12 Best Places to Stay on the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of the top travel destinations in Victoria. With a stunning coastline and plenty of things to see and do along the way, you can easily head down to the south west coast for a weekend away. There are plenty of towns to choose from, including Apollo Bay and Lorne, to base yourself in during your road trip. No matter where you decide to explore, there’s so many places to stay on the Great Ocean Road.

If you’re planning a road trip down this famous coastal road, then I’ve compiled some of the most unique accommodation on the Great Ocean Road in this blog post, so you don’t have to waste time researching for yourself. Keep reading for a range of options, from eco retreats to cottages with beach views.

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Where to Stay on the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is a 243km long road trip stretching from Torquay to Allansford along the south west coast of Victoria. The road traverses some of the best looking coastline in the country, with plenty of towns along the way to stop and explore. If you’re planning a weekend on the Great Ocean Road, then it can be difficult to know which towns to stay in on the way.

While you could hardly go wrong with staying in any of the towns, Torquay, Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell are the most popular options. They offer a great base from which to explore some of the best Great Ocean Road attractions, plus they have some of the trendiest cafes and shops as well. 

However, there’s also an appeal to staying away from these popular towns and finding a secluded space somewhere else. Johanna Beach, Skenes Creek and up in the Otways are just some of the places you can explore away from the crowds.

I’ve included a mix of unique places to stay on the Great Ocean Road in this post, from eco villas to cottages on a farm. You’ll be able to find something to suit what you’re looking for.

Planning a trip to the Great Ocean Road region? Some essential reading:

• A Guide to the Ultimate Road Trip on the Great Ocean Road
• 8 Best Sunset Spots on the Great Ocean Road
• 12 Best Things to Do in Lorne
• Weekend Guide to Torquay
• 10 Best Walks on the Great Ocean Road
• 9 of the Best Waterfalls on the Great Ocean Road

Unique Accommodation on the Great Ocean Road

If you’re looking for some incredible places to stay on the Great Ocean Road, check out some of the places below.

1/ The Casita at La Casa Cubo, Torquay

This cosy villa is just a 5-minute walk from the beach in Torquay. It’s the perfect accommodation on the Great Ocean Road for couples or solo travellers, with the villa offering one bedroom, a private bathroom and fully equipped kitchen, plus a sun terrace and lush garden.

The garden offers the ultimate coastal escape with an outdoor fireplace, outdoor shower, and picnic area. It has a rustic feel with intentional interior decorating, making it feel like the best vintage beach villa in Torquay.

Sleeping options: One bedroom villa for adults only

Pet friendly: No

Price: $$

2/ Chianti Cottages, Torquay

Another unique option outside of Torquay town, Chianti Cottages is just 10 minutes from Jan Juc Beach. The property has a rustic cottage pictured above, which is a self contained holiday home featuring a kitchen, lounge and one bedroom. The exposed brick walls and open plan make it a very cosy place to spend a weekend, with a wood fire if the temperature drops.

They also offer a studio cabin, which is a cute little place, brightly decorated and with a small veranda area. Whichever place you choose, there is a lovely garden and outdoor dining area to enjoy when the sun is shining.

Sleeping options: One bedroom cottage or cabin

Pet friendly: No

Price: $$

3/ Lorne Bush House Cottages & Eco Retreats

This beautiful property just three minutes from the Great Ocean Road in Lorne has two incredible accommodation options. For families and groups, their bush cottages are self-contained homes with a fully equipped kitchen, spacious dining and living area, two bedrooms and an outdoor patio with BBQ facilities.

The other options is their safari style glamping tents, which offer a very comfortable way of spending a night in nature. The tents even feature a basic kitchenette and your own ensuite bathroom, so it’s not really like camping at all. Plus, you can sit on the balcony and watch the wildlife in the late afternoon. Kangaroos and a range of birds are common on the property.

Sleeping options: Two bedroom sleeps up to four people and glamping tents sleep up to three people

Pet friendly: No

Price: $$$

4/ Surf Haven Lorne

These beautiful home amongst the upper streets of Lorne offers the ultimate cosy weekend escape for a family or group of friends. The two bedroom house is set amongst the trees behind town, with the beach still just a 10-minute walk away.

You’ll find a kitchen, living and dining area, and two bedrooms all decorated in a very modern, coastal vibe with large windows for natural light. The terrace and garden are the perfect places to relax, with an outdoor shower and dining area to enjoy the sun.

Sleeping options: Two bedroom house sleep up to five people

Pet friendly: Yes on request

Price: $$$

5/ The Source, Otways, Tanybryn

The Source is a stunning property tucked into the Otway rainforest and provides the perfect choice for those wanting to escape the busy coast. The property offers two options; a three-bedroom homestead which is great for large groups and families and a two bedroom cottage for romantic getaways. 

Both are cosy places to stay on the Great Ocean Road, with plenty of open garden space and a lovely outdoor patio to enjoy breakfast under the sun. They also have walking trails leaving straight from the property which are perfect for a morning stroll.

Both options are self-catering with kitchen appliances and a dining area. Pets are allowed, if you arrange with the host beforehand. 

