The Buckland Studios

Southern Australia is a land of verdant fields, sprawling vineyards and dramatic mountains. It's a wonderful region for a relaxing rural escape, with a plethora of charming owner-run B&Bs, hip hideaways and rejuvenating spa retreats tucked within leafy gardens. We've gathered our favourite rural hideaways in Victoria, perfect for honeymoons, celebrations with friends and fun family holidays. Spend your days hiking and cycling along old railway tracks, spotting endemic birds in flower-filled gardens and mountainous national parks, or fishing on pristine lakes and rivers. You're never far from world-class wineries creating top-notch Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, or from farms growing superb seasonal produce showcased at gourmet restaurants and the lively farmers' markets of the region's pretty towns and villages. If you're seriously into food, check out our list of 8 Foodie Escapes in Victoria, too. Combine your rural retreat with some time in cosmopolitan Melbourne, the gold rush town of Ballarat, or scenic seaside Lorne, on the epic Great Ocean Road, for a well-rounded Victoria experience.

For an Intimate B&B

Drom Aluinn B and B

  • Drom Aluinn B&B overlooks calm farmland, with the Blue & Cathedral Ranges rising in the distance. Three individually decorated guest rooms — all with stunning views — are clad in soft blue and dove-grey tones. Gather in the sitting room for hearty breakfasts, sip sundowners on the deck, and sink into leather armchairs by the fire in the evenings. A brilliant escape for eager hikers, cyclists and birdwatchers.
  • Llarrinda Bed & Breakfast is the dream of owners Linda and Larry, who fell in love with this slice of paradise near the Wilsons Promontory National Park. They invite travellers to one suite and a two-bedroom guest wing of their home, which sits within flower-filled gardens with abundant birdlife. An adults only B&B for keen outdoorsy explorers and tranquil couples.
  • Braeside Mount Macedon Country Retreat B&B welcomes holidaymakers to unwind amidst 27 acres of verdant grounds frequented by alpacas and kangaroos. Four cosy cottages and suites have beamed ceilings, little kitchenettes, wood-burning stoves and shaded terraces. Relaxed, romantic, family-friendly and well-suited to intimate weddings.
  • Woolrich Retreat, close to lovely Olinda, has just one inviting guest suite, and a pretty two-bedroom garden cottage dating back to the 1920s. Hidden on five leafy acres, this charming B&B is brilliantly suited to quiet couples or friends on holiday together. Characterful spaces have garden-facing decks, kitchens and sitting rooms.

For a Spa Escape

Lon Retreat

  • Lon Retreat sits amongst 200 acres of forests and fields on the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula. Seven contemporary suites encourage rest and relaxation, with earthy tones, natural materials and crackling fireplaces for cosy evenings in. Honeymooners will adore the stand-out mineral spa, three unique treatment rooms, steam rooms and soaking tubs fresh from the spring. The nutritious in-suite dining menu showcases seasonal produce. An indulgent holistic retreat.

For Design-Led Lodges

Alkina Lodge

  • Alkina Lodge promises absolute luxury on the Great Ocean Road. Minimalist modern spaces are clad largely in monochromatic tones, with original artworks and handwoven rugs adding splashes of colour. Each of the three lodges had four bedrooms, a sitting room, sleek kitchen-dining room, and large deck. Statement architecture makes this a stand-out escape for design-conscious families or groups, within easy reach of the coast.
  • The Kilnhouses is another group of three residences, this time inspired by the old tobacco kilns which have long characterised this part of Victoria's landscape. Set on a family-owned cattle farm with its own winery, this retreat invites outdoorsy types to trek, cycle and taste fantastic wine. The High Country Brewery Trail is great fun, too. Russell Grainger's spaces feel modernist and understated, with pale wood, clean lines and up to three bedrooms.
  • Buckland Studios offers a collection of five contemporary studios on a 40-acre farm. These light-filled, adults-only hideaways promise plenty of privacy, with wood-burning stoves, well-equipped kitchens and decks for soaking up the scenery. A modern escape within easy reach of cellar doors and Buffalo National Park hiking trails. Breakfast hampers of regional produce are provided by the friendly owners.

STILL NOT SURE?

8 Rural Hideaways in Victoria

Woolrich Retreat

Olinda (Victoria)

A suite & 1920s-built two-bedroom cottage are tucked within five acres of leafy gardens. Ideal for exploring the Dandenong Ranges, this tranquil haven features antique furnishings, crackling fireplaces, pretty terraces, hot tubs & lovely views. Private kitchens promise further independence. A gem.

  • Great walks - Follow scenic hiking trails through the Dandenong Ranges National Park, great for bird watching and wildlife spotting
  • Back to Nature - Olinda and the Dandenong Ranges are famous for gorgeous flora — this is a wonderful place to reconnect with nature
  • Other Activities - All guests receive complimentary entry to nearby Cloudehill Gardens, which are beautiful for a stroll
  • Hideaway - A tranquil hideaway close to Olinda and perfect for couples, friends or families looking to unwind
from €239 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Buckland Studios

Victoria (Victoria)

A collection of five contemporary studios on a tranquil 40-acre farm, boasting spectacular views. Airy, light-filled spaces feature big double beds, sitting rooms with wood-burning stoves and — in some cases — free-standing tubs. Private decks place rural panoramas centre-stage. Chic & adults only.

