Accommodation near the Surf Coast, Bellarine Peninsula for your next winter staycation
The summer crowds are long gone, the views are spectacular and fireplaces toasty — winter is the best time for trip along the Great Ocean Road. Here are seven places to stay on your next coastal retreat.
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The weather is cooling down, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go to the beach in winter.
There’s plenty of places on or near the Surf Coast to stay, and we’ve found seven options to try on your next Great Ocean Rd adventure.
New wellness boutique Lon Retreat in Point Lonsdale is a great place to unwind, while the fireplace at The Drift House in Port Fairy is worth snaring as soon as you arrive.
LON RETREAT
25 Gill Road, Point Lonsdale
This new boutique wellness retreat has only been open about 12 months, but promises to help cityslickers reset on the property of 200 acres of rural and conservation land. Take advantage of the day spa or stay in one of the seven luxury suites.
THE DRIFT HOUSE
98 Gipps St, Port Fairy
Looking for a lovely place to stay at the end of the Great Ocean Road? Try The Drift House. Describing The Drift isn’t easy. Some say it’s a bed and breakfast, others say it's a retreat. Regardless of how you label it, you’ll find Zen after one night in the beautiful suites.
THE NEST
2140 Bellarine Highway, Point Lonsdale.
Perched atop of a hill near Point Londsale is The Nest. Each home is sustainability designed and includes a kingsize bed, smart TV, coffee machine and bath robes.
STARHAVEN RETREAT
13 Calimo Place, Indented Head.
Starhaven Retreat was named one of the best bed and breakfasts in Victoria and on the Bellarine Peninsula. Look familiar? The property was on Grand Designs Australia on Foxtel’s Lifestyle Channel.
OCEAN HOUSE
2A Trade Winds Ave, Lorne.
Marvel at the uninterrupted ocean views from this cosy Ocean House in Lorne. About one hour and 45 minutes from Melbourne, the property is nestled among the treetops. Rent the apartment or the entire property, which sleeps 10, has two living rooms, BBQ and rooftop and outdoor terraces to entertain.
QII HOUSE
630 Benwerrin-Mt Sabine Rd, Benwerrin
Find your Zen at Qii House inside the Great Otway National Park. There’s many places to unwind, whether it’s inside the colourful home, outdoor dining area, sunset deck or day beds. There’s even the Qii Gardens where you can meditate or indulge in ‘forest bathing’ in a two-person bath made from bamboo.
DOES LUXE CHINESE LIVE UP TO PRICE?
HEALTHY, AFFORDABLE WINTER MEALS
BOOMERANGS AT JOHANNA
3815 Great Ocean Rd, Johanna
The accommodation doesn’t lie — each cottage is shaped like it’s namesake. Boomerangs at Johanna is on three acres of landscaped gardens. There’s two bedrooms in each, allowing for four people comfortably.
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