The Great Ocean Road is a popular travel destination in Victoria with a stunning coastline. There are many things to see and do along the way, making it a great weekend getaway.
Town options like Apollo Bay and Lorne are available for accommodation during your Great Ocean Road day trip. Regardless of your choice, there are plenty of places to stay.
Experience unique accommodations
Some holidays are about just having a place for the night. Others are about the unique stay itself. Imagine cozy cottages with great views, working farms, and charming tiny homes. If you're looking for a holiday where you can relax in a beautiful setting without needing entertainment or plans, keep reading.
All you have to do at these properties is relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Pole House, Fairhaven
The Pole House is the most photographed house along the Great Ocean Road. The house is elevated 40 meters above Fairhaven Beach on a large pole, providing panoramic views from the balcony that surrounds the entire property. You can see the road winding along fifty kilometers of coastline and look over the Otways rainforest. The modern decor inside is minimalist and chic, complementing the stunning views. You can relax before the suspended fireplace and enjoy watching the world go by.
Sky Pods, Otways
These eco-friendly pods are located on a 200-acre wildlife area on the coast of Cape Otway. They are solar-powered and offer a secluded and self-contained luxury stay. Guests can compensate for their stay by planting a tree to help regenerate the land. The pods are ideal for a romantic couple's retreat. Wake up in the wilderness and explore the reserve, where you can spot koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and native birds. Enjoy watching stunning sunsets over the ocean in the evenings.
Warilda Spa, Birregurra (Spa Cottage)
Escape into the serene hinterlands surrounded by pine trees at Warilda Farm. Enjoy pampering and spa treatments at their boutique guest cottage. Relax in the indoor-outdoor bath with countryside views, or pamper yourself with a therapeutic massage. The house boasts vintage styling, a firepit, and a sunny deck for your joy.
Steam Train Carriage, Forrest
The Steam Train Carriage offers a unique accommodation option for train enthusiasts, history lovers, and those seeking a memorable stay. It can accommodate a family of six and is decorated with old-world-style elements. The carriage features antique furniture, ornate chandeliers, and a private outdoor bath. Guests can enjoy a small kitchen and a cozy wood fire without a TV. Activities include bonding over board games or exploring the bird-filled gardens.
Heytesbury House, Cobden
Experience the charm of Heytesbury House, a century-old B&B in a picturesque setting. Each of the four suites offers unique features such as a four-poster bed, luxurious double bath, and private garden-view veranda. Stroll through the well-maintained gardens or relax with a book from the library. Enjoy a gourmet breakfast in the dining room for a proper breakfast experience.
Cape Nelson Lighthouse
The lighthouse keeper's cottages at Cape Nelson have been recently restored and offer a prime beachfront location on the rugged cliffs. There are five two-bedroom cottages suitable for couples, families, or groups of friends. Guests can tour the lighthouse, go for a clifftop walk, and watch out for whales and wallabies. The Head Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage has an outdoor spa for guests to enjoy beneath the stars.
Cape Otway Lightstation
There is another beautiful lighthouse on Cape Otway. Accommodation options include the heritage Lightkeeper's Cottage, a four-bedroom lodge, or a cozy studio with lighthouse views. This is an excellent spot for a group retreat without distractions like TV or mobile phones. Enjoy the views of the Southern Ocean and stunning sunrises and sunsets. A morning lighthouse climb is included in your stay.
Timboon Tiny Homes
The tiny house movement is growing, and Timboon Tiny Homes offers luxurious boutique accommodation in a small space. These tiny homes in Timboon have queen-size beds, bathrooms, and kitchenettes surrounded by native bushland. They are stylishly decorated with silk bed sheets, hardwood floors, and stone benchtops. Guests can enjoy unlimited ice cream from the nearby Timboon Ice Creamery.
Brae, Birregurra
This restaurant in Birregurra also offers accommodations on a working farm. The guest suites are spacious and eco-friendly and include organic bed linen, a turntable with a record collection, custom artwork, and views of The Otways.
Before exploring the orchards, olive groves, and vegetable beds, guests can enjoy a breakfast of sourdough, pastries, and preserves. Accommodations can only be reserved on the same day as your lunch or dinner reservation.
Johanna River Farm
Johanna River Farm is located in the foothills of the Otway Ranges and offers a farm stay experience on a working 280-acre farm. Accommodation options include a one-bedroom spa cottage for couples or a self-contained two-bedroom family room. Enjoy stunning views of the ocean. Guests can interact with the animals, pick fruits from the orchard, and collect eggs from the coop. The nearby fern gullies are great for bush walks; at night, you can see glow worms by torchlight.