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.

Makers, bakers, artists, chefs, crafters – Ballarat and its surrounds are overflowing with creative spirits. All dedicated to keeping traditional skills alive for a city that is humming with artful energy.

Modern makers: a new generation of artists and artisans

“Keeping craft alive is a noble cause,” says Jess Cameron-Wootten, a charming and passionate master leathercrafter and cordwainer, who handmakes traditional leather boots and shoes in Ballarat’s old Gun Cotton Goods Store.

Ballarat was recognised in 2019 as a UNESCO Creative City of Craft and Folk Art, and today it’s a place where craft traditions converge with contemporary needs. Nothing quite captures this convergence as a visit to Wootten , the workshop and store of Jess Cameron-Wootten and his partner Krystina Menegazzo.

heritage buildings in Ballarat — Ballarat’s streets are lined with heritage buildings. (Image: Matt Dunne)

Jess’s father was an artisan bootmaker, or cordwainer. Now Jess and Krys and their small team of artisans continue the tradition, but with a modern spin. The company’s boots and shoes, made completely from scratch, are renowned for their quality and longevity. Wootten also craft shoes, bags, belts, leather aprons, wallets and more.

Cosy beanies, gloves, alpaca socks, “unbreakable” shoelaces and various other goods – many from local craftspeople and small-scale makers – fill the shop’s shelves. “We’re always happy to support a mate,” says Jess. “People love to see the workshop and where things are made. Our clients care about quality and sustainability,” Krys comments. The company slogan ‘Made for generations’ says it all.

Ruby Pilven’s ceramics at Ross Creek Gallery. (Image: Tara Moore)

For Ruby Pilven, craft is also in the DNA – both her parents were potters and with her latest porcelain ceramics, Ruby’s young daughter has been helping add colour to the glazes. “I grew up watching my parents in the workshop – I’ve always been doing ceramics,” she says, although her Visual Arts degree was in printmaking. That printmaking training comes through particularly in the rich layering of pattern. Her audacious colour, unexpected shapes and sudden pops of 12-carat gold are contemporary, quirky – and joyful.

You can see Ruby’s handcrafted ceramics, and work by other local and regional artists, at Ross Creek Gallery , a light-filled space surrounded by serene bushland, across from the mudbrick house her parents built in the 1980s. A 10-minute drive from Ballarat, it’s a tangible link to the region’s well-established craft traditions.

How Ballarat is preserving the past

artisans making crafts at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Ballarat — The Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades holds workshops to preserve crafts and skills.

While tradition is ongoing, there’s a danger that many of these specific type of skills and knowledge are fading as an older generation passes on. Step forward the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades .

The seven purpose-built studios occupy a fabulous modern building adjacent to Sovereign Hill, with state-of-the-art facilities, enormous windows and landscape views across to Warrenheip and Wadawurrung Country.

artisanal works at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Ballarat — Check out artisanal works at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades.

Practising artisans run hands-on workshops. Fancy making your own medieval armour? Or trying your hand at blacksmithing, spinning wool, plaiting leather, weaving cane or craft a knife? Book a class and learn how. “It’s about creating awareness and also sharing knowledge and skills before they are lost,” explains Deborah Klein, the centre manager.

A city steeped in food and flavours

Chef José Fernandez preparing American streetfood at Pancho — Chef José Fernandez creates vibrant South American street food at Pancho. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

One skill that hasn’t been lost is that of cooking. Ballarat’s burgeoning gastronomy scene runs the gamut from an artisan bakery (the atmospheric 1816 Bakehouse) to cool coffee shops, speakeasy cocktail bars and distilleries to fine-dining venues. But I’m still surprised to find Pancho , José Fernandez’s South American street food restaurant, serving fried cheese tequeños, fiery fish tacos, Argentinian grilled chicken.

