Hotel Review: Jackalope, Mornington Peninsula

The problem with checking in to the luxurious surrounds of Jackalope on the Mornington Peninsula is you’ll never want to leave.

Whichever way you look at it, Jackalope is one sexy beast. This architecturally designed, art-focused hotel, set on the edge of a vineyard, is dark, moody and just about as far removed from a country inn as one could possibly imagine. Sprawl on your terrace overlooking the countryside, bask on the edge of the infinity pool, or dress up for a memorable dinner beneath a stunning light installation. There’s luxury at every turn. Planning a visit to the coastal region? Read on for our review of Jackalope, Mornington Peninsula.

Location

Jackalope is in the middle of Victoria’s thriving Mornington Peninsula region and is the perfect base for a long weekend exploring the area’s wineries, restaurants, markets and beaches. A soak and a glass of Champagne at the Peninsula Hot Springs is also a great way to pass the time.

a couple drinking a glass of Champagne — While away the afternoon with a glass of Champagne. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Style and character

When you picture a country hotel you may envisage shabby-chic interiors with chintzy curtains and Persian rugs. Jackalope, just over an hour from Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula, has taken this cliche, gutted it and turned it on its head.

the chic interior of Jackalope — Jackalope boasts elevated interiors. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Owner Louis Li purchased the 143-year-old Willow Creek homestead and vineyard in 2013 and set about creating his first hotel on the property.

the black aluminium structure in triangular shape at Jackalope — The striking aluminium Jackalope sign. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With a background in television, he wanted to create something theatrical and called on the Carr design group to help him in this quest. The result is a jaw-dropping black aluminium structure that overlooks rows of grapevines. It’s a credit to the design team that they managed to create something visually spectacular without it becoming an eyesore on the rolling landscape.

the sprawling vineyards at Jackalope — The venue overlooks rows of grapevines. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Everything here has a sense of occasion. Contemporary art is the heart and soul of this boutique hotel, and a seven-metre-tall jackalope sculpture by artist Emily Floyd greets you as you approach the front door. (For the uninitiated, a jackalope is a mythical creature that is half jackrabbit, half antelope.)

a seven-metre-tall jackalope sculpture by artist Emily Floyd — The Jackalope sculpture by Emily Floyd is an ode to the mythical creature. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Facilities

As you’d expect with a five-star hotel, the service is on point. Little inclusions – a Lexus and driver to whisk us to our lunch booking at nearby Laura restaurant (highly recommended), a refreshing Mecca face mist on our pillow at turndown, and a leather Jackalope luggage tag gifted at check-out – gave the whole experience a sense of luxury.

While we didn’t sample them ourselves, the onsite spa treatments get rave reviews. You can choose to be pampered in the poolside geodome (it can also be booked for private dining experiences) or in the comfort of your own room.

an outdoor pool at Jackalope — Laze by the pool. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Rooms

The destination hotel comprises 46 rooms, including two suites and one studio-style apartment.

We booked a night in a terrace room during off-peak season. On the website, this style of room is referred to as ‘connecting with the rural surrounds’, which it turns out is marketing speak for ‘this room looks back onto the car park’.

a brightly coloured interior at Jackalope — The interior takes on a moody vibe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

At check-in, we were lucky enough to be upgraded to a room with a view of the vineyard. The orientation of these rooms means you can sit in a robe and enjoy the sunset from your private balcony, drinking in the view of the vines beyond the hotel’s very Instagrammable 30-metre black infinity pool. It’s a bloody great way to end your day.

the living space at Jackalope — Take in the natural scenery from your balcony. (Image: Visit Victoria)

In keeping with the building’s darkly hued aesthetic, the room is decorated in charcoal tones, providing a moody ambience. There’s an excellent king-sized bed – the sort that has you wondering why you don’t have one of them at home – and a bathroom with bespoke Hunter Lab amenities and a double-headed rain shower. It was mildly disappointing that this particular room didn’t have a bath, which is a big part of a luxury hotel experience for many people.

a couple entering their suite at Jackalope — Each room is swathed in charcoal tones. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The room tariff includes complimentary breakfast and mini-bar, complete with chips, cans of cider, beer, vodka and soda, and an array of soft drinks. There’s also an in-room iPad that connects to a broad range of on-demand movies.

