Discover the unique rural appeal of Stella the Stargazer

Here is an innovative travel promotion.

In a move aimed at showcasing the natural beauty of Victoria, a unique off-grid accommodation experience is set to travel around the state.

Aimed at inspiring Australians to travel into regional communities during off peak periods, Stella the Stargazer is a custom-built tiny home built by Port Fairy-based design and manufacturing business Ample.

Stella the Stargazer will be located at Delatite Winery in Mansfield from May 3-August 3 so guests can enjoy the Alpine scenery.

The environmentally conscious design features a roll-out sleeping platform for stargazing, an indoor/outdoor shower, wood-fired kitchen, as well as sauna and bathing tubs built into an outdoor deck.

A bespoke artwork by Taungurung woman, Aimee McCartney – founder of Aboriginal art business, Luruk-In – will help connect visitors to the culture, seasons, mountains and waterways of Taungurung Country.

Visitors will be encouraged to taste local food and wines and check out nearby attractions such as Swiftcrest Distillery, the Great Victorian Rail Trail, and local cafes and restaurants.



In 2023, bookings for the tiny home quickly sold out for all locations including in Gippsland, the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians.

After its stay in Mansfield, Stella the Stargazer is set to travel to a second location, to be announced at a later date.

Supported by Visit Victoria, it forms part of the Every bit Different marketing campaign which promotes Victoria to local, interstate and international visitors.

“Stella the Stargazer will showcase the natural beauty of our state to new audiences and help drive national visitation to our regions," says Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements

"Just like Visit Victoria's new Every bit Different campaign, this is another way we are promoting the best of regional Victoria to national audiences in a bid to boost tourism here.”

For more info see www.visitvictoria.com

Delatite unveils multi-million dollar expansion

Victoria has a new multi-million-dollar cellar door and restaurant after the opening of the new Delatite facility in Mansfield.

With views over Mt Buller and the Alpine ranges, the state-of-the-art, sustainable building replaces the modest 1980s cellar door that Delatite has outgrown in recent years.

Managing director David Ritchie, whose parents Robert and Vivienne planted the first grapes over 50 years ago, says the aim was to build a cellar door that tells the same story as the wine.

“Obviously, we want our customers to have the best possible time when they visit us,” he said.

“Whether it’s drinking our wine or visiting where we make it, we want a place that shows our commitment to quality and our care for the environment.”

Delatite has been using biodynamic practices in their vineyard for 15 years now is environmentally aware.

The new Delatite cellar door and restaurant has a large tasting area, with 180-degree views over the vines, neighbouring farmlands, Mt Buller and Timbertop.

To the north of the tasting room is the restaurant, enjoying the same eastern views as the tasting room and plenty of natural lighting.

Locally sourced food and produce is at the centre of the seasonal menu.

Up to 60 guests can be seated indoors with additional dining on the outdoor deck and courtyard.

The designer was Melbourne-based practice Lucy Clemenger Architects, where the senior partner is Vivienne Ritchie’s niece.

“I contacted Lucy to ask if she had any ideas who might design it and she said, ‘would you mind if I throw my hat in the mix?’,” Ritchie said.

The facility is at 390 Pollards Rd, Mansfield and is open from 11am-5pm daily. See www.delatitewinery.com.au