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Whether you play golf or not, these stylish Bellarine rooms will lift your getaway game

Words by Danielle Phyland
Images supplied

There is no mistaking the primary purpose here as you round the sweeping driveway and are greeted by rolling greens, sand traps and a perfectly manicured putting green. Curlewis Golf Course is positioned on the Bellarine Peninsula, just a short 15-minute drive from Geelong.

Purchased in July 2015, by renowned local hospitality business operators, Lyndsay and David Sharp, whose CV includes Bellarine’s Jack Rabbit Vineyard and Flying Brick Cider Co, there have been some significant improvements to elevate the food experience alongside the quality of the golf course. Curlewis Golf Course now comfortably sits in the top 100 course rankings in Australia thanks to the new owners’ investment both on and off the green. Casual players and club members take to the course which is ranked #21 in Golf Australia magazine’s Top-100 Public Access Courses for 2022 -2023. The coastal landscape offers glimpses of Corio Bay from some of the fairways and where the wind can often shift the degree of difficulty of the course on any given day.

Curlewis Golf Club

Guest check-in takes place in the multi-purpose Clubhouse where friendly staff provide detailed instructions and map out the stay. The building is designed in such a way that it compliments the natural surroundings, heavily featuring stone and wood on the interior and exterior. The fully accessible Clubhouse is also home to the Pro Shop, Ivor’s Spike Bar and the Claribeaux Restaurant.

Once checked in guests enter the spacious dining room lined with floor-to-ceiling windows that immediately draw the eye to the expansive views across the golf course, particularly stunning as the sun sets. As its name indicates there is a strong French influence at The Claribeaux Restaurant, whose chefs focus on using sustainable local ingredients to offer a high-quality dining experience. A meal here is the perfect reward after a day of chasing a golf ball (or two) around the fairways or simply a lovely dining experience upon arrival. The restaurant takes its name from Alfred Claribeaux Curlewis, son of the European settlers who came to Australia in 1824 and established the local township. Guests choose from a succinct menu of leading dishes that hero local produce aligned with the seasons. The wine list is littered with creations from the Sharp Group wineries (Jack Rabbit, Leura Park, Yes Said the Seal) plus plenty of other wines, beers, ciders, gins and more from both local and international makers.

Golfing Bellarine Peninsula

Overlooking the golf course is a series of one and two-storey modular accommodation blocks containing sleek, stylishly finished rooms collectively sleeping up to 120 guests. Entering the room guests are greeted by the fresh, monochrome space complete with lux furnishings including Marimekko cushions, crisp linens, velvety bath robes and Sealy custom-made beds. Australian artist Eleanor Millard’s work hangs uniformly above the bed, their simple subjects complement the minimalist furniture and layout of the space. The Australian theme continues in the amenities with shower products by Orana featuring Australian essential oils, to help create a sense of place and revive body, mind and spirit.

Golfing Bellarine Pninsula

Eager golfers gather for breakfast in the dining room and excitedly chatter about the day ahead on the course that stretches out just beyond the windows of the dining room. The neat breakfast menu fuels guests for the day ahead with generous dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. For ongoing grazing, Ivor’s Spike Bar offers casual drinks and snacks during the day plus a selection of sundown snacks which are best enjoyed on the outdoor deck with a chilled glass of bubbly as the sun sets.

Curlewis Golf Club is conveniently located close to many attractions on the Bellarine Peninsula including Ket Bakery, Flying Brick Cider Co, Bellarine Smokehouse and numerous wineries not to mention the protected bayside beaches. The Bellarine Rail Trail is a great all-access path for running, walking and cycling conveniently situated at the rear of the Curlewis site.

THE DETAILS

What: Golfing on the Bellarine
Where: Curlewis Golf Course, 1201 – 1345 Portarlington Road, Curlewis, Vic
More info: Curlewis Golf

We wish to acknowledge the Wadawurrung people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

Kryal Castle adds BIG4 Holiday Park — just in time for the school holidays

Words by Tehya Nicholas
Images supplied

Ever wished you could go to bed at night, gaze out your window and see a medieval castle haloed by the moonlight? What was once regaled to Lords and Ladies of the Dark Ages is now a contemporary, affordable opportunity with the opening of BIG4 Kryal Castle Holiday Park.

