If you’ve ever wanted to stay in a train carriage, cutesy caravan, an old bus, Elsa’s palace – or just some of the most gorgeous glamping resorts in Victoria, then this is the post for you. It started when we fell down an ‘unusual Airbnb’ rabbit hole for a few hours the other day… there were so many cool places to stay we decided blog posts were needed, and this is the first. So here you are, 21 of the most fun hotels, unusual and unique Airbnb in Victoria, Australia.. and we want to stay in them all!.
1. Tanglewood – Belmont near Geelong
If you love Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit, I get the feeling you’ll love staying at Tanglewood, a converted barn in Belmont near Geelong. The unique carvings around the property (the work of host Leigh) give it a real LOTR feel to me. It’s adorable.
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Tanglewood is one of six properties hosted by Leigh in the area (great if there’s a group of you but you like your privacy) and it sleeps four in two bedrooms.
See more pictures, check rates and availability here.
2. The Warburton Bus, Warburton
Just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne and situated on the Yarra River flats with a great view of Mount Victoria, this fully restored old bus is now the perfect fun sleep spot for a family.
It sleeps five in four beds (note: the listing says the bunk beds are just 1.7m). Inside is cutely retro – outside you’ll find fields for miles.
It’s also located on a farm where you can meet the animals and host Melissa offers Bowen therapy if you have any knots you’d like to work out while you’re there.
Click to see more pictures, prices and dates
3. Little World of Ice and Snow – Melbourne
Always wanted to be Elsa or to stay in the Ice Hotel in Sweden? This is the next best thing – but right in the middle of Melbourne! Flinders Street station is right nearby.
The studio is a compact 20m2, but the designers have used mirrors to make the space look and feel much bigger. It sleeps two in a double bed.
As they say, ‘Step into a magical little world of ice and snow. Weave memories of your very own fairytale as you snuggle onto a mesmerising glowing ice bed, surrounded by a romantic scene of lights bouncing off intricate decors of ice and snow throughout the room.
Fall asleep under an aurora inspired assembly of veils and twinkling lights, and when you wake up, treat yourself to the aromatic scent of tea or espresso.’
Love. Love, Love. Want to spin round in circles singing Let it Go and build a snowman and will now be typing the rest of this post to the soundtrack of Frozen. (I’m getting carried away aren’t I!).
If you’re as excited as I am, you can find rates, dates and book here
4. The 101 Love Shack – Great Western
Super cute inside and out, 101 Love Shack in Great Western is an old mud-brick studio first built in 1903 as a fruit picking kitchen for the nearby orchard. Now it’s a gorgeous getaway for two surrounded by farmland and visiting kangaroos.
Grab a glass of wine (maybe bought from one of the local vineyards – Seppelt, Grampians Estate and Best Great Western all have cellar doors nearby) and sit around the open-air fire pit to watch the sunset and your perfect weekend is complete.
See more photos or check rates and availability here.
5. Forest and Heaven Themed Apartment Close to the Heart of the CBD – Melbourne
While most of our unique Aribnbs in Victoria are out in the countryside or by the sea, this fantastically quirky apartment is located smack bang in the middle of Melbourne City with Flinders Street station just five minutes walk away.
I can’t explain it better than the listing which says ‘Pretend you are lost in a magical forest as you perch on a log or curl up in the swinging chair. Soak in the tub, then fall asleep in a heavenly bedroom with cloud-painted walls and twinkling lights. And when you wake up, the espresso machine awaits.’
It sleeps two people in a King Bed. And yes, it’s the same hosts who designed the snow room above. If you’re looking for a themed Airbnb in Melbourne, they’re your people!
6. Alkira Eco-Glamping Retreat – Emerald
Is this the best Airbnb in Victoria? Well, Alkira Eco-Glamping Retreat has been featured in heaps of newspapers and magazines – and we can see why. It’s gorgeous.
You won’t believe you’re just an hour from Melbourne.
The tiny hut sleeps just two and the cute bathroom is a few steps away from the property. There’s also an outdoor kitchen with a gas-fired barbecue.
If you can tear yourself away from the hut itself, it’s located in 40 acres of land near Emerald, the heart of the Dandenong Ranges and home to the Puffing Billy Steam Train.
To see more pictures, check rates or book, then click here.
7. Hepburn Springs Escape Villas – Hepburn
These amazing space-age looking villas are located in the middle of Victoria’s spa country
The town of Hepburn Springs is renowned for its healing mineral springs – and the villas are just steps away from Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa where you can book spa treatments and soaks for ultimate relaxing weekend.
Each freestanding villa offers 75 square metres of luxury and contain a king-size bed, full kitchen and a double spa bath.
Click here to check rates and availability for your next getaway.
8. The House from The Castle – Bonnie Doon
This is one for the movie buffs out there. The Castle is an iconic Australian film. It tells the story of the Kerrigan family and the fight to save their home in Melbourne.
