06 November 2024
13 mins Read
Amid the rolling hills and premium vineyards of Victoria’s Yarra Valley, a myriad of accommodations awaits every traveller. From a grand chateau to a cosy loft, boutique winery, funky farmhouse, pet-friendly cottage, or off-grid bush hideaway, we’ve got you covered when it comes to Yarra Valley accommodation.
Wineries are an integral part of the Yarra Valley, so what could be more appealing than sleeping amongst the vines?
Soumah is renowned for its lively wines and buzzy trattoria specialising in long lunches on the deck, It’s tucked into undulating foothills at the end of a quintessential country lane, a short drive from Healesville. And there are five elegant villas ranging from one to four bedrooms just moments away from the cellar door.
Soumah is a well-loved location for long lunches. (Image: Visit Victoria)
With spectacular vineyard views, chef-inspired kitchens, and outdoor spaces with fireplaces it’s quite possible to spend an entire short break here without leaving the property. Villa Sophia even has a bocce court.
Relax in one of the elegant villas that overlook the vineyard.
Best for: Friends, couples, and lovers of Northern Italy wine and food.
Address: 18 Hexham Rd, Gruyere
After partially being destroyed by fire in 2020, this icon of the valley has surpassed its former glory following a $7 million refurb.
Balgownie Estate boasts chic suites set on a winery.
Sprawling over 30 hectares, Balgownie Estate is an exclusive property a heartbeat away from everything the Yarra Valley has to offer.
The rustic-luxe retreat is sequestered within lush greenery. (Image: Visit Victoria)
The generously sized suites boast a fancy yet relaxed vibe and are designed using an earthy palette for guests to unwind and take in the surrounding beauty.
Experience relaxed living in the Yarra Valley countryside.
With an Endota Spa onsite, there’s plenty of pampering on offer, the cellar door has a range of tastings (including a wine and chocolate combo), and Restaurant 1309 serves exquisite meals focusing on local produce all day, every day.
Each suite is equipped with a full kitchen.
Best for: Accessible travel, romantic stays, pampering, special occasions
Address: 1309 Melba Hwy, Yarra Glen
When a place is family-owned and run, it adds that special touch of homeliness. Set amongst the vines of a working winery, an olive grove and a pretty orchard, Belaradah at Stefani Estate features two-bedroom, two-bathroom open-plan units that offer scope for up to eight people.
Stefani Estate is set amongst the vines of a working winery.
Each unit is contemporary in design with picture windows, a well-equipped kitchen, a wood fire and a large deck, perfect for enjoying a glass of fine estate wine. A short drive to Yarra Valley must-dos such as Healesville Sanctuary and TarraWarra Museum of Art, in addition to several wineries and restaurants.
Contemporary design meets comfort at Belaradah.
Best for: Holidays with friends, small families, couples, pet-friendly
Address: 711 Old Healesville Rd, Healesville
Grandeur meets innovation, rustic meets sleek, luxe in the Yarra Valley is all about a sense of place.
This 16-suite luxurious boutique hotel is the latest addition to the much-loved Helen and Joey Estate winery, and a welcome addition to the Yarra Valley accommodation scene.
Re’em is all about a sense of place. (Image: Hugh Davidson)
Nestled into 80 hectares of manicured vineyards and gardens Re’em is a destination within itself, but close enough to other attractions of the valley.
Each suite exudes relaxed luxury with a tub to soak in while admiring the view. (Image: Hugh Davidson)
Modernistic in style, rooms designed for two people are generous in size, with freestanding tubs in the ensuites, and either a balcony or patio to inhale the spectacular views.
Opt for indoor dining overlooking the vines. (Image: Hugh Davidson)
Take a seat in a booth at the swish restaurant to feast on an Asian-inspired menu crafted by head chef Abe Yang.
Dine in style at Re’em. (Image: Hugh Davidson)
Best for: Special occasions, weddings, food lovers, accessibility travel
Address: 12-14 Spring Ln, Gruyere
Dating back to 1854, Chateau Yering is deservedly the grand dame of the Yarra Valley. Set within a rambling country garden, each of the 32 sumptuous suites has a private balcony and is individually decorated with fine antiques, plump cushions, and exquisite artwork creating the feel of being in someone’s home rather than a hotel.
Experience the refined elegance of a stay at the Chateau Yering Hotel.
Eleonore’s Restaurant, in the original dining room, serves a seasonal degustation menu highlighting regional fare, and breakfast for in-house guests is in the pretty conservatory-style Sweetwater Café overlooking the garden.
