4 Lancemore Victoria hotels set to be the next big thing

Want to dig deeper into your holiday destination to uncover the stories it can tell? Staying at these Lancemore properties in Victoria opens up the essence of each location.

Wandering through a vineyard, tasting the best regional produce – think rich King Valley cheese, handmade chocolate or fresh pastries – Victoria offers extraordinary experiences. Whether it’s the bustle of Melbourne’s laneway district or an escape into an indulgent foodie fantasy, staying at the hand-picked Lancemore Victoria locations ensures a personal connection with the region you are visiting.

Find a new corner of Victoria to explore, with these locations set to be the next big thing.

1. Milawa

Farm gates, cellar doors and gourmet specialty stores abound in the Milawa gourmet region, in the north-east’s High Country. Wine and dine to your heart’s content, then gather your choice of local produce to take back to your home-away-from-home, Lancemore Milawa.

Where to stay

Recently emerging from a multimillion-dollar refurbishment, the beautiful 40-room Lancemore Milawa invites guests to unwind in boutique luxury. Styled with gentle allusions to a modern Mediterranean and Moorish aesthetic, the palette is soothing and muted, blending with the beautiful landscape of merlot grapevines and distant peaks beyond. Manicured gardens enclose the two-storey hotel, where guests can lounge on the terrace, slip into the pool or savour a glass of red by the fireplace.

Lancemore Milawa lounge room — Stay in the beautiful King Valley.

Where to eat

Lancemore Milawa’s onsite Merlot Restaurant Bar sets the scene for elevated but relaxed dining overlooking the sun-drenched merlot vines beyond. From breakfast to dinner it’s a paddock-to-plate affair, where produce is sourced from the local region.

The King Valley is renowned for the world-class wines available at its many cellar doors including Sam Miranda Winery, Woodpark Wines and Indigo Vineyard Wines. But there is so much more for gourmands to discover. Gin lovers should head to the quaint family-owned Hurdle Creek Distillery or Barking Owl Distilling Co., which also produces liqueurs. Then there are the artisan cheeses, seasonal mustard, local honey and an array of baked goods to sample.

Top things to do

Hire an e-bike at Lancemore, or lace up your walking boots, and spend time exploring a short stretch of the scenic Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. Just five kilometres will bring you to the quaint town of Oxley. Along the way, stop to admire the historic red-brick Oxley Flour Mill, built in 1868. There are lovely picnic spots at Memorial Park and beside the King River in Stan Allen Reserve.

cycling through the Milawa Rail Trail — Cycle the Milawa Rail Trail.

2. Red Hill

Red Hill on the Mornington Peninsula is just an hour from Melbourne, and this charming wine-producing region is a popular place to give everyday life the slip. Proliferated with gourmet finds, cellar doors and dreamy beaches, it’s a must-visit on any Victorian escape.

Where to stay

Set on 34 acres of gorgeous gardens and vines, Lancemore Lindenderry is in the heart of Red Hill. Revel in landscapes of rolling green hills and coastal views, all just minutes from excellent cool climate wineries. A home base from which to explore the local vineyards or wander barefoot on nearby beaches, Lindenderry’s tranquil setting among 34 acres of gardens and vines allows guests to truly exhale. Book into one of 40 elegant guest rooms surrounded by European-style gardens.

Lancemore Lindenderry garden — Spend your afternoon wandering the beautiful gardens

Where to eat

With Lancemore’s hatted The Dining Room on the property, you needn’t travel far to sample the region’s incredible local fare. The a la carte menu is set to the rhythm of the seasons and is complemented with a sensational wine list from Lindenderry and beyond.

Elsewhere, savour the flavour of the peninsula by indulging in wine tastings or pairings at local wineries Avani, Ocean Eight or Mont Rouge Estate. Or enjoy a cheese tasting at BoatShed Cheese Co. For those with a sweet tooth, there are chocolatiers to discover and the lure of Pure Peninsula Honey in all its forms.

Lancemore Lindenderry restaurant the dining room — Taste two-hatted meals at The Dining Room.

Top things to do

Make a restorative visit to the soothing waters at Peninsula Hot Springs. For lovers of good produce, be sure to sniff out a truffle hunt, and visit the local cherry and strawberry farms. The local golf courses will appeal to those who love a spin around the green.