The room is as lively as the food – a whirl of colour filled with gifted and thrifted paintings, photos, tchotchkes (trinkets), plants. There’s a Mexican abuela aesthetic going on here. Even before the music and mezcal kick in, it’s fun. Heads up on the drinks menu – an authentic selection of mezcal, tequila, South American wines and Mexican cerveza.

a cocktail at Itinerant Spirits, Ballarat — Enjoy a cocktail at Itinerant Spirits. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

The spirit is willing, so after lunch we head towards the gold rush-era Ballarat train station and across the line to the old 1860s Goods Shed for Itinerant Spirits . At one end, a massive German copper still looms behind a wall of glass. The fit-out embraces deep olive-green tones, original bluestone walls, steamer trunks as coffee tables, heritage timber floors, oversized lamp shades and cognac-hued modernist leather seating.

the Itinerant Spirits Distillery & Cocktail Bar, Ballarat — The distillery operates from an old goods shed. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

Gallivanter Gin, Vansetter Vodka and Wayfarer Whiskey – the key spirits distilled – star at the bar. The spirits are crafted using grains from the Wimmera Mallee region, and native botanicals foraged in the Grampians. Seasonal cocktails are inspired by local people and places (I loved The Headland, inspired by Sovereign Hill and flavoured with old-fashioned raspberry drops). Sample the spirits, and join a cocktail masterclass or a distillery tour. It’s a seductive setting – you’ll likely find yourself ordering a charcuterie platter or pizza as the evening progresses.

The Ballarat stay combining history and luxury

one of the rooms at Hotel Vera, Ballarat — The rooms at Hotel Vera have a contemporary style. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

New lives for old buildings keeps history alive. Vera, Ballarat’s boutique five-star hotel, has taken it to the next level: it’s a palimpsest, a subtle layering of early 1900s and 1930s Art Deco architecture with a sleek new wing. There are seven spacious suites, each a dramatically different colour, with designer chairs, blissful bathrooms. High-end pottery and hand-picked artworks imbue the spaces with personality.

Vera’s intimate, award-winning restaurant, Babae, is subtly theatrical with sheer drapes and gallery lighting, its bespoke timber furniture and brass-edged marble bench setting the stage for food with a sharp regional focus. “We have goat’s cheese from a local supplier, handmade granola from local Vegas & Rose, truffles from nearby Black Cat Truffles, fresh food from our garden, and regional wines,” says joint owner David Cook-Doulton.

Celebrating the local makers, bakers, growers and producers, and the master chefs who work their magic is all part of the rich tapestry that links Ballarat’s history to its vibrant present.

A traveller’s checklist

Getting there

It’s 90 minutes from Melbourne, either on the Western Freeway, or hop on a V/Line train from Southern Cross Station.

Staying there

Hotel Vera is a centrally located Art Deco boutique hotel. Consider Hotel Provincial , which feels like a sleek country house, but with its own restaurant, Lola.

a contemporary room at Hotel Provincial, Ballarat — Hotel Provincial has country house vibes.

Eating there

dining at Mr Jones, Ballarat — The table is set at Mr Jones. (Image: Tony Evans/ Visit Victoria)

Culinary whiz Damien Jones helms Chef’s Hat winner Mr Jones Dining with quiet assurance. His modern Asian food is deceptively simple with deep, intense flavours. Low-key, laid-back ambience, lovely staff, thoughtful wine list.

Cocktails are definitely a thing in Ballarat. Reynard (fox in French) is foxy indeed, a clubby space with top-notch cocktails and small bites. Grainery Lane is extravagantly OTT with its massive 1880s bar, myriad chandeliers, brass gin still, Asian-inspired food and lavish cocktails.

dining at Grainery Lane, Ballarat — Dining at Grainery Lane.

Playing there

a laneway filled with artworks in Ballarat — An artful laneway in the city. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

Check out local design legend Travis Price’s wall murals in Hop Lane with its colourful canopy of brollies, or in Main Street. The Art Gallery of Ballarat’s off-site Backspace Gallery showcases early-career artists in a stylish, contemporary space. First Nations-owned and run Perridak Arts connects people to place, bringing together art and crafts in this gallery/shop.

a woman admiring artworks at Perridak Arts Gallery — Perridak Arts is a First Nations-run gallery. (Image: Tony Evans)

The wineries of the Pyrenees are close at hand with their welcoming cellar doors and robust reds. Join a behind-the-scenes tour at the Centre for Gold Rush Collections .

Don’t forget the giant bluestone Kryal Castle , ‘the land of adventure’, for a little medieval magic, and not just for the kids: get ready for Highland-style feasting, jousting, even overnight stays.

Top Bendigo hotels for every type of traveller