The Great Ocean Road accommodation guide: our editors’ picks for the region’s most spectacular stays

Sleeps: 4 people | 2 bed | 1 bath

Ella’s Rest is an architect-designed off-grid villa located on a seven acre property in Torquay. The two-bedroom home is designed to make the most of its idyllic surroundings, capturing light and stunning views from every angle. With an outdoor shower, fire pit and deck, the home’s spectacular scenery will set the tone for your upcoming adventures.

Guests can’t stop gushing about the well-designed space and thoughtful details. “Having the fire on with records spinning was pure bliss,” says Mick from Melbourne. “Close enough to Torquay to drive in for dinner, drink or beach day. Highly recommend a stay here.”

Sleeps: 6 people | 3 bed | 1 bath

Drawing inspiration from the owner’s favourite seaside destinations across the globe, this surf shack is just 200 metres from the beach, making it perfect for families and beach lovers. The interior is fresh and bright with a white-washed palette, high ceilings and skylights. You’ll feel at peace on the open verandah furnished with swinging chairs and floating lounges framed by palm trees.

With a stellar 4.91/5 stars on Airbnb, guests unanimously loved this home’s beach side location and Hamptons-style interiors. “The house looked exactly like the photos—cozy, comfy and perfect for a relaxing getaway,” says Vivian, who gave The Hideaway a perfect five star rating.

Sleeps: 2 people | 1 bed | 1 bath

An Airbnb where the name truly fits the bill, Tiny Gem in Torquay is one not to miss. Perfectly set up for romance and relaxation, enjoy the outdoor copper bath, generous kitchen and picture window overlooking the surrounding nature while you nestle up in bed. The gorgeous natural lighting is more than enough reason to book your stay, but if you’re at interest in venturing out further, you’re only a 15-minute walk to the shops and cafés of Torquay.

“Carly’s place is the most incredible weekend escape, it’s situated in such a beautiful area and had everything you could need. I cannot recommend it enough for a quiet getaway,” said one five-star review on the property, which has an average 4.96-star rating.

Sleeps: 2 people | 1 bed | 1 bath

Garden Casita is nestled within the La Casa Cubo compound, with a private space enveloped in lush flora, with a geodesic dome in the centre for yoga and meditation. In the home, lush amenities provide further comfort to your stay, from the cosy sun-drenched bedroom to the well-appointed kitchen, where you’re welcome to cook using produce from the gardens. There is also air conditioning and heating for year-round comfort.

“The space struck the perfect balance between lively charm and peaceful comfort. Every amenity we could have hoped for was right at our fingertips, making it incredibly easy to settle into a cosy, slow‑paced rhythm,” said one five-star review.

Sleeps: 6 people | 3 bed | 2.5 bath

Just 100 metres from Anglesea Main Beach and Anglesea River, this gem of a home is tucked away from neighbours, with a beautifully curated collection of art and books for guests to enjoy. You’ll enjoy the serenity of spending a relaxed afternoon in the backyard, and the ease of popping out to wander Point Roadknight and the surrounding beaches.

A guest favourite in Airbnb, The Hideaway is popular for its home-away-from-home amenities. “We had a perfect stay at The Hideaway,” says Imogen. “Beach living at its finest, with thoughtful and intentional design and real personality.”

Sleeps: 12 people | 4 bed | 4 bath

A 1930s weatherboard home Tetua in Lorne is the quintessential Australian beach house. Tetua was 3+ years in the making for Hunting for George co-founder Lucy Glade-Wright and her husband, Jonno Rodd, who transformed it into a multi-level, multi-generational home. It’s decorated in neutrals and sage, with stone accents to complement its craggy bushland setting.

A perfect 5 star rating on Airbnb puts this holiday home in Lorne’s most-wanted weekenders. “One of the best holiday rentals we have stayed in and we’ve seen a few,” says Sacha. “Perfect for a larger group stay, the accommodation is generous, it has a welcoming, cosy and stylish vibe with beautiful as new interiors, plus quality everything.”

Sleeps: 2 people | 1 bed | 1 bath

Another gorgeous option for two; Blackwood in Lorne is a generous cottage for rest and relaxation in a beautiful bush setting. It features a mezzanine bedroom, a downstairs living room with a wood-burning fireplace and generous kitchen and laundry facilities, all within a five-minute drive from Lorne’s main street and the iconic Great Ocean Road.

Sleeps: 2 people | 1 bed | 1 bath

Whether you’ve looking for a stopover during your Great Ocean Road trip, or seek an immersive nature experience, this curated one-bedroom container apartment is the absolute definition of peace and restoration. Enjoy sweeping views of the lush greenery, while still being close to the coastal town of Lorne.

This Airbnb is in the 10% of homes on the site, with a 4.96-star rating on over 350 reviews. “Super cute and cosy cabin set in a picturesque location among the trees. Perfect for a nights stay with everything you need,” said one five-star review.

Sleeps: 10 people | 3 bed | 2 bath

Perched atop the Wye River cliffs, this mid-century modern five bedroom home boasts what could arguably be the best ocean views in town. It has a relaxed coastal vibe mixed with contemporary design and all the amenities you could need, from top-of-the-line kitchen appliances to high-tech entertainment systems.

This home’s show-stopping ocean views are its selling point, earning it a perfect 5/5 rating on Airbnb. “Waking up to the incredible ocean views and falling asleep to the sound of the waves was so special and won’t be forgotten,” says Claire.

Sleeps: 7 people | 3 bed | 2 bath

Perched 100 metres above sea level between the Otway Ranges Ocean and Separation Creek, Cumulus House is a architect-designed modernist escape. It was designed by an award-winning Chris Connell Design and finished to the highest standards. With its muted materiality and serene, cool-toned interiors, this three bedroom home must be seen to be believed.

