From chic boutique hotels in the ‘burbs to quirky stays in the city and dreamy cottage conversions, here are some of Melbourne’s best accommodations.
Melbourne’s accommodation scene is as satisfyingly multifaceted as the city itself. Whether you’re after something totally unconventional in the belly of the CBD, a kid-friendly joint on the cusp of the city limits, your own private penthouse on one of the inner suburbs’ most prized streets, or an airport hotel with cutting-edge facilities, Victoria’s capital delivers.
If sifting through the glut of great options gives you a headache, then consider this shortlist your shortcut.
East-facing rooms boast spectacular views out to the ocean.
The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne is tucked into the heart of the city’s central business district, near the Yarra River and Southbank arts precinct, and is the tallest hotel in Australia.
Melbourne-based architecture firm Cottee Park and Melbourne interior design firm BAR Studio were called upon to create this sleek hotel, featuring a quilted facade of glass and metal and a contemporary interior with a distinctly Melbourne feel that nods to the city’s architectural heritage and cosmopolitan spirit. While the entrance is at ground level, the main Sky Lobby and reception are on Level 80, a layout that’s common in Tokyo hotels and one that ensures every guest begins their stay on a high note.
We recommend booking into the Victoria Harbour King Room for a walk-in wardrobe, floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious bathroom all wrapped up in understated luxury elevated by gold accents. Make sure to pop into the Club Lounge for bubbles and nibbles with 180-degree vistas, and visit modern Australian restaurant Atria for a decadent seafood splurge perfect for special occasions.
2. Hannah St Hotel
The French and Italian-style interiors at Hannah St Hotel were designed by Flack Studio.
Located in Southbank, Hannah St Hotel is one of Melbourne’s hottest new hotels, bringing a richly layered design language and streetside coffee shop to boot.
The 188-room hotel is part of Collection by TFE Hotels and opened in December 2025. Ranging in size from 29 to 58 square metres – from bijou Local rooms and Balcony Terrace rooms through to the ultimate Hannah Suite – the rooms feature custom furniture, Malin + Goetz amenities, smart TVs, bespoke robes and slippers, and skyline views.
For the design, Flack Studio drew on a diverse set of influences – from French Modernism and mid-century Italy to American Deco and the Industrial Revolution – to create a one-off design that embodies Melbourne’s layered spirit. It’s grit and glamour and vintage-style signage flickering neon.
3. Hyde Melbourne Place
Unrivalled city views from the rooftop restaurant and bar, MidAir at Hyde Melbourne Place. (Image: Kate Shanasy)
A new darling of Melbourne’s hotel scene, this design-focused five-star address is the opposite of cookie-cutter. Expect rooms injected with plenty of character and warmth, with little expense spared, and natural materials taking centre stage: frette linens, marble bathrooms, leather headboards, custom-made jarrah wood furniture, brass fixtures, plus artwork from emerging Aussie artists.
The rooftop restaurant and bar MidAir is quite the sight, with two oculi, rendered from the red brick facades, framing the resplendent city views. While down on ground level at restaurant Marmelo, it’s the woodfired Portuguese dishes that do all the talking.
4. Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins
Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins' new suites are residential-style retreats.
The Solitaire Suite boasts a spectacular skyline terrace.
Bed down in unrivalled comfort.
If you appreciate contemporary luxury infused with Melbourne’s bold creative spirit, Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins is well worth discovering. While the hotel offers four room categories each promising a sophisticated stay inspired by the character and culture of the city below, the new Bijou and Solitaire Suites – launched in February 2026 – are the stealing the spotlight.
Spanning an impressive 86 square metres, the suites are designed as residential-style sanctuaries above one of Melbourne’s most iconic laneways, Little Collins Street. Blending thoughtful design, premium comfort and an unbeatable CBD location, they offer the perfect setting for both short city escapes and extended stays.
Inside, guests can enjoy apartment-style living complete with a super-king bedroom, separate lounge and kitchen, curated local artwork and elegant Georg Jensen accessories. The standout Solitaire Suite also features a generous 20.5-square-metre private balcony with skyline views and a striking circular bath, creating a stay that feels equal parts boutique hotel and luxury city residence.
Perched above Little Collins Street, the new Bijou and Solitaire Suites at Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins bring a fresh take on city luxury. Expect a super-king bed, curated local artwork, elegant designer touches and all the space you need to settle in and savour the city.
5. Zagame’s House
Each suite is exquisitely appointed with luxe bathrooms. (Image: Zagame’s House)
This boutique bolthole promises chic, modern rooms in Melbourne’s Little Italy, with plenty of personality layered throughout every space. It’s just a stone’s throw from all the action of the CBD, yet still firmly ensconced within the laidback village vibes of Carlton.
