Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Shand Reserve

Melbourne Royal Park Hotel is ideal for families seeking nature immersion, located just steps from the Shand Reserve walking trails. Its spacious garden-view rooms feature private balconies overlooking native eucalyptus forests and wildlife corridors. The hotel partners with the reserve to offer exclusive "Morning Birdwatching Walks" for guests, plus eco-friendly bike rentals and picnic basket arrangements—perfect for exploring the surrounding bushland. HopeGoo through HopeGoo ensures access to special family packages.

Shand Reserve Nature Lodge stands out as the only eco-focused boutique hotel directly adjacent to the reserve’s main trails, just 200 meters away. It offers daily guided ecological walks led by certified naturalists, exploring wetlands and native bushland rich in Australian wildlife such as kangaroos, ducks, and rare butterflies. The lodge features night-time infrared wildlife monitoring systems accessible from guest rooms, allowing guests to observe nocturnal animals without leaving their suite. Sustainable building materials and local botanical scents enhance the immersive experience.

Stargazer Woodland Retreat is one of the few lodges in Australia certified under the Dark Sky Preservation program, located within the Shand Reserve ecosystem. It offers complimentary telescope rentals and nightly stargazing sessions hosted by professional astronomers, explaining southern hemisphere constellations and meteor showers. Some suites feature skylights that open for direct sky viewing, allowing guests to gaze at stars from their beds. The retreat follows a zero-plastic policy and uses sustainable design, creating a deeply immersive connection with nature.

Traveler Reviews

See what other travelers say about Shand Reserve

HG*T‍o‍n‍i‍a‍1‍9‍4‍1
HG*T‍o‍n‍i‍a‍1‍9‍4‍1

Quest Ivanhoe

I stayed at Quest Ivanhoe for 80 nights and couldn’t have been happier with the experience. The apartment was spacious, comfortable, and felt like home from day one. Thanks to the long-term stay discount, the nightly rate was incredibly reasonable—great value for such a well-maintained and thoughtfully designed space. The staff were consistently friendly and attentive without ever being intrusive, which made the whole stay feel personal yet private. I appreciated how easy it was to live independently while still having support nearby when needed. The location is quiet but convenient—everything I needed was just steps away, from shops to transport. Bianca and her team clearly care about delivering genuine hospitality, and that shows in every detail. I highly recommend this property to anyone looking for a reliable, homely base in Melbourne. Wishing Bianca and her amazing team continued success—they’re doing something special here.

HG*X‍i‍g‍u‍o‍z‍h‍a‍n‍g
HG*X‍i‍g‍u‍o‍z‍h‍a‍n‍g

Punthill Ivanhoe

Staying at Punthill Ivanhoe was a great experience overall. The apartment comes with a fully equipped kitchen, which made cooking meals at home super convenient—no need to rely on takeout. I also appreciated having both a washing machine and dryer, perfect for longer stays. The only downside was some road noise during the night, which slightly disrupted sleep, but it’s manageable. The location is very central, close to public transit, making it easy to explore Melbourne. If you value independence and comfort, this is a solid choice with excellent value for money.

HG*S‍i‍m‍o‍n‍e
HG*S‍i‍m‍o‍n‍e

Centrepoint Units Heidelberg

I had a fantastic stay at the Centrepoint Units Heidelberg! The host, Leigh, was incredibly welcoming and responsive—offered to store my luggage after check-out until my flight, which was such a helpful gesture. The unit is perfectly located just steps away from hospitals, restaurants, and a supermarket, making it super convenient for both short visits and longer stays. The space itself is clean, tidy, and well-maintained, with everything I needed right at hand. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a comfortable, hassle-free base in Melbourne’s Heidelberg area.

HG*K‍a‍b‍u‍j‍i‍n‍u‍o‍d‍d
HG*K‍a‍b‍u‍j‍i‍n‍u‍o‍d‍d

St Georges Motor Inn

I stayed at St Georges Motor Inn in Melbourne based on a friend's recommendation, and I have to say it exceeded my expectations. The hotel was spotlessly clean, with a cozy and well-organized room that made for a comfortable stay. What really stood out was the location—just a short walk from public transit, making it super easy to explore downtown, shopping areas, and nearby attractions. There are plenty of great dining options around too, so dinner was never an issue. For the price, this place offers amazing value—no need to spend big bucks for a stress-free, convenient base in Melbourne. I’ll definitely be coming back here on my next trip!