Bendigo Ernest Hotel, c. 1864
History
In 1851, two women hand-washing clothes in Bendigo Creek discovered nuggets of gold. In that moment, they changed the course of Bendigo’s history - and arguably the world’s - during the Victorian era. Bendigo yielded more gold than anywhere else in the world, and by the 1880s, it was one of the richest cities globally.
Bendigo’s magnificent Victorian architecture is testament to this, and one such building is the Bendigo Ernest Hotel, built c. 1864 during the gold rush period. Designed by architect Alfred Smith from Melbourne, it was first owned by the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney, and is the oldest surviving bank building in Bendigo. It sits adjacent to Rosalind Park, a late 19th century recreation reserve with heritage trees, a fernery, conservatory building, rose gardens, and heritage sculptures. The building’s decorated facade with pedimented windows faces Pall Mall, Alexandra Fountain and View Street - built in a prominent position to oversee the town.
A fine example of Classical bank architecture, the building retains many original features, including underground stone cellar, bank vault rooms, ornate ceiling roses and cornices, several open fireplaces, sweeping central staircase, and soaring ceilings. Within its walls lie tales of wealth and woe, and a bullet hole in the ground floor serves as evidence: during the gold rush, banks would display solid cakes of gold in their windows, and attempted robberies were common.
Given the building once protected Bendigo’s riches, it seems fitting to now be home to the city’s most luxurious accommodation offering. Led by David Cook-Doulton and Martin Shew – the visionaries behind Ballarat’s soon-to-be luxury offering Hotel Vera - Bendigo Ernest Hotel is a successful fusion of old and new, providing guests with an immersive experience, modern amenities, and a contemporary aesthetic set against a grand heritage backdrop. Interiors are tastefully simple, allowing a curated collection of original Australian artworks and the building’s heritage details to take centre stage.
Accommodation
With just ten individualised suites, each features luxurious bedding including pure washed linen, contemporary designer furnishings, soft warm lighting and alluring Australian art, creating a memorable and bespoke stay. There’s also an accessible suite for guests requiring additional space and amenities, and all suites have complimentary WiFi and Smart TVs, with Netflix enabled. Upstairs, you’ll find a guest library with a selection of books to read more about the city’s history, art and culture. Bendigo Ernest Hotel also understands a holiday is not complete without one’s furry friend, and house-trained dogs are welcome in their pet-friendly suite upon application.
Each suite also has its own bathroom with luxurious towels, heated towel rails, and most feature spa baths. A range of Salus Australian-made and eco-friendly botanical body products are provided for guests’ enjoyment. Plant-based and fragranced with essential oils, they promise a refreshing, rejuvenating and relaxing experience. With an eco-conscious approach throughout, each suite has a coffee machine with compostable coffee pods, and plastics are kept to a minimum. Indoor plants and large terrariums serve to connect interior spaces with the hotel’s park surrounds.
A gourmet, cafe-worthy breakfast of local produce from Harvest Food & Wine, along with barista coffee made to your liking, is available at an additional cost. Savour Harvest house-made pain au chocolat and classic croissants, St. David vanilla yoghurt with poached fruit, Harvest almond granola, fresh seasonal fruit, and Harcourt Valley apple juice. Orange juice, still and sparkling water is also available; as well as gluten and dairy-free options.
The hotel’s restaurant space has been designed as a refuge for reflection and reprieve. With deep moss-green walls, soft lighting, and natural light streaming through tall arched windows, it offers guests a quiet sanctuary designed to instil tranquility. If you do need to catch up on work, there are tables that can used as desk spaces. Or, disconnect from technology and step into the building’s two original bank vaults that have been transformed into private lounge areas. With original slab stone floors and thick exposed stone walls which once housed Bendigo’s gold, these remarkable rooms have been fitted with stylish sofas and a range of books and magazines. Escape here with a glass of wine and immerse yourself in the ambience of yesteryear.
Outside, to the rear of the building is a formal paved courtyard, reminiscent of a Victorian London townhouse, overlooking Rosalind Park through old cast iron spear top fencing. A lovely spot to have morning coffee in the sun before exploring the city, or enjoy a glass of champagne in the courtyard before dinner.
A requisite destination for the discerning traveller, for the seeker of style, for the avid historian, and cultural connoisseur, Bendigo Ernest Hotel has succeeded in redefining boutique hotel accommodation in Victoria. A standard of luxury accommodation not seen before in Bendigo, it is coupled with a celebration of history, and a welcoming feel with a strong sense of inclusivity, creating an experience that lingers long after your departure.
Special Features
Guest Lounge
Heritage Architecture
Guest Library
Original Artworks
Things To Do
Situated in the heart of the CBD, in historic View Street with its many heritage-listed buildings, Bendigo Ernest Hotel is an easy stroll to the city’s best cafes, restaurants, boutique shops and antique galleries. The renowned Bendigo Art Gallery is footsteps away and a must-see. Pack a picnic lunch and relax in beautiful Rosalind Park. To learn more about Bendigo’s fascinating past, book a heritage walking tour, take a tour of Bendigo’s opulent Town Hall, or Sandhurst Gaol, built in the early 1860s. Explore hidden underground tunnels at Central Deborah Mine, and try your luck panning for gold. For more inspiration, visit Bendigo Ernest Hotel’s website below.
