The best luxury accommodation in the Yarra Valley

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Victoria’s picturesque Yarra Valley isn’t just home to rows upon rows of cool-climate grapes – it has plenty of elegant accommodation options, too.

Wine regions like the gorgeous Yarra Valley are inherently indulgent. There’s something about sipping quality wine straight from the source and dining on local produce at a sprawling vineyard that feels both relaxing and regal. It’s therefore easy to justify splurging on where you sleep to round out the experience. Planning a visit to the region? Here’s a round-up of the Yarra Valley’s best luxury accommodation.

The Farmhouse at Meletos

Best for: Channelling a European holiday

The Tuscan-style Farmhouse is a two-storey boutique hotel with views of sweeping vineyards and an apple orchard. The 23 luxury rooms are decorated simply and each has slightly different furnishings and touches, along with shuttered windows and vintage timber floors, so there’s not a whiff of a cookie-cutter hotel. The high-ceilinged lobby feels homely the moment you step in, with a fireplace encircled by leather couches, a high-strung chandelier and a spiral staircase.

the bedroom at Farmhouse at Meletos with scenic views from the window
Wake up to scenic vineyard views.

The Tuscan Suite is the star of the show, with exceptional views out to the distant Great Dividing Range, a bathroom that’s almost as big as the bedroom, and an ornate black chandelier hanging beside the bed.

the living area with fireplace and leather couches at Farmhouse at Meletos
The cosy lobby features rustic touches.

If you’re travelling with a group, you can book the self-contained five-bedroom villa on the north side of the property. The villa has a generous living area and an enclosed courtyard, so there’s plenty of space to kick back with friends or family with a few bottles of local vino.

The Meletos restaurant offers a refined menu with views of the gardens, and adjoins the elegant Ernie’s bar.

Address: 12 St Huberts Road, Coldstream

Chateau Yering Yarra Valley

Best for: Feeling like royalty

Despite its unassuming plain white exterior and underwhelming entrance, Chateau Yering, located in a Victorian mansion on a 250-acre estate, feels palatial the moment you step inside. Parts of the hotel look a little tired, but it’s undeniably steeped in history, given the historic homestead was built in 1854 on the site of Victoria’s first vineyard. The 32 suites—each with their own colour scheme and personality—channel the opulence of Versailles, with fine furnishings like heavy floral curtains, padded bedheads and antique furniture. Depending on what room you choose, you could enjoy soaking in a claw-foot bath or oversized spa in your marble ensuite.

The hotel’s lounge, Chinese room and library have maintained their original fittings to provide a glimpse into life in the 1800s, and Eleonore’s Restaurant includes elements of the original dining room. In the restaurant, you can dine on a two or three-course menu plus canapés, sitting on chairs embroidered with gold thread and under ornate ceiling roses, or opt for a meal in the casual Streetwater Cafe.

a look inside Chateau Yering Yarra Valley
Stay in a luxe suite at Chateau Yering. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Address: 42 Melba Highway, Yering

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Kangaroo Ridge Retreat

Best for: Getting away from it all

If you love a room with a view, book a luxury cabin at the adults-only Kangaroo Ridge and wake up face-to-face with the Yarra’s misty mountains.

a scenic Yarra Valley landscape as seen from Kangaroo Ridge Retreat
Take in the view of the Yarra’s misty mountains. (Image: Gunvor E Jakobsen)

Enjoy a soak in your private spa bath, then wrap yourself in a plush robe, select a vinyl record to spin, and sit by the fire or on your balcony with a glass of wine from your personal bar.

the luxury cabin exterior at Kangaroo Ridge Retreat, Yarra Valley
Enjoy a sweet escape to the Kangaroo Ridge Retreat. (Image: Gunvor E Jakobsen)

A range of gourmet snacks are complimentary in the larder, and you can hire a private chef for an intimate dining experience, or pre-arrange an in-room dining pack.

the living room at Kangaroo Ridge Retreat, Yarra Valley
Stay in a luxury cabin with a view at Kangaroo Ridge Retreat. (Image: Gunvor E Jakobsen)

Want to arrive like the VIP that you are? Book a helicopter transfer from Melbourne.

the bed at Kangaroo Ridge Retreat, Yarra Valley
Get cosy at the luxe Kangaroo Ridge Retreat. (Image: Gunvor E Jakobsen)

Address: 38 Turners Lane, Healesville

Yarra Valley Lodge

Best for: Families and golf lovers

Yarra Valley Lodge offers hotel-style accommodation on the grounds of a golf and country club. The lodge has 102 rooms that have either a private balcony or access to a garden terrace. Visit the Heritage Retreat & Day Spa for a massage or facial, or to work off a few wines at the spacious gym. The lodge also has a tennis court, a 20-metre heated swimming pool and a children’s pool.

the dining at Yarra Valley Lodge
Each room has either a private balcony or access to a garden terrace.

