Hotel Review: Jackalope, Mornington Peninsula

The problem with checking in to the luxurious surrounds of Jackalope on the Mornington Peninsula is you’ll never want to leave.

Whichever way you look at it, Jackalope is one sexy beast. This architecturally designed, art-focused hotel, set on the edge of a vineyard, is dark, moody and just about as far removed from a country inn as one could possibly imagine. Sprawl on your terrace overlooking the countryside, bask on the edge of the infinity pool, or dress up for a memorable dinner beneath a stunning light installation. There’s luxury at every turn. Planning a visit to the coastal region? Read on for our review of Jackalope, Mornington Peninsula.

Location

Jackalope is in the middle of Victoria’s thriving Mornington Peninsula region and is the perfect base for a long weekend exploring the area’s wineries, restaurants, markets and beaches. A soak and a glass of Champagne at the Peninsula Hot Springs is also a great way to pass the time.

a couple drinking a glass of Champagne — While away the afternoon with a glass of Champagne. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Style and character

When you picture a country hotel you may envisage shabby-chic interiors with chintzy curtains and Persian rugs. Jackalope, just over an hour from Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula, has taken this cliche, gutted it and turned it on its head.

the chic interior of Jackalope — Jackalope boasts elevated interiors. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Owner Louis Li purchased the 143-year-old Willow Creek homestead and vineyard in 2013 and set about creating his first hotel on the property.

the black aluminium structure in triangular shape at Jackalope — The striking aluminium Jackalope sign. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With a background in television, he wanted to create something theatrical and called on the Carr design group to help him in this quest. The result is a jaw-dropping black aluminium structure that overlooks rows of grapevines. It’s a credit to the design team that they managed to create something visually spectacular without it becoming an eyesore on the rolling landscape.

the sprawling vineyards at Jackalope — The venue overlooks rows of grapevines. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Everything here has a sense of occasion. Contemporary art is the heart and soul of this boutique hotel, and a seven-metre-tall jackalope sculpture by artist Emily Floyd greets you as you approach the front door. (For the uninitiated, a jackalope is a mythical creature that is half jackrabbit, half antelope.)

a seven-metre-tall jackalope sculpture by artist Emily Floyd — The Jackalope sculpture by Emily Floyd is an ode to the mythical creature. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Facilities

As you’d expect with a five-star hotel, the service is on point. Little inclusions – a Lexus and driver to whisk us to our lunch booking at nearby Laura restaurant (highly recommended), a refreshing Mecca face mist on our pillow at turndown, and a leather Jackalope luggage tag gifted at check-out – gave the whole experience a sense of luxury.

While we didn’t sample them ourselves, the onsite spa treatments get rave reviews. You can choose to be pampered in the poolside geodome (it can also be booked for private dining experiences) or in the comfort of your own room.

an outdoor pool at Jackalope — Laze by the pool. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Rooms

The destination hotel comprises 46 rooms, including two suites and one studio-style apartment.

We booked a night in a terrace room during off-peak season. On the website, this style of room is referred to as ‘connecting with the rural surrounds’, which it turns out is marketing speak for ‘this room looks back onto the car park’.

a brightly coloured interior at Jackalope — The interior takes on a moody vibe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

At check-in, we were lucky enough to be upgraded to a room with a view of the vineyard. The orientation of these rooms means you can sit in a robe and enjoy the sunset from your private balcony, drinking in the view of the vines beyond the hotel’s very Instagrammable 30-metre black infinity pool. It’s a bloody great way to end your day.

the living space at Jackalope — Take in the natural scenery from your balcony. (Image: Visit Victoria)

In keeping with the building’s darkly hued aesthetic, the room is decorated in charcoal tones, providing a moody ambience. There’s an excellent king-sized bed – the sort that has you wondering why you don’t have one of them at home – and a bathroom with bespoke Hunter Lab amenities and a double-headed rain shower. It was mildly disappointing that this particular room didn’t have a bath, which is a big part of a luxury hotel experience for many people.

a couple entering their suite at Jackalope — Each room is swathed in charcoal tones. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The room tariff includes complimentary breakfast and mini-bar, complete with chips, cans of cider, beer, vodka and soda, and an array of soft drinks. There’s also an in-room iPad that connects to a broad range of on-demand movies.

the Lair suite at Jackalope — Sleep in comfort in the Lair suite. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If you really want to push the boat out, the top-of-the-line suites, called Lairs, include hand deliveries of popcorn and locally sourced ice cream and bookable luxury transfers to anywhere within 10 kilometres. They also have a double-sided indoor/outdoor fireplace.

a couple entering the reception area at Jackalope — The hotel has a beautifully warm and friendly ambience. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Food and Drink

