Travellers researching family-friendly accommodation in Melbourne’s southeast will find a practical option at the Waltzing Matilda Hotel in Springvale – a 3-star property that combines a pub, bistro, and guest rooms under the Nightcap brand. This review draws on the official site, travel agency listings, and guest feedback to help you decide if it fits your stay needs.
Last checked: 2026-06-06
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Address: 856-868 Heatherton Road, Springvale VIC 3171 · Website: www.waltzingmatildahotel.com.au · Licence number: V98095066 · Property type: Hotel with accommodation, bar, bistro, TAB facilities, children’s play room · Booking.com listing: Nightcap at Waltzing Matilda Hotel · Nearby location: Springvale, Victoria, Australia
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-06-06.
Sources reviewed: official hotel website, Booking.com listing, Expedia Australia listing, TripAdvisor reviews, KAYAK, Travel Weekly, HotelsCombined, government liquor licensing database.
We did not conduct an on-site visit or interview staff. All claims are based on published source data.
Snapshot: Nightcap at Waltzing Matilda Hotel
- 856–868 Heatherton Road, Springvale, Victoria, Australia (Official Site)
- Check‑in 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM; check‑out 10:00 AM (Expedia Australia)
- 8/10 on Booking.com (Booking.com)
- 3‑star property (Travel Weekly)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 856‑868 Heatherton Road, Springvale VIC 3171 |
| Website | www.waltzingmatildahotel.com.au |
| Licence number | V98095066 |
| Property type | Hotel with accommodation, bar, bistro, TAB facilities, children’s play room |
| Booking.com listing | Nightcap at Waltzing Matilda Hotel |
| Nearby location | Springvale, Victoria, Australia |
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Check‑in time | 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Expedia) |
| Check‑out time | Before 10:00 AM (Expedia) |
| Front desk hours | 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Expedia) |
| Parking | Free self‑parking (Expedia, KAYAK, HotelsCombined) |
| Pet policy | Pets not allowed; service animals welcome (Expedia) |
| Deposit | AUD 100 per stay (Expedia) |
| Meeting rooms | 1 (Travel Weekly) |
| Number of floors | 2 (Travel Weekly) |
| Restaurants | 1 (Waltzing Matilda Hotel bistro) (Booking.com, official site) |
| Distance from Springvale centre | ~0.9–1.0 miles (Booking.com, Hotels in Victoria) |
Waltzing Matilda Hotel Menu
The on‑site bistro serves a range of pub‑style dishes. The official site describes the venue as “Springvale’s favourite with great food and beverages” and states it is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Booking.com lists a single restaurant on the property, and third‑party platforms such as Trivago indicate the menu focuses on burgers and steaks. The bar itself features a big‑screen television and a billiards table, according to Trivago.
One recent Booking.com guest noted the rooms were “spotless clean” and beds comfortable, though that review did not mention the bistro. The implication: the dining component is valued for its convenience and casual atmosphere rather than as a destination restaurant. The bottom line: Expect straightforward pub fare in a relaxed setting.
Waltzing Matilda Hotel Prices
Exact room rates are not published on the official site or widely aggregated by OTAs. However, Expedia reports a deposit of AUD 100 per stay, which suggests a mid‑range price point typical of suburban motel‑style accommodation in Melbourne’s southeast. Prices likely vary by season and room type – standard double, family, or apartment configurations.
Booking.com shows the property is popular with families, and its 8/10 rating reinforces good value for the expected price range. Travel Weekly rates it three stars, aligning with basic amenities: air‑conditioning, free Wi‑Fi, and ensuite bathrooms. The pattern: without published nightly rates, travellers should compare directly with the hotel or booking platform before confirming.
Nightcap at Waltzing Matilda Hotel
The accommodation operates under the “Nightcap” brand, a group known for pub‑style hotels with short‑stay rooms. The official site says rooms are “modest, comfortable” and mostly fitted with a queen and single bed. Amenities include air‑conditioning, ensuite, bar fridge, TV, and tea/coffee making facilities. Expedia adds minibars and free in‑room Wi‑Fi to that list.
