Top 10 hotels, B&Bs and campsites in Melbourne and beyond
Alto Hotel, Melbourne
Alto Hotel’s neo-baroque facade might be an unfamiliar sight in Australian cities but the striking frontage belies the property’s true significance. Alto was the first inner-city Melbourne hotel to receive the coveted EarthCheck silver certification, and has since won a number of sustainability awards; green credentials include renewably sourced energy, rooftop beehives for honey and electric-car hire. There’s also free Wi-Fi, complementary fair- trade espresso in the guest lounge and a bunch of superior in-room entertainment options. All this in the heart of Melbourne, a short walk from both Spencer Street and the central shopping district.
636 Bourke Street, +61 3 8608 5500, altohotel.com.au. Doubles from A$158 (£92)
Punthill Manhattan apartment hotel, Melbourne
Experience urban living at the Punthill Manhattan apartment hotel, nestled in the heart of Sydney
Distinctly located within Melbourne's bustling business district, the Punthill Manhattan, a charming boutique hotel, calls a former nondescript storehouse home. This snug retreat is nestled in a comparably tranquil location, delivering straightforward accessibility to a smorgasbord of pubs and specialty boutiques tucked away past Collins street's labyrinth of alleyways. For sport fans, the southeast sports stadiums are within easy reach. Theatre enthusiasts will find proximity to the Princess and Regent theatres advantageous. And if the allure of these attractions wavers, Flinders Street's bustling transport hub is only a stone's throw away. This modest establishment harbours secrets behind its quiet facade - the oozing charm of its rooms which sport a design inspired by the timeless architecture of Manhattan. The convenience of a fully-furnished kitchen accompanies every apartment, a handy retreat for times when the bustling city feels overwhelming.
Location: 57 Flinders Lane, Tel: +61 3 9659 3788, Website: punthill.com.au. Room rates are subject to changes. Currently, the starting rate for a one-bedroom apartment is AU$162 (£95) per night, with special offers for extended stays.
Robinsons in the City B&B, West Melbourne
Nestled in West Melbourne’s historical belt, the Robinsons in the City B&B is a must-visit retreat for history buffs and leisure seekers alike.
This exceptional abode, converted from a bakery established in the 1850s, stands tall on the western periphery of the bustling business district. The spirit of the bygone era is implicitly captured, untold yet palpable, within the intricate architecture of the locale. The owners, Paul Humphreys and Tish Black, are veterans in the hospitality scene, introducing an elevated layer of finesse to the cosy bed and breakfast experience.
Enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep in the very rooms where the original inhabitants once resided. Your mornings will be marked by appetising breakfasts served amid the vintage charm of the old brick bakery. The locale is also spoilt for choice when it comes to cafes, with colourful new additions sprouting up in the vicinity. To indulge in a revered Melbourne experience, you can choose to wander up the local cliffs to the famous Queen Victoria Market.
Visit us at 405 Spencer Street, or call us at +61 3 9329 2552, or find out more at ritc.com.au. Our room rates start from A$155 (£91).
Not only is the Robinsons in the City B&B steeped in history, but it also offers an immersive experience of the blooming Melbourne cafe culture. It's a perfect place for those seeking a slice of history, gastronomic delights, and the thrill of urban exploration, all amidst the serene backdrop of a vintage retreat.
Heath Terrace, Port Melbourne
Tucked away in the lesser-known suburb of Port Melbourne, lies the Heath Terrace
This portion of Melbourne may not be the first to come to a typical traveler's mind, making it a hidden treasure for those in the know. You can enjoy the luxury of this three-bedroom property, ideal for six adults, at rates starting from a surprisingly reasonable A$372 (£219) a night. The Heath Terrace boasts an authentic Melbourne experience with its traditional brick structure, generous renewed living spaces, and serene spacious bedrooms. Those who pick this spot will also be surprised by its proximity to the bustling High Street. Start your morning with a delightful cup of coffee from Balderdash Cafe followed by a meal composed of rustic gourmet pies from Pure Pie. Just a short stroll away, you'll find the 109 tram, which will whisk you away to the heart of the city in under 10 minutes.
Located at 35 Heath Street, +61 3 9530 8854, boutiquestays.com.au. Prices start from A$372 (£219) for a single night, with discounted rates for extended stays. Accommodates six people
Tolarno Hotel, St Kilda
Explore St Kilda, Melbourne's art scene at the Tolarno Hotel
Known as a venue rich in local culture and art, the Tolarno Hotel is an elegantly curated boutique hotel that takes pride in promoting the works of budding artists from Melbourne. Partnership with three local universities has enabled the hotel to sponsor various art prizes, making every room a hub of creativity, styled individually and adorned with a remarkable piece of art. For a sophisticated dining experience, the hotel offers Guy Grossi's Mirka Continental Bistro, renowned for its culinary delight. Embark on a more explorative journey by experiencing St Kilda's uniquely diverse esplanade, just a few steps away from the hotel.
