Six of the best cosy coastal stays in Victoria

Old Market Inn, Port Fairy

Rooms at Port Fairy’s Old Market Inn come with complimentary Netflix and Stan.

The self-contained suites at the heritage-listed Old Market Inn are a stylish way to see out a wintry weekend on the Great Ocean Road. New owners Steve and Kym Piez have kitted each room with luxurious furnishings and the TV comes with complimentary Netflix and Stan, ideal for a movie night in if the weather is blowy. Stock the fridge with fresh produce from the nearby farmer’s market, then settle into one of the reading nooks with a book. Rooms from $390 a night, twin-share.
See oldmarketinn.com.au.

The Nest, Queenscliff

The Nest at night.

These eye-catching “nests” outside Queenscliff make clever use of recycled materials and technology to deliver a low impact yet cosy hilltop stay. Solar panels power the whole nest, including the private hot tub on the front deck (which is filled with filtered rainwater). Watch the sunrise over the Bay through floor-to-ceiling windows from the comfort of your king-sized bed, then wait for the knock on the door delivering your breakfast basket. The property is located on a private sanctuary but it’s a short drive to nearby Bellarine Peninsula beaches, restaurants and wineries. Rooms from $350 a night, twin-share.
See thenest.net.au.

The Woods, Ocean Grove

Outdoor kitchen at The Woods.

Put your feet up by the fire pit and listen to the cackle of kookaburras at one of The Woods’ two studio cabins in Ocean Grove. Tucked away from the main road and hidden beneath century-old gum trees, the rustic yet modern cabins are fitted out with all the mod-cons you could want, including a kitchenette, ensuite bathroom and private outdoor bathtub. Weather permitting, fire up the outdoor pizza oven for dinner under the stars. Rooms from $300 a night, twin-share.
See thewoodsoceangrove.com.au.

Geodesic Dome, Inverloch

The Dome at Inverloch.

Gaze up at the stars from the comfort of your personal igloo in Inverloch. Inverloch Glamping Co. offers a collection of cabins and luxury bell tents by the coast, but the one and only geodesic dome tent is a standout. Start off with a languorous soak and glass of wine in one of the barrel hot tubs, then mingle with your fellow guests around the fire at the communal cooking hub. Away from the glamping site, rug up for a coastal walk at Inverloch Coastal Reserve or roam the shops along Abeckett Street. From $355 a night, twin-share.
See theinverlochglampingco.com.au.

Yoko Cabin, Rye

Rye’s Yoko Cabin fuses elements of Nordic and Japanese design.

Hard and moody on the outside, but soft as a marshmallow on the inside, Yoko Cabin fuses elements from Japanese and Nordic design to create a unique cabin wedged between Rye’s front and back beaches. The cabin has two bedrooms, making it ideal for two couples or a small family. There’s an outdoor barbecue and fully equipped kitchen to keep your dining options open, and the central wood heater in the living room will make things extra toasty if you choose to stay in and have a movie night. From $325 a night.
See the-hill.com.au/yokocabin

Five Acres, Phillip Island

Uninterrupted views at Phillip Island’s Five Acres.

“Beach shack but make it luxe” was the brief Katie and Rom Lamaro gave their designers when they set out to build three hideaways on their five-acre micro farm. Each cabin has uninterrupted views over Western Port Bay with easy access to much of Phillip Island, including Saltwater Springs, due to open later this year.

Admire the highland cows from the comfort of the woodfire-heated living room or luxuriate in a handcrafted concrete outdoor bath. From $560 a night.
See fiveacres.com.au.

The writer travelled as a guest of Visit Great Ocean Road.