“The official site describes the accommodation as suitable for short‑term stays.”
Waltzing Matilda Hotel, official site
Checking in after hours is handled at the bar until 10 PM, per Expedia. The front desk is open 10 AM–9 PM daily. Free on‑site parking is confirmed by multiple sources including KAYAK and HotelsCombined. The property also features a children’s play room, a TAB betting facility, and conference space – making it more than just a place to sleep. Guests on KAYAK highlighted “excellent customer service, comfortable beds, and a convenient location near Sandown Greyhounds.”
Waltzing Matilda Hotel Restaurant
The bistro restaurant is the property’s sole dining venue. Booking.com names it “Waltzing Matilda Hotel” and TripAdvisor reviewers describe the service as “great” and the staff “really friendly.” The official site confirms it is open for lunch and dinner daily. Trivago adds that the menu includes pub‑style items such as burgers and steaks.
No direct online reservation system is evident from the supplied sources, but tables can be booked by calling the hotel’s front desk on +61 3 9546 1333 (listed by HotelsCombined). A recent TripAdvisor review mentions a “nicely renovated room,” indicating that the dining area may also have been updated. Why this matters: The bistro serves as the primary evening option for guests, so its operating hours and menu variety directly affect the stay experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free on‑site parking and Wi‑Fi (multiple OTAs).
- Children’s play room and family‑friendly room types (Booking.com).
- Late check‑in possible at the bar until 10 PM (Expedia).
- On‑site bistro and bar eliminates need to go out for meals.
Cons
- Pets not allowed (service animals exempt per Expedia).
- No rollaway or extra beds; cribs not available (Expedia).
- Front desk limited hours (10 AM–9 PM) may inconvenience early departures.
- AUD 100 deposit required per stay (Expedia).
Best For Segments
Families – The dedicated children’s play room, family room configurations, and casual bistro make it a straightforward option for travellers with kids. Booking.com notes the property is popular with family bookings.
Couples – Quiet rooms with comfortable beds (guests on KAYAK praised bed comfort) and the ability to walk downstairs for a drink suit couples seeking a low‑key weekend away.
Solo travellers – Free Wi‑Fi, central location near Sandown Greyhounds, and friendly staff reported by multiple reviewers make it a practical choice for short work or racing trips.
Location and Getting There
The hotel sits at 856–868 Heatherton Road, Springvale, approximately 20 km southeast of Melbourne’s CBD. It is about 0.9–1.0 miles from the Springvale town centre (Booking.com). Freeway access to the Monash Freeway (M1) is a short drive, and the property is near Sandown Greyhounds and within 6 km of the Australian National Aviation Museum.
Alternatives in Set
For similar pub‑style accommodation in Victoria, consider the Munster Arms Hotel in Ballarat (country pub with rooms) or the Albert Park Hotel in Albert Park (Melbourne metro pub with bistro). Both offer a comparable blend of dining and accommodation under one roof, suited to travellers who want everything on‑site.
Our Pick: Nightcap at Waltzing Matilda Hotel
For families or couples looking for a fuss‑free stay in Springvale, the Waltzing Matilda Hotel offers honest, well‑rated accommodation at a likely mid‑range price. The combination of free parking, on‑site dining, a children’s play area, and a 8/10 guest rating on Booking.com makes it a solid option among budget‑conscious travellers. If you prioritise convenience over luxury, this is a reliable bet.
Sample One‑Night Stay Itinerary
Afternoon arrival (2 PM): Check in at the front desk, park free, and settle into a family room. Use the in‑room coffeemaker and Wi‑Fi to plan the evening.
Evening (7 PM): Head downstairs to the bistro for dinner – try a burger or steak. Afterward, enjoy a nightcap at the bar (open late).
Morning (9 AM): Check out by 10 AM after a continental breakfast (check with the front desk for options).
856‑868 Heatherton Road, Springvale VIC 3171 – see Google Maps for directions.
expedia.com, tripadvisor.com, waltzing-matilda.hotelsinvictoria.net, trivago.com.au, agoda.com, tripadvisor.com