Set to officially open on Friday, April 7th—just in time for the autumn school holidays—the new BIG4 Kryal Castle Holiday Park will expand the attraction’s current accommodation offerings to include 57 powered campsites, 16 one-bedroom cabins, and four luxurious two-story loft tiny homes. With modern furnishings and comfortable proportions, these sleeping quarters are a far cry from those of a bygone era.

Kryal Castle BIG4

Families looking to drop anchor within arms reach of entertainment will be well-catered for at the holiday park. An onsite games room comes equipped with Xbox consoles and bean bags, and a large playground will keep the kids amused for hours. Grown-ups can seek refuge with a local drop on the lounge-style deck overlooking the stunning Ballarat cityscape. Even better, your four-legged furry friends are also welcome to stay with you.

For the first month of its opening, guests will receive a 50% discount on entry to the theme park. From jousting tournaments to archery, quirky characters, Knight School, and magical potions, Kryal Castle can fulfil (almost) every medieval desire.

The BIG4 Kryal Castle Holiday Park is conveniently located just a quick 15-minute drive away from Ballarat town centre. Not only does this freshly minted holiday park fulfil the growing demand for more accommodation options in the area, but it also aims to restore tourism to its pre-Covid levels. Upcoming hot ticket items on the Kryal Castle event calendar include the Unicorn Festival from 7th-21st April and the Smashing Pumpkins The World Is A Vampire Tour on Sunday 3rd of April.

Kryal Castle

“We’re thrilled to open the holiday park and hope that its unique location will attract more visitors to experience Kryal Castle while also increasing the accommodation offering in Ballarat. Our aim is to encourage visitors to explore all the region has to offer,” said Kryal Castle CEO Bart Hamilton.

The holiday park is part of a $5.6 million initial development, privately funded by Kryal Castle, with the option to expand a further 119 sites on the eastern side of the castle grounds.

THE DETAILS

WHAT: BIG4 Kryal Castle Holiday Park
WHEN: Friday, April 7th
FIND OUT MORE: BIG4 Kryal Castle Holiday Park

We wish to acknowledge the Wadawurrung people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

Modern Indian-Australian fusion dining experience opens on the Great Ocean Road

Words by Anthea Riskas
Images supplied

First came the accommodation, then the day spa and now the team at Sunnymead in Aireys Inlet have revealed the final piece of their coastal experience puzzle – their restaurant Santara.

This intimate, warm-hued space is tucked between reception and the guest rooms and invites diners to sample the fusion menu that takes subcontinent classics and gives them an overtly Australian twist.

To start why not try a traditional Indian snack, pani puri? A golden, hollow dough ball, that in this instance is filled with prawns, Yarra Valley caviar and a pop of yuzu to make the crunch and seafood really sing as it breaks open with a single bite.

Great Ocean Road Restaurant

Moving on to mains, your eyes do not deceive you when you read “King Oyster Mushroom and Vegemite Butter”. When they say “fusion” they really mean it, and this dish is silky, unctuous, salty and satisfying. You really ought to try it before you knock it.

The Chicken Ruby curry is tender, sweet and textured courtesy of the addition of pomegranate and the beef of the Sticky Shin Taco falls straight off the bone and into your mouth, just like it should because you simply must eat this dish with your fingers.

The absolute savoury standout for us though, is the Onion Bhaji. This side dish may seem simple, but it’s deceptively hard to execute well and Santara have nailed it. Perfectly sized and sliced, crispy and light and oh to have been a fly on the wall when Executive Chef Adam Cooke (we know right?) announced to the kitchen he was going to sprinkle chicken salt on it. Delicious!