The Sculpture Park at Pt Leo Estate offers a visual feast. Wander through this amazing outdoor gallery – set within the over 133-hectare estate that also encompasses rolling vineyards and grazing cattle – to marvel at 60 mostly large-scale works by Australian and international artists. Then explore the cellar door and restaurant.

the sculpture garden at Pt. Leo Estate, Mornington Peninsula — Wander the sculpture garden at Pt. Leo Estate. (Image: Visit Victoria)

3. Werribee Park

Starting life as a 93,000-acre sheep station, today the Werribee Park precinct encompasses a range of experiences. Explore heritage-listed Werribee Mansion, enjoy a picnic on the beautiful grounds or watch the land burst with colour when 5000 roses bloom in the Victoria State Rose Garden.

Once the working heart of the Werribee Park estate, the remaining bluestone outbuildings of the farmyard provide a stark contrast to the elaborate craftsmanship of the Chirnside Mansion. Wander down to the heritage orchard and see the work the community and Parks Victoria have put in to preserve and restore the fruit orchard originally planted by the Chirnside family in the late 1800s.

Where to stay

The multi-award-winning Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park offers an escape into history, food and immersive cultural experiences. Just a 30-minute drive from Melbourne, book one of 91 guest rooms in what is, literally, one of the grandest hotels in Australia. Truly, this hotel alone is enough of a reason to visit.

Add to the luxury of this noble 19th-century estate a striking 10 acres of formal English gardens and renowned service from the hotel’s staff. Despite its history, the five-star hotel offers contemporary sophistication and amenities. Sit down to a tasty meal, relax with a spa treatment or stroll the grounds at a leisurely pace.

Where to eat

Relax with garden views at Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park’s onsite restaurant, Joseph’s Dining . Stop in for a cocktail at the bar, or savour an award-winning modern European menu featuring fresh, seasonal produce (some of it even grown on the Mansion grounds) while taking in vistas of Werribee Gardens. Every weekend. treat yourself to lavish high tea of sweet and savoury treats – not to mention free flowing Prosecco.

A light stroll away, Shadowfax Winery is known for its handcrafted wines and seasonal, locally sourced cuisine. After lunch, indulge in a wine-tasting session where you’ll experience a variety of Shadowfax’s finest wines.

a meal at Joseph's Dining, Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park — Indulge in award-winning fare at Joseph’s Dining.

Top things to do

For total indulgence, stay at your hotel and experience the Hammam at L.M. Spa , one of Melbourne’s most exclusive day spas, a luxurious steam bath in the tradition of the Middle East. Book a private Hammam steam room, apply a body scrub and mud mask, lie back and breathe. Add on a unique and specialised treatment, like an indulgent facial that has been custom-made for the harsh Australian climate, or an ancient practice for cleansing the body and mind.

For a change of pace, step back in time at the grand Werribee Park Mansion, built in 1877 for the Chirnside family and featured in a number of films and TV productions, including Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.

Elsewhere, go wild at Werribee Open Range Zoo on the banks of the picturesque Werribee River. Ride the safari bus to spot rhinos, giraffes, zebra, camels, bison, antelope and more for an adventure that offers a captivating glimpse into the animal kingdom.

4. Melbourne

Vibrant and rich with culture, Melbourne is a dynamic city that offers everything from hip enclaves to world-class dining and entertainment, incredible galleries and natural riverside beauty. The truly cosmopolitan city spills creativity into every nook and cranny, from the CBD laneways to the Yarra’s bends, making it the perfect minibreak destination.

Where to stay

Positioned at the Paris end of Bourke Street, Lancemore Crossley St is an elegant boutique stay in the heart of the city, and deftly encapsulates Melbourne’s gritty and glam persona. Poised to take in the best restaurants, the theatre district and luxe shopping, the 113 rooms are soothingly contemporary and adorned with covetable artworks.

Lancemore Crossley St guest room — Enjoy sweeping city views of Melbourne.

Where to eat

Grab a pre-dinner drink at Lancemore Crossley St’s Rooftop Terrace or Lobby Bar. Then indulge in dumplings in nearby Chinatown, sip espresso at a hidden laneway cafe, taste Spanish tapas at a cantina, or enjoy fine dining at restaurants like Gimlet, Cumulus, Maison Batard and Grossi Florentino. The choices are endless.

Lancemore Crossley St rooftop bar — Take in a tipple on Lancemore Crossley St Rooftop Bar.

Top things to do

Lancemore Crossley St is a stone’s throw from the best of Melbourne. Wander through Hosier Lane’s street art, discover hole-in-the-wall bars, or hit the shops in the gorgeous historic Block Arcade and Royal Arcade. Immerse yourself in the arts at blockbuster shows at Her Majesty’s Theatre or the Princess Theatre. Or go for a giggle at the Comedy Theatre. Stroll across Princes Bridge to soak up the latest exhibitions at the National Gallery of Victoria.

a couple admiring street art along Hosier Lane — Admire the street art of Melbourne on Hosier Lane. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Start planning your Victorian getaway at lancemore.com.au.

