12 Unique 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 in Torquay to cottages on a farm near Johanna Beach. 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

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/ Desa Retreat Ecovillas, Torquay

For the ultimate unique accommodation in Torquay, these eco villas are definitely a top choice. Located in Jan Juc, just outside of Torquay town and within walking distance to Bells Beach, Desa Retreat is ideal for relaxing in style and in peace. 

The one bedroom villas are self contained with a lounge, dining area and kitchenette, plus large bedrooms with a king sized room. You also have access to the beautiful garden, with a fire pit and hot outdoor shower.

The owners also run yoga retreats in their onsite studio, if you want to add value to your unique stay on the Great Ocean Road. 

Sleeping options: One bedroom villas can sleep up to four people

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/ Great Ocean Road Cottages Lorne

These beautiful cottages just outside Lorne town offer a very cosy weekend escape. The two storey cabins are set in amongst the trees behind Lorne town, not too far from some of the beautiful walks and waterfalls in the area. 

Each one is polished and cleanly decorated with modern furniture and appliances. You’ll find a kitchen, living and dining area, and two bedrooms all in an open plan design that is perfect for a romantic getaway or friends trip. 

It’s a great place to base yourself in for a trip to Lorne on the Great Ocean Road. 

Sleeping options: Cottages sleep up to five people

Pet friendly: No

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/ The Otway Haven, Tanybryn

The Otway Haven is just as it sounds, a secluded escape in the Otway rainforest. Located just north of Apollo Bay in Tanybryn, this accommodation offers two bedroom chalets on a beautiful property. 

The chalets are carefully decorated with a homely touch, that you won’t want to leave at the end of the weekend. The living area has a wood fired heater when it gets cool or you can enjoy the outdoor deck when the weather is warmer.

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, so you can’t go wrong.

Sleeping options: Two bedroom chalet sleeps up to four people

Pet friendly: Yes

Price: $$$

7/ Spring House, Apollo Bay

Spring House is the beautiful one bedroom holiday home of your dreams. Located close to Apollo Bay town and boasting sea views, you can rent the entire home for two and enjoy your very own beach house.

The home is a decorated in a simple and modern touch, with plenty of large windows to bring the surrounding garden and views closer to you. It has an open floor plan, and is fully equipped with a kitchen and dining area.

The home also has a large backyard with a lovely deck for when the weather is nice. If you’re ready to splurge for a special weekend, this is a top choice in Apollo Bay.

Sleeping options: One bedroom house sleeps two people

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/ Guest House at Cape Otway Homestead, Hordern Vale

This gorgeous guest house is in a stunning location. Surrounded by nature and offering a beautiful view right from the living room and small deck, you could easily sit back and relax at this property.

The one bedroom cabin is self catering with a kitchen, dining and lounge room, heated by a cosy wood fire. Most people rave about the view and the comfortable lounge and bed. 

It’s located just off the Great Ocean Road, near Cape Otway. It’s the perfect retreat from which to explore some of the lesser visited places on the famous road trip.

Sleeping options: One bedroom guest house but can sleep up to four with a sofa bed

Pet friendly: No

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. 

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.

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 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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