Luxury accommodation in the Mornington Peninsula

hero media
From a boutique bolthole awash with contemporary design, to an exclusive farmhouse that was made for long summer nights spent wining and dining with friends, there’s a luxury accommodation option to suit all tastes on the Mornington.

The bucolic pocket that has it all, not only is the Mornington Peninsula home to world-leading maritime wineries, acclaimed restaurants with sweeping verdant valley views, and gorgeous stretches of coastline, but it’s also home to some of Victoria’s best hotels. Read on for details of several of the region’s most noteworthy options.

 

Don’t miss: The best places to eat & drink on Mornington Peninsula

Jackalope Hotel

No list of the Mornington’s best accommodation would be complete without mention of Jackalope. Open since April 2017, this luxurious and hyper-modern boutique hotel is arguably the one that put the peninsula on the map, much to the annoyance of in-the-know Melburnians who wanted to keep this idyllic region all to themselves.

 

The minimalist rooms and suites are dressed in moody shades of smoky grey and black, and feature custom-made furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces, some with vineyard views. But it’s not just the accommodation that’s winning over guests: the property is also home to award-winning fine-dining restaurant Doot Doot Doot, where the food is a standout, but the decor is just as noteworthy, the ceiling an art installation covered with 10,000 light bulbs. And did we mention the infinity pool, spa, casual Rare Hare restaurant and wine bar, or the Flaggerdoot cocktail lounge?

Jackalope Mornington Peninsula
The Jackalope hype is well and truly worth it

Address: 166 Balnarring Rd, Merricks North, Vic, 3926

Phone: (03) 5931 2500

Website: Jackalopehotels.com

Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill

If the premise of Jackalope’s ultra-contemporary surrounds proves a turn-off, then the Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill might just be the answer to your accommodation prayers. The property’s light-filled, classic country house character will have you feeling right at home. Rooms are doused in white, dove grey and taupe, and most have access to some sort of outdoor area, whether a shared balcony, or a ground floor terrace. The pick of the bunch at this boutique, 40-room hotel is arguably the spacious balcony suite, which has its own open fireplace – the perfect place to unwind with a glass of Lindenderry’s pinot noir and perhaps a cheese board.

 

Set amid 34 acres of gardens and vines, the boutique hotel is also home to an indoor swimming pool, a sauna, a rather wonderful farm-to-fork restaurant, a cellar door, lakeside lawns to picnic in, and more.

Lancemore
Lancemore is set amongst 34 stunning acres of gardens and vines.

Address: 142 Arthurs Seat Rd, Red Hill, Vic, 3937

Phone: (03) 5989 2933

Website: lancemore.com.au/lindenderry-red-hill

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

Polperro Farmhouse

Secreted away on the grounds of the boutique winery’s estate, the Polperro Farmhouse might just be the perfect little bolthole. Renovated with guidance from what is perhaps Melbourne’s preeminent interior design firm, Hecker Guthrie, this quaint, three-bedroom cottage is a masterclass in 1950s design fused with modern minimalism.

 

Inside, guests will find an open fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, a minibar replete with Polperro wines and cocktails, Smeg appliances, a sizable bathtub, and a bounty of natural light pouring in. But it’s outside where this property really shines. Dine al fresco, under the sun-dappled shade of trees, overlooking a sea of vines; marvel at the stars while sitting around the firepit in Adirondack chairs; soak up the last of the day’s rays on the patio; and go to town with the farmhouse’s extensive outdoor kitchen, which houses a top-of-the-line barbecue, a spit roaster, and a vast island counter for prepping and plating.

 

The estate also has four villas, which each sleep two.

Find the farmhouse secreted away on the boutique winery’s estate.

Address: 64 Donaldsons Rd, Red Hill, Vic, 3937

Phone: (03) 5989 2471

Website: polperrowines.com.au/farmhouse-accommodation/

 

Don’t miss: Top things to do on Mornington Peninsula

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

RACV Cape Schanck Resort

When you think of no-holds-barred luxury accommodation, RACV’s resorts might not be the first place your mind wanders. But this five-star property on the southernmost tip of the Mornington Peninsula is a bit special. Sure, it’s not quite as boutique as the other options on this list, but what the guest rooms lack in individualism, the resort makes up for with facilities: a championship 18-hole par-70 golf course, an acclaimed restaurant with a modern Australian menu, two further more casual eateries, a respectably sized fitness centre, a luxury day spa, a games room and playground for kids, and three floodlit tennis courts.

 

Located amid sand dunes and dense coastal scrubland, the resort also boasts a number of great walks right on its doorstep, leading guests to some rugged windswept landscapes. From a distance you can also admire the sculptural architecture of the RACV Cape Schanck, a landmark local building that looks different from every angle.

 

Address: Trent Jones Drive, Cape Schanck, Vic, 3939

Phone: (03) 5950 8000

Website: racv.com.au/racv-resorts/Cape-Schanck

Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set Australian Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Chloe Cann
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 almost exclusively about travel for more than a decade, and has worked in-house at newspapers and travel magazines in London, Phnom Penh, Sydney and Melbourne. Through a mixture of work and pleasure, she's been fortunate enough to visit 80 countries to date, though there are many more that she is itching to reach. While the strength of a region's food scene tends to dictate the location of her next trip, she can be equally swayed by the promise of interesting landscapes and offbeat experiences. And with a small person now in tow, travel looks a little different these days, but it remains at the front of her mind.
View profile and articles
hero media

Vanilla slice to desert racing: 8 must-see Mildura events

Sun-drenched Mildura is set to host a spirited array of events for guaranteed good times.

