Boort Lakes Apartments

Drive an hour north-west of Bendigo along the Loddon Valley Highway and you’ll soon hit Boort Lakes. It’s been called Victoria’s “northern oasis”, noted for its abundance of waterbirds, nature trails, and no shortage of primo accommodation.

Built by a local family in 2010, Boort Lake Apartments are perched on the shores of Little Lake Boort, just a short walk from the town centre. Two apartments, the Marion (a studio room with one queen bed) and Iris, (a larger suite with two bedrooms over two levels), feature cathedral ceilings, polished floorboards and large windows for uninterrupted lake views. Both have fully-equipped kitchens and modern bathrooms complete with spa. If you’re coming with a group, you can book both suites and open up the entire house.

The apartment balconies overlooking the lake are ideal spaces for outdoor dining. And if the water proves tempting, it’s easy enough to hire a canoe and take to the lake (a popular activity, even in winter). If you decide to go wandering instead, look out for the tell-tale signs of “Spanner Man,” a local artist who makes sculptures from – you guessed it – spanners.