With plenty of five star reviews to recommend it, Cumulus House has an outstanding 4.92/5 rating on Airbnb. “Cumulus House is beautiful,” says Carrie and Angus. “It is such a peaceful place to spend a few nights away. The sunrise is glorious from the expansive deck.”

Sleeps: 2 people | 1 bed | 1 bath

Imagine cosying up on the deck with a hot tea in hand overlooking tranquil waters at The Deck House, built for two along The Great Ocean Road. Here you’ll have the pleasure of enjoying the sunken deck, a free standing ocean-view bath and a private walking track straight to the beach. The Airbnb also offers a romantic proposal packages for those ready to pop the question.

“The ocean views were absolutely breathtaking and made the whole experience feel so peaceful and surreal. It was the perfect spot for our first family holiday,” said one five-star review.

Sleeps: 2 people | 1 bed | 1 bath

Bridge Rest in Wye River is revered by its coastal elegance, employing nature not only as a backdrop but within its build. At your arrival, expect to be greeted by a steel mesh bridge that spans the steep incline of the site, and then immersive views that create a harmonious and tranquil retreat to escape to. You’ll also have access to your very own private sauna, outdoor shower and indoor fireplace for the winter, as well as beach access that stretches beyond eye view.

One five star review said: “Expect panoramic views of the ocean and forested hills from a classy, cosy interior. We glimpsed a koala from our window, and were visited by king parrots!”

Sleeps: 4 people | 2 bed | 1 bath

This gorgeous seaside villa is lovingly pet-friendly, offering a tranquil escape for you, your family and your pup. The two-bedroom space offers uninterrupted views of the ocean beyond, and is just a short 5-minute walk to cafés, restaurants and shops, however the kitchen is generous enough to support a loving meal at home.

Sleeps: 8 people | 4 bed | 2 bath

If you’re travelling with a larger crowd, look no further than this tranquil beach house. It has four bedrooms,four beds and two baths, with fantastic views of the beach from the open living space. Entertain yourself by wandering the shores, cooking on the balcony with the gas BBQ and playing table tennis downstairs.

Sleeps: 2 people | 2 bed | 1 bath

Point of View Villas is an adults-only retreat for two, offering panoramic vistas of the Southern Ocean and the rolling Otway landscape from the generous floor-to-ceiling glass windows. There is also an open-plan living and dining area with a fireplace, a luxurious spa bath and private balcony with a BBQ and seating to enjoy the breathtaking sunset views.

Sleeps: 8 people | 3 bed | 2 bath

The Log House, Johanna is an off-grid log cabin inspired by the moody colours and textures of the nearby bush. The American-inspired stay sits on three hectares, with a fern gully in the back and the beach just minutes away. Its colour palette comprises dark, earthy tones, combined with bold shades of blues and greens to set the mood in each room. 

This top-rated weekender has a 4.94/5 rating on Airbnb. “The property is just as picturesque as advertised, with stunning views and a prime location near beautiful beaches,” says Alfonso. “Every detail in the pictures is accurately reflected in the home, providing a comfortable and scenic getaway.”

Sleeps: 2 people | 1 bed | 1 bath

Enjoy immersive sunrises and sunsets from the Sky Pod, a luxury eco-grid set on a private wildlife refuge property on the rugged coast of Cape Otway. Each of the unique pods feature a queen-sized bed, a generous projector screen and a Bose speaker for cinematic evenings. Landmarks nearby include Station Beach, The Great Ocean Walk, Rainbow Falls, Cape Otway Lighthouse, Blanket Bay, The Aire River and much more.

Sleeps: 6 people | 3 bed | 2 bath

Josephine is an open plan, south-facing home that enjoys breathtaking vistas of Johanna Beach and the Southern Ocean. It stands on two hectares of land frequented by kookaburras, the occasional wallaby and plenty of bird life. The space is uniquely designed and beautifully appointed.

A guest favourite in Airbnb, Josephine is the place to stay if you’re after some R&R. “If you want a place to get away from it all and have all the mod cons this is the place,” says Darryl. “Nothing like waking up to a fantastic view and so private never saw another person my whole stay.”

Sleeps: 10 people | 4 bed | 1.5 bath

Sunsets on Martyrs enjoys unbroken views across the ever-changing Bay of Martyrs. The four bedroom coastal luxe home has an open-plan living area with floor-to-ceiling windows capturing the breathtaking vista. Filled with natural light, the modern design leans heavily on timber pieces to create a warm and inviting space.

Featured in Airbnb’s ‘Made Possible by Hosts’ campaign in 2020, this home is perfectly positioned between the beach and the bush. “[This home’s] location overlooking Martyr’s Bay is unique and offers a very comfy home base to discover the Great Ocean Road,” says Bruno. “We are a family of five and the house offers plenty of space and excellent internet.”

Sleeps: 4 people | 1 bed | 1 bath

Receiving national and international recognition for its small scale design, The Cutting is an off-grid tiny house incorporating unexpected materials, spaces and surfaces for maximum impact with a minimum footprint. It is a stone’s throw from the famous Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve where you’ll often spot wildlife in trees or roaming the paddocks.

Guests can’t get enough of this tiny home’s efficient use of space, earning it a 4.95/5 rating on Airbnb. “The place was quiet, peaceful and very scenic. The office space was great to work remotely from, and I loved the occasional visits from the cows,” says Alex. “The house is really well set up, and it seems much larger than it is due to how efficiently the space has been used.”