Yes, you want to leave room for dessert, Indian spices line up against European classics, but the Chai Roasted Peaches is our pick, with cream ice cream and honey from local hive Apiary.

Nearby producers also feature heavily on the drinks menu, wines are well-priced by the bottle and the cocktail list is as playful as the food, with a nod to a secret nearby surf break created with neighbours Great Ocean Road Gin and an absolute belter by Chef Pratik who’s mashed up vodka, white rum, cucumber juice and garam masala.

Santara

By Springtime the Santara team plan to be trading 5 days a week, but for now, all are welcome to book dinner on Friday and Saturday nights – whether you’re staying at Sunnymead, exploring the Great Ocean Road or are lucky enough to call yourself a “local”.

THE DETAILS

Who: Santara
What: Modern, Indian-Australia fusion and fun cocktails
Where: Sunnymead Hotel, Aireys Inlet
Open: Friday & Saturday for Dinner
More Info: Santara

We wish to acknowledge the Wadawurrung people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

A decadent spa just opened in Aireys Inlet and is perfect for small groups

Words by Anthea Riskas
Images supplied

Sunnymead Hotel unveils its next special offering – Indie Spa, a relaxation and treatment space like you’ve never experienced before.

Tucked into the slip lane off the Great Ocean Road and hidden behind the warm, textured tones of Sunnymead Hotel’s reception desk, is arguably Airey’s Inlet’s most noteworthy new feature – Indie Spa.

This is no ordinary treatment centre, not only are the facilities on offer unique, but Indie has been designed to be experienced by groups of guests.

That’s right! You and your besties can book spaces to share and enjoy a variety of spa packages simultaneously.

The must-try Rasul is a steam room influenced by Arabic cleansing rituals and has seemingly endless options for use. Set at the perfect temperature, you can choose to sit and steam, add DIY skin scrubs and silky muds, or go decadent and have a therapist treat you inside the Rasul. They’ll add sensory treats like scalp massage, cold stones and warm water to literally melt your stress away, either solo, duo or with your pals.

And just when you think you’ve reached your limit with the heat? You pop next door into the snowflake shower and sink your feet into invigorating ice and let a cool, mist refresh you.

Prefer to soak rather than steam? Indie’s got you, with 4 freestanding, ultra-deep tubs, that line the skylit bath house. Choose from a bathing menu – milk, mud, magnesium or mineral – and then turn your attention to the cocktail menu and enjoy a glass of bubbles or something stronger while you lay back, relax and chat.

The “Cherry on Top” add-ons, again let you control your options, and you can add face and hair masks, and then float off to the chill-out lounge, where you can laze about on velvet couches and eat charcuterie.

The final signature option to try is the Vichy Shower – where you and your plus one will spend 30 minutes applying your own skincare and working your way through the hot and cold hydrotherapy program.

Of course, there are more traditional massage and facial packages available, performed by highly trained, local therapists, who will apply luxury, all-natural products from O Cosmedics and Pevonia Botanic.

Head to your group chat ASAP and get your squad booked in immediately!

THE DETAILS

Who: Indie Spa
What: Unique, decadent day spa designed for groups
Where: Sunnymead Hotel, Aireys Inlet
More Info: HERE

We wish to acknowledge the Wadawurrung people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

Camping is now available at Point Nepean for the first time ever

Words by Jay Dillon
Images from Parks Victoria

It’s one of the most loved parts of the Victorian coastline and hugely significant to the Bunurong people. With the installation of new camping facilities, you can now stay overnight in this magical location.

The Point Nepean Discovery Tents are situated on timber platforms just meters from the beach near the old Quarantine facilities and are available to book from Sept to April each year.

As Lisa Patroni – Executive Director Visitor Experience at Parks Victoria tells us, there were a lot of considerations in opening the site up to overnight visitors.

Point Nepean Camping

‘It’s a very rich site in regards to indigenous history, natural history colonisation history, military history and obviously, it’s loved by many’ says Lisa.

