First built in 1885 by John Thomas Robinson in the Tudor style, the Alpine Hotel Warburton has welcomed travellers to the Upper Yarra Valley for well over a century. Known formally as The Alpine Retreat Hotel, this heritage-listed country pub has grown through successive eras: a two-storey wing of eighteen rooms added in 1908, and the brick facade, iconic Red Lounge and further guest rooms added in 1936. Since 2021 it has been owned and operated by Rachael and Anthony Northwood, who have led a major restoration that brought the grand old hotel back to life while keeping its period character intact.
Today the hotel offers 32 rooms of accommodation, ranging from rooms with vintage period bathrooms and shared facilities to Riverview rooms looking out over the Warburton Valley. There are six distinct dining and event spaces, including the Hotel Dining Room, a Private Dining Room, the Atrium, the Courtyard, the Bistro and a large beer garden, alongside the Public Bar and Lounge. With 22 beers on tap, a strong list of Yarra Valley wines, plus a sauna, cafe, high tea, live music and function spaces, there is plenty to settle in for whether you are passing through or staying the weekend.
The hotel is a natural base for anyone exploring the valley on two wheels. It sits at the Warburton end of the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail, a 40-kilometre former railway route, with the trail running right behind the property. Cyclists are well looked after, with complimentary in-house bike storage and free in-room WiFi for guests.
The Alpine Hotel Warburton is open seven days a week for dining and accommodation. The kitchen and bar run from midday until late on weekdays and from 11am on weekends, and reception, restaurant bookings and accommodation enquiries can all be handled directly with the venue. It is worth confirming any specific kitchen times before you arrive.