There are five different room types to choose from, with rooms sleeping a maximum of three; some are also pup-friendly. Guests can access a fitness centre, an on-site restaurant and bar, and make use of room service.
6. The Royce Hotel
Indulge in a lavish breakfast at The Terrace.
The Royce sits on St Kilda Road and is a perfect base for those wanting the city at their doorstep without the noise. When trying to encapsulate the glamorous Art Deco aesthetic and ambience, it can be easy for venues to tip into looking a bit gimmicky. The Royce doesn’t have that problem.
The building, which was originally designed in 1928 by Art Deco architect Harry Norris, has a rich motor history that has been celebrated in both its name and design. Once the home of Rolls-Royce in Melbourne, the accommodation received a refresh by renowned design firm SJB, which they completed in 2023.
The hotel’s latest iteration pays homage to its Art Deco heritage and the prestigious showroom via tiered chandeliers, a huge marble fireplace, a sweeping staircase, chrome ballroom panels, the loft mechanic workshops and the illuminated porte-cochère. There are 94 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites at The Royce, which range from intimate King Rooms to the ultra-luxe The Royce Suite. On-site dining venues Showroom Bar and The Terrace make for a delightful offering.
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7. The StandardX
The StandardX offers visitors an elevated stay in the CBD. (Image: Rhiannon Taylor)
Ever lively Fitzroy, long a must-visit neighbourhood, finally features a proper hotel of its own. The StandardX is the Aussie debut for international boutique brand The Standard Hotels, open since mid-2024.
The property’s strikingly stark rusted exterior, designed by Woods Bagot, gives way to much softer interiors: a palette of neutrals with the odd fleck of colour, an eclectic but harmonious mix of custom-made furniture and antique pieces that suits the local neighbourhood’s bohemian vibe through and through.
8. Hotel No
The adults-only hotel features six chrome Airstream trailers. (Image: Scott Hunter)
If only off-kilter accommodation appeals, then this is the perfect spot for you. Hotel No (formerly ‘Notel’) is slap bang in the centre of the city, and hidden in plain sight atop an otherwise unremarkable car park. There are just six ‘rooms’ at this Melbourne address, each contained within a polished 70s chrome Airstream trailer, framed by a red carpet and a brick wall that’s been spray-painted pink for a backdrop.
As you might expect, the interiors are a little limited size-wise, though they’re pretty aesthetically pleasing. Inside, you’ll find a queen-sized bed with organic bamboo sheets, an ensuite with a powerful full-height shower, a minibar stocked with complimentary local bevvies, and an iPad preloaded with Netflix.
9. The Interlude
The Interlude is an exciting recent addition to Melbourne’s accommodation offering. (Image: The Interlude)
One of the most exciting newcomers on the Melbourne hotel scene, The Interlude seamlessly merges heritage and style. Housed within the original bluestone walls and vaulted red brick ceilings of the former Pentridge Prison, this luxury Coburg hotel has just 19 suites, each one composed of multiple interconnecting prison cells. Vibrant pops of colour (teal, plum, mustard yellow) adorn the private and public spaces, which are lined with plush furnishings and ambient recessed lighting.
The amenities here are notable too, from a produce-driven hatted restaurant to a sultry wine bar in a dramatic cavern-like space, not to mention a subterranean lap pool.
Best camping/caravan parks in Melbourne
10. BIG4 Melbourne Holiday Park
BIG4 Melbourne Holiday Park offers a range of accommodation options, from pet-friendly villas to spacious caravan sites.
Hidden away in Melbourne’s inner north, this BIG4 holiday park is only nine clicks north of the CBD, but it’s also near some of the city’s most vibrant and happening suburbs: the bars, boutiques and restaurants of Preston, Northcote, Thornbury and Brunswick are all within a 15-minute drive too.
There’s a range of accommodation on-site – from three-bedroom villas that sleep up to eight and one-bedroom spa cottages through to powered and ensuite caravan and camping sites – and a host of amenities too. Think a solar-heated swimming pool, an outdoor spa that’s heated year-round, an indoor gym, an indoor and outdoor kids playground, a games room for the bigger kids, and a movie room.
11. Discovery Parks Melbourne
Discovery Parks Melbourne features cabins to suit all budgets. (Image: Discovery Parks Melbourne)
Located in Melbourne’s inner west, this Braybrook holiday park is a 30-minute drive from the CBD, and a 10-minute drive from Footscray, a diverse, up-and-coming suburb that’s known for its global food scene.
