The Best Hotels to Book in Bendigo, Victoria

Visitors rush to the precious Mercure Bendigo Schaller
Visitors rush to the precious Mercure Bendigo Schaller | Courtesy of Mercure Bendigo Schaller / Hotels.com
Siobhan Grogan

The gold rush may have passed, but you’ll still hit the jackpot with this city in Victoria. Around 150km (93mi) northwest of Melbourne, Bendigo is packed with things to do – including underground mine tours, talking trams, swathes of forest and over 80 wineries for top-notch tastings. Whether you’re travelling solo or with family, the perfect accommodation in Bendigo awaits – book it on Culture Trip.

1. Hotel Shamrock Bendigo, for nightly entertainment in an iconic building

Hotel

Two single beds and a double bed in a Hotel Shamrock Bendigo room; additionally there is a bedside table with two lamps, a small sofa, a TV in a cabinet, and a small circular table with two wooden chairs
Courtesy of Hotel Shamrock Bendigo / Expedia

On the corner of Pall Mall and Williamson Street, the Hotel Shamrock has been integral to social events in Bendigo since 1854. It’s still a great place for a party, with live music several times a week, special poker nights and even its own comedy club. There’s also a sports bar for keeping up with the big game – and a bistro if you’re looking for something more refined.

2. Mercure Bendigo Schaller, for casual dining and colourful rooms

Hotel, Chain Hotel

A very large bed in a Mercure Bendigo Schaller room is next to glass doors overlooking verdant bushes in the distance; the room also contains original artwork on the walls, a desk and a chair
Courtesy of Mercure Bendigo Schaller / Hotels.com

It’s impossible to be glum at this hotel on Lucan Street. There are splashes of neon green on the outside of the building, while every room has zingy, primary-coloured accents, a balcony to let light stream in and bold artwork from Mark Schaller. If you fancy a snack, head downstairs to the hotel’s Pantry, which offers all-day cafe dining.

3. Julie-Anna Inn, Bendigo, for a lakeside setting and plenty of space

Inn

A ground-floor room in Julie-Anna Inn, Bendigo contains a large bed, red sofa, three tables, three chairs and a TV atop a cabinet; the glass doors lead out onto grass, and face another property
Courtesy of Julie-Anna Inn, Bendigo / Expedia

Few hotels in Bendigo have a view to match the Julie-Anna Inn. Opposite scenic Lake Weeroona, the property offers sweeping panoramas over the water, plus some of Bendigo’s largest motel rooms, so you can really make yourself at home. There’s also parking at your door, rooms opening onto an attractive courtyard, a swimming pool, guest laundry and a restaurant open seven days a week.

5. Balgownie Estate Winery Retreat & Restaurant, for wine tasting and glamping

Winery with Rooms, Resort

A luxury glamping tent at Balgownie Estate Winery Retreat & Restaurant contains a cushioned wicker bench and wicker table; two cushioned wicker chairs and a wicker table bearing wine and wine glasses stand in front of vast, green countryside
Courtesy of Balgownie Estate Winery Retreat & Restaurant / Expedia

Get away from it all at this 33ha (82-acre) estate – Bendigo’s oldest working winery – set against a backdrop of vineyards and bushland. For a truly rustic getaway, book one of the luxury glamping tents – which have either private decks or outdoor bathtubs – or, if you prefer four walls, a contemporary cottage room. Just don’t miss the chance to wine and dine overlooking the vineyards in Balgownie’s top-rated restaurant.

6. Quest Bendigo Central, for fantastically located apartments

Hotel, Apartment

A large bed in a white-and-brown Quest Bendigo Central room; a tree-lined street can be seen from the large, adjacent window with undrawn curtain
Courtesy of Quest Bendigo Central / Expedia

Looking for longer-term accommodation in Bendigo? This property has 60 serviced apartments, including studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom options, so you can spread out if you’re travelling with family, friends or even colleagues attending events in Bendigo. All have fantastic kitchen facilities – although breakfast is available and the al fresco BBQ area is available for guests – and the hotel will fill your fridge before you arrive if requested.

7. Best Western Crystal Inn, for an indoor pool in a great location

Hotel

A double bed in a large, ground-floor Best Western Crystal Inn room is covered in cushions, a throw and pillows; there are also two bedside tables with lamps, a small sofa with cushions and glass doors with undrawn curtains
Courtesy of Best Western Crystal Inn / Expedia

Cheap accommodation in Bendigo doesn’t mean a terrible location at this four-star motel – less than five minutes by car from the central business district. It’s also ideally situated for exploring the area’s wineries, art galleries and gardens. The hotel itself has a mix of bedrooms and apartments, which also come with cooking facilities. All guests can use the indoor heated pool, large courtyard, BBQ area and restaurant, which serves breakfast and dinner each day.

8. Allawah Bendigo, for alternative city centre properties

Hotel

A large, wooden bed in an Allawah Bendigo room features ornate carvings and cream-and-brown covers and pillows, matching the wider decor; a bedside table and lamp, overhead air conditioning, a large wooden cabinet and undrawn window blinds can also be seen
Courtesy of Allawah Bendigo / Expedia

If you’re looking for different accommodation in Bendigo, Allawah offers a great alternative to hotel rooms. Choose from maisonettes in the former Bank Chamber – all with their own courtyard – or one- or two-bedroom apartments in historic buildings throughout Bendigo’s central business district. They’ll all help you feel like you have a space to call home if you’re travelling with a family or staying longer-term.

For ideas on what to do, discover our guide on the best weekend trips and getaways from Melbourne.

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