Victorian News and Specials

For a burst of getaway inspiration, check out these snippets of news and specials. You can even make a booking enquiry direct with the hosts - click through to their review and go from there.

HOT SPECIALS: If you are looking for a getaway special right now, download our current Specials Newsletter from the current travel and lifestyle show promotions we are doing around Australia. They're hot!

There are more specials below that are not in the Show Specials Newsletter, so scroll down to read more!

10th Anniversary Edition: We've released the latest Beautiful Accommodation in Victoria and Tasmania edition - in fact, it's our bumper 10th anniversary celebration edition, featuring escapes for families, couples and groups of friends. This is a superb edition you simply must add to your travel library and makes a wonderful gift as well.

 As a bonus, we have partnered with GoDo to bring you some sensational holiday activities and adventures to complement your Beautiful Accommdoation choice.
Check out the selection

NEW BEAUTIFUL ACCOMMODATION PROPERTIES

We are constantly looking for fabulous new places to stay to include in the Beautiful Accommodation collection. Here are the latest properties to be visited, reviewed and photographed by our team:

Moyhu Wine Company (King Valley, Northeast Victoria) - Fantastic self-contained accommodation  in the King Valley. There's even a cellar door, produce shop and cafe serving breakfasts and lunch on weekends. Only opened at Easter 2008 so get in quick before they get totally discovered. Read our review.

Mt Bellevue (King Valley, Northeast Victoria) - Yes, you can tell we love the King Valley! And Mt Bellevue is very well named, with incredible hilltop views you could be on top of the world. Self-contained and suite accommodation, plus a tennis court, swimming pool and access to farm grown produce and beef. Yum.Read our review.

C Scape One and Thirteen (Cowes, Phillip Island) - Right in the heart of Cowes opposite the main beach, these apartments are perfect for friends and families travelling together. The building was completed in late 2007 so the furnishings are all beautifully new. Each with three bedrooms, and great water views. Read the C Scape One review. Read the C Scape Thirteen review.

Echuca Moama River Resort (Echuca-Moama, on the Murray River) - Some more brand new villas on an absolute river frontage property at Echuca-Moama. Huge two or three bedrooms self-contained villas, plus a huge pool, two cave spas and a tennis court make this a year round, sunseeker's getaway. Read our review.

Melbourne

Brockmares by the Bay, Williamstown

Winner of Powercor Best Business Tourism: Judges comments "The owners of Brockmares by the Bay operate a truly wonderful business. They have taken the bed and breakfast concept to the highest levels of sophistication. They have not only established a 6 star product, their business model sets them apart from most of their competitors." Brockmares has a wonderful guest gossip page where guests from around the globe review their stay. Check it out on their website www.brockmaresbythebay.com.au. Read our review.

Phillip Island

Abaleigh on Lovers Walk

Set directly on a beautiful north-facing beach, Abaleigh on Lovers Walk is an ideal romantic getaway. The four and a half star private and FSC studios are just a five minutes' foreshore stroll to Cowes' restaurants and cafes. Accommodation includes king size beds, spa baths, double showers, Jetmaster log fires and courtyard with barbeques. Mention Beautiful Accommodation for this exclusive SPECIAL: Two people stay three nights mid-week for just $580 (saving nearly $100)! A full breakfast stocked in the kitchen is included (excludes holidays and weekends and expires 30/6/08). Read our review

Wilsons Promontory (Waratah North), Gippsland

Bayview House

A new BBQ shelter has been constructed and is now available to expand your catering options. Your own personal BBQ kit provides all the utensils you need, even olive oil! Sit at the sheltered table and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Throw on some local fresh vegetables, meat or seafood. Enjoy a local glass of wine. Take in the fresh sea air and beautiful garden views. Meet “Brian” the local friendly magie! The BBQ area is a great spot to sit and chat, or to read the newspaper over a cuppa. Try it out on your next visit!. Read our review

Gippsland

Limosa Rise, Wilsons Promontory (Yanakie)

If you get the winter blues: Wilsons Prom is Melbourne's closest wilderness and holidaying there in autumn/winter is a well-kept secret. The Prom is known for it's lovely long walks, but you don't have to be a dedicated hiker to enjoy this special area. With fewer visitors and cooler weather, there are many and varied short walks waiting for you to explore. Wake to a late sunrise at Limosa Rise, and choose to experience the tranquillity of the Prom, or relax in front of the warm wood heater. Read our review.

