There’s a reason Jackalope on the Mornington Peninsula is on everyone’s bucket list, and if it’s not on yours, it may be by the end of this article. From its stunning grounds to unique architectural design, moody black colour palette and funky bar and restaurant, the hotel is the very definition of a luxury stay.
As you walk in you’re greeted by their friendly staff and exceptional hotel bar Flaggerdoot (but more on that later) and you’re hit by the mood. It’s casual here, but it’s a vibe. Walk through a wine display from neighbouring vineyard Rare Hare and into the hotel hallways where you could almost lose yourself under the surreal blue lighting, running like strands of DNA along the roof. It’s quite the spectacle.
The rooms themselves are well-appointed and as plush as you could imagine with king beds facing out over the neighbouring vineyards or the 30m infinity pool and spa. Indulge in a bath built for two (obligatory, if you ask me) and swaddle yourself in their cloudlike robes, before tucking into the mini bar and room service popcorn and ice cream—included in your stay—to prime yourself before your evening out. Or is that in? With two restaurants and a bar on the grounds you have choices.
Doot Doot Doot is well serviced from their kitchen garden (which you can tour at your leisure) and serves up an exceptional interpretation of modern Asian fare. Expect treats Tasmanian Boomer Bay Oysters, Anna Dutch Siberian Caviar and A5 Japanese wagyu MB12 cooked on salt and on to Seed crusted Blue Eye Cod for bigger plates.
Seasonal events such as open season at the pool (yep, you can experience the wow without the stay), Jackalope Cinema Presented By Lexus, running all of March 2026 showing everything from Breakfast At Tiffany’s to Romeo And Juliet, Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning and La La Land. Watch on an outdoor screen over the pool and snack on fresh popcorn and ice cream. They also host a slew of culinary collabs, which have seen the likes of the pasta legends at Tipo00 and Prahran good-timers Entrecôte join them in their kitchen.
If that’s not enough, the hotel itself has expansive grounds and is set next to the LL Vineyard, which supplies their Rare Hare Winery. I might be biased here but the sparkling—crisp and brioche-y—is my pick, although you can’t step a foot wrong with a tasting and any of their bottles as a souvenir. You can also grab dinner here on the weekends if you’re after distinctly hearty fare, or lunch any day of the week.
All inclusive packages start from $1000 a night and include oysters and martinis, dinner at Doot Doot Doot for two, a DIY spa treatment and take home pyjamas (yes please), perfect for special occasions or treat-yourself weekends. FYI to the parents out there, it’s kid-free as well, so you can really unwind.
Book your stay at Jackalope Hotel here, or a tasting or meal at Rare Hare over here. Find them at 166 Balnarring Road, Merricks North on the Mornington Peninsula.