Relax in the elegant drawing room at Chateau Yering. (Image: Visit Victoria)
In prime location (after all it was one of the first buildings in the area), Yarra Glen is moments away and Yering Station, Victoria’s first winery is right next door.
Treat yourself to the Yering Suite, a split-level, apartment-size suite.
Best for: Romantic getaways, weddings, corporate gatherings
Address: 42 Melba Hwy, Yering
A slice of Europe without an international air ticket, no ‘stone’ is left unturned here when it comes to atmosphere, pampering and the finest of hospitality.
You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Tuscany when you arrive at Meletos.
Overlooking the vineyards, each of the 22 rooms in the Meletos Farmhouse at Stones of the Yarra Valley is curated with timeless pieces of provincial furniture, artwork and soft furnishings lovingly sourced from around the world.
Take in spectacular vineyard views from your window.
On the northern side of the 80-hectare property, a five-bedroom self-contained villa is straight out of a picture book. Stones is only a 10-minute drive from Yarra Glen.
Stay at the Stones of the Yarra Valley for a slice of Europe.
Best for: Romantic getaways, groups of friends, weddings, corporate gatherings, adults only
Address: 14 St Huberts Rd, Coldstream
Fancy living like a local? Try one of these cottages.
Family-owned for over four generations Yarrawalla Vineyard Cottage overlooks the vineyard in one direction and a herd of Black Angus cattle grazing on lush green grass in the other.
Yarrawalla Vineyard Cottage is surrounded by lush greenery.
With polished floorboards, a country-style kitchen, two Queen sized bedrooms and a sofa bed in the sunroom, there’s room for up to five guests. Help yourself to produce from the veggie garden, catch the sunrise or sunset on the front or back deck, and enjoy snuggling by the wood fire on cool nights.
The cottage is equipped with a kitchen and dining area.
The cottage is within walking distance of wineries with restaurants, and a 10-minute drive to Healesville and Healesville Sanctuary.
The outdoor deck is a cosy spot for relaxing.
Best for: families (childminding can be arranged), couples travelling together
Address: 13/15 Maddens Ln, Gruyere
Yering Gorge Cottages are set against the Christmas Hills in a nook where the bush meets the Yarra River, less than a 10-minute drive from Yarra Glen.
Meet the resident roos. (Image: Visit Victoria)
The cottages are perfect for self-catering, with eight one-bedrooms, a couple of two-bedders (can be booked adjoining or separately), a three-bedroom villa and one and two designated accessible cottages hidden within a 50-hectare reserve with wombats, echidnas, kangaroos and mega birdlife as neighbours.
Yering Gorge Cottages offer views over the valley’s scenic landscape. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Next door to a 27-hole championship golf course designed by Greg Norman also makes it a dream for golfers.
The Eastern Golf Club runs alongside the Yarra River. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Best for: Accessible travel, small or large family or friend groups, golf enthusiasts
Address: 215 Victoria Rd, Yering
Who doesn’t love a great B&B? Here are a couple of the Yarra Valley’s best in the biz.
It would be hard to find a more picturesque setting than Nissen Hut a B&B part of the Glenlowren collective, set within a 100-acre working farm.
Nissen Hut has a distinctive arched roof.
Perched overlooking a small lake, the historic hut is distinctively recognisable in structure but totally transformed into a luxurious two-bedroom (ensuites) with open plan living oozing charm.
The historic hut is tucked away in divine seclusion on the Glenlowran Estate. (Image: Ben Frazer)
Generous farmhouse goodies are provided for a ‘cook your own’ style breakfast. Nissen Hut is less than a 20-minute drive from attractions, wineries, restaurants and cafes.
The accommodation stands out with its curved nterior. (Image: Sarah from Kindred Photography)
Best for: Couples travelling together, romantic getaways, trout fishers,
Address: 281 Bottings Ln, Dixons Creek
Set on a bend in a billabong, teeming with birds and native wildlife, The Burrow is a place to embrace nature, soothe the soul and feel inspired. It is hidden from civilisation on Dixon’s Creek, ten minutes from Yarra Glen.
Wildlife lovers get first-class seats to this view with a stay at The Burrow at Wombat Bend. (Image: Sue Forrester)
The mud-brick cottage has a homely vibe with pure linen bedding, a fire pit for toasting marshmallows and a country kitchen for cooking up a storm. Pre-ordered chef cook meals can be organised, the breakfast goodies are generous and picking the garden veggies encouraged.
Rustic charm fills the interior of this mud-brick cottage. (Image: John Murray)
Best for: solo travellers, nature lovers, writer’s retreat, sustainable travel
Address: 200 Beachs Ln, Dixons Creek
Point of difference is a signature of Yarra Valley accommodation, and hotels and retreats are no exception.
