Jackalope Hotel, Mornington Peninsula: A Vineyard Hotel Like No Other

Just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, Jackalope Hotel is a striking design-led retreat set among the rolling vineyards of the Mornington Peninsula. Opened in 2017 by entrepreneur Louis Li, the property merges luxury with art, storytelling, and a sense of playful alchemy. Instead of rustic farmhouse charm, Jackalope leans into drama: moody architecture, dark palettes, and contemporary art installations that create a cinematic atmosphere, making it one of Australia’s most original boutique hotels.

The 45 rooms and suites are minimalist yet indulgent, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame uninterrupted vineyard views. Select rooms open onto terraces or balconies, where guests can linger over breakfast ordered from in-room iPads or sip wine at sunset. A signature Jackalope ritual arrives each evening—complimentary popcorn and ice cream delivered to your door—a whimsical touch that captures the property’s mix of sophistication and fun.

Dining is at the heart of the experience. Doot Doot Doot, the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, serves imaginative multi-course tasting menus beneath a ceiling of 10,000 golden bulbs that glow like champagne bubbles. Rare Hare, its casual counterpart, highlights share plates, wood-fired dishes, and local wines, often enjoyed al fresco on the terrace overlooking the vines. For cocktails, Flaggerdoot sets the stage in a restored 19th-century farmhouse, where inventive drinks and bold design come together in this avant-garde atmosphere that is equal parts glamorous and playful.

The vibe and theme of the hotel centers around the jackalope, a legendary creature from North American folklore, described as a jackrabbit with antelope-like horns. According to the myth, jackalopes are elusive, almost magical animals, capable of mimicking human sounds and evoking a sense of wonder. The story of the jackalope inspired Jackalope Hotel’s founder, Louis Li, after he discovered a small jackalope figurine during a trip to Germany. He was captivated by the creature’s combination of whimsy, boldness, and mystery, seeing it as a symbol for the hotel: a place where imagination, storytelling, and artistic expression come together. At Jackalope Hotel, the mythical creature informs the property’s design philosophy, blending audacious architecture, playful details, and immersive experiences to create a sense of magic and discovery for every guest. When you approach the hotel, you are greeted by a giant jackalope sculpture that is over 20 feet tall.

Wellness and leisure are woven seamlessly into a stay at Jackalope. The hotel’s spa offers restorative treatments, while the infinity pool invites guests to float above the vineyards with sweeping views of the landscape. Tennis, curated wine tastings, and striking art installations add texture to the experience, ensuring there’s as much to do on site as there is beyond the hotel grounds.

The Mornington Peninsula itself is a destination worth exploring. Known for its cool-climate wines, the region is home to dozens of acclaimed wineries, charming farm-to-table restaurants, and coastal villages. Guests can wander cliffside trails with panoramic ocean views, tee off at championship golf courses, or soak in the natural hot springs just a short drive from the hotel. With its mix of gastronomy, wellness, and outdoor adventure, the peninsula offers the perfect balance to Jackalope’s bold, design-forward interiors.

Jackalope’s bold design, thoughtful details, and unforgettable dining make it far more than a vineyard stay—it’s an imaginative escape that feels part luxury hotel, part art installation, and part playful indulgence.

• Some rooms do not have bathtubs, or their views are less impressive (e.g. facing the garden or parking lot rather than vineyard). So if views or the bath is a priority, request a Vineyard-View room and check which amenities are included.

• Because design is moody and interiors are quite dark (black, charcoal, steel, etc.), the aesthetic may feel less bright and airy than other resorts; guests who prefer light, bright, sunlit interiors might find Jackalope more dramatic than cozy.

• The location is rural; you’ll likely need a car to explore greater Mornington Peninsula and get to beaches or town centers, unless you are okay with a pre-booked car service. The hotel does have a partnership with Lexus and guests can be transfered in the hybrid vehicles within 10 kilometers.

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