The Kerrigan’s also had a holiday home though, in the town of Bonnie Doon, 2.5 hours drive from Mebourne – and it’s real and you can stay in it!
Yes, this is the actual home they filmed in. A place where you can just feel the serenity (if that makes no sense, then watch the film).
Called The Castle in Bonnie Doon, it sleeps up to eight in with four beds and three bedrooms. It’s decorated just as the Kerrigan’s would have wanted with lots of fun touches. Definitely among the most unique accommodation in Victoria!
Mel who owns the house is a superhost
You can check rates and availability here
9. The Yurt Alpine Retreat – Myrrhee
Always dreamt of being able to to lie in your bed and look at the stars – it’s possible in this yurt. It has a glass dome in the roof so you can look up and out to the sky. And with views like the one below you’ll be pleased to hear it has glass doors too.
The yurt is a genuine Mongolian yurt located in Myrrhee the Victoria High Country on a working farm. ‘No neighbours to be seen. Run around in the nude if you are so inclined. The silence is golden.’ says the property listing.
Even the shower has an amazing view (see below). One guest describes it as ‘glamping and then some.’ It sleeps two in a double bed.
Myrrhee itself is a small town and the yurt says it’s in a pretty isolated location – but you are in the middle of the King Valley region with its gorgeous scenery, bushwalks, waterfalls – and yes, more wineries!
You can check out pictures of the inside and check and rates and availability here.
10. Notel, Melbourne
The fun of staying at one of the six refurbished Airstreams that make up Notel comes when you try and find where you’re staying – as the doorway to this chic retreat on an inner city Melbourne rooftop is a bit of a secret!
Once you work it out thought you’ll find your shiny silver home. The basic trailers are chic and minimalist – but come with a free minibar! The Airstream with benefits has it’s own hot tub.
And when you do want to leave, you’re right on top of Melbourne’s Flinders Street.
Click the picture above to check out prices on Agoda
Or, if you prefer to use booking.com – then click the link here to find rates and availability.
11. Coomalie House – Mid Century Inspired Luxury – Badger Creek
Earns a place on our list because of it’s unique design which the host says was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright.
The curved walls make every room look interesting and there’s windows everywhere to see the gardens beyond – the bathrooms are especially gorgeous.
The house is surrounded by landscaped gardens and has a pretty creek running through the property.
It’s also much larger than most of our other unusual Airbnbs in Victoria. The house sleeps eight guests in four bedrooms and has five beds and two bathrooms.
See more lovely pictures or check rates and dates to book here.
12. The Gypsy Wagon – Echuca
Located in the town of Echuca, right on the border with New South Wales. this is a beautifully decorated reproduction of authentic Gypsy Wagons used in the 19th century – with modern amenities – it even has air conditioning.
It’s pretty snug space-wise and so sleeps just two in one double bed.
The wagon is located in Echuca Gardens which means you’re surrounded by beautiful water gardens yet in walking distance from the town of Echuca.
Click to see more photos, check rates or availability or book.
13. Roar and Snore at Melbourne Zoo
Spend the night up close and personal with the elephants in this experience hosted by Melbourne Zoo.
Your accommodation is a simple tent and while your camping mattress is included you’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow.
You’ll have dinner at the zoo, get to explore it at night when the gates are normally closed and then next morning after breakfast you’ll chat to the keepers. You can then spend the rest of the day at the zoo.
For more details and to check availability, click here.
The experience only runs from the end of August to May and is open to adults and children older than 5 (although all under 18s must be accompanied by an adult).
It’s also available as an experience via Red Balloon who also offer an Overnight Safari and Stay at Werribee Zoo in Victoria where you’ll stay in a luxury safari tent, enjoy and exclusive out of hours safari drive and spend the evening sitting on your deck overlooking this open zoo’s African Savannah exhibit.
Click here to see more about that.
14. The Tower at Mount Ophir Estate – Rutherglen
Want to stay in your very own castlesque turret? Totally doable at this property in Rutherglen, a 40-minute drive from Albury.
Mount Ophir Estate was originally a farm and vineyard and was once the largest wine producting complex in the Southern Hemisphere.
Now it’s a beautiful place to stay – and the Tower is one of the most special residences on the estate.
It’s three stories high and sleeps two (note you must be okay with stairs to stay here). It also has a dining room, sitting area and library and extensive grounds shared with others staying on the estate.
Not surprisingly considering the history of the building, the region is surrounded by wineries.
See more pictures or check rates and availability here.
If you’re travelling with friends there is other accommodation available on the estate – click on host Lucy’s profile picture to see her other listings.