Guests at Discovery Parks Melbourne can make use of an outdoor pool, a games room, and a sizeable outdoor playground. There’s an array of different cabins on offer, from budget through to standard, superior and a bit more of a swish ‘deluxe’ option.
12. BIG4 Dandenong Tourist Park
BIG4 Dandenong Tourist Park is a great basecamp for nature-loving families.
A clean and quiet park on the edge of the city, the BIG4 Dandenong Tourist Park is a good jumping-off point for the eastern green belt that includes the Dandenong Ranges and the wider Yarra Valley. Though it features all the mod cons you’ll need, this park is better suited to couples and groups rather than families, offering fewer facilities than the other caravan parks mentioned here.
13. BIG4 Frankston Holiday Park
On the southernmost city periphery, BIG4 Frankston Holiday Park is a great shout for those who want to prioritise lazy days on the Mornington Peninsula, but dabble in a bit of city sightseeing too. From here, it’s less than a 15-minute drive to great local beaches (Seaford Beach is one of the best-kept local secrets and boasts a great cafe hidden among the dunes), plus there’s a laundry list of scenic wineries within a 30-minute radius. The CBD, meanwhile, is 70 minutes away by train.
This Melbourne caravan park is also hyper kid-friendly: you’ll find a custom-made 74 metre pump track, a giant jumping pillow, a solar-heated outdoor pool, a games room, a tennis court, a TV room, a basketball court, and pedal karts for hire here.
Holiday homes and Airbnbs
14. Penthouse on Gertrude with private rooftop terrace
Soak up killer views from the private rooftop terrace at Penthouse on Gertrude.
With its blend of independent boutiques, stylish eateries, and laid-back charm, Gertrude Street in Fitzroy is easily one of Melbourne’s premier strips. And at this Melbourne Airbnb, you can stay right in the thick of it. The standout feature at this artfully decorated penthouse is arguably the private rooftop terrace, which offers killer views of many Melbourne landmarks. But the huge open-plan living and dining area is also of note. And the recently renovated kitchen, with its navy cabinetry, pendant LED light, and handmade Moroccan tiles, might just tempt you to ditch dinner plans and cook at ‘home’ instead.
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15. Beautifully curated 2-bedroom home
The 100-year-old semi-detached workers’ cottage comes complete with a fireplace.
In the beloved inner-city suburb of South Melbourne lies this dreamy cottage, complete with a white picket fence. Appearances can be deceiving, though. While this 100-year-old semi-detached workers’ cottage features an original fireplace and arched hallway, the building adjoins a thoroughly modern extension, where six-metre-high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass windows allow light to pour in. The interiors look as though they’ve been plucked straight from a magazine, all blousy linens layered with plush throws and scatter cushions in soft earthy shades.
16. Bright 1B West Melbourne apt w free parking #3
The floor-to-ceiling windows put a spotlight on the city.
Gorge on panoramic views of the city skyscrapers’ twinkling lights from the curved floor-to-ceiling windows of this slick West Melbourne apartment. A one-bed, one-bath city crash pad, furnished with a white, grey and cream colour palette, it also offers guests complimentary access to an indoor lap pool and a gym as well as an underground car space.
17. Two Bedr Art Deco Flat – East Melb – 5min to MCG
Base yourself in East Melbourne at this art deco apartment.
A true home from home, this cosy corner apartment is located in one of the city’s most prestigious suburbs. Historic, leafy and tranquil East Melbourne is right on the city fringe, only a ten-minute walk to the CBD and a five-minute stroll to the MCG. This two-bedroom Airbnb is furnished with mid-century modern finds, brimming with greenery, and set within a charming red-brick art deco building.
Guests will also find a well-equipped kitchen, a PS4 and record player, blackout blinds for a restful sleep, and a lovely little balcony that overlooks a local park
The Melbourne CBD loft features sleek, contemporary design.
Modern, minimalist, monochrome and a little bit quirky, this Melbourne CBD loft is housed within a converted warehouse that dates back to the 1880s. Situated next to pedestrianised Hardware Lane — awash with cafes, bars and restaurants — this little city bolthole offers a pretty premium location.
The bathroom and kitchen are both sleekly refurbished contemporary spaces, covered in marble and featuring all the mod cons you could need, while the bedroom consists of little more than a queen-sized poster bed that sits on the mezzanine floor.
Best Melbourne airport accommodation
19. Novotel Melbourne Airport
Novotel Melbourne Airport is a short walk from terminals one to four.