‘So we tried to find a way to activate it in both a culturally and environmentally sensitive way, just to enable more people to be able to experience the site perhaps less traditionally than they have to date’.

The standing-height canvas tents are available in two-person or four-person configurations and are all set up ready for guests to arrive, who will only need to pack a sleeping bag, pillow, food and personal items.

Visitors to the discovery tents also have exclusive access to the heritage-listed isolation hospital ward, which has been refurbished with a communal kitchen, BBQs, hot showers and toilets.

As Lisa tells us, the goal has been to make camping in the park accessible to everyone.

To date, they’ve been a great hit and we’re seeing a real combination of people that have never slept in a tent, particularly in a national park before.

The introduction of camping has been a long time in the making, with planning commencing before the covid lockdowns. A lot of research was conducted into how the site could be activated with minimal impact on the environment.

The 36 tent pads are made with 100 per cent recycled materials and are designed in a way that require no holes or concrete. Native plantings have also been conducted in order to rehabilitate the ecology of the site.

Point Nepean Accommodation

‘We’ve made sure that all the boxes were ticked and to date the feedback’s been really good and our environmental partners have been really pleased with the light footprint and how we’ve gone about it’, says Lisa.

The facilities are stage one of the State Government’s $4.5 million Point Nepean Master Plan. A redevelopment of the Boiler House and Foul Luggage Store was completed in 2020 and the rollout of media designed to bring to life the overlapping historical use of the site, including by the traditional owners, is currently underway.

THE DETAILS

What: Point Nepean Discovery Tents
Where: Point Nepean National Park
When: September to April
How much: $120-$165
More information: Parks Victoria

We wish to acknowledge the Bunurong people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

A regional accommodation space with a special story to tell

Words by Della Vreeland
Images by Abbie Melle

Stories are meant to move us. They inspire us, inform us, and educate us on the past, present and future. They seep through the pages of a book, they sound through the notes of a song, and they erupt from the colours on a canvas.

They also live in every nook and cranny of The Storekeeper’s House.

Located in the rural town of Tatura, just 20 minutes southwest of Shepparton, The Storekeeper’s House is indeed a story, a homage, an ode to the past. Celebrating its rich history, it has been lovingly restored by owners Carrie Donaldson and her husband Luis who spent two gruelling years undertaking an extensive restoration of the property to get it to where it is now. Where a tale of yesteryear can be told, and the inspiration for tomorrow can unfold.

The Storekeeper’s House was first built in 1905 by Thomas Flanagan, one of Tatura’s earliest businessmen, and had been held in the family for generations. Thomas founded Flanagan’s Store – a large general store that specialised in drapery and haberdashery and later expanded to ironmongery goods, boot-making and repairs.

Scattered throughout the house, you’ll find bits and bobs that will transport you to the time and reality of Thomas Flanagan – so you too can relive his story. There’s an antique cash register, vintage price tags, yarn, thread and spools, vintage hat and shoe moulds, keys and coat-hangers from the days of yore. All a nod to the home’s former founders.

Storekeepers House Tatura

Then there are the original features of the home – the short iron roof with corrugated glass skylight in the butler’s pantry, the original cast iron lacework and cast iron stove, exposed bricks, timber flooring, and even a surprise safe embedded in the lounge room fireplace.

But what we love most is how tastefully the entire home has been designed, with a relaxed rustic aesthetic that introduces contemporary elements into every room (hello lux French flax linen, clawfoot bath, rain showers, golden fittings and premium bath and body products), as well as sweet vintage knick-knacks, dried foliage, gilt-framed oil paintings, original photographs and antique furniture – making for a coherent design that is soul-warming and joy-inducing.

Goulburn Valley Accommodation

Carrie and Luis have also done a brilliant job hiding all those dull everyday items (kitchen cupboards and draws, television, microwave and toaster) so they just blend into the background instead of dominating the space. There’s nothing we love more than entering a living room and not having the television as the statement piece!