Gippsland

Serendipity Lavender Farm, Nar Nar Goon North (below Gembrook)

Serendipity Lavender Farm offers a Mother's Day package that delights the senses. The view will calm the spirit, the gourmet food delights the taste buds, the birds (and the cows in the paddocks in the morning mist), can be heard as night merges into day. The aroma of home cooked bread,and then fresh scones tantalise the nostrils as the day proceeds. Feel the relaxation waft over you as you unwind in this stunning gourmet retreat. This is where you can bring that special person, or give a gift voucher to that wonderful person "Mother". Read our review.

---

Heathcote, The Goldfields

Emeu Inn

Heathcote, The Goldfields

Hut on the Hill

Victorians have discovered the heavy soils of Heathcote are the ideal terroir for producing some of the states' award winning red wines. HUT ON THE HILL a luxury 2 bedroom B & B built only 2 years ago is ideally located only 10 minutes from a winery in any direction. It offers guests a choice of solar heated swimspa in summer, or cosy wood fire in winter with unsurpassed views all year round. The influx of discerning tourists looking for the perfect drop are finding Heathcote is no longer a secret and many are seriously considering moving to this growing region which is only 90 mins from Melbourne. Isn't it time you explored Heathcote' Read our review

Great Ocean Road

Johanna Seaside

Great Walk: The Great Ocean Walk is a huge success. Experience a world class walk covering 91 kms of the southern ocean coastline travelling through stunning scenery, along rugged cliffs tops and through beautiful rain forests and farmland. Johanna Seaside Cottages are in the heart of the Great Ocean Walk and the only property where you can walk a few meters to your accommodation. Surfing: The world's tops surfers hit Johanna Beach in perfect weather conditions recently. Johanna Seaside office hosted the Rip Curl Pro surfing media for two days over Easter. The office was a buzz with up ten international journalists sending media up dates and web casts around the world. Read our review

St Kilda, Melbourne

The Prince

Exclusive year round Beautiful Accommodation package: enjoy funky accommodation in the heart of trendy beachside St Kilda. This special is available only to Beautiful Accommodation readers and includes:
- Accommodation for two in a Deluxe Room
- Continental Breakfast served at Circa
- Car Parking
- 2 x complimentary cocktails at Circa Bar.
Rates from $240 per couple per night (the price will vary according to seasons). To access this special rate, enter the special code BAC2007 on The Prince's booking page. Read our review

Cape Otway (near Apollo Bay), Great Ocean Road

Shearwater Cottages Cape Otway

New Cottage - Shearwater has just introduced a delightful new cottage called Sunrise. The cottage offers 2 bedrooms, perfect for 2 couples or a small family, and has a large living space with an elegant bathroom, fully selfcontained kitchen with gas cooktop, electric oven, microwave, generous fridge & laundry facilities. The furnishings are luxurious and contemporary in chocolate, black & silver tones. A cathedral ceiling in the living area, and floor to ceiling windows to the south and east, contribute to the feeling of modernity, light and space. The cottage sits up high among the tree canopy, & looks south across rolling heathlands to the the ocean, viewed between the arms of the dunes. Double glass doors from each bedroom access the wide balcony, with outdoor furniture and gas weber style BBQ. The gas log fire adds warmth & cheer on cool evenings - snuggle down in front of the wide screen satellite TV , watch a DVD or listen to your favourite CD. As with all the cottages at Shearwater, Sunrise offers total seclusion and privacy - just the sound of birdsong, & the occasional visiting Koala for company. Read our review.