It’s a Novotel, but not as you know it… Open since mid-2024, this property is part of a dual-branded hotel development with the ibis Styles Melbourne Airport (a self-proclaimed ‘premium economy’ hotel). The main building is an otherwise unremarkable L-shaped design, but it’s fronted by a dramatic bronze structure designed by esteemed local firm Fender Katsalidis to resemble an aircraft wing. Inside this ‘aerofoil’, you’ll find a hub of amenities, from co-working lounges and bookable meeting rooms to a heated indoor pool, an infrared sauna, a spa, and three restaurants/bars.
The rooms offer a minimalist canvas, with white linens and light walls against an abstract black and grey carpet inspired by the Great Ocean Road, and forest green accents.
It’s a short walk (5-10 minutes) from terminals one to four, though there’s also a complimentary shuttle bus.
20. PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport
Pass the time with views of the runway. (Image: PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport)
If you were any closer to the airport you’d be on the tarmac. The PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport is located opposite terminals two and three, which are accessible via a covered skybridge, and some of the rooms offer runway views to boot.
This grand dame of airport hotels received a welcome facelift in 2024, and now features bright and cleanly styled interiors, with a pared-back vibe and a few licks of primary colours that combine to offer a fresh feel for weary travellers. The common areas (a bar, a restaurant, the lobby) are now all rather schmick and inviting too.
Between 7am and 7pm, you can access accommodation by the hour to rest and recharge between flights, with access to all the hotel’s facilities, including a gym and an indoor pool.
21. Quest Melbourne Airport
Quest Melbourne Airport is a short but convenient drive away from the airport. (Image: Supplied)
Unlike the other options listed here, it’s a short drive from the airport to these serviced apartments (studios, plus one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with balconies). Expect fully equipped kitchen facilities in every room, and access to laundry facilities, a gym, and a grab-and-go pantry.
22. Lancemore Crossley St.
Book a two-bedroom suite with a terrace. (Image: Lancemore Crossley St.)
Staying true to the city’s artistic flair, the 113 art-filled rooms in Lancemore Crossley St. are oozing charm and character. Choose from six distinct room types, each meticulously curated with Hunter Lab amenities, signature L.M. beds, and contemporary artworks from emerging artists.
Centrally located between the Paris end of Bourke Street and the East End Theatre District, the stylish new stay is within walking distance to Chinatown and some of the absolute best restaurants in Melbourne. Finish your day with Happy Hour by the firepit on the Rooftop Terrace, while taking in sweeping city views.
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Chloe Cann is an award-winning freelance travel and food writer, born in England, based in Melbourne and Roman by adoption. Since honing her skills at City St George's, University of London with a master's degree in journalism, she's been writing...
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A change is as good as a holiday, but never more so than in the Bendigo region when it’s the seasons putting in the transformative work.
With its gold rush history, opulent architecture and booming food and wine industry, there’s no denying that the Bendigo region is beautiful to visit at any time of year. Visit between March and May, however, and you’ll find the Bendigo in autumn really comes alive. Foliage erupts in a canvas of golden colours and the cooling air makes immersing yourself in nature all the more enticing.
Need a few ideas to get you started? We’re so glad you asked.
1. Tackle the bike trails
Pink Cliffs Reserve in Heathcote can be seen on the O’Keefe Rail Trail. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Godfrey)
Welcome to a region that punches well above its weight when it comes to cycling. This is where hammies are tested on multi-day rides, and first-timers fall in love with the sport on short (and ridiculously pretty) trails.
The 49-kilometre O’Keefe Rail Trail is the headline act, following the old railway line between Bendigo and Heathcote. Cross the Campaspe River at Axedale Recreation Reserve and pause at the Platypus Compass Sculpture and the First Nations mural marking the connection between Djaara and Taungurung Country, with Axedale acting as the perfect halfway stop to refuel at a pub or cafe.
Pedal a little further Heathcote’s Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve to be rewarded with views of sculpted pink clay cliffs and narrow gorges that are perfect for a photo stop. Searching for a different type of reward? The Heatchote Wine Region is full of inviting cellar doors.
There are plenty of other options in the Bendigo region, from the 210-kilometre Goldfields Track, to the Bendigo Creek Trail and Back Creek Trail – both ideal for riders of all abilities. The 3.7 kilometre Little Lake Boort loop is a great family-friendly option.
Prefer something more adventurous? Spring Gully Mountain Bike Park has been keeping BMX Bandits’ dreams alive for years.
2. Enjoy the crunch of autumn leaves
Pack a picnic and head to the Valley of Liquidambers.
Blinding clusters of crimson, burnt orange and brilliant yellow; here, autumn leaves are crisp confetti of fire and gold. See the magic up close with a slew of parks seemingly dedicated to showcasing Mother Nature’s colour wheel, especially from mid April to early June.
