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4 spots around Victoria set to be the next big thing

Want to dig deeper into your holiday destination to uncover the stories it can tell? Staying at these Lancemore properties in Victoria opens up the essence of each location.

Wandering through a vineyard, tasting the best regional produce – think rich King Valley cheese, handmade chocolate or fresh pastries – Victoria offers extraordinary experiences. Whether it’s the bustle of Melbourne’s laneway district or an escape into an indulgent foodie fantasy, staying at the hand-picked Lancemore Victoria locations ensures a personal connection with the region you are visiting.

Find a new corner of Victoria to explore, with these locations set to be the next big thing.

1. Milawa

Farm gates, cellar doors and gourmet specialty stores abound in the Milawa gourmet region, in the north-east’s High Country. Wine and dine to your heart’s content, then gather your choice of local produce to take back to your home-away-from-home, Lancemore Milawa.

Where to stay

Recently emerging from a multimillion-dollar refurbishment, the beautiful 40-room Lancemore Milawa invites guests to unwind in boutique luxury. Styled with gentle allusions to a modern Mediterranean and Moorish aesthetic, the palette is soothing and muted, blending with the beautiful landscape of merlot grapevines and distant peaks beyond. Manicured gardens enclose the two-storey hotel, where guests can lounge on the terrace, slip into the pool or savour a glass of red by the fireplace.

Lancemore Milawa lounge room

Stay in the beautiful King Valley.

Where to eat

Lancemore Milawa’s onsite Merlot Restaurant Bar sets the scene for elevated but relaxed dining overlooking the sun-drenched merlot vines beyond. From breakfast to dinner it’s a paddock-to-plate affair, where produce is sourced from the local region.

The King Valley is renowned for the world-class wines available at its many cellar doors including Sam Miranda Winery, Woodpark Wines and Indigo Vineyard Wines. But there is so much more for gourmands to discover. Gin lovers should head to the quaint family-owned Hurdle Creek Distillery or Barking Owl Distilling Co., which also produces liqueurs. Then there are the artisan cheeses, seasonal mustard, local honey and an array of baked goods to sample.

Lancemore Milawa

Enjoy locally inspired meals at Restaurant Merlot.

Top things to do

Hire an e-bike at Lancemore, or lace up your walking boots, and spend time exploring a short stretch of the scenic Murray to Mountains Rail Trail.  Just five kilometres will bring you to the quaint town of Oxley. Along the way, stop to admire the historic red-brick Oxley Flour Mill, built in 1868. There are lovely picnic spots at Memorial Park and beside the King River in Stan Allen Reserve.

cycling through the Milawa Rail Trail

Cycle the Milawa Rail Trail.

2. Red Hill

Red Hill on the Mornington Peninsula is just an hour from Melbourne, and this charming wine-producing region is a popular place to give everyday life the slip. Proliferated with gourmet finds, cellar doors and dreamy beaches, it’s a must-visit on any Victorian escape.

Where to stay

Set on 34 acres of gorgeous gardens and vines, Lancemore Lindenderry is in the heart of Red Hill. Revel in landscapes of rolling green hills and coastal views, all just minutes from excellent cool climate wineries. A home base from which to explore the local vineyards or wander barefoot on nearby beaches, Lindenderry’s tranquil setting among 34 acres of gardens and vines allows guests to truly exhale. Book into one of 40 elegant guest rooms surrounded by European-style gardens.

Lancemore Lindenderry garden

Spend your afternoon wandering the beautiful gardens

Where to eat

With Lancemore’s hatted The Dining Room on the property, you needn’t travel far to sample the region’s incredible local fare. The a la carte menu is set to the rhythm of the seasons and is complemented with a sensational wine list from Lindenderry and beyond.

Elsewhere, savour the flavour of the peninsula by indulging in wine tastings or pairings at local wineries Avani, Ocean Eight or Mont Rouge Estate. Or enjoy a cheese tasting at BoatShed Cheese Co. For those with a sweet tooth, there are chocolatiers to discover and the lure of Pure Peninsula Honey in all its forms.

Lancemore Lindenderry restaurant the dining room

Taste two-hatted meals at The Dining Room.

