Driving down the Great Ocean Road is one of the most iconic and enduring road trips in Australia. It’s popular in the summer (what coastal destination isn’t?), but equally as enthralling in the winter when the air is crisp, the winds are wild and it’s less busy.
There’s also so much more to it than just beaches and the 12 Apostles – although those are definite must-dos if you’re heading down. Away from the main road itself, there are forests (including Californian redwoods over 60 metres tall), waterfalls, lighthouses, activity parks and restaurants worth visiting.
You can cram a few things into a daytrip from Melbourne, but the best way to see the Great Ocean Road is on a leisurely multi-day drive so you can take your time and soak up the views. Here are our favourite places to stay in the area.
Sky Pods, Cape Otway
Australia’s seen a rise in solar-powered, off-grid pods and cabins nestled deep in the bush or wilderness – but this one’s on a hill overlooking the Southern Ocean. The self-contained Sky Pods – planted on an 80-hectare wildlife refuge – feature floor-to-ceiling windows, a 100-inch projector for watching movies from your queen bed, a kitchen with a fridge and stovetop cooker, a fireplace and more. Sleeps 2 / from $570 a night / book here.
The Pole House, Fairhaven
Suspended 40 metres above Fairhaven Beach and over the Great Ocean Road itself, this architectural marvel is beachside accommodation at its most luxurious (with a price tag to match). Massive windows on two sides of the square structure showcase panoramic views of the beach, with a floating fireplace anchoring it all in the corner. The studio space also includes a balcony, a foldaway king-sized bed, dining area and kitchenette. Sleeps 2 / from $1494 a night / two-night minimum / book here.
The Sundowner, Anglesea
Relaxed vibes are exactly what you’ll get from this ’80s beach house, surrounded by gum trees but close enough to the waves. The house includes a kitchen, dining room and two living rooms downstairs, plus a deck with a barbeque and chiminea. Upstairs, the four bedrooms have a king bed, two queens and a bunk room with four singles for kids. Sleeps 6 adults and 4 children / from $302 a night / two-night minimum / book here.
Steam, Forrest
All aboard – you can travel back in time to the industrial age and stay in a renovated steam locomotive buried deep in the Otways. These renovated train carriages were first built in 1926 at the Newport Railway Workshop, then restored in 2014 and turned into unique accommodation. The three-bedroom unit (with a room per carriage) has been kitted out with an outdoor ensuite, antique furniture, intricate chandeliers, stove and oven, and a wood fire in the living room. Sleeps 6 / from $385 a night / three-night minimum / book here.
Sunnymead Hotel, Aireys Inlet
There’s something delightfully nostalgic about staying in a retro motel on your beach holiday. An orange and white checkered walkway leads to 20 suites with a modern, mid-century feel and vintage-inspired furnishings. The renovated motel also has a spa and communal bathhouse, an umbrella-lined mineral pool, a firepit and an Indian-Australian eatery called Santara. Sleeps 2 per room / from $249 a night book here.
Lorne Lifestyle Container, Lorne
In the Lorne hinterland, a handful of shipping containers have been transformed into two small self-contained apartments. Each one has a queen bed, fully equipped kitchenette, electric fireplace, TV and balcony with Otway and Surf Coast views. It’s also a short drive to the main town and the beach. Sleeps 2 / from $233 a night / two-night minimum / book here.
Point of View Villa, Apollo Bay
Five self-contained villas designed for couples make up Point of View, perched on the hillside over the Great Ocean Road (with sweeping vista of the ocean from nearly every corner). Each one has a private balcony with barbeque, king-sized bed, large step-up spa, double shower, smart TV, bluetooth soundbar, wood fire and full kitchen. Sleeps 2 / from $468 a night / two-night minimum / book here.
Otways Loft, Forrest
While most of the accommodation on this list can be found closer to the coast, this timber cabin (from the same team as Steam) can be found deep in the Otway Ranges for an in-land detour on your beachy road trip. Made from locally felled timber, materials from a nearby church and salvaged parts from a train carriage, the eclectic home was renovated in 2013 – now it’s got three bedrooms, a clawfoot tub, a fireplace, floating deck and more. Sleeps 8 / from $277 a night / three-night minimum / book here.
The Cliff’s Edge, Fairhaven
Get the long weekend plans out of the group chat by booking a stay in this three-bedroom home overlooking the beach and vast coastline from Aireys Inlet all the way to Lorne. The master bedroom has a king-sized bed and an ensuite with a corner spa (featuring those same views), and the other rooms include a queen bed and two king-sized bunks – good for kids if you want to bring them along. Sleeps 6 adults and 2 children / from $1074.15 a night / three-night minimum / book here.
Long Tide Retreat, Skenes North
With no wi-fi, an old claw-foot tub, a roaring fireplace and killer sunset views, this tranquil two-storey cabin is designed to help you ditch your daily routine. It was built out of recycled local timber in 1992, but only opened for public bookings in 2019. It’s a 15-minute drive to the beach, 20 minutes to Apollo Bay, and about 45 minutes from the hiking paths near the Californian redwoods and Hopetoun Falls. Sleeps 4 / from $277.50 a night / two-night minimum / book here.
Modesc Timboon, Timboon
Colorbond steel and ultra-modern interiors are a striking contrast to the dreamy bushland surrounding this modular two-bedroom home set among the trees of the 12 Apostles hinterland. The luxe accommodation includes a king-sized bed in one bedroom and two doubles in the other, with designer decor, a luxe bathroom, a modern fireplace and a matte-black kitchen too. Koalas also live around these parts, so keep your eyes peeled. Sleeps 6 / from $295 a night / two-night minimum / book here.
Forrest Guesthouse, Forrest
Modern and vintage meet in this guesthouse, with four self-contained suites that each include a a queen, king, or two twin-sized beds (plus a sofa bed), a well-equipped kitchenette and a private bathroom. Guests can also take a stroll through the garden or relax on the shared verandah. It’s situated close to bike trails, or a quick drive from Lake Elizabeth, the regional town of Colac, Skenes Creek and about 40 minutes from Apollo Bay. Sleeps 4 / from $250 a night / book here.
Additional reporting by Dan Cunningham, Elizabeth Flux, Emma Joyce, Quincy Malesovas, Linsey Rendell
We hope you like the places we recommend on Broadsheet. Our editors select each one independently. Broadsheet may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.
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