It’s also the little things that complete one’s stay away. The fact that there’s bread, spreads, tea, coffee and milk awaiting when you arrive. The fact that there’s a cupboard full of games or that Netflix is all signed in for guest use. The fact that there are practical items ready to further enrich your stay. Feel like a picnic under the stars? There’s a basket all packed. Want a game of croquet with the kids on the lawn? It’s all ready by the door. Fancy a trip to the market but forgot your bags? The bags are a-hanging by the pantry.

And while there’s a whole heap to discover around the Goulburn Valley region where The Storekeeper’s House is located, you’ll be forgiven for simply wanting to curl up in one of the leather couches with a hot cocoa in-hand and a soft woollen throw (no matter the season), and to simply soak up the story you find yourself now a part of.

THE DETAILS

WHAT: The Storekeeper’s House
WHERE: Tatura, Goulburn Valley
FIND OUT MORE: The Storekeepers House

We wish to acknowledge the Yorta Yorta people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

New Dining at Warburton’s Alpine Hotel

Words by Gwen O'Toole
Images supplied

Foodies and adventurers, get ready for a road trip along the banks of Yarra River to Warburton’s iconic 1885 heritage-listed Alpine Hotel. Following a ‘labour of love’ restoration of its dining spaces during Victoria’s covid lockdowns, the hotel has been transformed into a destination for both food lovers and adventurers.

Now unveiling an upgraded kitchen and dining options to complement its 32 rooms of accommodation, guests can choose from an overnight stay in a river view room overlooking the Yarra River and Warburton’s picturesque mountains. They also offer rooms with retro-styled ensuites and rooms for solo travellers with shared bathrooms. No matter your style of travel, you’ll find the perfect place to rest your head.

“We now offer two options for diners with our chefs’ grazing style menu which has been developed using local produce from the area,” says owner, Rachael Northwood. “The grazing menu is perfect for sharing. We also offer the classic pub-style meals which are created in our very own kitchen and are all housemade.”

It was our intention to create a dining experience that showcases the very best of Yarra Valley’s produce and wines.

Warburton has long since been a destination popular with family travellers and adventure seekers as it sits minutes away from incredible Redwood Forrest, walking trails, and the very popular Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail at the hotel’s back doorstep. Not to mention Mt Donna Buang is just down the road, La La Falls has a wide range of outdoor activities. It’s also only 20 minutes from a range of wineries, breweries, shopping and more.

For adventurers, the hotel sits along the popular Lilydale Rail Trail, making it a popular stop for cyclists looking to rest overnight and take advantage of the secure bicycle storage, or refuel with a delicious meal or drink in the beer garden overlooking the Yarra with up to 16 beers on tap at any given time.

For those keen on staying overnight over the summer months, the newly launched Warby Nightrider bus service means you can also get out and about without any fuss for just $10 per person and enjoy all the best of the region with a safe transfer service.

“We’re really excited and proud to share the restoration with visitors and look forward to showcasing just how incredible food in our region can be. Whether guests choose the quintessential pub dining experience or a grazing menu with family and friends, paired with a local wine or locally brewed beer, it is our aim to create an ideal atmosphere to experience this wonderful environment.”

THE DETAILS

WHAT: New dining at Alpine Hotel Warburton
WHERE: 3340 Warburton Highway, Warburton
FIND OUT MORE: The Alpine Hotel

We wish to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

Australia’s first Six Senses to open in the Dandenong Ranges

Words by Gwen O'Toole
Images supplied

A new masterplan for the historic Burnham Beeches estate will see the heritage mansion and 22-hectare grounds transformed into luxury accommodation, restaurant and spa.

Slated for opening in mid-2025, Six Senses will maintain the heritage-listed art deco elegance of the estate located just under an hour from Melbourne, neighbouring Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens. It will be the first Six Senses branded accommodation in Australia.

What was built in the 1930s for a wealthy industrialist Alfred Nichols, has had a bumpy past changing hands regularly over the years, most recently being sold by former Vue de Monde owner and chef Shannon Bennet and his business partner Adam Garrison who were unable to fully see their vision of a hospitality destination come to life. Now having been acquired by Trenerry Consortium, who’ve recently completed an overhaul of the Mornington Peninsula’s The Continental Sorrento, the estate is once again under redevelopment.