15. The Railway Carriage in the Bush – Torrumbarry
Eight hundred metres from the Murray River at Torrumbarry close to Echuca, your stay in Tuesday’s train carriage won’t just be special because it’s in an old train carriage – but also because you’re the middle of the bush where your neighbours are mostly of the furry and feathery variety.
It sleeps four ,in 2 beds, and is super cosy inside – there’s even a fireplace.
To see more pictures and check rates and availability click here.
See prices, more pictures and book here.
16. Sheltered Glamping Emperor Tent on Phillip Island
If you want to get away from it all – but also want luxury, the Emperor Tent from Sheltered Glamping is your answer – it even has a four-poster bed in it.
The tent is completely off-grid with solar power but offers hot showers, cooking facilities, lighting and music. It sleeps up to four in two beds.
And look at that dreamy outdoor tub…
It’s located in the Ventnor area of Phillip Island close to beaches, including a good surf beach.
Click here to check prices, reviews and dates – then book.
They also have other tents to rent – just search from Sheltered Glamping in the Airbnb search box or click host Randall’s profile picture.
17. Viscount Royal Caravan 1974 on Historic Property – Eganstown
Mr Differentville loves all things 1970s and so this would be his happy place.
It’s a super-fun, fully restored (but with a retro theme) 1970s caravan that, any Aussies reading this might remember from their childhood – except we bet your holiday home didn’t have a fantastic hot tub and gorgeous deck outside!.
The caravan is also brilliantly located with Daylesford just seven minutes drive away.
It’s a pretty large 9 metres long and sleeps two guests in two beds.
Check out more pictures and see rates and dates to make a booking here.
18. Magic Monkey Treehouse – Musk
Located very close to Daylesford, but in 20 acres of forest, the Monkey Magic Treehouse is a chance to get away from it all. The reviews use the word magical a lot and talk about how peaceful it is out here.
Owners Rosalind and Onri are superhosts and past guest rave about how welcoming they are.
The treehouse sleeps two in a double bed nestled among the trees. If you’re looking for a treehouse Airbnb in Victoria this could be the one.
Click to see more pictures, check rates and dates and make a booking.
(NB: Right now it doesn’t look like Magic Monkey Treehouse are renting their property, but I’ve kept it here just in case they come back as it’s super pretty) – but if you’re looking for seclusion in nature, check out the next option.
19. Woodlands Rainforest Retreat
You might be only a two hour’s drive from Melbourne, but once you enter your architect-designed cottage surrounded by rainforest, you’ll definitely known you’ve escaped the city. .
There are four cottages on the property, but each is located in it’s own separate areas – your only neighbours are the possums, wallabys and platypus that make the area their home.
Look at the view from the bath!
The property is also adults only.
It’s located in Narbethong and you arrive via the scenic Black Spur drive.
You’re also not far from the village of Healesville and the wineries in the region.
Click to see more pictures, check rates or make a booking.
20. Boho Lotus Belle Tent – City Fringe Glamping – Bendigo
Visiting the town of Bendigo, but want to stay somewhere a bit different from one of the hotels in town – check out Alison’s pretty boho tent.
It sleeps two in a comfy queen bed and has a kitchenette – and even carpet. The bathroom is outside the tent down a small pathway but it has a solar-powered shower.
Click to see more pictures and check rates and dates,
If tents aren’t quite your thing, but you like the idea of staying somewhere unique in Bendigo, click the link then click on Alison’s profile picture to see her other properties which all have a unique quirky edge – she has a 1950s caravan, a 1970s van, a cute woodland themed house and a 70s bungalow that I’m pretty sure we’ll end up when we go to Bendigo.
21. Steam Train Carriage – Forrest
Romantic weekend alert!
This restored steam train carriage in Forrest, about 2 hours drive from Melbourne screams romance.
It sleeps six – but the owners say that two or four will find it more comfortable due to the carriage layout.
If you love trains you’ll love it. If you’re into steampunk, you’ll love it.
Check rates and availability here
22. Bohemian Beach Bungalow – Disconnect to Reconnect – Cape Woolamai
So cute!
This tiny cabin sleeps two and offers basic cooking facilities and an outdoor kitchen.
The cabin is located three minutes walk from the village of Cape Woolamai, the surf beach is just an eight minute walk away.
Host Kate can also offer mosaic workshops for those staying two nights or more so ask about that if you want to indulge your artistic side while you stay.
Click here to check rates and availability or make a booking.
So there you have it – 19 of the most fun and unusual places to stay in Victoria if you’re looking for an Airbnb. Let me know in the comments if you book any of them, I’d love to hear what you thought.
Who Writes Differentville?
My name is Helen Foster and I’m a journalist and author living in Sydney.
My travel articles have been published in titles including The Australian, Body & Soul at the Sunday Telegraph, RAC Horizons, Jetstar magazine and more.
I like the weird, the wonderful and anything that makes me jump and down with glee like I’m about three. That’s what you’ll find here.
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