Top things to do

Make a restorative visit to the soothing waters at Peninsula Hot Springs. For lovers of good produce, be sure to sniff out a truffle hunt, and visit the local cherry and strawberry farms. The local golf courses will appeal to those who love a spin around the green.

The Sculpture Park at Pt Leo Estate offers a visual feast. Wander through this amazing outdoor gallery – set within the over 133-hectare estate that also encompasses rolling vineyards and grazing cattle – to marvel at 60 mostly large-scale works by Australian and international artists. Then explore the cellar door and restaurant.

the sculpture garden at Pt. Leo Estate, Mornington Peninsula

Wander the sculpture garden at Pt. Leo Estate. (Image: Visit Victoria)

3. Werribee Park

Starting life as a 93,000-acre sheep station, today the Werribee Park precinct encompasses a range of experiences. Explore heritage-listed Werribee Mansion, enjoy a picnic on the beautiful grounds or watch the land burst with colour when 5000 roses bloom in the Victoria State Rose Garden.

Once the working heart of the Werribee Park estate, the remaining bluestone outbuildings of the farmyard provide a stark contrast to the elaborate craftsmanship of the Chirnside Mansion. Wander down to the heritage orchard and see the work the community and Parks Victoria have put in to preserve and restore the fruit orchard originally planted by the Chirnside family in the late 1800s.

Where to stay

The multi-award-winning Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park offers an escape into history, food and immersive cultural experiences. Just a 30-minute drive from Melbourne, book one of 91 guest rooms in what is, literally, one of the grandest hotels in Australia. Truly, this hotel alone is enough of a reason to visit.

Add to the luxury of this noble 19th-century estate a striking 10 acres of formal English gardens and renowned service from the hotel’s staff. Despite its history, the five-star hotel offers contemporary sophistication and amenities. Sit down to a tasty meal, relax with a spa treatment or stroll the grounds at a leisurely pace.

Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park

Stay at the grand Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park.

Where to eat

Relax with garden views at Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park’s onsite restaurant, Joseph’s Dining. Stop in for a cocktail at the bar, or savour an award-winning modern European menu featuring fresh, seasonal produce (some of it even grown on the Mansion grounds) while taking in vistas of Werribee Gardens. Every weekend. treat yourself to lavish high tea of sweet and savoury treats – not to mention free flowing Prosecco.

A light stroll away, Shadowfax Winery is known for its handcrafted wines and seasonal, locally sourced cuisine. After lunch, indulge in a wine-tasting session where you’ll experience a variety of Shadowfax’s finest wines.

a meal at Joseph's Dining, Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park

Indulge in award-winning fare at Joseph’s Dining.

Top things to do

For total indulgence, stay at your hotel and experience the Hammam at L.M. Spa, one of Melbourne’s most exclusive day spas, a luxurious steam bath in the tradition of the Middle East. Book a private Hammam steam room, apply a body scrub and mud mask, lie back and breathe. Add on a unique and specialised treatment, like an indulgent facial that has been custom-made for the harsh Australian climate, or an ancient practice for cleansing the body and mind.

For a change of pace, step back in time at the grand Werribee Park Mansion, built in 1877 for the Chirnside family and featured in a number of films and TV productions, including Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.

Elsewhere, go wild at Werribee Open Range Zoo on the banks of the picturesque Werribee River. Ride the safari bus to spot rhinos, giraffes, zebra, camels, bison, antelope and more for an adventure that offers a captivating glimpse into the animal kingdom.

Werribee Open Range Zoo

Take in a safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo.

4. Melbourne

Vibrant and rich with culture, Melbourne is a dynamic city that offers everything from hip enclaves to world-class dining and entertainment, incredible galleries and natural riverside beauty. The truly cosmopolitan city spills creativity into every nook and cranny, from the CBD laneways to the Yarra’s bends, making it the perfect minibreak destination.

Where to stay

Positioned at the Paris end of Bourke Street, Lancemore Crossley St is an elegant boutique stay in the heart of the city, and deftly encapsulates Melbourne’s gritty and glam persona. Poised to take in the best restaurants, the theatre district and luxe shopping, the 113 rooms are soothingly contemporary and adorned with covetable artworks.

Lancemore Crossley St guest room

Enjoy sweeping city views of Melbourne.