The Great Ocean Road has captured the hearts of Australians with its astounding scenery since 1932, but going off-course can enrich your experience with untouched nature, foodie delights and charming towns.

It’s a chilly 16 degrees. My husband pulls on a steamer and jogs – as all seasoned surfers do – into the water. We’re at Bells Beach , the legendary break on Victoria’s Surf Coast that’s home to the Rip Curl Pro, the world’s longest-running event in competitive surfing. Each year, over the Easter long weekend, up to 40,000 people descend on the region for the event. Today, though, we have the beach almost to ourselves, and the less-than-favourable temperature doesn’t deter my husband from surfing this famous break.

Torquay to Anglesea and Aireys Inlet

The red dome of Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The nearby surf town of Torquay marks the starting point for the Great Ocean Road . Unfolding our map, which we have marked out with a highlighted route for our children to follow, we set off for lesser-known Anglesea, a chilled-out town 20 minutes south of here. Its wide, sandy beach is a gentler swimming option for our young family. Groms can learn to surf here with Go Ride a Wave, which also runs stand-up paddle boarding on the Anglesea River.

Split point lookout — The lighthouse overlooks the Shipwreck Coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

After a couple of nights in Anglesea, we hit the road again, first stopping at Aireys Inlet. Here we stretch our legs at Split Point Lighthouse, which was made famous by the 1990s television series Round the Twist, before driving under the Memorial Arch that welcomes us, officially, to the Great Ocean Road.

This 243-kilometre coastal road was built by returned First World War servicemen and serves as a permanent memorial to those who fought and died during the war. Carved into rock using hand tools and horse-drawn carts, it was a huge engineering feat and provided much-needed access to isolated coastal communities.

Lorne to Birregurra

Lorne is a delightful beachside stop for lunch and browsing boutique stores. It’s also the gateway to Great Otway National Park , which comprises a varied landscape of old-growth forests, cool-temperate rainforests, heathy woodlands and rugged coast. With the highest rainfall in Victoria, the region is home to many waterfalls – 10 of which are within 10 kilometres of Lorne.

Turning slightly off the main drag, we wind along a gum-shaded road to Erskine Falls. Here, our son leads the way through the hyper-green rainforest and down 200-plus stairs to the cascade that drops 30 metres into a lush fern gully. We hop over large boulders to get closer to the falls, enjoying the entire place to ourselves; it’s worth the return climb.

From Sheoak Falls Picnic Area, there are walking trails to Henderson Falls, Phantom Falls, Won Wondah Falls and Kalimna Falls, some of which follow an old timber tramway from forest-logging days, which only came to an end in 2008.

You can follow your appetite north to the town of Birregurra, which is part of the Otway Harvest Trail that connects farm gates, markets, wineries, breweries and distilleries. It’s home to three-hatted modern Australian restaurant Brae , helmed by celebrated chef Dan Hunter, set among native gardens and an organic farm, and Otways Distillery, which produces small-batch spirits using local produce and botanicals.

Brae restaurant — Brae is a three-hatted restaurant in Birregurra. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Apollo Bay to The Otways

Back on track, the cliff-hugging stretch between Lorne and Apollo Bay is breathtaking. At Teddys Lookout, we overlook the winding road ahead and St George River spilling into the ocean. We spend languid days in Apollo Bay, a buzzy seaside town that boasts a three-kilometre-long, crescent-shaped beach with a backdrop of rolling green hills. One evening, as the sun sets, we take the steep 10-minute walk to Marriners Lookout, which affords panoramic views of the ocean, hinterland and town.

A 15-minute drive along the road, Maits Rest is a lush rainforest gully that has been protected since the early 20th century. Wandering along the 800-metre boardwalk, we inspect the delicate moss-covered forest floor and the gnarled roots of 300-year-old myrtle beech trees, then crane our necks to see their canopies, some 50 metres above us. It’s therapy in nature.

Cape Otway to the Twelve Apostles

The southernmost tip of Cape Otway is a delightful detour, home to the 1848-built Cape Otway Lightstation, the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia. We climb the narrow winding staircase to the gallery deck, explore the keepers’ quarters and telegraph station, and enjoy a coffee and some ‘famous’ scones at the charming onsite cafe.

