The Victoria Hotel, 1868
The restored facade of The Victoria Hotel, captured by Derek Swallwell for Architecture & Design
History
Established in 1868, the original Victoria Hotel was a wooden building located in Main Street, Barkly - now Drummond Street, near Tuileries at De Bortoli. Prior to 1888, the structure was relocated to its present location, and was acquired by Mr Shadrack P. Gollings, who purchased the hotel for £575.
In 1893, Mr Gollings called for tenders for the construction of a two-storey brick hotel. Mr George Diggle of Euroa was the successful tenderer, with local brickmaker, D. Glasgow supplying the 350,000 bricks required for the initial build. Further brick additions were completed by Fowler & Wilson in 1897. Mr Gollings led the Victoria Hotel to become one of the most popular hotels in the region, from 1888 until his retirement in 1935.
In the years since, the Victoria Hotel has had many custodians, who together maintained its reputation as the longest continuing licensed hotel in Victoria.
In 2021, Kate and Matt Halpin took ownership of the hotel, undertaking a meticulous redevelopment of the site. Led by Porter Architects, a key component of the project was preserving the hotel’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.
The grand front facade with its cast iron lacework and carriageway, mortuary, and stables were carefully restored; and inside, stunning leadlight windows, the original staircase, soaring 16-foot ceilings with ornate ceiling roses, decorative arches, and multiple open fireplaces.
The hotel holds fascinating links to the community’s history. A small brick building, dating to the late 1860s, can be found behind the carriageway gates. This was the town’s mortuary. When a hospital was unavailable, it was typical of the local hotelier to offer a room for the coroner and undertaker to carry out their work. It seems Mr Gollings had an aversion to this use of a guest room, hence this unique addition to the property.
Reopening in September 2023, The Victoria Hotel now stands proudly in the main street of Rutherglen, reclaiming its status as an iconic hotel, serving both the local community and visitors to the region alike.
Accommodation
14 Suites — 28 Guests — Pet Friendly
An authentic small boutique hotel with just 14 suites, guests enjoy a variety of amenities, coupled with personalised service and little extras that make every stay unforgettable.
Each stylish and well-appointed suite sleeps 2, with upstairs suites opening up onto the balcony overlooking Rutherglen’s historic main street. Sumptuous king beds are fitted with quality linens, and private ensuite bathrooms have spacious walk-in showers and premium Hunter Lab products. All suites have complimentary WiFi, T2 tea, and locally-produced Honeybird coffee.
Designed to offer flexible accommodation options, choose from twin rooms, interconnecting king rooms, and two pet-friendly suites situated on the ground floor. For extra luxury and more space to unwind, the deluxe king room has its own lounge area, large desk, and full-size bath - perfect for romantic getaways or longer stays.
Guests receive priority seating in the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, and exclusive access to The Library - a quiet retreat to read, play a board game, or simply relax after a day’s exploring. Enjoy a complimentary glass of local wine or beer on arrival when booking direct, treats for your furry friend, and house-made fudge for returning guests.
Dining & Outdoor
Winner of the AHA’s Best Regional Pub Restaurant award in 2024, the hotel’s menu is a celebration of local produce. Led by Head Chef Brendan Anderson, AHA winner of Chef of the Year in 2025, all dishes are crafted in-house, and cooked over a custom parilla grill or in the Italian woodfired oven. There’s something to suit everyone’s tastes, from pub classics to elevated fine dining, with wine pairings showcasing the region's exceptional winemakers.
With a range of tastings on offer, experience the hotel’s signature muscat taster in the bar, or take a journey through the cocktail menu, where locally-distilled spirits provide an artisanal twist on the classics.
Outside, gather with friends in The Garden, an alfresco dining area and dog-friendly beer garden that’s the ideal spot for a refreshing local ale. In the cooler months, sip a Rutherglen Muscat in front of a roaring open fire, and during summer, The Lawn is the perfect place to enjoy the hotel’s curated G&T menu with friends.
Exclusive Offer
Book direct below and mention Historic Stays to receive 10% off The Victoria Hotel’s ‘Dine & Rest Package’, including three-course dinner and accommodation for two, late check out, complimentary glass of local wine, beer or cider on arrival, plus a guided wine tasting at one of Rutherglen's historic wineries.
Special Features
Pet-Friendly Suites
Award-winning Restaurant
Wine Region & Tours
Garden Courtyard
Things To Do
An easy 3 hour drive from Melbourne, Rutherglen is steeped in history. A thriving township during the gold rush era, Rutherglen also holds over 160 years of winemaking history. Today, it is one of Australia’s most renowned wine regions, earning the title of the Muscat capital of the world, with generations of families crafting fortified and bold reds. Visit over 20 cellar doors nearby, including All Saints Estate established in 1864, De Bortoli with their cellar door building dating to 1886, Morris of Rutherglen with a history dating to 1859, and Stanton and Killeen established in 1875.
The region is also popular for its scenic cycling routes, most notably the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail that winds through the Ovens Valley with spectacular mountain scenery, passing through the townships of Wangaratta, Bright, Rutherglen, Milawa, Beechworth, Myrtleford, and Wandiligong.
The main street of Rutherglen is dotted with heritage shopfronts, with cafes, wine bars and boutique stores. A visit to local institution Parker Pies for housemade pies and cakes is a must.
