Quirky Accommodation in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges

From tiny houses, quirky hideaways, glamping and going off the grid, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges offer some of Victoria’s most unique places to stay.

Travel is about experiencing something new and not just about the activities. Finding unique accommodation options is an easy way to add a sense of adventure to your stay and make your trip even more memorable. Here are a few ideas, all roughly an hour or less from Melbourne.

BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park, Healesville

Nestled amongst the rolling hillsides in Healesville, BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park offers guests a whole range of unique experiences, including their extensive range of glamping accommodation options.

As well as cabins, caravans and campsites. BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park also has belle tents and glamping pods with private ensuites and nature at your front door.

Like camping but without sacrificing your home comforts, glamping comes with comfy beds, a mini-fridge, crockery, Wi-Fi and the best part, no need to set up or pack down the tent!

Perfect for couples or families (family belle tents sleep up to four), guests are close to all of Healesville’s famous attractions, eateries and wineries.

Valley Ranges Getaways, Dandenong Ranges

Discover the Dandenong Ranges in a whole new light by staying in some of the region's most Instagram-worthy and unique private homes and cottages. Whether you're a couple, a family, or a group of friends, you'll find the perfect retreat. Many properties are conveniently located near charming villages filled with restaurants, attractions, scenic walking trails, and the breathtaking gardens of the Dandenong Ranges.

All accommodations are expertly managed by Valley Ranges Getaways, a dedicated team of professionals committed to providing guests with exceptional stays marked by cleanliness and top-notch amenities.

Glenlowren, Dixons Creek

Located in Dixons Creek amid the paddocks of the Yarra Valley, the luxury stays at Glenlowren are swoon-worthy. On this quiet 100-acre stretch of farmland, guests have three options, including the uniquely designed ‘Hut’.

This architectural treat might feel secluded, but it’s just a few minutes away from plenty of wineries and restaurants for an indulgent escape. Its distinctive arched shape and abundance of light make it the perfect spot for watching the sunset transform into a star-studded sky with the log fire burning.

Nissen Hut is ideally suited for four with two bedrooms, each with its ensuite, so it’s a perfect weekend getaway for your best ‘couple- friends’; however, the property also has one-bedroom options.

The Burrow at Wombat Bend, Dixons Creek

Also located in Dixons Creek, The Burrow at Wombat Bend is a beautifully designed mud brick and cedar cottage offering self-contained accommodation in a quintessential Australian landscape.

Set beside a shady billabong, the property is a paradise for the resident wildlife, making it a tranquil retreat for nature lovers, a couple, or solo travellers. Here guests get plenty of privacy, quiet and relaxation, but it’s still close enough to great coffee, wineries and restaurants. Popular as a writer's or artists' retreat, The Burrow at Wombat Bend is also the perfect spot for a romantic getaway.

Loft in the Mill, Olinda

Love the charm and character of historic properties? Olinda’s Loft in the Mill is a replica of a 19th Century Bluestone English Flour Mill and Bluestone Carriage House.

This boutique luxury property offers a variety of accommodation options, including the three-bedroom, two-story house Carriage House that’s perfect for families or small groups and The Loft Suite, encompassing the entire top floor of The Mill building in true penthouse style.

The property is also less than 2km away from some of Olinda’s most loved dining locations.

Wild Orchid Olinda, Olinda

Get cozy and enjoy a romantic stay at Wild Orchid Olinda.

Just minutes walking distance to both Olinda and Mt Dandenong villages, this stand-alone, private and completely self-contained cottage has everything you need to feel a world away.

It’s a great base to discover the Dandenong Ranges. Walk into the forest from your doorstep, enjoy local villages, wake to birdsong, enjoy a generous breakfast hamper and snuggle up by the fire. You won’t want to leave!

Alkira Eco Glamping Retreat, Emerald

Alkira Eco Glamping Retreat offers a unique escape into nature, combining luxurious comfort with sustainable living. Nestled on a sprawling 40-acre property overlooking the breathtaking Warburton Ranges, guests are immersed in a tranquil environment where serenity and natural beauty take center stage.

Visitors can choose from three distinctive accommodations; The Yurt, The Cabin, and The Safari. All are thoughtfully designed to provide a perfect blend of modern amenities and rustic charm. Each space invites relaxation, whether it’s enjoying a morning coffee with panoramic views of the Warburton Ranges, soaking under the stars in private outdoor baths, or cozying up by the firepit.