Photo of Olinda

About Olinda

An hour east of Melbourne, the pretty village of Olinda is tucked amidst the verdant landscapes of the Dandenong Ranges. Popular with city dwellers eager to unwind in rural tranquility for the weekend, Olinda is home to a number of intimate B&Bs and charming guesthouses. Read on for our list of the best places to stay in Olinda for couples, groups of friends and families.

One of the highest villages in the area, Olinda is deservedly famous for its beautiful flora, and you’ll find no shortage of manicured gardens to discover. The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is wonderful, as are the Cloudehill Nursery and Gardens, and the William Ricketts Sanctuary. This is also an arts hub, with a lively creative scene, including various galleries and annual festivals. Stock up on artisanal pieces at the Touchstone Craft Gallery, visit the Burrinja Gallery or venture further afield to the impressive TarraWarra Museum of Art.

The scenic Dandenong Ranges are criss-crossed with cycling, horse riding and walking tracks, too. Set off to marvel at Australian plants, trees and wildlife, see striking Olinda Falls, or spot rare birds in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Back in town, you can play a round at the Olinda Golf Course, before cooking up a storm at one of the best places to stay in Olinda, using fresh produce from the farmers’ market.

The Best Places to Stay in Olinda

For a Charming Hideaway

  • Cambridge Cottages offers two pretty cottages in flower-filled gardens on the edge of town. Each characterful unit has one bedroom, and both have cosy sitting rooms with gas fireplaces, kitchens and decks. Relaxed and tranquil.
  • Woolrich Retreat is made up of one inviting suite, and a 1920s-built two-bedroom garden cottage. Tucked amid five leafy acres, this charming retreat is wonderfully calm. Both spaces have kitchens, private decks, sitting rooms and garden views. For romantics or friends on holiday together.
  • A Loft in the Mill, a replica 19th-century mill, has four distinctive suites. Perfect for couples, or groups of friends who can book the whole place, this tranquil spot promises opulent interiors with four-poster beds, crackling fireplaces in cosy sitting rooms, and bold textiles. Continental breakfasts are delivered each morning, and kitchenettes allow guests to self-cater with ease. Private terraces are a nice touch.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Fly to Melbourne Airport, and hop in an hour-long taxi to your destination in Olinda. Many hotels will also be happy to arrange an airport pick up in advance.
  • Olinda and the wider Dandenong Ranges are great for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Summers (December to February) are warm and pleasant, with temperatures hovering at around 26°C. Visit in March or November for fewer crowds and good hotel deals — the region can be very busy during the peak summer months.

STILL NOT SURE?

Best Hotels in Olinda

  • A Loft In The Mill Olinda (Victoria) 4 rooms from $122

    Groups  -  Special group rates encourage friends to stay together, booking out the four suites for a fun-filled rural escape
    Great walks  -  Take a stroll through the beautiful National Rhododendron Garden or the William Ricketts Sanctuary
    Romantic Break  -  A romantic retreat with opulent suites in charming Olinda, perfect for a couples' escape
    Other Activities  -  Ride the iconic Puffing Billy, a historic steam train with lunch and dinner carriages
    Air conditioningSpaGardenDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    Four characterful suites sit within a replica 19th-century mill in lovely Olinda. Individually decorated interiors feature carved four-posters, embroidered textiles, crackling fireplaces & soaking tubs. Most have private terraces, plus kitchenettes & sitting rooms. A charming Dandenong Ranges base. See More

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  • Cambridge Cottages Olinda (Victoria) 2 rooms from $199

    Hideaway  -  Set within leafy gardens on the edge of Olinda, this is a top spot for those seeking to unwind in absolute privacy
    Romantic Break  -  Two one-bedroom cottages with fireplaces and big cosy beds, perfect for a rejuvenating couples' retreat
    Museums  -  Visit the Burrinja Gallery or the impressive TarraWarra Museum of Art to admire striking artwork
    Great walks  -  Follow myriad hiking and cycling trails across the striking Dandenong Ranges
    Air conditioningGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    Two pretty one-bedroom cottages set in leafy, flower-filled gardens on the edge of Olinda. Kookaburra Cottage has a cosy mezzanine bedroom, while Currawong Cottage boasts a big four-poster. Both have gas fireplaces, sitting rooms, kitchens & garden-view terraces. A relaxed & tranquil rural hideaway. See More

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  • Woolrich Retreat Olinda (Victoria) 2 rooms from $254

    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
    Air conditioningGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    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. See More

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