1 Hotels debuts in Australia with a sustainable luxury property in Melbourne, blending heritage conservation with modern, eco-conscious hospitality.
The hospitality brand 1 Hotels has officially opened its first property in Australia with the launch of 1 Hotel Melbourne. The nature-focused, luxury lifestyle hotel is located on the Yarra River in the North Wharf precinct, developed in partnership with Melbourne-based Riverlee.
The property integrates sustainability principles with biophilic design and is centered around the restoration of the historic Goods Shed No. 5. The site, once a major logistics hub during Melbourne’s maritime era, has been transformed to align with the brand’s sustainability ethos. Over 2,000 elements from the original structure have been preserved and re-used, including timber, steel, and stone materials.
1 Hotel Melbourne offers 277 guest rooms and 36 suites, many of which incorporate recycled materials such as reclaimed railway sleepers and timber from subaquatic piers. Smart energy systems and low-VOC materials are used throughout. In addition to the hotel rooms, there are 114 branded residences, with services like private dining and wellness treatments.
The property also features an extensive events space. The Seafarers Event Space accommodates up to 900 guests and includes smaller meeting rooms designed using reclaimed and natural materials. All events follow the hotel’s Certified Sustainable Gatherings framework.
On-site food and beverage offerings include From Here by Mike, led by Australian chef Mike McEnearney, and a selection of casual and nightlife-oriented venues including Crane Bar & Lounge, Neighbours Café, and Upstairs cocktail bar. Each venue focuses on local sourcing, low-waste approaches, and seasonal ingredients.
Wellness facilities include the Bamford Wellness Spa, a gym with sustainable design elements, and a wellness zone featuring an indoor pool and sauna. The guest experience is supported by a year-round calendar of programming, including mindfulness workshops, fitness sessions, and cultural events.
Sustainability efforts extend to the public realm, with the development of Seafarers Rest Park—a 3,500-square-meter green space designed in line with Yarra River Protection Principles. The hotel is targeting LEED Silver certification and incorporates energy-efficient infrastructure, including solar panels and rainwater harvesting.
As part of its urban integration, 1 Hotel Melbourne is connected to Melbourne’s free tram network and provides an electric vehicle program in partnership with Audi. The property is positioned within walking distance of major arts, culture, and sports venues.
With the opening of 1 Hotel Melbourne, the brand expands its presence in the Asia-Pacific region and contributes to the broader conversation around sustainable urban development and hospitality. The project also reflects a growing trend of adaptive reuse in the hospitality industry, combining heritage preservation with modern environmental practices.
The hotel is now operational and welcoming guests, serving both the domestic market and international visitors seeking sustainable luxury in one of Australia’s key gateway cities.