The Yarra Valley Grand Hotel is an iconic National Trust building still going strong since first opening as a pub in 1888. The rooms and suites in the historic part of the hotel are decorated in period style.
Opt for a classic stay at this historic hotel.
The piece de resistance for a special occasion is the Tower Suite which takes in three levels with a library and access to the top balcony for 360-degree views over the Yarra Valley.
The hotel is equipped with elegant furnishings.
Meals are hearty pub style with country weekly specials like ‘parma and pot’ and curry night. Separate from the hotel, the four-bedroom manager’s house has a swimming pool, log fire and full-size kitchen.
Dine on hearty pub-style meals.
Best for: couples, friends travelling together, history buffs, celebrations
Address: 19 Bell St Service Rd, Yarra Glen
Shhhhh this is a secret hideaway. Sitting high almost touching the clouds, each of the two self-contained sumptuous cabins at Kangaroo Ridge Retreat comes with jaw-dropping views. Designed in earthy tones using mud-brick and timber, a vacay here is all about chilling out and recharging.
Kangaroo Ridge Retreat is a rustic holiday haven.
There’s an in-retreat wine bar stocked with hand-selected local vintages, gourmet regional fare in the larder and a turntable at the ready to play the collection of vinyl for dancing, or listening to while soaking in the spa bath, or sitting by the log fire. For an added indulgence, arrive by helicopter.
This sleek stay overlooks the rolling hills.
Believe it or not, the accommodation is a short drive from Healesville.
Rooms are designed to promote relaxation and well-being.
Best for: Solitude, romantic escape, special occasions, adults only
Address: 38 Turners Ln, Healesville
This mainstay of Yarra Valley accommodation is well-loved by travellers of all ages and stages. Simplistic, yet elegant in design everything you need is right here.
The resort is spacious with an elegant aesthetic.
The Michael Clayton-designed 18-hole golf course is a drawcard for golfers, then there’s the floodlit tennis courts, a 25-metre swimming pool, lawn bowls, croquet and bocce. Young kids will love the jumping pillow and adventure playground, and parents the pampering at One Spa.
Treat yourself to a soothing dip.
Guest rooms are spacious, with views over the mountains, garden or golf course. The elegant Banyalla restaurant showcases regional produce, and the more casual Riddell’s Green is perfect for an up-market family-friendly dining experience.
Dine on regional produce at the on-site restaurant.
Best for: golfers, families, couples, friends travelling together, weddings, corporate gatherings, accessible travel
Address: 22 Healesville-Kinglake Rd, Healesville
The Yarra Valley is overflowing with natural beauty, and under canvas is a great way to connect with the environment.
This is one seriously creative holiday park. There are cabins that sleep up to eight decked out in various ways like retro, contemporary, wheelchair accessible and studio style. For something quirky, a couple of retired Melbourne W Class trams have been lovingly restored and transformed into a luxe experience for eight with ensuites, a full kitchen and a private hot tub.
The park offers powered and unpowered sites for larger groups.
Glamping pods are for two or a family style, one with an ensuite, and a range of powered and unpowered sites are scattered within nature. There’s a licensed kiosk onsite, as well as two camp kitchens and fire pits, and a paradise for kids with a giant jumping pad, pump track for bikes, recreation room, playground, swimming pool and tennis court.
Kids can play at the giant jumping pad.
Surrounded by bush with Badger Creek running alongside, the park is a five-minute drive to Healesville for the Healesville Sanctuary, shopping, restaurants and cafes.
You’ll also find stylish glamping tents.
Best for: families, accessible travel, couples,
Address: 419 Don Rd, Healesville
The equivalent of Airbnb for camping, Hipcamp, a USA initiative, is starting to make a splash in Australia. The two hectares of grassy level land framed by shady trees and a vineyard has five sites with plenty of space for kids (big and small) to explore. There’s a winery for tastings and food a short walk away, and plenty of hiking trails nearby.
Hipcamp lets you stay next to lush vineyards.
Already rated as a verified ‘star host’ Robert H people are discovering this style of accommodation as an enlightening and sustainable way of travelling. Hicamp is hidden from the world, but only a five-minute drive to Lilydale for supermarkets, restaurants and services.
You can set up either your caravan or tent.
Best for: Travellers with a sense of adventure. BYO tent, caravan, camper trailer etc. Totally off-grid with no potable water, power or bathroom facilities. Pet-friendly, families, sustainable tourism
Address: 600 Thonemans Road, Hoddles Creek
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