There’s no shortage of dining options if you can’t be bothered leaving the confines of the hotel. Doot Doot Doot is a one-hatted fine-dining restaurant offering a three-course menu, with added snacks, that brings together Asian flavours and the plentiful produce from local providores. The space has a beautifully warm ambience thanks to Jan Flook’s ceiling light installation of 10,000 amber globes that dim and brighten with a shimmering effect.

pouring wine into a glass in front of a man sitting at Jackalope — Indulge in a delicious lunch. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The hotel’s more casual bistro, Rare Hare, also offers a wine and food store, so you can pick up some local delicacies to take home. If you’ve overindulged at lunch, this is the spot for a lighter supper. For instance, you could just order the salumi selection or one of the seasonal dishes, like wood-fired eggplant with red miso and furikake, and a glass of wine.

a table-top view of food plates on the table, Jackalope — You’ll be spoilt for choice with the lunch and dinner menu. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Flaggerdoot is Jackalope’s cocktail bar, set in the property’s original 1876 house that has been tastefully incorporated into the hotel’s sleek redesign. It’s a playful area, with contemporary art and eclectic touches, such as an electric blue billiards table. You’re offered a complimentary welcome drink in Flaggerdoot upon arrival.

(Still catching up on the lingo? A flaggerdoot is the collective noun for a group of jackalopes, and a doot doot doot is the leader of a flaggerdoot.)

a couple dining at Jackalope — The fine-dining restaurant offers a three-course menu. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Breakfast is included in the room tariff and veers from your standard hotel buffet situation. Guests are invited to select from a small continental selection of pastries and cereals, as well as from a menu of hot, seasonal à la carte options, usually with some more adventurous choices.

two cocktail glasses at Jackalope — Enjoy a tipple or two at Jackalope’s cocktail bar. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Experiences

Alongside Jackalope’s black pool looking over the vines is a heated infinity spa and an infrared sauna. There’s a day spa in a secluded part of the hotel, where you can book facials and body treatments, some using products made using pinot grapes.

Start the day with a restorative yoga session in the sunshine. Later in the day, there are wine tastings and vineyard walks with the winery team to enjoy, as well as tours of the cellar, kitchen garden and the hotel’s art and design.

a couple enjoying a wine-tasting session at Jackalope — Make the most of your time by sampling the wine on offer. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Access for guests with disabilities?

Disabled access is available. Contact the hotel for more details when booking.

Family-friendly?

Jackalope only accepts children over the age of 12. It is a more refined adult stay anyway.

Details

Best for: Weekenders seeking extraordinary food, sleek architectural design and easy access to the beach and countryside.

Address: 166 Balnarring Road, Merricks North, Mornington Peninsula VIC

Cost: From $650 a night.

a couple carrying luggage while heading into Jackalope — Book a romantic weekend away at the chic and sleek Jackalope. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Discover the best wineries on the Mornington Peninsula.

Feast your way through Sun Country on the Murray – a beautiful and bountiful region in northern Victoria with gourmet delights galore.

Nestled on the lands of the Yorta Yorta People along the mighty Murray River, Sun Country is a truly extraordinary place. The northern Victorian enclave is a tapestry of meandering waterways, ancient forests, sandy beaches, enchanting country towns and an easy way of life.

Beyond its landscapes and bucolic charm, Sun Country on the Murray is a culinary paradise: think farm-fresh produce, family-run wineries and no shortage of places to feast.

If you’re a serious foodie or simply epicurious, here’s your ultimate guide to a gourmand Murray River getaway.

The Murray Farm Gate Trail

The self-guided Murray Gate Farm Trail lets you sample the area’s best produce while immersing yourself in the lush Goulburn and Murray Valleys. The trail has something to suit every palate and pace, but there are a few notable highlights.

1. Rich Glen

Rich Glen Provedore and Rich Glen Skin & Beauty — Stock up at Rich Glen. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Rich Glen is renowned for its award-winning olive oils. Everything is grown and created on the family farm in Yarrawonga, the results of which you can visit at Rich Glen Provedore – a treasure trove of gourmet foods, including that signature olive oil. Or explore Rich Glen Skin & Beauty, which stocks lush handmade skincare and wellness products.

2. How Now Dairy

A charming micro-farm producing ethical dairy, How Now Dairy , lets its baby calves remain with their mothers and its cows roam on rolling pesticide-free pastures. Try a selection of cheeses that do good and taste good, including a fantastic punchy blue, and velvety milk with a thick, creamy top.

3. Cactus Country

Cactus Country in the murray — Stop into Cactus Country. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Cactus Country is a 12-acre stretch of desert-like garden containing cacti of all shapes, sizes and colours. Naturally, it makes the most of its bounty at the on-site bar and restaurant, with a cactus-infused dessert menu alongside a vibrant line-up of Mexican snacks and mains.

