A night at Basalt Retreat proves the best way to start (or finish) the Great Ocean Road isn’t with a coastal view – it’s with a glass of pinot and a vine outside your window.
I did the Great Ocean Road backwards, starting in Port Fairy instead of finishing there, and my first night on the road ended up being one of the best of the whole trip. Basalt Retreat is tucked into a working vineyard, and after a long drive, checking into a villa surrounded by 24-year-old vines with a glass of Basalt’s own pinot in hand felt like exactly the right way to kick things off.
Where is Basalt Retreat?
Basalt Retreat is an adults-only escape along the Great Ocean Road.
Basalt Retreat sits on Basalt Wines, just off the Princes Highway at Killarney, a short 10-minute hop from Port Fairy and about 20 minutes from Warrnambool. It’s well positioned if you’re doing the Great Ocean Road in either direction – close enough to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve that we squeezed in wild koala spotting the next morning, and close enough to Port Fairy that you can be in Australia’s best festival town for activities in town. It doesn’t have ocean views, but what it does have is quiet, rolling, working-farm scenery that feels like a proper decompression zone before or after the coast.
What is the style and character of Basalt Retreat?
The design leans into warm timber and calming earthy tones.
This is a two-villa, adults-only property, and it wears that boutique scale well. There’s no big reception building or resort sprawl here – just two architect-designed villas built literally within the rows of vines. The design by Ample Co leans into warm timber, calming earthy tones and floor-to-ceiling views of the vineyard, so wherever you’re sitting, there’s a vine in your eyeline. It makes you want to sit still for a while, which is clearly the whole point – everything about it is built for slowing down rather than ticking off a checklist.
What facilities does Basalt Retreat have?
Warm up by the fireplace. (Credit: Ample Co + Brook James)
A proper coffee machine is a luxury in a world of pod machines.
Share a bottle of Basalt pinot noir on the deck.
Given there are only two villas on the property, “facilities" here means something more intimate than a gym-and-pool situation, and it works in the property’s favour. Each villa comes with its own private deck, outdoor fire pit, in-room fireplace, air conditioning and heating, a Bose wireless speaker, and an honesty bar stocked with local wine, spirits and small provisions (items get tallied up and charged at checkout, so don’t be shy). There’s also a short stroll to the cellar door for tastings and lunch, and priority restaurant bookings throughout your stay if you want to make the most of it. It’s worth noting the property is a working farm with beehives onsite, so you’re asked to stick to the guest areas rather than wander into restricted zones.
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AI Prompt
What are the rooms like at Basalt Retreat?
A plush queen bed draped in immaculate linens.
One detail might amuse Harry Potter fans.
Relax in the rainfall shower. (Credit: Ample Co + Brook James)
We stayed in Villa Pinot Noir, one of the two villas on offer (the other is Villa Tempranillo). Sage tones, light timber and a wall of glass meant the room filled with natural light in the morning, with a queen bed dressed in cloud-soft linen and a private deck facing straight into the pinot rows.
The bathroom was a sleek, contemporary stone affair (the basin reminded me of the stone basin Dumbledore drinks from in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince), and the little touches – proper linen and towels, a mini fridge, tea and coffee facilities, weekly room service – meant it felt considered rather than just functional.
Villa Tempranillo, for anyone wanting a moodier alternative, leans into warmer, earthier tones for what looks like an equally cosy escape. Both villas cap out at two guests each, so this isn’t a spot for a group trip – it’s built for a couple, or in my case, two sisters happy to share a bottle of red and call it a night.
What is the dining like at Basalt Retreat?
A fresh breakfast is provided to start the day.
The in-villa honesty bar.
You'll usually find Paddy hanging out at the cellar door.
Dining is where Basalt Retreat quietly shows off. The cellar door serves Mediterranean-inspired lunches alongside the property’s own cool-climate wines, and it’s an easy stroll from your villa if you want a long, lingering afternoon looking out over the vines.
Breakfast is a locally sourced hamper delivered to your room, think organic yoghurt, freshly squeezed juice, artisan muesli, a croissant loaf and house-made condiments, plus freshly roasted coffee and a curated tea selection to make yourself.