Grab a pre-dinner drink in the Lodge Bar (which also offers all-day dining), then head to the pop-up restaurant for a three-course share menu on Friday and Saturday nights.

a fine dining setup at Yarra Valley Lodge
Head to the pop-up restaurant for a three-course share menu.

Address: 2 Heritage Ave, Chirnside Park

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Carl’s Hut at Solitude

Best for: A couple’s retreat

Carl’s Hut is secluded luxury at its best, tucked in amongst vineyards and a forest on Solitude Estate. The cosy, rustic cabin, which dates back to the 1940s, has been beautifully restored with great attention to detail—think exposed timber beams, fine linen, a crackling fire, heated polished concrete floors and quality kitchen appliances—to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay.

the bedroom at Carl’s Hut at Solitude
Get comfy in this rustic and quaint cabin. (Image: Nick Skinner)

Prep yourself a charcuterie platter of local produce, crack a bottle of Yarra red (available to purchase) and sit on the balcony to hear nothing but birds and the quiet rustle of grazing wallabies. Come nightfall, it’s the perfect place to stare at the stars.

the kitchen at Carl’s Hut at Solitude
Carl’s Hut has been beautifully restored with modern amenities. (Image: Nick Skinner)

Address: 435 Beenak Road, Yellingbo

Re’em Yarra Valley

Best for: Modern luxury

Located on the 200-acre Helen and Joey Estate, Re’em is a luxe boutique hotel in the Yarra Valley. The accommodation has the comforts of a hotel with a 24-hour reception, room service, and onsite restaurant and bar.

a scenic vineyard landscape at Re’em Yarra Valley
Re’em offers 16 thoughtfully appointed rooms. (Image: Hugh Davidson)

The 16 modern rooms are generously sized and have a private patio or balcony, depending on which type of suite you choose. Floor-to-ceiling windows afford exceptional views across the vineyard and lake.

a bathtub with views of the surrounding vineyard at Re’em Yarra Valley
Soak in a tub facing the vines at Re’em Yarra Valley. (Image: Hugh Davidson)

You can taste estate-grown wines at the cellar door (where you can also order snacks and picnic packs), then easily access other wineries in the surrounding Yarra Valley region. Come lunch or dinner time, you can eat out, or stay in, dining on an Asian-inspired menu at the classy Re’em restaurant.

the living room at Re’em Yarra Valley
Each suite has a private patio or balcony. (Image: Hugh Davidson)

Address: 12–14 Spring Lane, Gruyere

Discover the best restaurants in the Yarra Valley.

Emily McAuliffe
Emily McAuliffe is a Melbourne-based freelance travel writer. She is on the board of the Australian Society of Travel Writers and her writing and photography has featured in many titles in Australia and abroad. She loves nothing more than touching down in a new destination or approaching a familiar place with fresh eyes.
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Your guide to a gourmand getaway along the Murray River

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
    Feast your way through Sun Country on the Murray – a beautiful and bountiful region in northern Victoria with gourmet delights galore.

    Nestled on the lands of the Yorta Yorta People along the mighty Murray River, Sun Country is a truly extraordinary place. The northern Victorian enclave is a tapestry of meandering waterways, ancient forests, sandy beaches, enchanting country towns and an easy way of life.

    Beyond its landscapes and bucolic charm, Sun Country on the Murray is a culinary paradise: think farm-fresh produce, family-run wineries and no shortage of places to feast.

    If you’re a serious foodie or simply epicurious, here’s your ultimate guide to a gourmand Murray River getaway.

    The Murray Farm Gate Trail

    The self-guided Murray Gate Farm Trail lets you sample the area’s best produce while immersing yourself in the lush Goulburn and Murray Valleys. The trail has something to suit every palate and pace, but there are a few notable highlights.

    1. Rich Glen

    Rich Glen Provedore and Rich Glen Skin & Beauty
    Stock up at Rich Glen. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

    Rich Glen is renowned for its award-winning olive oils. Everything is grown and created on the family farm in Yarrawonga, the results of which you can visit at Rich Glen Provedore – a treasure trove of gourmet foods, including that signature olive oil. Or explore Rich Glen Skin & Beauty, which stocks lush handmade skincare and wellness products.

    2. How Now Dairy

    A charming micro-farm producing ethical dairy, How Now Dairy, lets its baby calves remain with their mothers and its cows roam on rolling pesticide-free pastures. Try a selection of cheeses that do good and taste good, including a fantastic punchy blue, and velvety milk with a thick, creamy top.

    3. Cactus Country

    Cactus Country in the murray
    Stop into Cactus Country. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

    Cactus Country is a 12-acre stretch of desert-like garden containing cacti of all shapes, sizes and colours. Naturally, it makes the most of its bounty at the on-site bar and restaurant, with a cactus-infused dessert menu alongside a vibrant line-up of Mexican snacks and mains.

    4. The Olde Creamery

    The Olde Creamery is a local icon, a former hobby farm that has flourished into a thriving purveyor of flowers and foods. The elderflower cordial and bramble gin and tonic jam are must-tries, and make for tasty mementoes of your trip.

