*Denotes local charge
*Denotes local charge
Set in two acres of heritage gardens, this boutique country house is the perfect secluded retreat within a stone's throw from a sublime sandy beach. It's a historic homestead owned and run by a family, with personal touches and a nostalgic design that make it instantly welcoming. An ideal base for exploring the local flora and fauna in the Phillip Island Nature Park, each fully air-conditioned room has an en suite bathroom, and tea and coffee making facilities.
Along the coastal route between Sydney and Melbourne, the Gippsland Lakes is an ideal stopover point, offering a reposeful surrounding and a great location for water-based activities. With access to two national parks, this collection of inland waterways is brilliant for exploration on foot. Take a walk along Ninety Mile Beach, one of the world’s longest, unspoilt stretches of sand, and go on a nature trail and try to spot kangaroos in the bush or dolphins in the sea. The Lakes are also loved for its fishing and water activities such as waterskiing, kayaking and scuba diving. At the hotel, there are clean and modern rooms with standard amenities, plus a range of one to three-bedroom apartments that are perfect for groups and families. Apartments include a fully functioning kitchen and a balcony. Stop by the Illuka day spa for calming treatments using Aveda products.
A quaint and cosy mountain retreat on the Sydney to Melbourne route, Walhalla’s Star Hotel’s main draw is its nostalgic character. Without a single television in sight and limited Wi-Fi connectivity in this rural setting, it really is a chance to escape modern life for a few days. There are 12 rooms, each named after some of the local gold mines that propelled the town into prosperity 150 years ago. The high-ceilinged rooms are gracefully infused with the country charm that is found across the whole property. Browse through the books in the library and immerse yourself in this slower pace of life. The town, home to around just 20 residents, is rich with wonderfully preserved heritage buildings. Tour the gold mine or go hiking in the mountains for a nature-led stay, before settling down in a homely armchair in the lounge with a drink from the honesty bar.
Just an hour’s drive from Melbourne sits this picturesque lake retreat in the form of a charming Victorian manor house. A total of only ten rooms creates a serene atmosphere for guests, with six of the rooms overlooking the lake. Lakeside Chalets offer complete privacy – there’s a lounge and dining area where you can enjoy breakfast delivered to your door, a two-person spa bath and double vanity in the en-suite bathroom. The private deck juts out over the water, giving you the best seats in the house. Enjoy high tea, a popular tradition at Woodman Estate, with sandwiches and scones served with the resort’s own award-winning jams and preserves. Guests driving to and from the hotel can also explore the rest of the peninsula and its greatest offering: local food and drink. The Mornington Peninsula’s vineyards are some of the best in the country for Pinot Noir and with over 50 wineries with cellar doors, you can try several varieties. Stop by cafés selling artisanal food or one of the area’s five Chef’s Hats restaurant, or pick your own cherries (mid-November to mid-January) and strawberries (November to April) on a local farm (at extra cost).
Glen Isla House, Cowes, Phillip Island
Walhalla's Star Hotel
Woodman Estate, Mornington Peninsula