Contact: 42 Fitzroy Street, +61 3 9537 0200, tolarnohotel.com.au. Room rates start at A$155 (£91) per night
Thai Villas, Daylesford
Thai Villas, Daylesford, north-west of Melbourne
Daylesford, 115km north-west of Melbourne, has long been known as “spa country” – a place for city slickers to relax and let themselves be pampered for a weekend. But in more recent times the town has matured, offering a more diverse range of accommodation. These quiet, private villas are a prime example, their cool, dark furnishings summoning the earthy spirituality of Bali but balanced with the comforts required in the Victorian countryside: large fireplaces, deep leather couches, generous bedding. Daylesford itself hangs on to its range of bathhouses – most famous being the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, which offers both private and public areas – but a number of award-winning restaurants have also moved in. For coffee, hit Buffalo Girls Coffee Bar in Duke Street, while dinner is all about Kazuki’s on Camp Street.
7 King Street, +61 3 5348 1448, dabs.com.au. Two villas, both sleeping two, are available from A$174 (£101) a night (two-night minimum)
Foreshore Camping, Sorrento
Coastal Camping Experience, Sorrento, Australia
Only an hour's tranquil drive from Melbourne around Port Phillip Bay will lead you to the delightful haven of Sorrento's Foreshore campgrounds - a top location for seaside camping near Melbourne. Sorrento offers a unique variety of coastal pleasures, from laid-back foreshore relaxing to invigorating surf exploration on the other side of the peninsula. It's also an ideal launch point for further area exploration being an upmarket, charming town. To kickstart your day, treat yourself to a robust coffee at the renowned Stringers Stores on Ocean Beach Road, and wind down with sumptuous tapas from the Three Palms after an adventurous day. Other than its lively food scene, Sorrento is known for its vibrant arts community and iconic limestone buildings.
Sorrento’s Foreshore camping site can be found at 3176 Point Nepean Road. To personally inquire, you can contact them at +61 3 5950 1011, or visit their official website at mornpen.vic.gov.au/Leisure_Tourism. It's open for thrill-seekers from October 26th to April 27th, with rates beginning from just $A26 (£15) a night. The site offers an unforgettable experience of waking up to the calming sound of waves and ends the day with enchanting dusk over an ocean horizon.
Rosebud Motel, Tootgarook
For those who appreciate a tranquil retreat amidst spectacular coastal surrounds, the Rosebud Motel Tootgarook offers a perfect getaway. With its prime location in the seaside Tootgarook suburb of Victoria, it boasts access to stunning beaches and impressive local attractions.
Queenscliff Inn, Queenscliff
Queenscliff Inn, Queenscliff, Australia
Queenscliff packs more variety in terms of accommodation than some of the glitzier destinations dotted around the far reaches of Port Phillip Bay. It means the 80-minute drive from Melbourne turns up gems like the Queenscliff Inn, which is both comfortable and affordable. Apart from a short stint as a private residence, this has always been a guesthouse, the inn hanging on to its 111-year history via original awnings, leadlight glass and shared bathrooms. For a lazy brunch head out of town to Piknik on Queenscliff Road, and while away your evening on the Blues Train, which steams out of Queenscliff railway station every Friday and Saturday night from August to May, with live music in each of its four carriages.
59 Hesse Street, +61 3 5258 4600, queenscliffinn.com.au. Doubles from A$130 (£76), but the inn regularly has special offers
Neds Gully campground, Cathedral Range state park
Cathedral Range State Park: A Secluded Gem
If you're looking for a quality, slice of solitude not far from Melbourne, Cathedral Range presents an enticing prospect. The beauty of this state park has risen from the ashes of the devastating Black Saturday bushfires that engulfed it in early 2009. Today, it stands as a testament to the resilience of the Australian bush, showing nature's remarkable ability to bounce back. This park offers a versatile experience - find tranquillity by the river with relaxing bush walks or take on the rugged Wells Cave Track. The journey to get there is an adventure in itself. Embark on a 90-minute eastward drive from Melbourne through some of Victoria's most fertile winemaking regions, a testament to the state's rich viticultural history. For further enquiries, you can reach out at +61 3 8627 4700, or visit parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/cathedral-range-state-park. You can pitch your tent for A$17.60 (£10) per night for two. However, make sure to pack everything needed for the hike in, as vehicles can't reach the campsite.
Tidal River Cabins, Wilsons Promontory national park
National Park of Wilsons Promontory
One could argue that the finest log cabin encounter in the beautiful land of Australia lies in the ultra-modernistic shacks nestled within the region. These havens provide the perfect accommodation for up to six individuals. However, considering the peaceful solitude of the park's placement a near two-hour journey south-eastward from Melbourne, treating yourself to a tranquil romantic retreat could definitely be worthwhile. The grandeur of gigantic transparent sliding doors allows the seamless blend of the impeccably detailed living quarters, with the encompassing verdant wilderness. Wilsons Promontory's sandy shorelines rank highly among Australia's finest, featuring abundant sands that lead to towering granite hills. Here, comfort and solitude harmoniously coexist in a pristine setting. To book your stay, call on +61 3 5680 9555, or visit parks.vic.gov.au. Each cabin per night for two starts from £108, with an extra £17 per person for any additional guests. Notably, for the five weeks spanning Christmas to the close of January, a summer ballot is in implementation. A minimum stay of two nights is required during weekends. The breathtaking landscape and luxury cabins promise an unforgettable experience.