Where to eat

Grab a pre-dinner drink at Lancemore Crossley St’s Rooftop Terrace or Lobby Bar. Then indulge in dumplings in nearby Chinatown, sip espresso at a hidden laneway cafe, taste Spanish tapas at a cantina, or enjoy fine dining at restaurants like Gimlet, Cumulus, Maison Batard and Grossi Florentino. The choices are endless.

Lancemore Crossley St rooftop bar

Take in a tipple on Lancemore Crossley St Rooftop Bar.

Top things to do

Lancemore Crossley St is a stone’s throw from the best of Melbourne. Wander through Hosier Lane’s street art, discover hole-in-the-wall bars, or hit the shops in the gorgeous historic Block Arcade and Royal Arcade. Immerse yourself in the arts at blockbuster shows at Her Majesty’s Theatre or the Princess Theatre. Or go for a giggle at the Comedy Theatre. Stroll across Princes Bridge to soak up the latest exhibitions at the National Gallery of Victoria.

a couple admiring street art along Hosier Lane

Admire the street art of Melbourne on Hosier Lane. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Start planning your Victorian getaway at lancemore.com.au.

Lee Mylne is an award-winning Brisbane-based freelance travel writer who has visited more than 60 countries, but still loves writing about the places closest to her. She has a strong interest in people, history, culture and nature and will go anywhere for a good story.
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Victoria’s newest mineral springs bathhouse now has luxury villas to match

The Mornington Peninsula’s newest bathhouse just became a complete wellness destination with the addition of The Sanctuary.

It’s a quiet luxury mood board come to life. That’s my first thought when I enter the brand-new villa. It’s one of five perched at the highest point of the 15-hectare property that’s also home to Alba Thermal Springs and Spa. I remember meeting Kadi Morrisson, Alba’s Director of Sales & Marketing, at an industry event in 2024 as she excitedly revealed the renders of what was to become the luxury accommodation I’m now standing in. I can see that her excitement was completely warranted. This retreat is something special.

Location

The sanctuary villa at sunset

The Sanctuary is located in the seaside town of Fingal on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. (Image: Supplied)

Tucked away on an idyllic seaside pocket of land in the Mornington Peninsula, The Sanctuary accommodation is the newest addition to Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, a 15-hectare bathhouse and wellness sanctuary fed by the region’s underground mineral springs. The seaside town of Sorrento, as well as world-class restaurants, wineries and pristine beaches, is all minutes away. It’s also an easy 90-minute drive south from Melbourne Airport, making it within reach of an interstate wellness weekend getaway.

Rooms and villas

The Sanctuary’s five luxurious stand-alone villas and two additional studio rooms opened in June 2025. I’m staying in one of three villas that feature an en suite with an oversized stone bathtub set in front of a floor-to-ceiling glass wall (villas 1-3 only). It means I’m treated to expansive views of the bay and native bushland while soaking in Alba’s signature bath salts – a blend of native Australian botanicals, moisturising oils and mineral-rich salts. Aesop amenities are also supplied in the shower and bathroom.

Glass doors open onto a private deck from the en suite and bedroom; the perfect place to sit with a cheese board and wine at the end of the day to watch the sunset or to stargaze come nightfall. And if you’re feeling in the mood for a stretch come morning, make use of the provided yoga mats and salute the sun at daybreak.

My second-favourite addition (after the bath) is the indoor log fireplace that is set of an evening by the concierge (they can be called to add another log before 10pm as needed). Listening to the crackle of the fire from the comfort of the king bed makes drifting off to sleep a breeze.

Wine at The Sanctuary on the balcony

Find wine from 10 Minutes by Tractor in the villa’s bar. (Image: Supplied)

The extensive all-inclusive (minus champagne, cocktails and spirits) mini bar champions local businesses with wine from Ten Minutes by Tractor, St Andrews Beach Brewery beer, Peninsula Cold Press Juice Co. and Alba’s Signature tea. Snacks include Chappy’s kettle cooked chips, Choca Mama peanut brittle, pretzels and nude nuts. As well as still and sparkling water and T2 tea. An Illy coffee machine and pods are also included.