the Lair suite at Jackalope — Sleep in comfort in the Lair suite. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If you really want to push the boat out, the top-of-the-line suites, called Lairs, include hand deliveries of popcorn and locally sourced ice cream and bookable luxury transfers to anywhere within 10 kilometres. They also have a double-sided indoor/outdoor fireplace.

a couple entering the reception area at Jackalope — The hotel has a beautifully warm and friendly ambience. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Food and Drink

There’s no shortage of dining options if you can’t be bothered leaving the confines of the hotel. Doot Doot Doot is a one-hatted fine-dining restaurant offering a three-course menu, with added snacks, that brings together Asian flavours and the plentiful produce from local providores. The space has a beautifully warm ambience thanks to Jan Flook’s ceiling light installation of 10,000 amber globes that dim and brighten with a shimmering effect.

pouring wine into a glass in front of a man sitting at Jackalope — Indulge in a delicious lunch. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The hotel’s more casual bistro, Rare Hare, also offers a wine and food store, so you can pick up some local delicacies to take home. If you’ve overindulged at lunch, this is the spot for a lighter supper. For instance, you could just order the salumi selection or one of the seasonal dishes, like wood-fired eggplant with red miso and furikake, and a glass of wine.

a table-top view of food plates on the table, Jackalope — You’ll be spoilt for choice with the lunch and dinner menu. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Flaggerdoot is Jackalope’s cocktail bar, set in the property’s original 1876 house that has been tastefully incorporated into the hotel’s sleek redesign. It’s a playful area, with contemporary art and eclectic touches, such as an electric blue billiards table. You’re offered a complimentary welcome drink in Flaggerdoot upon arrival.

(Still catching up on the lingo? A flaggerdoot is the collective noun for a group of jackalopes, and a doot doot doot is the leader of a flaggerdoot.)

a couple dining at Jackalope — The fine-dining restaurant offers a three-course menu. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Breakfast is included in the room tariff and veers from your standard hotel buffet situation. Guests are invited to select from a small continental selection of pastries and cereals, as well as from a menu of hot, seasonal à la carte options, usually with some more adventurous choices.

two cocktail glasses at Jackalope — Enjoy a tipple or two at Jackalope’s cocktail bar. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Experiences

Alongside Jackalope’s black pool looking over the vines is a heated infinity spa and an infrared sauna. There’s a day spa in a secluded part of the hotel, where you can book facials and body treatments, some using products made using pinot grapes.

Start the day with a restorative yoga session in the sunshine. Later in the day, there are wine tastings and vineyard walks with the winery team to enjoy, as well as tours of the cellar, kitchen garden and the hotel’s art and design.

a couple enjoying a wine-tasting session at Jackalope — Make the most of your time by sampling the wine on offer. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Access for guests with disabilities?

Disabled access is available. Contact the hotel for more details when booking.

Family-friendly?

Jackalope only accepts children over the age of 12. It is a more refined adult stay anyway.

Details

Best for: Weekenders seeking extraordinary food, sleek architectural design and easy access to the beach and countryside.

Address: 166 Balnarring Road, Merricks North, Mornington Peninsula VIC

Cost: From $650 a night.

a couple carrying luggage while heading into Jackalope — Book a romantic weekend away at the chic and sleek Jackalope. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Discover the best wineries on the Mornington Peninsula.

There’s no better place to unwind than the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges – a leafy and idyllic region shrouded in mist, fern-filled gullies and a peaceful atmosphere.

Wrapped in the crisp mountain air, ancient ferns and ethereally verdant landscapes of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges , you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in another world (or at least another part of the planet).

But this gorgeous pocket is under an hour from Melbourne, a mix of top-notch food and wine, boutique stays and forested scenery that make for an easy weekend away or even a midweek escape. In fact, visiting during the week can offer a deeply relaxing experience, with fewer crowds and more space to linger.

If you’re keen to unwind, here’s how to spend your time in this idyllic neck of the woods.

Where to eat

From farm gates to cosy eateries, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges house a plethora of places to feast. Start your day with a leisurely brunch and coffee at Ripe . This local hangout combines warm hospitality and hearty cafe fare against a backdrop of the hills’ iconic tree-fern canopies. It’s also nestled in the heart of Sassafras, the quaint village that best captures the Dandenong Ranges’ old-world charm.

