Top Bendigo hotels for a unique stay

From art-themed boutique stays to vineyard glamping, here’s your guide to the top Bendigo hotels to book for your next stay.

Researching a trip to Bendigo? There are plenty of Bendigo hotels to choose from when you’re planning your next getaway to Central Victoria. Whether you’re travelling solo on a business trip, organising a fun trip with your family or getting out of town for a romantic weekend, we’ve made it easy for you with this list of top Bendigo hotels.

Hotel Ernest

Only 100 or so metres from wine bars, restaurants, cafes and the Bendigo Art Gallery, this classy boutique hotel will delight art aficionados. Housed in what was once the oldest bank in Bendigo, each of the ten rooms and suites is a unique space that has been thoughtfully designed with art in mind.

a look inside the bedroom suite of Bendigo Ernest Hotel — Each room is equipped with thoughtfully appointed amenities.

Featuring the works of artists like Robin Wallace-Crabbe and James Meldrum, every room is equipped with a Smart TV with Netflix, Nespresso coffeemaker (including coffee pods from Melbourne roaster Padre) and deluxe bathroom amenities by Salus. If you value a personal touch and the finer things in life – you’ll enjoy Hotel Ernest.

Bendigo Ernest Hotel artworks — Artworks by Melbourne Studio School director Richard Birmingham and Archibald finalist David Bromley adorn the walls of the hotel.

Want to know more? Read our review of Hotel Ernest.

Balgownie Estate

Treat yourself to award-winning drops of wine, exceptional culinary experiences and a peaceful sleep under a star-filled sky while glamping at Bendigo’s oldest working winery. Just 10 minutes from central Bendigo, Balgownie Estate has everything you need for a good time in one handy place: bell tents complete with a private deck, a lauded fine dining restaurant and a cellar door offering tastings, cheese boards and charcuterie. Not a fan of glamping? Book into a Hermitage House room or cottage instead.

Glamping at Balgownie Bendigo Winery — Sleep under a star-filled sky while glamping at Bendigo’s oldest working winery.

The Stables at Byronsvale

Just seven kilometres from central Bendigo, this modest, historic winery fringed by woodlands is a serene spot to unwind in comfort away from the sounds of the city. The stone stables once housed Clydesdale horses but have now been transformed into three, self-contained apartments featuring fully-equipped kitchens and luxe soft furnishings.

By day, walk along the bush tracks nearby, where you’ll likely see kangaroos, echidnas and flocks of loud and colourful native birdlife. After dark, spark up a conversation with your hosts and other guests by the firepit with a glass of Byronsvale shiraz.

the bedroom interior inside The Stables at Byronsvale — The former stables were transformed into three, self-contained apartments.

Oval Motel Bendigo

This classic motel’s retro neon sign harks back to simpler times when the regional road trip was king. Run by a friendly local couple who take pride in offering guests a comfortable stay, the Oval Motel’s central location on a main road means you can easily access Bendigo’s attractions.

Perfect for budget-conscious travellers (families and groups will appreciate the triple room with bunk beds), this clean, affordable, welcoming motel gets the job done. Having a parking spot right outside your room is pretty handy too!

a beach-inspired bedroom suite in Oval Motel Bendigo — The rooms at The Oval Motel are bright and comfortable. (Image: Chris Jack Photography)

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

Bendigo Big 4 Marong Holiday Park

Looking for the ultimate school holiday getaway? Young ones (and the young at heart) will love spending a few nights in a two-bedroom safari tent at Bendigo Big 4 Marong Holiday Park. Complete with a kitchenette, bathroom, Smart TV and split system heating and cooling, this safari tent is a stay for all seasons.

one of the glamping tents at BIG4 Bendigo Marong Holiday Park — Their glamping tent is a perfect place to get away for an off-grid stay.

Relax indoors in the lounge room while watching a movie and or kick back in the hammock on the verandah with a cool drink. While there’s plenty to see and do in Bendigo, the holiday park’s solar-heated pool, spa, basketball court, flying fox and giant chess set will keep your kids entertained for days.

a sofa facing the tv beside an open window inside the glamping tent at BIG4 Bendigo Marong Holiday Park — Complete with modern amenities, the holiday park promises a comfortable stay.

Mercure Bendigo Schaller

Business travellers will appreciate this modern hotel’s compact rooms complete with fast Wi-Fi, work desk, coffee machine, microwave and private balcony.

Unique artworks by celebrated Melbourne painter Mark Schaller provide splashes of colour to the rooms, while convenient all-day dining at the Pantry Cafe and & Bar downstairs means you can grab a bite to eat without leaving the property.

a buffet selection at the restaurant in Mercure Bendigo Schaller — Drop by the restaurant for a buffet treat.

