Fortuna Villa - Bendigo, Victoria

Kerrin Y.

Our High Tea experience was one we had waited for with excitement. The food and champagne was really lovely but we didn't get time to finish eating or drinking before we were summoned to join the tour after only 50 minutes at our table. Other diners were equally surprised and had food remaining. We thought we could come back and finish it after the tour but all tables were cleared. The booking was from 12 until 2.30pm. The tour took up an hour and 15 minutes, so we could have had another 15 minutes at our table which would have given us time to finish our food. After paying over $270 for three people, we felt the price was far too high for the small amount of food, drinks and time we had to consume it. We felt rushed from entry to exit. Certainly not a relaxing experience. The tour guide was very knowledgeable but rushed through everything, with many participants missing out on information due to the size of the group and ability to move quickly. Unfortunately I wouldn't recommend the experience to others.

Tamara S.

Loved the opportunity to see inside the gates at Fortuna at a recent historical tour. What an amazing property. The garden needs much work but one can still see how magnificent it was. I know they run a few high teas each year, but I'm unsure what the owners have planned in terms of restoration, renovation and accessibility to the public. I hope they continue working on the property and making more of it available for the outside world to see.

Bernadette T.

Surprised my friend with a High Tea at Fortuna Villa. OMG did not disappoint. Jaw dropping features, fantastic food and an incredibly knowledgable tour guide. Learned so much about Bendigo, Federation, Toorak, well known brands and of course the enterprising George Lansell. So impressed. I took so many photos. The windows alone will take your breath away. Reasonably priced for the high tea and the tour. Bought the book also at the gift shop. We had the best day.

Sharon N.

We had a most wonderful stay at Fortuna Villa. What a magical place to be. We loved the room, a swim in the Roman Baths, a stroll around the lake, and a relax in the dining/lounge. Breakfast was lovely. Just perfect! Paul is a great host who made us feel at home.

Lucy S.

Just okay! Went for high tea and tour.

Some constructive critiques:
- Tour went for a long time and high tea did not. We were given very little warning that we were leaving for the tour so we had to leave most of our food 😬

- Scones were not cooked properly which was not ideal but they were eventually replaced.

- Drink service was fairly slow, considering the price per person, a bottle of sparkling could be on bigger tables for top ups.

- Venue not at all accessible and considering the upgrades made they could have one accessible entrance that services the high tea area. Its worth noting that the tour is not good for those that are disabled, elderly or pregnant and can't climb stairs. Also hard to keep up with guide regardless in large groups. Maybe a smaller tour for those people only on ground floor could work while others go upstairs?

- Toilets inaccessible during tour, not great after drinking sparkling! This could have been communicated prior to leaving high tea rooms, as there was one toilet on the outside but we also didn't know this at the time.

- High tea didn't include all options on menu (one savoury was missing) and as a lunch high tea I think this would have been a better balance. This missing item could have been replaced with a savoury alternative.

paul P.

High Tea for my 76 Birthday , FANTASTIC! as good as any I have had in my travels..great food, fantastic atmosphere and magnificent house. I congratulate the owner Paul Banks for preserving a massive part of Bendigo's history...I would recommend this venue if you are looking for a SPECIAL Occassion

Lance M.

We had High Tea and a tour of the villa and grounds by the actual owner. The High Tea was beautifully presented and delicious along with the champagne. The tour of the villa was comprehensive and the owner, Paul was very informative and friendly. The property has been meticulously restored and is beautiful. A credit to Paul Banks.

Robyn K.

Absolutely beautiful restoration of this divine mansion. I cannot recommend more highly the High Tea and tour. The food, quality of champagne, wine, teas and coffee are excellent. The staff are efficient but friendly and attentive. Paul Banks, the owner, conducts the tour with wit and humour, as well as imparting interesting facts and the history of Fortuna. The original owner, George Lansell, had very good taste, which is evident in the design of this home. The gardens and mature trees which frame the house, are magnificent. The restoration revealed some hidden elements, such as the Roman Baths and tunnels. Some later alterations and additions by the Army, (when Fortuna was the base for Survey and Maps divisions), concealed original features. Underneath, these remained largely intact. Due to Paul's persistence, commitment and vision, Fortuna is once again a Grand Old Victorian Lady. Wear comfy shoes as there's some walking involved, but it's worth it.
A 5 star hotel based at Fortuna will be open to the public in 2021.