Sleeping options: Two bedroom cottage sleep up to five people or three-bedroom homestead sleeps up to six people

Pet friendly: Yes

Price: $$$

6/ Cozy Otways Accommodation, Beech Forest

This Otway property is a secluded escape in the Otway rainforest, very close to the some of the Great Ocean Road’s best waterfalls. They offer two one-bedroom cottages which are a modern take on the tiny home concept.

The cottages each have a kitchen, bathroom, and small living and dining space, with a heater for those cool off-season nights. Plus, a small balcony so you can enjoy the fresh air when the weather is nice.

If you want to stay close to some of the incredible Otway waterfalls on the Great Ocean Road, this place gets exceptional reviews from all its guests.

Sleeping options: One bedroom cottages sleeps up to two people

Pet friendly: No

Price: $$

7/ Marengo Beach Studios, Apollo Bay

Marengo Beach Studios is located close to Apollo Bay town with recently renovated one-bedroom apartments offering air-conditioning, kitchenettes, and private bathrooms.

The home is a decorated in a simple and modern touch, with windows bringing the surrounding garden and views closer to you. They’re the perfect size for a couple’s weekend away, with your pet, as it’s one of the few pet friendly places along the Great Ocean Road.

With free bicycle use, you can easily zip to the beach or into town or stick to walking, with everything close enough to get to without needing to drive.

Sleeping options: Three one-bedroom apartments sleep two people each

Pet friendly: Yes

Price: $$

8/ Tall Trees Eco Retreat, Apollo Bay

If you want to slip away into the forest after a day spent at the beach, this eco property is the perfect stay near Apollo Bay. Just 11km from town, this place has a two bedroom house and a two bedroom cottage available for guests. 

Both options are fully equipped with a kitchen, dining and living area and balcony to enjoy the surrounding sounds of the forest. It’s a very rustic homely feeling, with plenty of wildlife to admire during your stay.

Most people rave about the feeling of seclusion and relaxing nature of the property, especially for a romantic weekend away.

Sleeping options: Two bedroom house and cottage sleeps up to four people each

Pet friendly: No

Price: $$

9/ The Boomerangs at Johanna

Located right on the Great Ocean Road near Johanna Beach, The Boomerangs offer chalet-style accommodation with family rooms. They have a few two bedroom cottages uniquely designed as luxurious wooden seaside cabins.

Surrounded by nature and offering a beautiful panoramic views from the front windows, you can sit on the couch and enjoy the view of the forest and sea.

The chalets are self catering with a kitchen, dining and lounge room, heated by a cosy wood fire for the cooler evenings. Whether you’re travelling as a family or with friends, it’s the perfect place away from the bustle of the main towns.

Sleeping options: Two bedroom chalets sleeping up to four people

Pet friendly: Yes

Price: $$$

10/ Glenaire Cottages

Glenaire Cottages features a few luxury two bedroom cottages on the Great Ocean Road. Offering a cosy interior with all the facilities for a comfortable and self-catered stay, it’s a nice place to relax with friends or as a romantic couples getaway. 

The modern cottages are set amongst beautiful surrounding nature and boasting sea views from the balcony, most guests describe it as one of the most peaceful places they’ve ever stayed. Plus, you can choose from cottages with either an indoor or outdoor spa!

Located on the Great Ocean Road, it’s not far away from the great surf beach at Johanna. While it’s a little drive from any of the major towns, it’s a nice way to escape the crowds.

Sleeping options: Two bedroom cottages can sleep up to four people

Pet friendly: Yes

Price: $$$

11/ Johanna River Farm & Cottages

Definitely one of the most unique places to stay on the Great Ocean Road, these cottages are on a working farm near Johanna Beach. The self contained cottages have sea views down towards the popular surf beach, as well as, the surrounding farm land. 

The cottages are rustic places, with a cosy wood fire and balcony overlooking the property. There are plenty of animals and pets to play with on the farm too, and you can even bring your own pet as long as you let the friendly hosts know beforehand. 

Sleeping options: One bedroom cottage sleeps up to two people

Pet friendly: Yes

Price: $$

12/ Daysy Hill Country Cottages, Port Campbell

This place offers a range of cottages on a 55 acre property just outside of Port Campbell. Each of the cottages are self-catering with a kitchen, dining and living area and small outdoor deck.

The property gets rave reviews from its guests for being clean and comfortable and having a more rural feel yet close enough to town. There’s a pretty pond and plenty of space to explore in the backyard as well. You’re also welcome to have an outdoor fire and enjoy the peaceful landscape.

If you’re looking to stay closer to the 12 Apostles, this is a nice and very reasonably priced option.

Sleeping options: One and two bedroom cottages that can sleep up to six people if needed

Pet friendly: No

Price: $$

Camping on the Great Ocean Road

While there’s plenty of great accommodation on the Great Ocean Road, you can also find some incredible campgrounds as well. If you’re interested in camping along the Great Ocean Road, then there’s plenty to choose from including beachfront camps and campgrounds in the Otway rainforest.

Check out my post on the 15 best campgrounds on the Great Ocean Road for some inspiration!

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