The Jackalope experience poses an invitation to step into a transformative story; for some a myth, for those that visit our property, an indelible elixir.
Embedded in an infatuating culmination of storytelling, art and design, Jackalope’s origins can be found in an elusive tale from North American folklore. Decades ago in Jackson, Wyoming, a mythology emerged of a fantastical creature borne from jackrabbit and antelope.
A taxidermist, who wittingly tricked friends and foes, sold a story of capturing a rabbit with terrifying antelope horns. A rabbit that eventually uncovered a fierce personality and became revered for a wild story that saw them mimic the sounds of cowboys before stealing their whiskey and devouring their boots after-dark.
The juxtaposition of a lovable fuzzy jackrabbit with a ferocious antelope is the source of allure for founder, Louis Li. Coincidentally encountering the mythology during a trip to Germany, where a figurine in an unassuming antique store stirred research into the rare hare, Louis became absorbed by its fabled past and mysterious existence.
With time, the jackalope became his muse, its traits mirroring his bold vision for a new breed of hotel; a world full of poetic imagination, ambition and rebellion. If luxury is defined by rarity, what is more luxurious than a creature so rare that it exists only in legend?
This concept became intrinsically tied to Jackalope, the creature’s own duality forming the foundation for the architecture of the hotel – bold, monolithic, avant-garde, and completely out of place on what is considered a traditional vineyard location.
This enthralling story enraptures those who step into its world. It highlights the curated intention to which Jackalope has been crafted, constructed, and executed everyday.
FAQ
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Is the pool at Jackalope open to public?
Yes, during specific times of the year, the pool at Jackalope Mornington Peninsula is available to the public through special Day Access passes, which allow non-overnight guests to use the 30-metre infinity pool, heated spa, and sauna. While traditionally exclusive to hotel guests, seasonal day packages—which often include a room for the day—are available to purchase.
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Where did the name “Jackalope” come from?
The Jackalope hotel on the Mornington Peninsula takes its name from the mythical American creature—a jack rabbit-antelope hybrid—which symbolizes rarity and whimsey. Founder Louis Li was inspired to use the name after seeing a jackalope sculpture in a Berlin antique shop, finding the creature’s mythical, “rare” nature to be the perfect concept for a unique luxury hotel experience.
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What is Jackalope?
Jackalope Hotel Mornington Peninsula is a luxury 5-star boutique hotel and winery in Merricks North, Victoria, just over an hour from Melbourne. Located on the 11-hectare LL Vineyard, it features 44 designer rooms, a 30-meter infinity pool, two acclaimed hatted restaurants (Doot Doot Doot, Rare Hare), and a cocktail bar Flaggerdoot, offering an immersive, artistic wine-country escape.
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Are there subscription or membership options?
Jackalope Hotels offers a membership program that provides exclusive access to curated culinary events, masterclasses, and tailored on-property experiences at their Mornington Peninsula location. Members enjoy early access to promotions, special offers, and partnership events at Doot Doot Doot, Rare Hare, and Flaggerdoot, with priority booking and event invitations.
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What are the Jackalope signature inclusions?
Complimentary inclusions for all stays are breakfast in Doot Doot Doot from 8am-11am daily, turn-down service with a take-home gift, bathing in our infinity pool, heated spa and infrared sauna, mini bar, wine tasting, unlimited popcorn and icecream, rotating daily guest expereinces, watch stream and cast in-room, wifi, luxury transfers in the Hybrid Lexus SUV within 10km* and access to local gym.
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Does Jackalope have a cellar door?
Jackalope Mornington Peninsula in Merricks North features an on-site cellar door set within its 11 Hectare LL Vineyard, offering curated wine-tasting experiences that showcase their Single Vineyard and Rare Hare wines. Guests can enjoy guided tastings, select bottles to take home at a special price, and for those staying with us, the wine-tasting experience is completely complimentary, allowing you to savor Jackalope’s award-winning wines as part of your luxury stay.
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Does Jackalope have its own wine?
Yes, Jackalope Hotel on the Mornington Peninsula produces its own wines, including single-vineyard selections from its 11 Hectares. LL Vineyard as well as multi-varietal blends. The property sits on the site of the former Willow Creek Vineyard, now renamed LL Vineyard, which produces wines under the Rare Hare and LL labels. Guests can enjoy tastings at the on-site cellar door, experiencing these handcrafted wines in a stunning vineyard setting.
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Does Jackalope have on-site parking?
Yes, Jackalope Hotel in the Mornington Peninsula offers free on-site parking for guests. Reserved parking is available for the Lair Suites.
