Updated on April 10, 2022
Glamping, Tiny Homes, Train Carriage & More…
Air BnB, Riparide as well as the Booking.com website are fantastics ways to find unique accommodation all over Australia. RipaRide and Air BnB are both great ways to make an added income by renting out a room, cabin, train carriage, yurt… We have a Vintage Caravan in the Dandenong Ranges that has been on Air BnB for a few years now and love having people come to stay and explore the Dandenongs.
If you are seeking accommodation in Melbourne, here is a list of quality accommodation, including Air Stream Trailers on a rooftop! Or visit this page on quirky accommodation in other parts of Victoria.
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Unique Family Accommodation, Romantic Stays & Eco Experiences
Along the Great Ocean Road, we have found some fascinating properties and have listed them here to showcase the variety of unusual stays available in Victoria’s famous tourism destination. Read more about our favorites below.
1. Torquay Farm Stay in a Tiny House on a Truck
Up to 4 Guests | 3 Beds | No Pets
This special tiny home, built on the back of a fabulous old truck, is on a bio-dynamic farm with horses, cows, ducks, and chickens. It has been designed using recycled timber, windows, and doors with a potbelly stove for warmth and solar panels. Read more about this special stay on Air BnB or book through Riparide
(There is also a super cute, tiny home on a trailer set in their orchard).
2. The Lily Pad Vintage Caravan
Up to 3 Guests | Separate Ensuite | Dog-Friendly
An absolutely gorgeous vintage caravan with a quirkiness all of its own. Set in spacious gardens with a pond and really well thought out, this caravan stay in Torquay is ideal for couples or good friends (one bed). The ensuite is nearby and has been cleverly built with a number of funky features. Two-night minimum stay. Book through Riparide or AirBnB.
3. ‘The Source’ Beautiful Accommodation, Waterfalls and Rainforest
2 Guests | 1 Bedroom | 2 Beds | Adults Only | Pets – Possibly
‘The Source’ in the Otways is a magical eco-property with a number of private waterfalls and tracks for guests to use. This incredible property is set high up in the Otways, but within an easy drive down to Apollo Bay. Pack your hiking boots, and prepare to immerse yourself…
Choose from three different experiences at the Source.
The Otways Nest | The Otway Haven | The Source
4. Forest View Lodge in The Otways
Up to 4 Guests | 3 Bedrooms | Entire Home | Pets Allowed
Set on 53-acres of private bushland with no other cottages or homes on the property! Absolute privacy and just 20-minutes to Lorne and the seaside. The lodge was inspired by the owners’ stay in a Mongolian Yurt and has amazing design features along with a deck to enjoy sunsets… Read more about this forest stay on Air BnB.
5. ‘Steam’ – Restored Train Carriage in the Otways
Up to 6 Guests | 3 Bedrooms | 4 Beds | Pets Allowed
‘Steam’ is an awesome place to stay. The beautifully restored train carriage has so much character and quirkiness, with many original features and history well worth discovering. I stayed here with our daughters a couple of years ago and we just loved it. It’s in the Otways township of Forrest where you can buy a few supplies and try the local craft beers too. Loads of walks, mountain bike trails, and waterfalls to visit before returning to ‘Steam’ for a well-earned rest. Read more about ‘Steam’ and reserve your carriage.
6. Points South By The Sea
Up to 4 Guests | 1 Bedroom | 2 Beds | No Pets
160 acres with walking tracks where wallabies, koalas, and other wildlife can be seen as well as Alpacas on the property. Each of the 3 available cottages boasts amazing coastal views from the balconies with weber BBQs for guests to use. For families, friends, or couples, this is a top place to stay. Read more about the cottages and book your unique stay.
7. Seacroft Lotus Belle Tent, Luxury Glamping
2 Guests | 1 Bedroom | 1 Bed | Shared Bathroom Facilities
Amazing views of Cape Patton from your super comfy bed, watch the sunrise, and soak up the serenity of the Victorian coast. This luxury bell tent has everything you will need for a perfect getaway. Guests have access to a full communal kitchen and bathroom as well as an indoor lounge and games room in the historic homestead. Read more about this glamping option.
8. Mouzel – Striking Home in Kennett River
Up to 7 Guests | 3 Bedrooms | 4 Beds | No Pets
‘Mouzel’ stands out from most of the other holiday homes in Kennett River with it’s striking design features. Set on a bush block where kangaroos come to graze and just a hop, skip, and a jump to the beach. The semi-open plan living area is sun-drenched and the perfect stay for a family or small group of friends. Find out more about this holiday home on Air BnB.
9. Warilda Farm Boutique Cottage & Spa
2 Guests | 1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom | Spa Treatment option
An exquisite boutique farm stay in the Otways with the option of indulging in a spa treatment. Warilda is the ideal choice for a romantic getaway. This tiny cottage near Birregurra is a great location to explore the area. It has been beautifully furnished and is set on a working property with alpacas and sheep. Read more about this romantic getaway on Air BnB.