Pack a picnic for an afternoon at Valley of Liquidambers in Heathcote, where Liquidamber trees transform into a wonderworld of magical foliage. Don’t miss taking a leisurely stroll across the swinging bridge back towards the main street.
Rosalind Park might be celebrated for its annual tulip display come springtime, but it’s hard to compete with the theatre of autumn. Here, many trees date back to the 1800s, and there’s no better place for a romantic stroll than along the elms, oak and Queensland Kauri that dominate this park.
Head straight to Lake Weeroona, where an ornamental lake begs for a leisurely lap around its edges, either on foot, or with pedal power.
3. Immerse yourself in First Nations culture
Explore Kooyoora State Park on a cultural tour.
Its ‘Mountain of Light’ (Guyura in the Dja Dja Wurrung language) title is impressive, but so too is Kooyoora State Park’s rugged landscape of granite outcrops, rocky ridgelines and wide-open skies.
While there’s nothing to suggest you couldn’t explore Kooyoora’s walking tracks on your own, the best way to understand the 40,000 years of history behind its natural wonders is to book a 2.5-hour Kooyoora Cultural Tour with Dumawul Tours.
Led by Djaara cultural guides, expect a traditional Welcome to Country smoking ceremony, before engaging storytelling rewinds the clock to reveal the deep cultural significance of the land, its flora, fauna and its continuing connection to Country.
Keen to stay a little longer? Consider staying overnight at the campground and committing to the park’s wealth of walking trails, such as the 5.3-kilometre hike from the camping ground to the lookout on the Long Rock Walking Track.
4. Splash in the region’s waterways
Paddle through Serpentine Creek Canoe Trail. (Image: Visit Vic)
Water babies rejoice: the Bendigo region offers a wealth of waterways to explore.
Flowing 392-kilometres from the Great Dividing Range to the Murray River, the best way to enjoy Loddon River is with a stop at Bridgewater. Here you can swim in the natural infinity pool or tackle the all-abilities, five-kilometre Serpentine Creek Canoe Trail before browsing the cute stores in town. Hungry? Grab a bite at Bridgewater Hotel.
Lake Eppalock is popular for water activities, but don’t miss a visit to Little Lake Boort and Big Lake Boort. Birders, in particular, will love the former, thanks to the large variety of bird species that nest in the boardwalk area surrounding the lake.
Meanwhile, Big Lake Boort is celebrated for its significant Indigenous history and over 400 scarred trees, and offers an opportunity to spot birds and go canoing.
Meanwhile, watersports and recreational activities at Crusoe Reservoir, located on the outskirts of Bendigo, are the order of the day. Take a walk to the picnic spots of No. 7 Park nearby, and maybe even camp there for the night.
5. View epic lookouts
Spend time at Peregrine Ridge.
Sometimes a holiday requires a phenomenal spot on which to perch as you survey your temporary kingdom below. The Bendigo region, happily, doesn’t do anything by halves.
Located in Heathcote-Graytown National Park, Viewing Rock Lookout – a rocky outcrop offering spectacular views over Heathcote and surrounds – remains a popular choice. Take the hour-long Viewing Rock Circuit Walk and try your hand at gold prospecting nearby.
Prefer the romance of sunrise or sunset? Pyramid Hill, a stunning granite hill rising 187-metres above sea level, is the place to be (preferably with a coffee and a bagel)
Over in Terrick Terrick National Park, a walk to the summit delivers a full 360-degree panorama of woodlands, farms and open-sky plains. Pack lunch – and perhaps a tent – as picnic tables and camping are available.
Carve out time for Peregrine Ridge, a vineyard situated at the eastern side of Mt Camel Range with an elevation ranging from 250-290 metres. Be rewarded with delicious wine and a cellar door which offers floor-to-ceiling views.
6. Enjoy the Bendigo region’s parks and gardens
Stroll through Bendigo’s best gardens. (Image: Visit Vic)
Rosalind Park, located right in the centre of town, is considered Bendigo’s backyard and rightly so. Home to the Bendigo Easter Festival, it’s just as popular year-round for its sixty acres of rolling lawns, towering elms, fernery and winding paths – not to mention the playground which has plenty of little fans of its own. A short drive away, Bendigo Botanic Gardens– established in 1857 – offers a more tranquil space for deep-level nature immersion.
Those who favour something a little more formal, cottage-style Canterbury Park Gardens– famous for its dahlias in autumn – delivers. Stroll through its meticulously maintained ornamental gardens before checking out Lake Tom Thumb and Lake Neangar nearby.