Craving a pub feed? Burgers, steaks and roasts (and a chilled glass of beer or wine, of course) can be found at the Rising Sun Hotel, only a few minutes’ walk away.

Mercure Bendigo Schaller — Unique artworks by celebrated Melbourne painter Mark Schaller adorn the walls.

Quest Bendigo Central

Whether you’re planning a short stay or extended break, Quest Bendigo Central is a top option for travellers searching for a home away from home while in Bendigo.

Featuring spacious studios, as well as one, two and three-bedroom apartments equipped with kitchens, TVs with Foxtel and plenty of natural light, scale up or down depending on how much space you need.

the interior of Quest Bendigo Central's one-bedroom apartment with a window — Wake up to scenic views of the verdant landscape surrounding the hotel.

Pro tip: if you’re travelling with a group and love to cook, the three-bedroom apartment has an oven, cooktop, dishwasher, full-size fridge and large dining table perfect for entertaining.

a kitchen complete with modern amenities — You may opt to prepare your meals inside the apartment.

Regardless of your room type, all guests have access to an al fresco barbecue area and outdoor swimming pool to take the edge off Bendigo’s hot, dry summers.

an outdoor pool at Quest Bendigo Central — Chill out in the outdoor pool.

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The Residence at Mackenzie Quarters

If you’re planning a weekend away in Bendigo with your friends or family, this spacious, historic property has absolutely everything you need for a memorable break.

While staying here you’ll have the whole residence to yourself. With five bedrooms, two bathrooms, study, pergola, landscaped outdoor area (with firepit) and a rumpus room for the kids, there’s plenty of room to move at Mackenzie Quarters.

a cosy seating area inside The Residence at Mackenzie Quarters — Relax on the couch while sipping a glass of wine.

Located right in the middle of the Bendigo CBD, you’ve got some of Bendigo’s best restaurants right on your doorstep. Want a quiet night in? Gather around the pool table to shoot some pool or relax by the gas log fire heater in the formal lounge with a glass of local vino.

a bedroom with a cosy seating area with a fireplace inside The Residence at Mackenzie Quarters — Rest by the fireplace to keep yourself warm.

Langley Estate

Be transported back to the early 1900s with a stay at Bendigo’s historic Langley Estate. This grand, Federation-era mansion surrounded by just over two acres of gardens has many noteworthy heritage features including a majestic staircase and original stained-glass windows. This estate is the perfect place to slow down and take it easy.

Go for a ramble around the property’s peaceful grounds or head to the Bendigo Botanical Gardens which are only a 15-minute walk away. Pay a little extra to start the morning with eggs, bacon, seasonal fruit, yoghurt and more served in the stately Breakfast Dining Room – much more enjoyable than gulping down a takeaway coffee and croissant in your car!

the beautiful exterior of Langley Estate in Bendigo, VIC — Langley Estate is an iconic property surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens.

Are you dreaming of a romantic getaway or perhaps heading to Bendigo for a business trip? We’ve got you covered! Check out our ultimate travel guide to Bendigo for the top things to do, must-try restaurants and epic pubs and bars.

Abandoned mills and forgotten paper plants are finding second lives – and helping redefine a city long underestimated.

Just 15 years ago, Federal Mills was a very different place. Once among the most significant industrial sites in Victoria, the historic woollen mill was one of a dozen that operated in Geelong at the industry’s peak in the mid-20th century, helping the city earn its title as ‘wool centre of the world’. But by the 1960s global competition and the rise of synthetic fabrics led to the slow decline of the industry, and Federal Mills finally shuttered its doors in 2001. Within a few years, the abandoned North Geelong grounds had become makeshift pastoral land, with cows and goats grazing among the overgrown grass between the empty red-brick warehouses. It was a forgotten pocket of the city, all but two klicks from the bustle of the CBD.

Geelong cellar door wine bar — Geelong has shed its industrial identity to become an innovative urban hub with reimagined heritage spaces. (Image: Ash Hughes)

Federal Mills: from forgotten factory to creative precinct

Today, the century-old complex stands reborn. The distinctive sawtooth-roof buildings have been sensitively restored. An old silo is splashed with a bright floral mural, landscapers have transformed the grounds, and the precinct is once again alive with activity. More than 1000 people work across 50-plus businesses here. It’s so busy, in fact, that on a sunny Thursday morning in the thick of winter, it’s hard to find a car park. The high ceilings, open-plan design, and large multi-paned windows – revolutionary features for factories of their time – have again become a drawcard.

