Wake Up Amongst The Vines In A Retro Airstream At This Picture-Perfect Victorian Winery
I hate camping. Like, I really, really hate it. Give me a soft bed, iron-clad protection from bugs, a hot shower, and a fridge to chill my sparkling wine over a tent in the mud — any day.
The thing is, camping does have its upsides. Who doesn’t sigh audibly upon witnessing a full sky of twinkling stars under complete darkness? Cooking up a makeshift breakfast in your PJs as the cold night air begins to give way to a warm sunrise?
And so I have endlessly asked myself, as per my favourite Old El Paso ad, porque no los dos? Luckily, Mitchelton Estate in Victoria has got you, babe.
It may be already be known for its luxe hotel, but now they’re offering stays in cute vintage-style caravans with private views looking out to their rolling vineyards.
A series of sleek Airstream caravans have descended upon their pretty, rolling vineyards to offer the ultimate combination of camping and luxury – and I can tell you from experience that it’s truly the GOAT of glamping. Like, tell me where else you can check into a retro caravan complete with a chauffeured golf buggy to your door and a fresh Pimms poured on arrival?
Settling into your silver bullet is easy as pie. A quick tour reveals a hot shower, air conditioning to keep you cool or warm depending on the season, and a generous kitchen including a gas stovetop, pantry of breakfast goodies, and fully stocked fridge graced with a couple of bottles of their very own drops (which, by the way, are absolutely delicious).
A raised wooden deck awaits for an afternoon tipple, complete with deck chairs and table, ahead of a reservation at their on-site restaurant, The Muse. We ordered the umami-like kangaroo tartare, and a hefty steak, along with a couple of glasses of their Mitchelton red. The wine list is extensive, and affordable, and allows you a little preview ahead of a wine tasting.
Speaking of wine tasting, ensure you book ahead to nab a coveted spot in the tasting room – but that’s not the only luxury touch you have access to, despite not staying at the main hotel. Airstream guests have full access to the chic pool deck and onsite day spa. Book well ahead if you plan to try out their wellness infusion massage, signature facial, or hydrating cocoa cream body wrap.
If you’re looking to while away the afternoon post-tasting, borrow one of the bikes available in the garage underneath reception and cycle around the pretty grounds, set along the tranquil Goulburn River. Or, head into nearby Nagambie Lakes to explore the local surrounds.
If a cruise sounds like your cup of tea, The Goulburn Explorer runs sunset cruises along the river, as well as day trips ferrying wine lovers between Nagambie Lakes, nearby Tahbilk Winery, and Mitchelton. For those who aren’t content to run at post-wine-tasting speed, hit up Go Adventure Nagambie for boat, kayak and canoe hire.
Head back to your Airstream and tuck in for a quiet night with a good book, a bottle of wine, and a blanket of stars. Now THAT’s my kind of glamping.
The writer stayed as a guest of Mitchelton Estate and The Muse.
(All images: provided by the author)
