1 Hotel Melbourne Opens: Sustainable Luxury on the Yarra
Melbourne has a new address for conscious luxury—and it’s making waves. 1 Hotel Melbourne, the long-awaited Australian debut from the eco-minded hotel group founded by Barry Sternlicht, is now open on the Yarra River. Known for fusing sustainability with high design, 1 Hotels’ first foray into the southern hemisphere plants its roots in one of the city’s most historically rich and fast-evolving pockets: North Wharf.
This is no ordinary hotel opening. Developed in partnership with local firm Riverlee, the property transforms a stretch of riverfront into a living, breathing love letter to Melbourne’s past and its green future.
Where History and Nature Collide
At the heart of the project is the restored Goods Shed No. 5, the city’s last surviving maritime warehouse. Originally built in 1895, it’s now been carefully reimagined using more than 2,000 salvaged materials—from bluestone and reclaimed timber to steel trusses and industrial artefacts. Even the historic Malcolm Moore crane from 1942 has been preserved as an architectural centrepiece.
Inside, 1 Hotel Melbourne reads like a celebration of the natural world. Over 7,000 plants spill throughout the interiors, while reclaimed materials—from elm trees cleared during the Metro Tunnel project to decommissioned railway sleepers—tell stories underfoot and overhead. The biophilic design ethos doesn’t just decorate; it defines the entire experience.
Rooms with a Conscience
The hotel features 277 calming guest rooms and 36 suites, all designed to feel like a nature-wrapped retreat. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase either the Yarra or Melbourne’s skyline, and almost every detail has been thoughtfully sourced: energy-saving switches, smart thermostats, low-VOC finishes—even the room numbers are mounted on timber pulled from underwater piers, complete with preserved marine worm markings.
For longer stays (or those who want to move in entirely), 1 Hotel Melbourne also offers 114 branded residences—including an 18th-floor penthouse by Riverlee founder Clement Lee and design firm Fender Katsalidis, with private dining, a library, and panoramic views.
Sustainability at the Core
More than a style statement, sustainability here is built into the bones. The hotel is targeting LEED Silver certification, and includes a solar panel system, rainwater harvesting, and operable windows in 85% of rooms. But it’s the immersive, tactile experience of sustainability—like reclaimed wood staircases, moss-accented doorways, and a granite lobby wall crafted from industrial by-product—that sets 1 Hotel apart.
Outside, the adjacent Seafarers Rest Park adds 3,500 sqm of green public space, connecting guests to the riverfront while restoring local biodiversity in line with Yarra River Protection Principles.
Eat, Stay, Recharge
Dining is led by celebrated Australian chef Mike McEnearney with From Here by Mike, his first hotel collaboration. Expect elevated, low-waste, produce-driven fare served in a moody, textural space that reflects the raw beauty of Victoria’s coast and bush. Think: oysters with finger lime vinaigrette, slow-cooked meats, and an all-Australian biodynamic wine list.
More casual options include Neighbours Café, a bright space for coffee, smoothies, and healthy eats, and Crane Bar & Lounge, which blends botanical cocktails with DJ sets and a relaxed riverside vibe. For something more discreet, speakeasy-style Upstairs offers a hidden spot for cocktails and conversation.
On the wellness front, guests can retreat to the Bamford Wellness Spa, complete with organic treatments, an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi. The Field House Gym balances performance and mindfulness with state-of-the-art equipment and locally sourced design materials.