Barnawartha, near Albury/Wodonga, Northeast Victoria

Koendidda Country House

Gourmet dinner, bed and breakfast special - this is an ongoing special. Enjoy two nights accommodation, afternoon tea and full breakfast, plus a gourmet three course dinner for two on one evening, including wine. All for $540 per couple for two nights. Read our review

Bright, Northeast Victoria

The Buckland - Studio Retreat

Gift Certificates: The Buckland is offering gift certificates for any amount or specified packages. They can be booked online (or by phone/email), personalized with a message and sent to the purchaser or recipient by email or express post to guarantee speedy delivery. Read our review

Daylesford/Hepburn Springs, Spa Country

65 Main

Ab Fab Package: wine/cheese platter + 2 nights ensuite room, delicious cooked breakfast + relaxation massage + award winning Lake House lunch + fabulous Convent Gallery tickets + drinks at European beir cafe + latte at funky cafe from $250pp midweek or $300pp weekends. Read our review

Harcourt North, The Goldfields

MillDuck StrawBale Bed & Breakfast

Special: This is a gorgeous property, with the added attraction of beautiful gardens and lots of alpacas to say hello to. A few days at MillDuck is never really enough, so to encourage you to REALLY relax, MillDuck is offering a special rate for longer stays: "Stay for a few more days" Special. Stay for two nights at the usual rate, then you can enjoy a third and fourth night for only $150 per couple per night, B&B. Read our review

Hepburn Springs, (near Daylesford), Spa Country

Acqua Viva Day Spa

Melbourne

The Hotel Charsfield

Masque Spa @ The Hotel Charsfield - add a "Time Ritual Treatment" to your next inner-Melbourne stay at The Hotel Charsfield. These Time Rituals encompass face and body, allowing you to experience the flexibility and relaxation you deserve in your own time....
Time Ritual 1 - Experience a journey of bliss with this one hour full body massage.
Time Ritual 2 - Experience a journey of bliss with this one hour face treatment which includes a 60 minute cleanse and relax facial.
Time Ritual 3 - Experience a journey of bliss with this one hour body treatment which includes a 30 minute body exfoliation and a 30 minute massage.
Time Ritual 4 - Experience a journey of bliss with this one hour face and scalp treatment which includes a 30 minute facial (cleanse, exfoliate, masque) and a 30 minute face and scalp massage.
This is just a sample from the 17 Time Rituals available to choose from.  Read our review

Mount Beauty, Northeast Victoria 

Braeview

Studio Apartment - Weekend Indulgence Escape: Includes 2 nights accommodation, arrival platter, breakfast hamper for 2 breakfasts, one restaurant dinner, wine tasting & nibbles, flowers, port, a bottle of wine, chocolates, freshly baked treats, strawberries & dipping chocky. $680.00 double.
Studio Apartment - 2 night Mid Week Escapade (any two nights Tues,Wed or Thurs evenings) Includes 2 nights accommodation, breakfast hamper for 2 breakfasts, arrival platter, one 2 course dinner, flowers, port, chocolates and a bottle of wine, strawberries & dipping chocky. $600.00 double.
Reflections Cottage - Weekend Indulgence Escape Includes 2 nights accommodation, arrival platter, bottle of wine, basket of goodies for 2 breakfasts, one restaurant dinner, wine tasting & nibbles,flowers,port,chocolates, freshly baked treats, strawberries chocky sauce $715.00 double
Reflections Cottage - 2 night Mid Week Escapade (any 2 nights Tues,Wed or Thurs evenings) - Includes 2 nights accommodation, breakfast basket for 2 breakfasts, arrival platter, one 2 course dinner delivered to your cottage, flowers, port, chocolates, and a bottle of wine, strawberries with chocky sauce. $640.00 double. Read our review

Luxury Boutique Accommodation:
Winner: Boroka Downs (wonderful achievement here - Boroka Downs has won two years in a row)
Finalist: Montfort Manor

Health and Wellness Tourism:
Winner: Mineral Spa at Peppers Springs Retreat (another wonderful achievement - Mineral Spa at Peppers Springs Retreat has also won two years in a row)

Deluxe Accommodation:
Finalist: Limosa Rise

Oustanding Contribution by an Individual:
Winner: John Ellis, Hanging Rock Winery and Hanging Rock Winery Retreat

Minister's Encouragement Award:
Winner: Lakes Entrance Waverley House Cottages

The discerning travel guidebooks to accommodation including holiday houses, B&Bs, small hotels, cottages, beach houses, apartments, eco retreats, island getaways, boating experiences and day spas in Australia.