A forgotten piece of Melbourne’s waterfront transforms into Australia’s first sustainable luxury sanctuary on the Yarra River
In 2011, we embarked on a journey to breathe new life into a dormant section of Melbourne’s historic waterfront. As we stand on the precipice of welcoming our first guests and residents to Australia’s first 1 Hotel & Homes at Seafarers, we’re reminded that the most meaningful projects—those that honour place, history, and natural surroundings—are always worth the wait.
After more than a decade of careful planning and thoughtful development, we’re thrilled to announce that reservations are now open for 1 Hotel Melbourne, set to debut in mid-2025. This milestone not only marks 1 Hotels’ highly anticipated entry into the Australian market but also represents the culmination of Riverlee’s vision to create a vibrant riverfront destination that seamlessly blends luxury with sustainability.
A sustainable sanctuary
Rising above the heritage-listed Goods Shed No. 5, 1 Hotel Melbourne emerges as a beacon of sustainable luxury on the banks of the Yarra River. The striking architecture tells a compelling story of place and history through two distinct forms—the lower levels draw inspiration from the angular side panels of the historic Goods Shed, while the upper levels mirror the rippling surface of the Yarra River.
This thoughtful design bathes interior spaces in natural daylight while creating expansive views from every angle. With operable windows in all residences and 85% of guest rooms, plus more than 2,000 living plants throughout the property, 1 Hotel Melbourne creates a breathing, living environment where the boundaries between indoors and outdoors dissolve.
A glimpse inside Melbourne’s new destination
Our exclusive first look at 1 Hotel Melbourne reveals the extraordinary atmosphere that will envelop guests from the moment they arrive.
“Melbourne is a city renowned for rich culture, deep environmental consciousness, and architectural innovation,” says Barry Sternlicht, founder of 1 Hotels and visionary behind W Hotels and St. Regis. “With 1 Hotel Melbourne, we’ve created a space that honours the city’s unique spirit while setting a new standard for sustainable luxury.”
Design elements throughout the guest rooms celebrate sustainability and local history, including live-edge furniture and feature walls crafted from discarded railway sleepers, stone-clad millwork, preserved moss entry panels, and thoughtful details that connect to the site’s maritime heritage—such as room numbers carved from salvaged wharf timber marked by the tunnelling of naval worms.
Where nature leads: dining and wellness
The culinary experience at 1 Hotel Melbourne follows the mantra “where nature leads,” with the signature restaurant showcasing seasonal produce from local farmers and artisans. Multiple food and beverage venues, including a grab-and-go café and a social hub lobby bar with breathtaking river views, complete the diverse dining offerings.
Wellness forms an integral part of the 1 Hotel experience. The Field House fitness centre features cutting-edge equipment and personal trainers, with mindful programming including yoga and meditation. The indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and spa provide serene spaces for relaxation, while the Bamford Wellness Spa introduces a new standard for holistic treatments in Australia.
Heritage reimagined through sustainable innovation
The property embodies circular economy principles through the adaptive re-use of the heritage Goods Shed No.5, originally constructed in 1895. Over 2,000 original items have been meticulously restored, including bluestone pavers, steel trusses, sliding timber doors, and window frames.
More than 4,500sqm of reclaimed and recycled timber feature throughout—equivalent to over 17 tennis courts—including the lobby desk crafted from naturally fallen trees, timber from decommissioned railway bridges, and 2km of timber from the shed, repurposed as feature portals in the signature restaurant.
A curated art collection titled “Regeneration” showcases commissioned works exploring themes of renewal and transformation, further connecting guests to the site’s rich history and sustainable future.
Experience a new era of hospitality
As we prepare to open the doors to this sustainable sanctuary on the Yarra River, we invite you to be among the first to experience 1 Hotel Melbourne – Bookings are now open for stays beginning mid-2025.
For those seeking to make this lifestyle a permanent reality, a final selection of the exclusive 114 branded residences at 1 Hotel & Homes Melbourne remains available. This presents a rare opportunity to call this riverfront sanctuary home and enjoy five star hotel services, amenities and programming.
Follow @1hotel.melbourne for the latest updates as we count down to this landmark opening
Learn more about 1 Homes branded-residences.
Experience 1 Hotel Melbourne—not just as a destination, but as the future of sustainable luxury in Australia.
Images by Mikkel Vang
