Experience Airbnb in Australia: A Designer Retreat Along the Great Ocean Road

Take in the Scenic Views Along the Great Ocean Road

When you find yourself in Australia and stop by Melbourne, driving along the Great Ocean Road (GOR) is an absolute must. This 240 km highway located in Western Victoria is renowned for its breathtaking views, rivaling California’s Pacific Coast Highway. My friends, who moved from New York to Melbourne a few years ago, often felt bored hosting visitors here, but I managed to persuade them to come back one more time. The rugged coastline and the Great Otway National Park offer spectacular sights, rich flora and the unique wildlife that Australia is famous for.

A Must-See: The 12 Apostles

A standout stop on the GOR is the 12 Apostles, a group of limestone stacks rising dramatically from the ocean, looking straight out of a sci-fi film. While many choose to stay in larger towns like Apollo Bay or Port Campbell (the closest town to the 12 Apostles), I opted for a cozy spot in between. Luckily, I found a beautiful cabin in Johanna, conveniently located about halfway between Apollo Bay and the 12 Apostles.

The Log House

This charming cabin, known as the Log House, sits on a sprawling 7-acre hillside property with a long driveway and a private gate. This single-story cabin features three bedrooms and six beds, accommodating up to eight guests. Surrounded by meticulously maintained landscapes, the back of the property opens up to a forest where deer roam, and there’s even a koala named Jimmy (sadly, I didn’t get to meet Jimmy during my visit).

The cabin boasts a fruit garden with citrus trees and stone fruits, as well as a passionfruit vine that guests can enjoy. For those with little ones, there’s an adorable playhouse in the backyard. Inside, we accessed the cabin through a lockbox, stepping into a cozy living area with low seating, a non-functional fireplace, and a TV. The dining area is adjacent to a modern kitchen equipped with advanced appliances, including an induction stove and Japanese dinnerware.

Impressive Interior Design

The highlight of the Log House is undoubtedly its interior design, seamlessly blending rustic cabin vibes with boho-chic bungalow aesthetics. The mix of natural wood and painted timber, combined with warm color palettes, creates a welcoming atmosphere. The furnishings feature a delightful combination of velvet, wicker, and rattan, providing a cozy feel. Outside, the space is designed for relaxation, featuring a front porch with ample seating and a spacious backyard with a dining table for eight and a lounging area.

Exploring the Local Area and Cuisine

We arrived at the Log House on a chilly, rainy Friday in April (autumn in Australia) and quickly lit a fire. As the house warmed up, we decided to head to a local restaurant called The Perch, just a 10-minute drive away. Despite being one of the few dining options in the area, it offered a refined menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, including Australian specialties like lamb, kangaroo (not bad!), and wine.

Visiting the 12 Apostles and Port Campbell

After lunch, we drove to the 12 Apostles, where the winds were so strong they nearly knocked us over. This coastal area was formed through erosion from the fierce waves and winds of the Southern Ocean. The name is somewhat misleading since four of the original “twelve” stacks have collapsed, leaving only eight standing. Standing before these towering formations was truly exhilarating.

We then visited the charming town of Port Campbell, home to the Grassroots Deli & Cafe, which not only serves food but also sells a variety of locally made crafts—perfect if you’re looking for souvenirs to take home.

Exploring the Rainforest

After lunch, we drove to Otway Fly Treetop Adventures to walk along the elevated pathways through the temperate rainforest. We then made our way to the Aire River Bridge lookout, hoping to spot koalas in the treetops. Although we searched for a while without luck, my friend finally spotted a koala about 9 meters away, perched on a branch that looked far too fragile for its weight. We ended up seeing three more koalas!

Returning to the Log House and Preparing to Leave

When we returned to the Log House, we prepared dinner and enjoyed some wine while listening to music through a Bluetooth speaker. After the meal, we played games by the fire before tiredly heading to bed. The next morning, we packed up and continued our journey along the Great Ocean Road back to Melbourne, soaking in the stunning ocean views. If you ever find yourself in this area, be sure to embrace the natural beauty around you. The Log House is a fantastic retreat for families or groups of friends looking to escape the city's hustle and bustle, explore the region, and unwind in nature.

Even my friends, who have experienced the GOR numerous times, didn’t want to leave. We lingered a bit longer on the premises, admiring the tree canopies surrounding the house, hoping for one last chance to encounter Jimmy, the koala we had heard so much about.

Article reference and edits from: Condé Nast Traveler