There’s no kitchen for cooking your own meals, but with the cellar door lunch menu, optional chef’s selection lunches with matched wines, and a pre-bookable supper menu for your villa, you’re unlikely to need one.
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Does Basalt Retreat have access for guests with disabilities?
The villas are accessed via stairs.
This is one to flag before you book. Basalt Retreat is a working farm property, and the villas themselves are accessed via stairs, so it’s not currently set up for guests with mobility requirements. The property is upfront about this and recommends contacting them directly before booking if you have specific accessibility needs, so they can talk you through what’s realistic for the site.
Is Basalt Retreat family-friendly?
The perfect spot to wind down after a long day. (Credit: Ample Co + Brook James)
No – and it’s not trying to be. Basalt Retreat is an explicitly adults-only escape, with a minimum guest age of 18, so this one’s for couples, girls’ trips or anyone after a quiet, grown-up pause on the Great Ocean Road rather than a family stopover. If you’re travelling with kids, this isn’t your stay, but if you’re after a night of doing absolutely nothing except drinking good wine by a fire, it’s hard to beat.
Details
Reset with a vineyard view.
Best for: Couples or friends wanting a quiet, adults-only reset before or after the Great Ocean Road drive, especially wine lovers.
Address: 1131 Princes Highway, Killarney, Vic
Phone: 0429 682 251
Cost: Packages from around $695 for a one-night midweek retreat (breakfast hamper, chef’s lunch, wine tasting and more included), but rates vary by season and package. Book direct for 10 per cent off standard bookings.
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Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
A world away from the hustle, bustle and chaos of the big smoke – yet with a distinct sense of familiarity – Victoria’s Wimmera Mallee region is an incomparable place.
Victoria’s Grampians are a visual feast, a seemingly endless vista of craggy cliffs, rolling valleys and untamed bushland. But they’re also much more than a scenic mountain landscape. Diverse and storied, each region within the range has its own rhythm. The Wimmera Mallee – a pocket in the state’s north-west, stretching from Horsham to near Mildura – is one of the most captivating.
Once known as Victoria’s agricultural heartland, the Wimmera Mallee has evolved in recent years into a dynamic, slightly offbeat hub. It buzzes with a creative hum and welcoming energy, and harbours an eclectic mix of long-time locals and tree-changers. Once you encounter its unmistakable charm, feel its warm country hospitality and taste its nationally celebrated vanilla slice, you may find yourself lingering longer than planned.
Eager to explore? These must-visit spots let you experience the inimitable spirit of this special part of the world.
Wimmera Mallee’s quirky attractions
Step into the whacky Dimboola Imaginarium. (Image: Denis Bin)
If you’re after something a little more unconventional, the Wimmera Mallee delivers in droves.
The Dimboola Imaginarium – located in a historic bank building in its namesake town – is a gift shop and boutique accommodation in one. Shop for unique and whimsical keepsakes, stay overnight in an elegant themed room, and lose yourself in one of the Imaginarium’s interactive experiences.
Also in Dimboola, just a short drive from the Imaginarium, is a menagerie of utter delight. Tiny Goats and Co. is home to a herd of miniature goats, with the farm offering group visits and special events like goat yoga and cuddle sessions.
Arcade aficionados should visit the Australian Pinball Museum in nearby Nhill. Here, you’ll find the biggest selection of playable pinball machines in the country, featuring modern models and classics dating all the way back to 1931.
Arts and culture in Wimmera Mallee
Step into history at the Stick Shed. (Image: Visit Vic)
As a thoroughly creative community, it’s no wonder the Wimmera Mallee has a host of venues focused on its rich arts and culture scene.
Wander Trickbots Metal Art & Sculpture Garden in Nullawil, a winding trail filled with unique and quirky creations fashioned from metal odds, ends and scrap. A walk through the garden is inspiring enough, but consider buying a piece to take home and treasure.
The town of Nhill also has a significant Karen-Burmese refugee community, who make up 10 per cent of the local population. Discover the artistry of this vibrant culture at Paw Po, where you can purchase traditional hand-woven and textile products. Choose from a selection of beautifully crafted homewares, fashion and dolls.
Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed, the only WWII emergency grain store still standing today. This National Heritage-listed structure takes you on a journey through the region’s agricultural past and is a dramatic sight with its towering and eerily striking timber poles.
Nature escapes around Wimmera Mallee
Take in the pink hues of Lake Tyrrell. (Image: Visit Vic)
Much like the majestic beauty of the wider Grampians, the Wimmera Mallee is a mélange of serene and spellbinding nature escapes.
Victoria’s pink lakes are famed nationwide, and two of them are found right here. See the flamingo-pink hues of Loch Iel, particularly vivid after a heavy downpour, or the vast and ancient Lake Tyrrell, which turns pink during wet and warm conditions.
The Snowdrift dunes in Wyperfeld National Park are ideal for adventurers. Set amid the area’s semi-arid landscape, the dunes are expansive mounds of sand deposited around 40,000 years ago. Hike or sandboard them and make sure to visit at sunset, when the sand glows golden.
And while some travellers chase the highest peaks, you can see the most modest in the Wimmera Mallee. Standing a mere 43 metres above the surrounding terrain, Mount Wycheproof is considered the smallest registered mountain in the world. Courtesy of its relatively gentle inclines, it’s a lovely spot for a walk and a picnic.
Culinary adventures in Wimmera Mallee
Meet the locals at Border Inn.
As a region rich in agricultural bounty, it’s little surprise the Wimmera Mallee has such a robust and vibrant food scene. The community is fiercely proud of its local produce, showcasing the flavours and heritage of the area.
The Border Inn in the village of Apsley is a quaint country pub and meeting spot for the local community, featuring a classic country menu and warm hospitality.
The Horsham Golf Club is a popular spot for golf buffs with an adjoining bistro and bar. Try a modern twist on hearty favourites while taking in views of the green.For a taste of the area’s vintages, head to Norton Estate Wines – a boutique wine producer and cellar door open weekends.
A Wimmera Mallee jaunt wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the famed Sharp’s Bakery in Birchip. Here, you’ll find a velvety vanilla slice that’s been crowned as Australia’s best seven times.
Wimmera Mallee accommodation
Escape to Fulham Homestead.
If you’re enjoying an extended trip, you’ll need somewhere to rest.After a day tackling Wyperfeld’s epic dunes, visit Pine Plains Lodge, also in the national park. Built from reclaimed timber planks and logs, and anchored by rugged stone fireplaces, the lodge is a rustic and cosy hideaway.
For a refined yet relaxing escape, head to Fulham Homestead – a gorgeously restored guesthouse on an idyllic working farm, complete with farm animals and scenic vistas. Built in the 1840s, it has all the elegance and charm of its heritage, plus contemporary comforts like a modern kitchen, wi-fi and air-conditioning.
The Hermitage Hotel is Victoria’s oldest inland pub and an equally delightful blend of old and new. The restored rooms are perfectly appointed and adorned with period furnishings and high-quality linens. The pub itself is a favoured food and wine spot among locals and travellers alike.
If camping is more your style, the Lake Lascelles Cabins and Camping (formerly Mallee Bush Retreat) is a sprawling oasis with powered and unpowered sites and snug cabins. The setting is stunning too, the pristine Lake Lascelles sitting right in its centre.
Annual events
Time your visit to Nhill Aviation Museum for the annual air show.
You may not need an excuse to revisit the Wimmera Mallee, but these annual and bi-annual events will almost certainly have you returning again and again.
Each year, the Lake Chalegrark Country Music Marathon takes over the town for a spectacular line-up of musicians from around Australia. The event is easygoing, family-friendly, and set in scenic surrounds on the shores of Lake Charlegrark.
Every two years, the region holds colourful events like the Wimmera Steampunk Festival, a raucous celebration of 19th-century steampunk culture with a different theme each time; the Nhill Air Show, which features jaw-dropping aerial stunts, aircraft displays, music, activities and more; and the Nati Frinj, a festival of art, culture and performance showcasing the many talents of the Natimuk community.
