A new eco-luxury hotel is coming to Melbourne’s waterfront.
Global eco-luxury brand 1 Hotel is making its long-awaited Australian debut this June, with the announcement that reservations are now open for 1 Hotel Melbourne – a lush new waterfront retreat that brings the brand’s signature blend of sustainability and sophistication to the heart of the city.
If you’ve stayed at one of the group’s cult properties in Brooklyn or Mayfair (I stayed at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge and it was divine), you’ll know what kind of magic to expect: immersive design, reclaimed materials, nature woven into every detail and an atmosphere so Zen it feels like an antidote to modern life.
1 Hotel is making its long-awaited Australian debut this June. (Image: Mikkel Vang)
The centrepiece? The beautifully restored Goods Shed No. 5 – a relic of the city’s bustling maritime past and the last of its kind – is now reinvented as a sanctuary of green design and contemporary luxury. Over 2000 living plants, repurposed timber and steel and locally crafted, reclaimed materials tell a story of conscious construction.
And while the look is effortlessly cool, the substance is serious: the hotel is aiming for LEED Silver certification, with a mission to divert more than 90 per cent of waste and eliminate single-use plastics altogether.
1 Hotel Melbourne is serious about sustainability. (Image: Mikkel Vang)
Set on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD, just minutes from the tram network and major attractions like Marvel Stadium and the Botanic Gardens, 1 Hotel Melbourne will feature 277 tranquil rooms (including 36 suites), a show-stopping riverside event space, holistic wellness spa, indoor pool and an extensive gym.
Its yet-to-be-revealed signature restaurant, helmed by a beloved chef, promises menus inspired by land and sea, with a strong emphasis on seasonal produce and local makers.
From preserved moss panels and salvaged wharf timber etched by naval worms to cocktails foraged from native botanicals, this hotel doesn’t just talk the sustainability talk – it lives and breathes it.
Whether you’re planning a city escape, a business trip or simply want to be among the first to experience one of the world’s most hyped hotel brands in an Australian setting, this is one opening worth booking early. Reservations are open now .
Book your stay at 1 Hotel Melbourne now. (Image: Mikkel Vang)
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
Those dreaming of a river escape that’s less rush and more rest will discover the perfect getaway in Echuca Moama.
Best known for summer river holidays, Echuca Moama dishes up extraordinary options for those craving good food, experiences and culture. Discover how best to spend your getaway in this gorgeous river town.
1. Find unique stays in Echuca Moama
Bathe under the stars at Goolwa River Retreat.
An adventure here starts with the perfect place to stay. Echuca Moama is famous for its luxury houseboats. Be spoilt for choice with amenities like spas, chef’s kitchens and en-suites onboard Murray River Houseboats and Echuca Luxury Houseboats .
For those who prefer to stay on dry land to sleep, there’s no shortage of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. The villas at Goolwa River Retreat offer spectacular views of the Murray Riverfront, cosy evenings by the fire pit. And, a truly unique and luxurious experience: bathing under the stars in an outdoor bathtub.
Families travelling with young kids will appreciate the fully self-contained cabins, which sleep up to six, at NRMA Echuca Holiday Park . Complete with BBQ facilities and a kids’ playground, Echuca Holiday Park is the perfect base for families exploring the Echuca Moama region.
More adventurous guests can experience off-grid serenity at Carriages Water Front Retreat , where they can slumber among the redgums in a lovingly converted vintage train carriage.
If you prefer a more central place to stay, the Mercure Port of Echuca is located just five minutes from the Port of Echuca on foot and offers comfortable rooms, as well as easy access to all the region has to offer.
2. Explore the Murray River
Jump aboard one of Echuca Moama’s famous paddlesteamers.
Those who prefer an active holiday can hire a stand-up paddleboard with Echuca SUP to explore the river. Duck under the historic Echuca Moama Bridge and listen out for local wildlife. At the end of your paddleboarding trip, you’ll find a shuttle service to return you to the car park.
Kayaking is another great option if you like to combine seeing the sights with a full-body workout. Hire a kayak from River Country Adventours , or join a river safari for a guided experience.
3. Go hiking and biking in Echuca Moama
Peddle along the 19-kilometre Waranga Rail Trail.
On foot or by bike, there are plenty of trails to explore the region. Embark on a guided e-bike tour with Green Pedal (or hire an e-bike and go it alone) to explore the 19-kilometre Waranga Rail Trail . Traverse through beautiful bushland and the scenic Waranga Basin. Bakeries and picnic areas in the historic town of Rushworth provide the perfect place for refreshments.
Day trip to the lookout at Whroo Forest, near the now-abandoned Whroo township, located on historic Balaclava Hill. The Hill was once the site of Victoria’s largest open-cut gold mine and home to a thriving town. Today, the area offers picturesque walking tracks and picnic sites.
4. Taste Echuca Moama’s best dining options
Taste delicious, authentic Greek at Opa. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Whether you like a candlelit dinner or a coffee in the sunshine, Echuca Moama is ready to delight your taste buds.
Pop into Opa for authentic Greek fare with views of the town from its upstairs balcony. Enjoy seasonal produce at The Mill , offering everything from global street food and share plates to classic dinner and dessert options inside a historic building.
Discover a local secret at Monkee and Co , a relaxed Asian-fusion restaurant serving up classics like Banh Mi and dumplings.
Start the day with excellent coffee and waterfront views at the family-run Watson St Pavilion .
5. Drink at Echuca Moama’s best bars
Cheers to neon at Paradise Bar.
Top-notch tipples can be found at Paradise Bar , a new cocktail bar serving up handcrafted cocktails to delight the taste buds in the heart of Echuca. The menu features classics like mojitos, margs, and spritzers. As well as Paradise’s own creations featuring funky ingredients like bubble gum syrup and an Old Fashioned with truffle oil.
Bar Lee at the Echuca Distillery is the place to go to watch the sun go down at the rooftop bar, taste Echuca’s locally made spirits and nibble your way through an exceptional selection of share plates.
For river views, excellent service and a more than extensive wine menu, head to Social Wine Bar . You’ll find a laid-back atmosphere in the riverfront beer garden that sprawls out under an ancient pine tree and a cosy interior perfect for hiding away on a cool evening.
6. Follow local art trails
Jump in the car and follow the Silo Art Trail.
The region’s silos have been transformed into impressive, towering canvases depicting local fauna, Echuca’s historical links to industry and the building of the local railroad. Follow the Silo Art Trail by car, which takes between three and four hours.
Rochester Mural Park is home to an annual lineup of changing murals, while the Rochester Mural Festival showcases established and emerging artists.
7. Dive into local history
See the historic Port of Echuca.
The Echuca Moama region is bursting with history. Among its historical treasures is the Port of Echuca . Interactive displays showcase the port’s importance to historical trade along the river, industrial sites like the Evans Brothers Sawmill and the Port of Echuca railway station with its very own heritage steam train.
The displays pay homage to the site’s significance to the local Yorta Yorta People and their ancestral connection to the land where the Murray, Campaspe and Goulburn Rivers meet.
Explore the port independently or join a guided tour to learn from Echuca’s history buffs.