    Wineries, breweries and distilleries

    The region’s sunny climate and rich soils make it a prime place for viticulture. If wine isn’t your thing, you’ll also find boutique breweries and distilleries producing top-notch beers and spirits.

    1. Squires Winery

    a couple sitting at the bar at squire's winery, sun country on the murray
    Pop in for a tasting. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    With its idyllic positioning on the Ovens River, Squires Winery is a lovely setting for a long, leisurely lunch or tasting. Enjoy a riverside sip of prosecco, rosé or cab sauv, complemented by seasonal bites and a backdrop of towering gum trees.

    2. Cape Horn Vineyard

    Cape Horn is one of the region’s most established vineyards. Its sparkling durif/shiraz is a crowd favourite and well worth trying on your foodie tour, especially if it’s served with one of the winery’s delicious wood-fired pizzas.

    3. Byramine Homestead & Brewery

    Byramine Homestead brewery
    Enjoy a tipple at this historic homestead.

    A top pick among beer, cider and history enthusiasts, Byramine serves a rotation of brews made on-site in the historic homestead. Wander through the venue and learn about its colonial past before sitting down to a freshly made Ploughman’s and cold local ale.

    4. Monichino Wines

    Monichino is a slice of la dolce vita in northern Victoria, producing classic Italian varietals like pinot grigio and aromatica. Drop by for a tasting at the cellar door (open weekends or by appointment) and explore everything from crisp whites to robust fortified wines, or pack a picnic and savour your glass in the picturesque gardens.

    5. Corowa Distilling Co

    Corowa Distilling Co
    Sit down to a hearty lunch. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Corowa Distilling Co crafts an incredible variety of single-malt and blended whiskies, and is a beloved spot among locals and visitors alike. Stop in for a tasting flight in the whisky room, or a hearty breakfast or lunch paired with a wee dram.

    Farm-to-table dining

    If you’ve got the time to linger over a gourmet spread, Sun Country on the Murray has an abundance of outstanding restaurants and cafes.

    1. O’Reilly’s Food and Wine

    O’Reilly’s feels much like stepping into a good friend’s home, albeit with a refined twist. The menu changes weekly and rotates through a selection of comforting yet elevated dishes – think lamb cottage pie, French-style moussaka, a perennially popular open steak sandwich and cakes that change flavours weekly.

    2. Stock and Barrel

    a couple eating at Stock and Barrel victoria
    Soak in views of Lake Mulwala. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Tucked inside The Sebel Yarrawonga hotel, overlooking sparkling Lake Mulwala, Stock and Barrel does pub classics with a Sun Country spin. Order a perfectly seared steak and triple-cooked potatoes alongside a freshly poured pint, or try a regional highlight: local produce features abundantly across Stock and Barrel’s dishes.

    3. The Bend

    With spacious decks and panoramic views of the Murray, The Bend is ideal for a sun-soaked long lunch. Order a round of moreish share plates (like baja fish tacos and a warm-from-the-oven brioche loaf stuffed with cream cheese and herbs) or a signature cocktail and indulgent main – we can’t go past the slow-braised wagyu brisket.

    4. Blacksmith Provedore

    Black Smith Provedore
    Taste Blacksmith Provedore’s delicious pizzas. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

    If you’re after a slick yet relaxed dining destination, head to Blacksmith Provedore. Perched right next to Lake Mulwala, the venue is airy and elegant, with a minimalist-chic design. The pizzas are seriously good too, made with 72-hour fermented dough and toppings sourced from Italy’s finest producers.

    5. Broken Willow

    As soon as you enter Broken Willow’s front doors, you’re greeted with genuine hospitality and a classic bistro menu that has something for everyone: succulent grilled meats, parmas and schnitzels, juicy burgers, and international dishes ranging from weekly curry and stir-fry specials to zippy banh mi.

    While you’re there

    Thompson Beach in sun country on the murray
    Discover plenty to do between meals. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

    Got a few hours to spare? Make the most of your trip by exploring the natural wonders and rich cultural heritage of your riverside surroundings.

    Barmah National Park is a sanctuary of walks through majestic river red gums and serene wetlands. Here, a seat on board a Kingfisher River Cruise offers a different Murray experience, letting you see the vast river from the perspective of the Yorta Yorta peoples.

    If you’re a watersport enthusiast, Lake Mulwala in Yarrawonga is a favourite for canoeing, cruising, fishing, kayaking and water skiing. While the silo murals at Katamatite, St James, Tungamah and more recently Waaia are essential stops in Victoria’s famed Silo Art Trail.

    In Cobram Barooga, make sure to visit Thompson’s Beach, the largest inland beach in the southern hemisphere. Nearby, the Bullanginya Dreaming project is an award-winning 1.8km immersive art experience that immerses you in light and sound to tell a rich story of country, culture and connection.

    Start planning a tasty getaway to Sun Country on The Murray at suncountryonthemurray.com.au.