Victoria
From humble beginnings to Victoria’s most-loved regional hotel
Visitors to award-winning Lake House, now celebrating its 40th year, used to navigate there with a hand-drawn map mailed in the post.
- by Ben Groundwater
★★★★½
Hotel reviews
Cool makeover for this hotel in the best part of Melbourne
Rydges Melbourne represents an intelligent, if not model, hotel refurbishment, with little expense seemingly spared.
- by Anthony Dennis
Melbourne after dark: How to make the most of the city’s nightlife
Melbourne’s nighttime economy is back in all its gritty-pretty glory. And the best thing about a night safari is how easy it is to find some fun.
- by Paul Chai
How to do Melbourne’s beaches by tram
The city’s famous trams take you to the city’s coolest inner-city cafes, restaurants and bars – but also, surprisingly, to beaches.
- by Tim Richards
★★★★
Hotel reviews
This is a true hidden gem in this underrated Victorian town
The beautiful garden at this B&B is home to Californian redwoods, echidnas, wombats and squirrel gliders as well as a saltwater pool.
- by Sue Wallace
Super sangas to hidden dining rooms: Six of the Great Ocean Road’s best eats
From a retro deli slinging super sandwiches to a restaurant hiding in a bowls club, you won’t go hungry when you make this famed journey.
- by Justin Meneguzzi
Six of the best places for a Melbourne staycation this festive season
Want to level-up your summer holiday? Check into one of the city’s best hotels or regional retreats.
- by Katherine Scott
Victoria’s most affordable two-hat restaurant is worth a holiday on its own
On a corner block in a country town, you’ll find one of Victoria’s best restaurants – a French-Basque eatery that is true destination dining.
- by Ben Groundwater
★★★★
Hotel reviews
This old-school Victorian motor inn is now fun and fabulous
Following a serious facelift, this former motel near Bright in north-east Victoria has morphed into a swish boutique hotel.
- by Sue Wallace
New Melbourne hotel takes cool cues from legendary fashion photographer
Hotel Indigo is a celebration of Helmut Newton’s local connection and his overall illustrious (and often controversial) legacy.
- by Julietta Jameson