Paddock Bakery andPatisserie — Paddock Bakery and Patisserie is housed within the historic wool factory. (Image: Gallant Lee)

At Paddock, one of the precinct’s newer tenants, weaving looms and dye vats have been replaced by a wood-fired brick oven and heavy-duty mixers. Open since April 2024, the bakery looks right at home here; the building’s industrial shell is softened by ivy climbing its steel frames, and sunlight streams through the tall windows. Outside, among the white cedar trees, families at picnic benches linger over dippy eggs and bagels, while white-collar workers pass in and out, single-origin coffee and crème brûlée doughnuts in hand.

Geelong: Australia’s only UNESCO City of Design

Paddock Bakery can be found at Federal Mills. (Image: Gallant Lee)

“A lot of people are now seeing the merit of investing in Geelong,” says Paul Traynor, the head of Hamilton Hospitality Group, which redeveloped Federal Mills. A city once shunned as Sleepy Hollow, and spurned for its industrial, working-class roots and ‘rust belt’ image, Geelong has long since reclaimed its ‘Pivot City’ title, having reinvented itself as an affordable, lifestyle-driven satellite city, and a post-COVID migration hotspot.

And the numbers stand testament to the change. In March 2025, and for the first time in its history, Greater Geelong became Australia’s most popular regional town for internal migration, overtaking Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Current forecasts suggest Geelong will continue to outpace many other Australian cities and towns, with jobs growing at double the rate of the population.

Tourism is booming, too. The 2023-24 financial year was Geelong and The Bellarine region’s busiest on record, with 6.4 million visitors making it one of the fastest-growing destinations in the country. It’s not hard to see why: beyond the city’s prime positioning at the doorstep of the Great Ocean Road, Geelong’s tenacity and cultural ambition stands out.

As Australia’s only UNESCO City of Design, Geelong is swiftly shaking off its industrial past to become a model for urban renewal, innovation, sustainability and creative communities. The signs are everywhere, from the revitalisation of the city’s waterfront, and the landmark design of the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre and Geelong Arts Centre, to the growing network of local designers, architects and artists, and the burgeoning roster of festivals and events. That’s not even mentioning the adaptive reuse of storied old industrial buildings – from Federal Mills, to Little Creatures’ brewery ‘village’ housed within a 1920s textile mill – or the city’s flourishing food and wine scene.

The rise of a food and wine destination

Restaurant 1915 is housed within a restored former boiler house. (Image: Harry Pope/Two Palms)

Traynor credits now-closed local restaurant Igni, which opened in 2016, as the turning point for Geelong’s hospo industry. “[Aaron Turner, Igni’s chef-patron] was probably the first guy, with all due respect, to raise the bar food-wise for Geelong,” he says. “People now treat it really seriously, and there’s clearly a market for it.” While Igni is gone, Turner now helms a string of other notable Geelong venues, including The Hot Chicken Project and Tacos y Liquor, all within the buzzy, street art-speckled laneways of the CBD’s Little Malop Street Precinct. Many others have also popped up in Igni’s wake, including Federal Mills’ own restaurant, 1915. Housed within the cavernous boiler house, 1915’s interior is dramatic: soaring, vaulted ceilings with timber beams, exposed brick, a huge arched window. The share plates echo the space’s bold character, playing with contrast and texture, with dishes such as a compressed watermelon tataki, the sweet, juicy squares tempered by salty strands of fried leeks, and charred, smoky snow peas dusted with saganaki on a nutty bed of romesco.

The Woolstore, one of The Hamilton Group’s most recent hospo projects, opened in February. It occupies a century-old riverside warehouse and exudes a more sultry, fine dining ambience. Much like Federal Mills, the blueprint was to preserve the original brickwork, tallowwood flooring and nods to the building’s former life. That same careful consideration extends to the well-versed, affable waitstaff as well as the kitchen. Head chef Eli Grubb is turning out an eclectic mix of ambitious and indulgent mod Oz dishes that deliver: strikingly tender skewers of chicken tsukune, infused with hints of smoke from the parrilla grill, and glazed with a moreish, sweet gochujang ‘jam’; nduja arancini fragrant with hints of aniseed and the earthy lick of sunny saffron aioli; and golden squares of potato pavé, adorned with tiny turrets of crème fraîche, crisp-fried saltbush leaves, and Avruga caviar, to name but a few stand-out dishes.

Woolstore menu — Woolstore’s menu is designed for sharing.

Breathing new life into historic spaces

On the city’s fringe, hidden down a winding side road with little fanfare, lies a long-dormant site that’s being gently revived. Built from locally quarried bluestone and brick, and dating back to the 1870s, the complex of original tin-roofed mill buildings is lush with greenery and backs onto the Barwon River and Buckley Falls; the audible rush of water provides a soothing soundtrack. Fyansford Paper Mill is one of few complexes of its time to survive intact. It feels steeped in history and spellbindingly rustic.