Nestled on the banks of the Murray River, the rural town of Mildura punches well above its weight for cultural events throughout the year. And it’s the perfect escape for those who like to find award-winning food and wine, ancient outback landscapes and a relaxed river lifestyle all in one place.

Whether you’re an oenophile on the hunt for your next favourite bottle of wine or a motor enthusiast looking for high-octane action, these events are equal parts unique and unforgettable, and offer the best ways to experience the Mildura region.

1. Mildura Fringe Festival

Mildura Fringe Festival mildura events
Enjoy a stellar line-up of arts and entertainment.

Mildura Fringe Festival is gearing up for another huge year of feel-good fun in 2026. From 29 October – 15 November, attendees will find a stellar line-up of arts and entertainment acts, spanning burlesque, comedy, theatre, live music and circus shows. Standouts include the Shake It! burlesque act, hosted by Minnie Andrews, and the first annual Mildura Pride Day. You’ll also find beer gardens, multiple bars and family-friendly venues to get the party started, as well as a tasty curation of food trucks.

2. Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show

Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show mildura events
Taste a selection of the over 800 wines entered into the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show.

Oenophiles and occasional imbibers alike are almost guaranteed to find their next favourite drop at the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show. More than 800 wines from nearly 70 regions across Australia are entered into the competition, which has celebrated lesser-known innovative wines and emerging grape varieties for more than 20 years. There are a host of events from 4–7 November, from the Show Tasting – where you can sample as many entries as you like – to a delicious three-course dinner with matching wines curated by renowned Italian-Australian chef and festival co-founder Stefano de Pieri.

3. Cullulleraine Music Festival

Cullulleraine Music Festival mildura events
Listen to local, national and international artists. (Credit: David Sickerdick)

Adored for its ‘salt of the earth’ reputation that fosters welcoming regional vibes, the Cullulleraine Music Festival is a community-driven, not-for-profit music festival that hits all the right notes. Taking place from 9–11 April 2027, the lineup showcases a diverse range of local, national and international artists, including Harry Manx, Cat & Clint and Deep South Brass 8.  Festivalgoers can get down to folk, blues and roots music, and can join immersive experiences such as drumming circles and Celtic jam sessions – all in front of golden sunset views across Lake Cullulleraine.

4. Balloons Over Mildura

Balloons Over Mildura events
Watch the skies light up with colourful hot air balloons.

Mildura is set for a glow-up when this illuminating winter event comes to town. Around June to July each year, the Balloons Over Mildura takes over the skies. Be sure to catch the festival’s popular Night Glow event, where illuminated balloons light up the evening sky in a choreographed display. Order some fairy floss and a kebab and lay down a picnic rug to admire the colourful designs as they soar above. Little ones are also well looked after with children’s games.

5. The Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph

The Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph mildura
Taste the best vanilla slice in Australia.

The title of ‘best vanilla slice in Australia’ is fiercely contested. With its velvety custard sandwiched between flaky pastry, the iconic Aussie treat – affectionately known as a “snot block” – is a beloved bakery staple for good reason. Since 1998, bakers from all across the country have converged on Commercial Street in Merbein every year to compete in the Great Vanilla Slice Triumph. On 15 August, taste the creamy dessert at numerous stalls, then watch the winner be crowned by six professional baking judges. You’ll also find live music, children’s activities, market finds and vintage cars. May the sweetest treat win!

​6. Hattah Desert Race

Hattah Desert Race
Feel the excitement of Hattah Desert Race, whether you ride or not.

Whether you’re a motorhead or new to the world of racing, experiencing the thrill of off-road motorcycling at Australia’s largest desert race is worth writing home about. In July, the Hattah Desert Race sees nearly 900 junior and senior motorcyclists dash across 300 kilometres of red dirt and sand. Established in 1998, the high-speed enduro race is widely considered the most demanding motorsport race in the country, promising spectators an electrifying weekend up close to the action.

7. Goanna Run

goanna run mildura fashion show
See the best dressed at Goanna Run’s fashion show.

Every year, rev heads from around Australia bring their unique vehicles together for the Goanna Run, a buzzing hot rod and custom car festival. Held from 23–25 October and hosted by the Desert City Rodders, the weekend is a celebration of hot rods, rock ‘n’ roll and food trucks. Marvel at the hundreds of classic and vintage vehicles at Langtree Mall for The Show ‘n’ Shine event, and get some serious fashion inspiration from the ’50s-style fashion show. The events take place next to the picturesque Murray River, so a paddlesteamer cruise is also worth adding to the itinerary.

8. Mildura Easter Powersports Weekend

Mildura Easter Powersports Weekend
Become a rev head at Mildura Easter Powersports Weekend.

Go full throttle over the Easter long weekend with the ultimate horsepower party. The Mildura Power Sports Weekend is a multiday racing series held at Timmis Speedway, Sunset Strip and the Murray River, guaranteeing plenty of action and adrenaline. Fuel your obsession for all things motorsports with ski racing, arena motocross, speedway and drag racing events, and up your motor knowledge with organised fan meet-and-greets and talks. The weekend also features live music and family-friendly entertainment.

Start planning your eventful trip to Mildura at mildura.com.