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Written by Stephanie Mikkelsen
Long loved for its wineries, seaside towns and easy access from Melbourne, the Bellarine Peninsula has always been an easy weekend yes. Now three significant new and revitalised stays — two of them heritage restorations – are making a stronger case than ever to actually book a room.
Here’s what’s new across the region.
A historic icon returns in Queenscliff
After sitting empty for seven years, the Queenscliff Hotel has finally reopened.
First built in 1888 by the architects behind the Royal Exhibition Building, the Queen Anne landmark was once the weekend escape of choice for Melbourne’s elite, who’d arrive by paddle steamer and stay in style. New owners Rob and Tammy Charter spent three years restoring it in close consultation with Heritage Victoria, bringing back original tessellated tiles, ornate cornicing, stained-glass windows and working fireplaces. Most dramatically, the hotel’s turreted viewing tower has been returned to its original open-air design – climb to the top and the view across Queenscliff hasn’t changed much in 130 years.
The hotel now offers 12 suites, four dining venues (including Miettas, an Italian-inspired restaurant championing Bellarine produce), and a bathhouse retreat in the works. For a town of its size, it’s a welcome – and long-overdue – addition.
Portarlington’s Grand Hotel: still the best seat on the bay
The Portarlington Grand Hotel has been transformed. The original balconies were long gone, the interiors had seen better days – but after a $10 million renovation led by Melbourne architects Technē, the 1888 heritage building is back to something close to its original grandeur..
Original balustrading was discovered in a shed on the property and used to cast new replacements; the grand façade and staircase carefully restored, and a second balcony added to recapture what had been lost. Inside, 18 boutique rooms sit alongside four distinct dining spaces – from the casual Atrium beer garden to the Bistro’s signature Portarlington mussels.
Owned by the Little Group, which also runs Port Phillip Ferries, the hotel is a 70-minute ferry ride from Melbourne Docklands. They even ring a bell 30 minutes before each departure, so there’s no excuse for missing the boat home.
Geelong gets its first Crowne Plaza
Geelong‘s waterfront has a new landmark. Crowne Plaza Geelong opened in January 2026 – a $120 million, 200-room hotel that marks the brand’s first regional Victoria property and signals a clear step-change in what the city can offer visitors.
Rooms are split between bay and city views, with warm coastal tones and artwork by local artist Kate Robertson throughout. Food and drink spans cafe Verde on the ground floor, Italian restaurant Sociali Trattoria & Bar on level one, and the Skyline Bar on level ten. There’s also an indoor heated pool, gym and eight event spaces with waterfront views.
The hotel sits next to the soon-to-open Nyaal Banyul Convention and Event Centre (due July 2026).
Discover the Bellarine Peninsula
Featured image: Queenscliff Hotel; Neisha Breen Photography, supplied.
