and other guests by the firepit with a glass of Byronsvale shiraz.

the bedroom interior inside The Stables at Byronsvale — The former stables were transformed into three, self-contained apartments.

Oval Motel Bendigo

This classic motel’s retro neon sign harks back to simpler times when the regional road trip was king. Run by a friendly local couple who take pride in offering guests a comfortable stay, the Oval Motel ’s central location on a main road means you can easily access Bendigo’s attractions.

Perfect for budget-conscious travellers (families and groups will appreciate the triple room with bunk beds), this clean, affordable, welcoming motel gets the job done. Having a parking spot right outside your room is pretty handy too!

a beach-inspired bedroom suite in Oval Motel Bendigo — The rooms at The Oval Motel are bright and comfortable. (Image: Chris Jack Photography)

Bendigo Big 4 Marong Holiday Park

Looking for the ultimate school holiday getaway? Young ones (and the young at heart) will love spending a few nights in a two-bedroom safari tent at Bendigo Big 4 Marong Holiday Park . Complete with a kitchenette, bathroom, Smart TV and split system heating and cooling, this safari tent is a stay for all seasons.

one of the glamping tents at BIG4 Bendigo Marong Holiday Park — Their glamping tent is a perfect place to get away for an off-grid stay.

Relax indoors in the lounge room while watching a movie and or kick back in the hammock on the verandah with a cool drink. While there’s plenty to see and do in Bendigo, the holiday park’s solar-heated pool, spa, basketball court, flying fox and giant chess set will keep your kids entertained for days.

a sofa facing the tv beside an open window inside the glamping tent at BIG4 Bendigo Marong Holiday Park — Complete with modern amenities, the holiday park promises a comfortable stay.

Mercure Bendigo Schaller

Business travellers will appreciate this modern hotel’s compact rooms complete with fast Wi-Fi, work desk, coffee machine, microwave and private balcony.

Unique artworks by celebrated Melbourne painter Mark Schaller provide splashes of colour to the rooms, while convenient all-day dining at the Pantry Cafe and & Bar downstairs means you can grab a bite to eat without leaving the property.

a buffet selection at the restaurant in Mercure Bendigo Schaller — Drop by the restaurant for a buffet treat.

Craving a pub feed? Burgers, steaks and roasts (and a chilled glass of beer or wine, of course) can be found at the Rising Sun Hotel, only a few minutes’ walk away.

Mercure Bendigo Schaller — Unique artworks by celebrated Melbourne painter Mark Schaller adorn the walls.

Quest Bendigo Central

Whether you’re planning a short stay or extended break, Quest Bendigo Central is a top option for travellers searching for a home away from home while in Bendigo.

Featuring spacious studios, as well as one, two and three-bedroom apartments equipped with kitchens, TVs with Foxtel and plenty of natural light, scale up or down depending on how much space you need.

the interior of Quest Bendigo Central's one-bedroom apartment with a window — Wake up to scenic views of the verdant landscape surrounding the hotel.

Pro tip: if you’re travelling with a group and love to cook, the three-bedroom apartment has an oven, cooktop, dishwasher, full-size fridge and large dining table perfect for entertaining.

a kitchen complete with modern amenities — You may opt to prepare your meals inside the apartment.

Regardless of your room type, all guests have access to an al fresco barbecue area and outdoor swimming pool to take the edge off Bendigo’s hot, dry summers.

an outdoor pool at Quest Bendigo Central — Chill out in the outdoor pool.

The Residence at Mackenzie Quarters

If you’re planning a weekend away in Bendigo with your friends or family, this spacious, historic property has absolutely everything you need for a memorable break.

While staying here you’ll have the whole residence to yourself. With five bedrooms, two bathrooms, study, pergola, landscaped outdoor area (with firepit) and a rumpus room for the kids, there’s plenty of room to move at Mackenzie Quarters .

a cosy seating area inside The Residence at Mackenzie Quarters — Relax on the couch while sipping a glass of wine.

Located right in the middle of the Bendigo CBD, you’ve got some of Bendigo’s best restaurants right on your doorstep. Want a quiet night in? Gather around the pool table to shoot some pool or relax by the gas log fire heater in the formal lounge with a glass of local vino.

a bedroom with a cosy seating area with a fireplace inside The Residence at Mackenzie Quarters — Rest by the fireplace to keep yourself warm.

Langley Estate

Be transported back to the early 1900s with a stay at Bendigo’s historic Langley Estate . This grand, Federation-era mansion surrounded by just over two acres of gardens has many noteworthy heritage features including a majestic staircase and original stained-glass windows. This estate is the perfect place to slow down and take it easy.

Go for a ramble around the property’s peaceful grounds or head to the Bendigo Botanical Gardens which are only a 15-minute walk away. Pay a little extra to start the morning with eggs, bacon, seasonal fruit, yoghurt and more served in the stately Breakfast Dining Room – much more enjoyable than gulping down a takeaway coffee and croissant in your car!

the beautiful exterior of Langley Estate in Bendigo, VIC — Langley Estate is an iconic property surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens.

Are you dreaming of a romantic getaway or perhaps heading to Bendigo for a business trip? We’ve got you covered! Check out our ultimate travel guide to Bendigo for the top things to do, must-try restaurants and epic pubs and bars.

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.

Top Bendigo hotels for every type of traveller