4. The Olde Creamery

The Olde Creamery is a local icon, a former hobby farm that has flourished into a thriving purveyor of flowers and foods. The elderflower cordial and bramble gin and tonic jam are must-tries, and make for tasty mementoes of your trip.

Wineries, breweries and distilleries

The region’s sunny climate and rich soils make it a prime place for viticulture. If wine isn’t your thing, you’ll also find boutique breweries and distilleries producing top-notch beers and spirits.

1. Squires Winery

a couple sitting at the bar at squire's winery, sun country on the murray — Pop in for a tasting. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With its idyllic positioning on the Ovens River, Squires Winery is a lovely setting for a long, leisurely lunch or tasting. Enjoy a riverside sip of prosecco, rosé or cab sauv, complemented by seasonal bites and a backdrop of towering gum trees.

2. Cape Horn Vineyard

Cape Horn is one of the region’s most established vineyards. Its sparkling durif/shiraz is a crowd favourite and well worth trying on your foodie tour, especially if it’s served with one of the winery’s delicious wood-fired pizzas.

3. Byramine Homestead & Brewery

A top pick among beer, cider and history enthusiasts, Byramine serves a rotation of brews made on-site in the historic homestead. Wander through the venue and learn about its colonial past before sitting down to a freshly made Ploughman’s and cold local ale.

4. Monichino Wines

Monichino is a slice of la dolce vita in northern Victoria, producing classic Italian varietals like pinot grigio and aromatica. Drop by for a tasting at the cellar door (open weekends or by appointment) and explore everything from crisp whites to robust fortified wines, or pack a picnic and savour your glass in the picturesque gardens.

5. Corowa Distilling Co

Corowa Distilling Co crafts an incredible variety of single-malt and blended whiskies, and is a beloved spot among locals and visitors alike. Stop in for a tasting flight in the whisky room, or a hearty breakfast or lunch paired with a wee dram.

Farm-to-table dining

If you’ve got the time to linger over a gourmet spread, Sun Country on the Murray has an abundance of outstanding restaurants and cafes.

1. O’Reilly’s Food and Wine

O’Reilly’s feels much like stepping into a good friend’s home, albeit with a refined twist. The menu changes weekly and rotates through a selection of comforting yet elevated dishes – think lamb cottage pie, French-style moussaka, a perennially popular open steak sandwich and cakes that change flavours weekly.

2. Stock and Barrel

a couple eating at Stock and Barrel victoria — Soak in views of Lake Mulwala. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Tucked inside The Sebel Yarrawonga hotel, overlooking sparkling Lake Mulwala, Stock and Barrel does pub classics with a Sun Country spin. Order a perfectly seared steak and triple-cooked potatoes alongside a freshly poured pint, or try a regional highlight: local produce features abundantly across Stock and Barrel’s dishes.

3. The Bend

With spacious decks and panoramic views of the Murray, The Bend is ideal for a sun-soaked long lunch. Order a round of moreish share plates (like baja fish tacos and a warm-from-the-oven brioche loaf stuffed with cream cheese and herbs) or a signature cocktail and indulgent main – we can’t go past the slow-braised wagyu brisket.

4. Blacksmith Provedore

If you’re after a slick yet relaxed dining destination, head to Blacksmith Provedore . Perched right next to Lake Mulwala, the venue is airy and elegant, with a minimalist-chic design. The pizzas are seriously good too, made with 72-hour fermented dough and toppings sourced from Italy’s finest producers.

5. Broken Willow

As soon as you enter Broken Willow ’s front doors, you’re greeted with genuine hospitality and a classic bistro menu that has something for everyone: succulent grilled meats, parmas and schnitzels, juicy burgers, and international dishes ranging from weekly curry and stir-fry specials to zippy banh mi.

While you’re there

Thompson Beach in sun country on the murray — Discover plenty to do between meals. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Got a few hours to spare? Make the most of your trip by exploring the natural wonders and rich cultural heritage of your riverside surroundings.

Barmah National Park is a sanctuary of walks through majestic river red gums and serene wetlands. Here, a seat on board a Kingfisher River Cruise offers a different Murray experience, letting you see the vast river from the perspective of the Yorta Yorta peoples.

If you’re a watersport enthusiast, Lake Mulwala in Yarrawonga is a favourite for canoeing, cruising, fishing, kayaking and water skiing. While the silo murals at Katamatite, St James, Tungamah and more recently Waaia are essential stops in Victoria’s famed Silo Art Trail .

In Cobram Barooga, make sure to visit Thompson’s Beach, the largest inland beach in the southern hemisphere. Nearby, the Bullanginya Dreaming project is an award-winning 1.8km immersive art experience that immerses you in light and sound to tell a rich story of country, culture and connection.

Start planning a tasty getaway to Sun Country on The Murray at suncountryonthemurray.com.au.

Art, wine and luxury collide at Jackalope on the Mornington Peninsula