With an expected initial 43 guest rooms, Six Senses will also include hospitality venues, including a welcome lounge and terrace, a restaurant with outdoor seating, a library bar, and a rooftop retreat. Accommodation layout will vary slightly over the mansion’s three main wings and offer a decadent retreat filled with luxury, character, and quirky touches. Six Senses will aim to also incorporate a two-bedroom cottage and unique glamping experience over time.

A sensory fest promises to await guests as the sprawling farm gardens will provide fruit and vegetables for the restaurants and the herb garden will produce healing and aromatic plants for use in Alchemy Bar and Six Senses Spa treatments. The Six Senses Spa will offer a regenerative escape with a welcome lounge and boutique, tea lounge, treatment rooms, gym, hydro area and sauna, and comfy relaxation spaces.

“For Six Senses Burnham Beeches is to be regenerative, it will not be a static place,” says Six Senses CEO Neil Jacobs. “We’ll evolve and respond to bring the rich heritage of Burnham Beeches to life, inviting moments of exploration, discovery, connection to nature, and delight through interactive gastronomy, wellness, and sustainability experiences.”

The masterplan also includes plans for a Village Square, giving hotel guests and locals access to an additional collection of hospitality venues including The Hearth, The Barn, Steak House, The Baker, Brew House, and Providore.

Burnham Beeches, Sherbrooke, and Nicholas Gardens are connected by a series of walking trails that weave throughout the site. Guests will be able to explore the historical, ecological, cultural, and indigenous stories from Burnham Beeches and the Wurundjeri and Kulin nation lands, incorporated into the art, architecture, signage, and landscaping throughout the grounds.

The Details

What: Luxury accommodation, restaurant and spa
When: Opening in mid-2025
Where: 1 Sherbrooke Road, Sherbrooke
Find out more: Burnham Beeches

We wish to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

Drop and flop, or hike and surf; The OHO guide to the beachside resort of Lorne

Words by Richard Cornish
Images Supplied

Halfway between Geelong and Cape Otway, the village Lorne sits on either side of the Erskine river as it flows into Louttit bay.

The town originally survived on fishing and timber logging until the Great Ocean Road was extended in 1922, unleashing a constant flow of caravan-towing tourists seeking seaside frivolity.

More recently the development of luxury apartments draws a sophisticated crowd who break up a day of sunbathing, surfing and fishing with quality coffee and high-end dining.

Use our itinerary below to rediscover the coastal haven of Lorne and surrounds.

Bookings now open for Gippsland’s newest hot springs

Words by Della Vreeland
Images Supplied

Victoria’s much-anticipated Metung Hot Springs is officially opening this month, with bookings now welcome for those seeking a healing getaway characterised by serenity, luxury and tranquillity.

Set on 10 hectares of natural undulating land overlooking the magnificent Gippsland Lakes, this new wellness destination (the sister springs to the Peninsula Hot Springs) is set to welcome its very first guests on October 29.

Featuring geothermal mineral bathing, spa and massage treatments, and its very own glamping tents, Metung is a premium health and wellness experience that aims to refresh, rejuvenate and revitalise guests amidst the panoramic vistas that the Gippsland region affords.

Boasting a bathing valley with seven pools as well as a hilltop escarpment including cold plunge tub, stargazing pool and individual bathing barrels, the venue will have guests in awe at its natural surrounds and luxurious offerings.

A range of bathing, spa and accommodation packages are now available to choose from, including unique glamping lagoon-side and hillside options. Make sure to visit the website to find out all the information, and get set for a luxury escape nestled within Gippsland’s warming surrounds.

THE DETAILS:

WHAT: Metung Hot Springs
WHEN: Opening October 29
BOOKINGS: Metung Hot Springs

We wish to acknowledge the Gunaikurnai people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.