Style and character

Local design studio KWD in Mt Martha crafted the interiors from a soothing palette of muted hues – think every shade of cream imaginable. I’m greeted by soft afternoon light leaking through the chiffon curtains; it makes me feel like I’m sinking into a cafe latte-inspired dream. With accents of wood and black metal, as well as exquisite design details like the subtle silver sheath covering the bedside lights, this is understated luxury at its best. I never want to leave.

Facilities

Undoubtedly, one of the major drawcards of a stay at The Sanctuary is inclusive access to Alba Thermal Springs and Spa for each day of your stay, plus you get to enjoy one upgrade to a private pool (The Terrace, The Clouds or The Salts). Concierge transfers via buggy between your villa and the springs are also available – but it’s an easy walk if you don’t mind the hill up to the villas.

Alba Thermal Springs and Spa

The Terrace at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa

The Terrace is one of the private pools at Alba that guests get access to once during their stay. (Image: Supplied)

Opening in 2024, Alba’s pools and landscape architecture were designed by MALA Studio. The team transformed the expansive property into six regions through the thoughtful curation of over 60,000 native and endemic plants.

There are 34 pools, a mix of geothermal, cold plunge and herbal-infused botanical, that range in temperature and design – some to create a feeling of seclusion, while others invite social connection – all fed by natural geothermal mineral waters that flow from 550 metres below ground. I gravitate towards The Hemisphere, with its dry sauna, steam room, cold plunge and dreamy open-air pool called The Hide. I leave my robe at the entrance, slip into the sunken geothermal pool and immediately feel the tension from my travels melting away.

Inside, Alba has 22 spa treatment rooms, including a steam room, Vichy shower, and single or double massage rooms with a spa menu designed to renew, repair and recalibrate guests. The wristband that acts as a key to your villa also gives you access to the change room and bathhouse – just speak to reception on arrival. In addition to lockers and showers, the change rooms also feature a clever swimsuit drying spinner – I find this makes for a more comfortable dining experience (more on that below) in your robe minus wet swimmers.

Thyme Restaurant

Thyme Breakfast

Breakfast at Thyme by the springs is included. (Image: Katie Carlin)

Breakfast is included at the in-house restaurant Thyme throughout your stay. I opt for yoghurt panna cotta with toasted house granola topped with local honeycomb, fermented blueberries and berries. But I admit to having FOMO when I see my husband’s choice of poached eggs, Adelaide Hills bacon, layered thyme potato with roasted mushroom and fresh sourdough arrive at the table. Barista-made Little Rebel coffee, smoothies and cold-pressed juices, as well as tea, are also included.

The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the springs. It’s strongly encouraged to dine in the provided robe, which means you can easily go from soaking in the pool to dining and back again without needing to change.

Both The Sanctuary breakfast menu and The House menu for lunch and dinner were created by award-winning chef Karen Martini, with head chef Mario Di Natale at the helm. Expect fresh, healthy and flavour-driven dishes made with sustainability in mind. For dinner, my husband and I ordered the tuna crudo, scallop and prawn wontons for entrées and roasted cod and sake-braised beef short rib for mains to share with seasonal greens.

Does The Sanctuary have access for guests with disabilities?

The pools at Alba Thermal Springs and Spa are designed to welcome all guests, and a full accessible studio is part of The Sanctuary.

Is The Sanctuary family-friendly?

Guests of all ages are welcome at The Sanctuary, and rollaway beds or cots can be provided upon request. The springs require adult supervision for children aged under 16, and the private pools and spa are reserved for visitors aged 16 and over only. However, I didn’t see any children during my visit.

Details

Best for: A romantic retreat or indulgent girls’ weekend away

Address: 282 Browns Rd, Fingal, Victoria

Room rate: Prices start at $1300 per night for two guests in a Villa with bath, $1150 for Villa without bath.

Tips for visiting Alba Thermal Springs and Spa:

1. Pack waterproof footwear so you don’t have to walk on the cold paths barefoot (plus, footwear is required inside the restaurant).

2. Phones and smartwatches are not permitted – leave them in your locker or room.

3. The minerals in the water can cause jewellery to tarnish; lock them away in the in-room safe.

4. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill up at the drinking fountains – you will dehydrate quickly in the pools and saunas.