10. Bespoke Caravan with Ocean & Otways Views
2 Guests | 1 Bedroom | 1 Bed | 1 Bathroom
Unwind high up in the hills above Apollo Bay with ocean views and tranquility in this beautifully refurbished caravan. It boasts a queen-sized bed, a mini indoor fireplace, and an outside bath to relax in. There is also a separate full-size bathroom with a shower and a flushing toilet. Read more about this caravan getaway on Riparide.
11. Off-Grid Luxury Stay in a Tiny Home
2 Guests | 1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom | No Pets Allowed
Tucked away on an 18-acre hobby farm, this tiny home is just a 1 km walk to the beach and restaurants of Apollo Bay. An ideal location for a secluded getaway, experiencing the off-grid eco-lifestyle, plus the company of two friendly goats and other farm animals. Find out more about this self-contained tiny house on Riparide
12. Tiny House on a Dairy Farm near Apollo Bay
2 Guests | 1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom | No Dogs Allowed
Another special tiny house option near Apollo Bay. Bright and airy with 200 acres of rolling farmland views and a little deck to relax on, this tiny house is a fabulous getaway. The property also hosts another cottage, bring some friends along for time-out on this working dairy farm. Read more about this farm stay on Air BnB.
13. Chocolate Gannets Seafront Villa, Ocean Views
Up to 4 Guests | 2 Bedrooms | 2 Beds | 2 Bathrooms
Indulge in the spa with ocean views, the front villas at Chocolate Gannets are stunning. Huge windows with so much natural light coming in and everything you need in the villas for an amazing stay. Read more and book your holiday through Booking.com.
14. Kookaburra Cottages Retreat, Petticoat Creek
One of our favorite places to stay along the Great Ocean Road. Not far from Apollo Bay, each cottage is unique with so many special hand-made features. Relax in the communal areas, the pool, walk to the viewpoint overlooking the Southern Ocean, and see the shetland ponies grazing on this 280-acre organic farm, right opposite Petticoat Creek Beach. Each cottage accommodates 2 adults.
Read more about Kookaburra Cottages Retreat
- The Balcony – 2 Guests | 1 Bedroom | 1 Bed | No Pets
- The Beach – 2 Guests | 2 Beds | No Pets
- The Barn – 2 Guests | 1 Bedroom | 1 Bed | No Pets
15. Manta Ray Luxury House by the Beach
Up To 7 Guests | 3 Bedrooms | 5 Beds | Pets Allowed
Ocean views and situated right across the road from the beach, this home is a stunning design with plenty of natural light. An ideal place to stay with friends or family for a relaxing holiday. Read more about Manta Ray One on Air BnB.
16. Cape Ocean Lodge – Secret Garden at Cape Otway
Up to 14 Guests | 5 Bedrooms | 6 Beds | 3 Bathrooms | No Pets
The entire house and expansive gardens are yours to enjoy with absolutely stunning ocean views. Bring friends for one of the best getaways on Cape Otway. This property does not come cheap, but it does come with an indoor pool, sun-filled rooms, and accommodates up to 14 guests. Currently Closed to Bookings
17. Sky Pod Luxury Off-Grid Accommodation
2 Guests | 1 Bedroom | 1 Bed | 1 Bath | No Pets
Set on 200 acres of a private wildlife refuge with sweeping views of the ocean, the ‘Sky Pods’ are exclusive, romantic getaways. Designed to be light and airy, spacious and equipped with all the mod cons you could wish for. Walking distance to Rainbow Falls and Station Beach with koalas hanging out in Manna Gumtrees. Read more about this exceptional stay.
18. Great Ocean Road Eco-Lodge, Cape Otway
Up to 6 Guests | 3 Bedrooms | 3 Beds | No Pets
Located within the grounds of a Conservation Ecology Centre, and surrounded by bush where kangaroos graze and koalas can be seen in the Manna Gum trees, this is such a special place to stay.
The Great Ocean Ecolodge is a social enterprise, established and operated by the Conservation Ecology Centre. All profits are invested in wildlife conservation. The Ecolodge and Conservation Centre are entirely self-sufficient, power is provided by solar panels, rainwater is collected on-site, filtered and heated by a solar hot water system. The Ecolodge is a passive solar design, keeping guests warm during the winter and cool during the summer. Read more about staying at the EcoLodge.
19. Earth House in Glenaire
2 Guests | 1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom | Adults Only Retreat | Pets Allowed
Expect to be visited by kangaroos on the property and gaze at amazing views of the stars on a clear night. The earth house is rustic, beautifully furnished, and the perfect place to escape the world on an adult-only retreat. Read more about the Earth House on Air BnB.
20. Pebble Point Glamping Tents Near The 12 Apostles
Up to 3 Guests | 1 Bedroom | Ensuite Bathroom | Shared Kitchen Area
Glamp in style close to the 12 Apostles in one of these beautiful tents at this unusual bush camp. Close to the Great Ocean Walking Track (a multi-day hike that goes from Apollo Bay to the 12 Apostles), nestled behind the limestone clifftops of the Port Campbell National Park, the six safari-style tents are perfect for exploring the area. Electric blankets are on the beds for a warm and cozy night’s sleep. A perfect seaside escape. Read more about this glamping experience on Riparide.
Free E-book on the Great Ocean Road – Touring Routes over 1 -6 Days, Waterfalls and Things to do.