  • Honeymoons - Popular with honeymooners, the studios promise plenty of privacy, gorgeous views & indulgent tubs
  • Hideaway - Escape to a 40 acre farm, savouring Victoria wines & mouth-watering hampers on your deck
  • Great walks - Explore some of the 23 short and longer walking & hiking tracks in Buffalo National Park
  • Views - Admire beautiful views of Mt Buffalo and the Buckland Valley from your private terrace
from €217 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Kilnhouses

Victoria (Victoria)

Inspired by the old tobacco kilns which characterise this part of Victoria, these three stunning minimalist houses ooze understated indulgence. Set on a working cattle farm & vineyard, multi-bedroom spaces have huge windows, modern kitchens & private decks. Cycling & wine tasting adventures await.

  • Country Escape - A gorgeous rural escape on a working farm, where bicycle trails, vineyards, walks, winter skiing & river swims await
  • Groups - Three-bedroom hideaways will delight groups of friends or families, who can explore, cycle & taste wine
  • Cycling - Hope aboard the complimentary bicycles to follow the bike path to Porepunkah (5km) or Bright (11km)
  • Wine tasting - Follow the High Country Brewery Trail for craft beers, and taste wine at the area's many vineyards
from €230 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Lon Retreat

Victoria (Victoria)

A beautiful retreat atop dazzling Point Lonsdale with 200 acres of forest & fields on the Bellarine Peninsula. Seven crisp, contemporary suites invite rest & relaxation, with natural materials, cosy fireplaces & an earthy palette. The sensational mineral spring spa completes this holistic escape.

  • Spa breaks - A beautiful holistic retreat, with nutritious in-suite cuisine, a sensational mineral spa & rejuvenating atmosphere
  • Honeymoons - An indulgent honeymoon escape, with chic contemporary suites & a stand-out spa
  • Views - Stunning views over the farmland, towards Lake Victoria or Port Phillip Bay, The Rip and Point Nepean
  • Spa - A very special space with three unique treatment rooms, mineral water fed soaking tubs & steam rooms
from €314 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Alkina Lodge

Victoria (Victoria)

Three dazzling, design-led lodges on the Great Ocean Road. Modern, minimalist & largely monochromatic spaces each have four bedrooms, whitewashed walls punctuated by big windows, slick kitchens & generous garden-view decks. A rare architectural statement promising absolute luxury in rural Victoria.

  • Birdwatching - Marvel at kookaburras, fairy-wrens & sulphur-crested cockatoos in the grounds or birdwtach in the Great Otway National Park
  • Wine tasting - Taste some of Australia’s top cool-climate wines, produced at the vineyards of the Great Ocean Road region
  • Groups - Four-bedroom lodges are perfect for groups of friends or families eager to holiday together
  • Country Escape - Stunning contemporary lodges in a rural setting near Wattle Hill, on the Great Ocean Road
from €555 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Braeside Mount Macedon Country Retreat B&B

Victoria (Victoria)

Four charming cottages & suites create a gorgeous rural retreat on 27 acres of parkland. Pretty spaces have beamed ceilings, wood-burning stoves, cosy kitchenettes & terraces tucked under trees in the dappled sunshine. Alpacas & kangaroos hop around the gardens, which also host intimate weddings.

  • Great walks - Hike up Mount Macedon, follow scenic walking trails or amble through Forest Glade Gardens as a family with a picnic
  • Weddings - A gorgeous venue for intimate rural weddings in the gardens, with superb fresh cuisine & Victoria wines
  • Families - Two-bedroom cottages are perfect for families or groups, who will love the gardens
  • Local markets - Pick up terrific local produce at Woodend Community Farmers' Market, held on the first Saturday or each month
from €151 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Llarrinda Bed & Breakfast

Victoria (Victoria)

With beautiful views of Wilsons Promontory National Park, this intimate B&B offers an exceptional rural escape. The friendly owners welcome guests to a spacious suite & comfortable two-bedroom guest wing in their home. Gorgeous gardens, homemade breakfasts & superb hosts make this a special spot.

  • Romantic Break - Intimate and tranquil, this is a lovely romantic retreat for outdoorsy types eager to recharge amidst Victoria's natural beauty
  • Local exploring - A brilliant base for exploring the Wilsons Promontory National Park & Gippsland region, particularly with the owner's top tips
  • Birdwatching - A Land for Wildlife property, the B&B's gardens are home to 68 species of birds, perfect for relaxed birdwatching
  • Local markets - Savour local produce at the Foster Farmers' Market, or follow the South Gippsland Wine Trail for tours & tastings
from €156 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Drom Aluinn B&B

Victoria (Victoria)

An indulgent B&B with three comfortable guest rooms, each with views over surrounding farmland & the Blue & Cathedral Ranges beyond. Interiors are clad in soft cream & blue-grey tones, with leather sofas & a cosy fireplace in the lounge. There's a spacious deck for soaking up the serenity. Lovely.

  • Country Escape - Overlooking the Blue and Cathedral Ranges, this countryside B&B is surrounded by bucolic farmland & invites outdoor exploring
  • Romantic Break - A tranquil retreat for romantics, with cosy guest rooms, expansive valley views & hearty breakfasts
  • Sights nearby - Steavenson Falls, one of Victoria’s highest waterfalls, is just outside the town of Maryland and well worth visiting
  • Fishing - Try your hand at trout fishing on the Acheron River or boating on Lake Eildon, just 25 minutes away
from €137 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Written by Saskia Walker

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