Otway Retreats | Where to stay?
Pennyroyal to Johanna we profile five of our favourite Otway retreats – from a beautiful farmland stay to a cosy cottage
Johanna, Victoria
3 BEDROOMS | 2.5 BATHROOMS
Rates from $580 (AUD) per night
“Southerness@Johanna is an off-grid home ideally located near Cape Otway to the east, the Otway rainforest all around and the 12 Apostles to the west. Johanna Beach and the Great Ocean Walk are a short walk through lush farmland. Enjoy the splendid isolation of this architect-designed luxury home on 100 acres of private woodland and pasture. The sounds are those of nature– surf crashing on the beach, our resident kookaburra family welcoming the night, parrots chattering in the grass and the wind blowing in from the Southern Ocean. The sights include kangaroos off the front deck, the emerald green Johanna river valley below and the blue sea beyond.”
“Southerness is an energy-efficient off-grid home, with soft, pure rainwater collected in tanks and electricity supplied by a large solar system backed up with a battery bank and silent generator. While being completely self-sufficient, every comfort is catered for in this no-compromise design.” – Southerness @ Johanna
Apollo Bay, Victoria
3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS
Rates from $290 (AUD) per night based on a 7 night stay
Looking for homes to retreat to near The Otway National Park? Cypress Hill provides a great opportunity to escape the crowds though enjoy easy access to Apollo Bay.
“Cypress Hill is set on an acre situated just 5km from Apollo Bay on the west side of Marengo.”
“This modern, architecturally designed house has views overlooking the rolling green hills surrounding Apollo Bay and Bass Strait. The entire front of the house features glass stretching from floor to ceiling – fusing the outdoors with the interior and saturating the large open lounge and dining area with natural sunlight.” – Cypress Hill
Apollo Bay, Victoria
2 BEDROOMS | 1 BATHROOM
Rates from $275 (AUD) per night
“Surrounded by resident koalas, large variety of birds and views across the Otway Ranges it’s the perfect little weekend retreat to get away from it all. Welcome to your digital detox.”
“The main Hideaway Cottage spreads over two levels with an open plan kitchen dining and lounge filled with creature comforts and a wood burning stove that will be set ready for you to snuggle up to. Relax on the comfortable leather lounge and enjoy the north facing French doors that open up to the pergola covered terrace with magnificent views across the garden to the Otway Ranges. Under the pergola the hammock swings lazily, beckoning guests to lay back and take in the relaxing atmosphere. A Scandia Combustion stove and antler chandelier are strong features of the fully equipped kitchen. A staircase carved from Tasmanian oak leads you to the two bedrooms on the second floor with beautiful sunrises seen from the master and the feel of being nestled at the top of the gum trees from the second bedroom.” – Hideaway Cottage
Pennyroyal, Victoria
4 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS
Rates from $750 (AUD) per night
“Take a break from your busy lives and head to The Farm. The Farm is contemporary luxury in a superb pastoral setting and a dramatic view that will have you absolutely awestruck. Cutting edge architecture boasting 270 degree views over the Pennyroyal Valley and Otway Hinterland, the home itself is as much a feature as the jaw dropping vistas.”
“Every detail has been designed and presented with simplicity and aspect in mind. The footprint is based around a simple H shape with open plan living flanked by bedrooms, bathrooms and secondary living spaces. The protected courtyard to rear is an impressive outdoor living space allowing guest the luxury of al fresco living in a variety of weather conditions. The North side is an endless expanse of rolling farmland with an abundance of native wildlife.” – The Farm
Johanna, Victoria
4 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS
Rates from $685 (AUD) per night based on a 7 night stay
“Architecturally designed rammed earth house with stunning views over the Southern Ocean to Moonlight Head and beyond. The property is located just off the Great Ocean Road, between Apollo Bay and the 12 Apostles. Situated on 100 acres of native bushland adjoining the Great Otway National Park, enjoy the isolated and private location.”
Recessed floor to ceiling sliding glass doors enable you to take in the ever-changing views from each room. You could easily spend all day looking at the mesmerising views – Johanna Beach, the wild Southern Ocean, waves crashing into the cliffs, the coastline all along to Moonlight Heads, rolling green Johanna hills, the bush and native animals and birdlife. – Rotten Point House
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