Hotel Ernest Bendigo

Robin Wallace-Crabbe Enter Nude With Black – the stunning artwork of prolific artist Robin Wallace-Crabbe taking pride of place in Suite 1. Since 1960, Wallace-Crabbe’s works have adorned many public collections at the Australian National Gallery, Art Gallery of Western Australia, Art Gallery of South Australia, Art Gallery of New South Wales, National Portrait Gallery, and many regional art galleries and universities – bearing testament to his profound contribution to the country’s cultural landscape. His work now adorns the walls of this suite, which is located on the hotel’s garden level and offers access fittings in the bathroom. Opening directly into the outdoor courtyard, it boasts a magnificent flagstone floor dating back to the 1860s, and is suitable for guests with accessibility requirements. Wallace-Crabbe’s works have never explored one set genre. Elements of abstraction and realism tend to find their way on the canvas, while diverse concepts are made manifest through his pastel drawings and sculptures.

The Writer's Room As the name implies, Suite 2 has been created for seekers of solitude and seclusion. Those who wish to take time to reflect and foster dreams to pursue following their stay. With its private staircase, The Writer’s Room comes with its own desk, and features the work of celebrated Queensland based artist Helene Grove. Grove’s once said that “Life is but a series of moments” and her piece “The match” offers a dynamic perspective in a snapshot of time.

The Arts Project Showcasing a talent of artists from Arts Project Australia’s Northcote Studio, Suite 3 is dedicated to fostering the talents of artists with an intellectual disability but intense artistic fervour. The suite also features a stunning work by Deborah Williams from her celebrated existential observations of dogs series. This suite is located on the rear ground level and is perfect for those requiring minimal steps and travel distances.

Heather B Swann Suite 4 showcases the magnetic work of Heather B Swann. Renowned for her large-scale, meticulously crafted and highly expressive sculptural forms, Swann has accrued a reputation as an artist of obscurity, darkness and blackness. With calming views across Rosalind Park towards Pall Mall and the historic Sandhurst Club and Trust Buildings, and featuring a humble private balcony, this suite provides a luxury-ridden solace for all who seek an intimate escape.

James Meldrum This suite celebrates the work of James Meldrum, with the statement piece White Ziggurat perfectly mirroring the beautiful form of Bendigo’s Great Stupa of Universal Compassion. The space is one of the hotel’s smaller, more intimate rooms. Featuring a private balcony overlooking the roofscape of the Victorian-era Sandhurst Trust building – it is a suite for retreat and restoration.

Grand Parkview The hotel’s Grand Parkview Suite is brought to life with the exuberant art of Michael Georgetti and David Larwill, as well as the fine etched works of Robyn Rayner. Featuring a separate dining room and kitchenette, the suite has been refurbished with comfort in mind, and is accentuated by its sweeping views across Rosalind Park and the Victorian streetscape of Pall Mall.

Michael Georgetti The bold colours and free flowing form of Michael Georgetti forges this suite’s wonderment. Making use of reclaimed window blinds, the innovative work draws the eye to the room’s majestic four-metre ceilings – exuding a joy-inducing energy throughout. The Georgetti Suite is furnished by RJ Living and Z creations.

Pilven Triptych Neville Pilven’s contemporary landscape piece takes centre stage in this stirring yet calming space. Painted across three panels, the magnificent triptych makes use of bold colours to create a standout vintage masterpiece that impresses the entire suite. The Pilven Triptych Suite also features the work of Patrick Henigan and David Bromley, with furniture by RJ living and The Feelter of Melbourne.

Richard Birmingham Featuring the ever-vibrant and distinctive works of contemporary artist Richard Birmingham, this suite offers a panoramic vista of View Street punctuated by the landmark T&G Mutual Life Assurance building. The room’s adornings are perfectly complemented by equally striking furnishings and decor, with furniture design courtesy of Jardan of Melbourne and RJ living Melbourne.

Patrick Henigan For seekers of ultimate fondness, the Patrick Henigan Suite occupies the grandest of the second floor rooms, boasting views towards Pall Mall, View Street and the iconic Alexandra Fountain. Named after the British-born artist Patrick Henigan, the suite features three of his significant artworks as well as one piece by Stephen Langdon – immersing guests in an artistic fortress that serves to enrich one’s worldly escape. The suite is furnished by RJ Living and The Feelter, and comprises all the essentials as well as a king bed laden with the finest linen, and a tranquilising spa bath beckoning guests to whisk the day away.