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Is there accessible parking available at Jackalope?
Yes, Jackalope Hotel on the Mornington Peninsula provides accessible parking, including designated disabled parking bays. The property features accessible paths of travel, and while parking is available, it is recommended to park near the reception entrance or in designated areas, with easy access to rooms.
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How do I contact customer support
Call us on (03) 5931 2500.
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Where can I read the full terms and conditions?
Full booking terms and conditions are available on the official Jackalope Hotels Terms and Conditions page.
Set on one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most pristine vineyards, Jackalope is a new standard in luxury accommodation within driving reach of Melbourne.
Jackalope amenities are exclusively available for hotel guests, including the infinity pool, infrared sauna, and terrace overlooking LL Vineyard.
Jackalope is exclusively for guests 12 and over.
Infinity pool and spa
The hotel’s stunning, black 30-metre infinity pool laps up to the surrounding vines, showcasing a tranquil sightline from water to wine. Private pool deck conveniences include a heated infinity spa, all-day dining with sunbed service, wireless internet and a poolside pavilion available for spa treatments or private dining. Access is exclusive to hotel guests.
Infrared sauna
The perfect partner to our hot and cold bathing, or your spa treatment. Seek a moment of meditative solace in our infrared sauna overlooking the rolling vineyard, and unlock the practice’s collection of benefits across skin tone, circulation, toxin release and weight and pain issues.
Wine in-hand optional.
Cellar Door
Home to our Single Vineyard and Rare Hare Wines, our cellar door space affords three distinct wine tasting experiences, tailored to your taste and interest in discovering winemaking secrets.
From a standard tasting to an hour walking the vines and blending your own wines, there’s an experience for every palate.
in-house dining
LL Vineyard is home to Jackalope, Rare Hare, our cellar door, and the boutique winery where all the Rare Hare wines are created.
Rare Hare LL Vineyard Chardonnay 2022
“Light-mid yellow colour with a rich and expressive butterscotch bouquet, the palate likewise rich and buttery with croissant and nougat, stone-fruit and toasty flavours of considerable complexity and charm. Long carry. Delicious, classic Burgundy style chardonnay.”
Huon Hooke, The Real Review
OVER 30 YEARS OF GROWING WINE
Planted in 1989, the 11-hectare LL Vineyard has taken root in the deep volcanic soils typical of the slopes of the Mornington Peninsula, and is known for producing fine, cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Winemaker, Geraldine McFaul works closely with viticulturist, Ant Davenport, to maximise quality each season.
Rare Hare LL Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022
“This seems a little darker, more concentrated and spicy…cherry and ripe raspberry, biscuit spice, slightly earthy, with some mint, dried herb and rosy perfume. It’s medium-bodied with a firm almost stony feel to tannin with a long finish offering powdery tannin grip. Very good, though likely better again in a couple of years.”
Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
Experience the Estate Collection
The potential of our 11-hectare home has been realised in the last 6 years as we’ve renovated parts of the vineyard to introduce new selections of our flagship varieties, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Experience our range of LL Vineyard wines through a curated tasting experience, available to suit your time and passion for wine.
For visitors and hotel guests
Sample a drop of the Jackalope sensibility with our collection of seasonal experiences – available even if you’re not staying with us overnight.
Jackalope Signature Breakfast
Breakfast without the overnight escape, inclusive of Jackalope’s signature a-la-carte breakfast experience, complemented by freshly baked pastries, yoghurt and a barista-made coffee.
$55pp
After Dark Liqueur
A decadent after-dinner delight. Top off a night of sensory dining and slink into Flaggerdoot for a spirited nightcap. Crafted by our bartenders, best consumed among our haute art collection.
Available as a pre-paid add-on to your Doot Doot Doot dinner booking. 7 days, $36pp.
Spa at Jackalope
Surrender to restorative solace. Steer your overstimulated mind to a better place with our Winter collection of face and body treatments, designed to be customised with add-ons for a uniquely personal experience.
Wine tasting
Exclusively for hotel guests
Daily seasonal activities to elevate your stay. Bookings for our Guest Experiences are available at hotel reception, or upon email confirmation of your stay.
Private Dining at Doot Doot Doot
Celebrate in style with private dining by Doot Doot Doot.
Suitable for up to 20 guests, private dining by Doot Doot Doot embraces the elegance of our hatted restaurant. Your personal waitstaff will ensure a wonderful dining experience.
A menu showcasing a progression of tasting dishes that highlight the season’s best produce, served in Jenka, our private dining room.