Next, take yourself on a gastronomic adventure. Visit Yarra Valley Dairy , a regional favourite doing handmade cheeses, or Cherry Hill Orchards , where in summer you can pick your own cherries and enjoy them in the farm’s picturesque grounds. Treat yourself to a tasting at one of the Yarra Valley’s renowned wineries to finish – Rochford , Re’em and De Bortoli are standout picks for a sample of the region’s signature drops.

By night, book a table at either Citrine in the mountain town of Olinda or restaurant 1309 at Balgownie Estate in the Yarra Valley. Both do elevated seasonal fare paired with excellent drinks.

And if you’re simply in the mood for a tipple, you’re spoiled for choice. The Alpine Hotel in riverside Warburton is a historic and character-filled spot pouring pints and locally made drinks, while Four Pillars is a must for gin lovers. The distillery’s award-winning spirits are famed nationwide, but here you can try them right from the source.

Things to do outdoors

two people walking through Dandenong Ranges National Park — Wander the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

A motley patchwork of misty rainforest, rugged bushscapes and beautifully tended gardens, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are some of Melbourne’s most scenic pockets. No visit to the region would be complete without a wander through its lush surrounds, either by bike or on foot.

The Ngurrak Barring trail stretches 39 kilometres through the Dandenong Ranges, connecting the towns and fern-filled forests that make the hills so unique. Along the way, be immersed in thought-provoking art installations and cultural stories, sharing a different perspective of this ancient landscape.

While in the area, wander through Cloudehill Garden & Nursery and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens , situated in Olinda. The cooler climate, rich volcanic soil and consistent rainfall offer both gardens ideal conditions for vivid and vibrant flora.

Over in the Yarra Valley, the 40-kilometre Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is a flat and family-friendly path perfect for leisurely bike rides and longer walks. It takes you through vine-lined scenery and towns like Seville and Wandin. Biking enthusiasts should head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, a network of 160 kilometres of trails that traverse through untamed terrain.

For a more laidback outing, Alowyn Gardens encompasses seven acres of themed gardens perfect for a meandering stroll. The nearly 100-metre-long wisteria archway that connects different garden zones is a highlight – especially in October, when the lilac blossoms are in spectacular bloom.

The arts and culture scene

Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges are havens for arts and culture thanks to their inspiring landscapes and thriving creative community. Naturally, a slower escape should include a visit to some of the region’s best studios and galleries.

The TarraWarra Museum of Art in Healesville showcases modern and contemporary Australian art, with both a permanent collection and a rotating display of thoughtful exhibitions. The building and grounds are well worth exploring: a striking architectural landmark amid landscaped lawns and open-air sculptures overlooking the Yarra Valley.

Delve into the area’s rich history at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum , a treasure trove of more than 13,000 unique pieces. See everything from Indigenous artefacts to archival photographs and historical objects that tell the region’s story.

On your way back to the city, stop by the leafy enclave of Eltham to discover Montsalvat . This five-acre artistic playground is Australia’s oldest continuous art community, combining galleries, Gothic-style buildings and expansive heritage gardens.

Stay at a local retreat

Re’em yarra valley accommodation — Re’em is an ideal pick for an indulgent stay.

No matter your style, and no matter your budget, you’ll find a suitable spot in the region to rest your head. If the weather is warm and the sky is clear, set up a tent at BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park or Pine Hill Cabin & Caravan Park. The former has secluded camping spots surrounded by tranquil bushland and local wildlife, along with glamping pods and cabins. The latter has powered and unpowered sites suitable for all kinds of campers, and is pet-friendly if you’re travelling with your four-legged friend.

Or, book yourself into the RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort – a sprawling retreat complete with stylish rooms and luxe amenities that invite you to unwind. Relax at the day spa, tee off at the 18-hole golf course, or recharge with a round of tennis or a few laps in the pool.

And if you’re after something truly indulgent, Re’em is an ideal pick. A boutique collection of just 16, the luxuriously appointed rooms feature plush linens, high-end amenities and oversized baths with panoramic views across the estate. A gourmet breakfast showcasing gorgeous local produce is also included.

Start planning your reset getaway at visityarravalley.com.au.

Art, wine and luxury collide at Jackalope on the Mornington Peninsula