It’s a pinch-me moment to finally see the Twelve Apostles in person. This unmistakable cluster of limestone stacks rising abruptly from the sea were never 12, however. When coined this in the 1890s as a marketing ploy, there were only nine; today, only seven remain after two collapsed in 2005 and 2009. We admire these Aussie icons from the viewing platform, in awe of Mother Nature’s ever-evolving artwork.

The Grotto is another natural attraction within Port Campbell National Park. (Image: Carmen Zammit)

Edging the wild Southern Ocean, this part of the coast – dubbed Shipwreck Coast – is made up of many sea-carved natural wonders including London Bridge, The Grotto and Gibson Steps. After exploring the lookout trails of Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool – its English name taken from the site of the 1878 shipwreck – we nestle into the sandy beach encircled by towering sandstone cliffs, as our children splash about on the water’s edge, and soak it all in.

Port Campbell to Timboon

Timboon Fine Ice Cream is part of a regional foodie trail. (Image: C McConville)

Just north of Port Campbell National Park, the region of Timboon is part of the 12 Apostles Food Artisans Trail, filled with purveyors of delicious foodstuffs such as Timboon Fine Ice Cream , Timboon Railway Shed Distillery and Apostle Whey Cheese. As an antidote to the indulgence, the 20-kilometre Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng Trail is a self-guided ride or walk between Port Campbell and Timboon through tall forests, over historic bridges and past sparkling lakes and farmland with grazing cattle.

Warrnambool to Port Fairy

Warrnambool building — A 19th-century building in Warrnambool. (Image: Peter Foster)

In Warrnambool, a town rich in maritime history, we take the four-kilometre Thunder Point Walk that traces the coast. The kids squeal when an echidna shuffles out from beneath the wooden boardwalk, and we stop to admire a seal lazing on a rock at the port.

Further along, the streets of quaint fishing village Port Fairy are lined with 19th-century cottages, old stone churches and Norfolk pines. Follow the historic walking trail to see some of the 60-plus National Trust buildings. Port Fairy is also home to Port Fairy Folk Festival (6-9 March), one of the country’s longest-running music and cultural festivals. You could time your road trip with the event for a fittingly celebratory end to any journey.

The Great Ocean Road can easily be done in three days, but we’ve spent a week on the road. The highlighted line on our now creased and well-worn map doesn’t follow the famous route precisely. It has sprouted branches in many directions, leading us to untouched rainforest and charming rural towns filled with culinary delights, and where we experienced some of our most memorable moments on the Great Ocean Road.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

The Monty is a highly anticipated, newly refurbished motel with a chic Palm Springs-inspired aesthetic set across the road from the Anglesea River. Basalt Winery in Port Fairy grows cool-climate wines such as pinot noir and Riesling in rich volcanic soil. Stay among the vines in its tiny home, complete with a kitchen, lounge area and outdoor firepit.

The Oak & Anchor Hotel has been a Port Fairy institution since 1857. Cosy up by the bar in winter or bask in the sunshine of the Lawn Bar in summer. The rooms are beautifully boutique with considered details, such as luxe baths for sinking into post-road trip.

Eating there

The Coast in Anglesea is a modern Australian restaurant focused on local ingredients. Grand Pacific Hotel has been a local landmark in Lorne since 1879 and recently underwent a restoration. It serves a mix of traditional pub and Italian fare alongside ocean views.

Graze is a cosy 40-seat dining room in Apollo Bay with a modern Australian menu complemented by regional wines. Apollo Bay Distillery offers tasting flights, a gin blending masterclass and serves woodfired pizzas.

4 spots around Victoria set to be the next big thing

Want to dig deeper into your holiday destination to uncover the stories it can tell? Staying at these Lancemore properties in Victoria opens up the essence of each location.

1. Milawa

Where to stay

Where to eat

Top things to do

2. Red Hill

Where to stay

Where to eat

Top things to do

3. Werribee Park

Where to stay

Where to eat

Top things to do

4. Melbourne

Where to stay

Where to eat

Top things to do

This new multi-day alpine hike turns into a festival each night

Time travel to ‘80s Tokyo at this new disco bar in Melbourne

Melbourne’s floating sauna combines relaxation and city views

A new bathhouse is transforming the historic heart of South Melbourne

Taking the route less travelled along the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road has captured the hearts of Australians with its astounding scenery since 1932, but going off-course can enrich your experience with untouched nature, foodie delights and charming towns.

Torquay to Anglesea and Aireys Inlet

Lorne to Birregurra

Apollo Bay to The Otways

Cape Otway to the Twelve Apostles

Port Campbell to Timboon

Warrnambool to Port Fairy

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

Eating there