“We were looking for an old industrial place that had some charm and romance to it,” explains Sam Vogel, the owner, director and winemaker at Provenance Wines which moved here in 2018. When he first viewed the building with his former co-owner, it was in such a state of disrepair that the tradie tenant occupying the space had built a shed within it to escape the leaking roof and freezing winter temperatures. “To say it was run down would be an understatement,” he notes. “There was ivy growing through the place; the windows were all smashed. It was a classic Grand Designs project.”

Provenance Wines moved to Fyansford Paper Mill in 2018. (Image: Cameron Murray Photography)

The team has since invested more than a million dollars into their new home. Where paper processing machinery once sat, wine barrels are now stacked. Vaulted cathedral ceilings are strung with festoon lights, and hidden in plain sight lies a shadowy mural by local street artist de rigueur Rone – one of only three permanent works by the artist.

While the award-winning, cool-climate pinot noir, riesling and chardonnay naturally remain a key draw at Provenance, the winery’s restaurant is a destination in itself. Impressed already by whipsmart service, I devour one of the most cleverly curated and faultlessly executed degustations I’ve had in some time. It’s all prepared in a kitchen that is proudly zero-waste, and committed to providing seasonal, ethical and locally sourced meat and produce under head chef Nate McIver. Think free-range venison served rare with a syrupy red wine jus and a half-moon of neon-orange kosho, shokupan with a deeply savoury duck fat jus (a modern Japanese take on bread and drippings), and a golden potato cake adorned with a colourful confetti of dehydrated nasturtiums and tomato powder, and planted atop a sea urchin emulsion.

handcrafted pieces — Bell’s handcrafted functional pieces on display.

The complex is home to a coterie of independent businesses, including a gallery, a jeweller, and its latest tenant, ceramicist Elizabeth Bell, drawn here by the building’s “soul”. “There’s so much potential for these buildings to have new life breathed into them,” says Bell, whose studio is housed within the old pump room. “Even people in Geelong don’t know we’re here,” she says. “It’s definitely a destination, but I like that. It has a really calming atmosphere.”

A Melbourne transplant, Bell now feels at home in Geelong, which offers something Melbourne didn’t. “If this business was in Melbourne I don’t think it would’ve been as successful,” she notes. “It’s very collaborative in Geelong, and I don’t think you get that as much in Melbourne; you’re a bit more in it for yourself. Here it’s about community over competition.”

Top Bendigo hotels for every type of traveller

From art-themed boutique stays to vineyard glamping, here’s your guide to the top Bendigo hotels to book for your next stay.

Hotel Ernest

Balgownie Estate

The Stables at Byronsvale

Oval Motel Bendigo

Bendigo Big 4 Marong Holiday Park

Mercure Bendigo Schaller

Quest Bendigo Central

The Residence at Mackenzie Quarters

Langley Estate

Are you dreaming of a romantic getaway or perhaps heading to Bendigo for a business trip? We’ve got you covered! Check out our ultimate travel guide to Bendigo for the top things to do, must-try restaurants and epic pubs and bars.

Every Instagram-perfect Airbnb in Bendigo for a stylish escape

12 of the best Bendigo accommodation picks

Review: Bendigo Ernest Hotel

Inside Geelong’s glow-up from factory town to creative capital

Abandoned mills and forgotten paper plants are finding second lives – and helping redefine a city long underestimated.

Federal Mills: from forgotten factory to creative precinct

Geelong: Australia’s only UNESCO City of Design

The rise of a food and wine destination

Breathing new life into historic spaces

From art-themed boutique stays to vineyard glamping, here’s your guide to the top Bendigo hotels to book for your next stay.

Hotel Ernest

Balgownie Estate

The Stables at Byronsvale

Oval Motel Bendigo

AI Prompt

Bendigo Big 4 Marong Holiday Park

Mercure Bendigo Schaller

Quest Bendigo Central

The Residence at Mackenzie Quarters

Langley Estate

Are you dreaming of a romantic getaway or perhaps heading to Bendigo for a business trip? We’ve got you covered! Check out our ultimate travel guide to Bendigo for the top things to do, must-try restaurants and epic pubs and bars.

Every Instagram-perfect Airbnb in Bendigo for a stylish escape

12 of the best Bendigo accommodation picks

Review: Bendigo Ernest Hotel

Abandoned mills and forgotten paper plants are finding second lives – and helping redefine a city long underestimated.

Federal Mills: from forgotten factory to creative precinct

Geelong: Australia’s only UNESCO City of Design

The rise of a food and wine destination

Breathing new life into historic spaces