City Guide: Melbourne label Monte Slippers on the best overnight stays in Victoria
IMAGE VIA @MONTESLIPPERS/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
For a five-star snooze.
Here at Fashion Journal, we want to unearth the hidden spots in Australian cities that only the locals know about. There’s no gatekeeping here – this is a breakdown of the best bits of our cities. We want the underrated date spots, favourite restaurants, treasure trove op shops and the bars people will always want to go back to.
This week, we’re exploring Victoria with Lib Hutton, the co-founder of Melbourne slipper brand Monte and the Director at talent and publicity agency, Project Hutton. Working across both businesses, Lib’s days include everything from content creation and coordinating brand partnerships to packing orders and chatting to customers.
Have a trip or move coming up? Head to our city guide to find the best spots.
Growing up in country Victoria, Lib has an appreciation for the beauty of the state’s regional mountains, valleys, rivers and lakes. And as the co-founder of her very own unisex slipper label. she understands the importance of a weekend (or mid-week) getaway. Read on for her recommendations for the best overnight stays in Victoria.
Overnight trip essentials
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“Whenever I travel, even if it’s just for a night, I’ll always pack a few little luxuries that instantly put me into vacation mode,” Lib tells me. “My In Bed linen robe and Monte terry towelling slippers are light and great for swanning around a hotel room or pool. Regardless of the season, I’ll always pack La Roche-Posay [sunscreen], a wide sun-brimmed hat, togs and my favourite pair of sunnies. Portable speakers, lip balm, runners and an eye mask are [also] my non-negotiables. And if I’m not flying, I’ll always pack a bottle of my favourite vino.”
Lib’s top five favourite stays
Drift House, 98 Gibbs Street, Port Fairy
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“I grew up on a farm in the Western District and our family holidays were always spent in Port Fairy, a beachside town on the Great Ocean Road. I love going back to Port Fairy because it reminds me of those magical summers – fish and chips on the pier, pub meals and beach cricket,” Lib says.
“When I go back now, I sometimes stay at Drift House, a gorgeous boutique hotel not far from the beach. I love the way Drift House seamlessly blends Victorian architecture with contemporary design. With its open fires, warm furnishings and ample driftwood, it has a delicious cosy feel.”
Lake House, King Street, Daylesford
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“For our wedding anniversary, my husband surprised me with a night at the Lake House in Daylesford. We went in early April when all the leaves were beginning to turn, and so the hotel was enveloped in the most stunning autumnal colours. The food is outstanding, with most of the ingredients sourced locally. But for me, the real winner of the hotel is the lounge and bar area which serves a mean gin and tonic.”
Lon Retreat, 25 Gill Road, Point Lonsdale
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“A couple of years ago, a friend had her wedding at Lon Retreat. [It’s] a beautiful hotel just outside the sleepy beachside town Point Lonsdale. This hotel is a great little oasis on 200 acres of rural and conservation land. I love the Lon Retreat’s soft earthy tones and sandstone architecture,” Lib tells me.
“It’s ideal if you’re looking for a serene, off-grid experience and it’s also where I had one of the best massages of my life. A great one for recharging the batteries.”
Provincial Hotel, 121 Lydiard St N, Ballarat Central
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“The Provincial Hotel in Ballarat is a feast for the eyes. Set in a heritage building each room is an explosion of colour and pattern with eclectic furniture pieces and respectful Federation accents. Think soft velvety armchairs and ornate bed heads – every little detail has been considered. The downstairs restaurant, Lola, served a memorable meal.”
Chateau Yering, Yarra Valley
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“This homestead is like stepping back into a different time,” Lib says. “Set in landscaped gardens, the Chateau looks onto a backdrop of rolling green hills and vineyards. Each room has an old-fashioned glamour with claw foot baths, colourful textiles, Edwardian antiques and artwork everywhere. There’s also a pool, lounge, and an underground cellar built in the 1800s. Special mention to the buffet breakfast.”
Australian bucket list stay
El Questro Wilderness Park, El Questro Rd, Durack
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“El Questro in WA’s East Kimberley region is on the top of my bucket list. This property looks like an experience unlike any other, with access to some of our country’s most spectacular and jaw-dropping landscapes. Think deep gorges, thermal springs, rainforests and waterfalls – the list goes on and on.”
For more of the best overnight stays in Australia, head here.
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