Nothing really prepares you for the sheer beauty along Australia’s famous Great Ocean Road, a perfect road trip to take with the one you love. Experience one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives on a memorable adventure to beachside villages, natural wonders like the famous 12 Apostles and kilometres of unblemished coastline along the Bass Strait.
With over 400 million annual visitors to HotelsCombined, we’ve listed the top-rated hotels along the Great Ocean Road where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway. Boasting spacious living spaces, on-site restaurants and easy access to the area’s coastal attractions, these Great Ocean Road accommodation options are the perfect place to recharge before another day on the open road.
Glenoe Cottages
A 2.5-hour drive from Melbourne, Glencoe Cottages offers three luxurious one-bedroom cottages in the hills overlooking the small fishing port of Apollo Bay. Set amongst 70 hectares of natural landscapes, the cottages feature self-contained kitchens, wood fireplaces, king-size beds and large bay windows for soaking up beautiful coastal views.
Located two kilometres from Apollo Bay, it offers the best of both worlds with quiet rural surroundings and easy access to fine-dining restaurants like Chris’s Beacon Point Restaurant, a decades-old icon that serves contemporary Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Take a day trip to Great Otway National Park, only 20 minutes’ drive away, which provides spectacular cliff-top views along the Great Ocean Walk.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: A$572 – A$600
Guest Rating: 10
Address: 235 Tuxion Road, Apollo Bay, Australia
Anchors Port Campbell
A rural luxury retreat with easy access to the 12 Apostles, Anchors Port Campbell is located in a small fishing village renowned for its southern rock lobster. The three secluded unites are set on 12 hectares of private land and deliver open-plan layouts, spa baths, 1,100-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets and outdoor barbecues.
The hotel’s array of personalised touches ensure a memorable stay, such as the complimentary GORGE chocolates on arrival and a tour of the farm to meet “Bonnie” the miniature Irish donkey. Head to the pier to cast a line and watch local surfers or take a short drive to the coastline of Port Campbell National Park, where you can explore the famous Gibson Steps and Loch Ard Gorge.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: A$333 – A$499
Guest Rating: 9.9
Address: 2549 Cobden-Port Campbell Road, Port Campbell, Australia
Beeches by the Sea
Located 250 metres from the beach in Apollo Bay, Beeches by the Sea sits at the start of the Great Ocean Walk. The luxury accommodation boasts two self-contained villas with private patios and lovely garden views, with shaded grassy areas perfect for barbecuing.
The resort boasts an understated elegance, as its beautiful natural surroundings provide a tranquil ambience for quaint two-bedroom villas featuring queen-size beds, modern kitchens, large timber windows and secluded gardens. Make this your home base for outdoor adventures like hang gliding, kite surfing and fishing tours. You can also go zip lining at Otway Fly or walk along the Maits Rest rainforest trail in the Otway Ranges.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: A$236 – A$262
Guest Rating: 9.9
Address: 7-9 Cawood Street, Apollo Bay, Australia
QDOS
A perfect location for art enthusiasts, QDOS boasts an on-site art gallery that showcases rotating pieces by local artists. Boasting five unique Japanese-inspired rooms with authentic decor, such as Japanese tatami mats, shoji screens and polished timbers, this hotel transports you to the exotic East.
Soak up the sunshine on your private sundeck before finding your zen at the hotel’s peaceful garden area. Visit the on-site cafe for cuisine made from organic produce grown in their garden, meander down to Lorne Beach or take a five-minute drive to the coastal viewing platform at Teddy’s Lookout. To see one of the most popular falls in the Otways, drive nine kilometres to discover the cascading beauty of Erskine Falls.
Star Rating: 3*
Price: A$310 – A$325
Guest Rating: 9.5
Address: 35 Allenvale Road, Lorne, Australia
Southern Anchorage Retreat
One of the most beautiful Great Ocean Road accommodation options, couples can book the Marie Gabrielle Cottage to enjoy its rustic interior, private Jacuzzi and spacious deck for spotting kangaroos, kookaburras and native parrots.
Refuel with hearty steak and pasta dishes at Lavers Hill Roadhouse, just 15 minutes away, before taking a day trip to Gabie’s Lookout, Moonlight Head Lookout and Wreck Beach for scenic walks. If you’re looking for a unique holiday experience, visit nearby Melba Gully to walk the rainforest track and see the fascinating world of glow worms.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: A$145 – A$209
Guest Rating: 9.5
Address: 50 Parkers Access, Wattle Hill, Australia
Captain’s At The Bay
Nestled in the heart of Apollo Bay, Captain’s At The Bay is a contemporary bed and breakfast that caters to couples. Couples looking for luxury should book The Bridge, an elevated room that features a queen-size bed and large bath. Enjoy your own private verandah to soak in views over Apollo Bay or the Otway Ranges.
Couples on HotelsCombined rave about the stunning views at this hotel, in addition to the convenient location and excellent dining options. Outdoor adventurers will find this location ideal for embarking on a journey along the deserted beaches on the Great Ocean Walk, before returning to the hotel to relax with a glass of wine by the fire.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: A$88 – A$518
Guest Rating: 9.4
Address: 21 Pascoe Street, Apollo Bay, Australia
Cumberland Lorne Resort
A beachfront property across from Louttit Bay, Cumberland Lorne Resort is the perfect destination for a romantic seaside holiday. There are one and two-bedroom penthouse apartments available that combine privacy and luxury. Large open-plan living and private balconies with ocean views meet modern kitchens, spa baths and fold out sofa beds in the opulent apartments.
The resort offers plenty of recreational opportunities, from a heated indoor pool to a sauna, games room and tennis court. When you’ve worked up an appetite, head to nearby Swing Bridge Cafe to sit at the mouth of the Erskine River and dine on fresh artisanal produce. Alternatively, indulge in hearty Italian cuisine at the nearby Nino restaurant.
Star Rating: 4.5*
Price: A$146 – A$421
Guest Rating: 9
Address: 150 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne, Australia
Hotel Location
Southern Ocean Villas
Nestled in a tranquil, landscaped setting on the edge of Port Campbell National Park, Southern Ocean Villas is a five-minute walk from the Port Campbell town centre and beach. Each villa is self-contained with microwaves, dishwashers and full-size refrigerators, while also featuring open-plan kitchens and separate lounge and dining areas.
Relax on your comfortable suede couches or cook up a barbecue on the outdoor deck, as the 20 two and three-bedroom architect-designed villas will feel like a home away from home. Southern Ocean Villas is an ideal base for day trips and scenic adventures, placing you a short drive from the 12 Apostles, Loch and Gorge, and The Bay of Islands.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: A$210 – A$343
Guest Rating: 8.8
Address: 2 McCue Street, Port Campbell, Australia
Split Point Cottages
Boasting four individual freestanding cottages, Split Point Cottages is just a 10-minute walk from Sunnymead Beach. Enjoy self-contained living in these cosy abodes, where you’ll find full kitchens, fireplaces, separate living areas and private patios. Nestled on a hectare of landscaped native gardens, they also have access to a shared tennis court, outdoor spa and barbecue area.
The convenient location, stunning views and array of shopping options nearby make this a firm favourite with HotelsCombined visitors. You can explore the picturesque area on two wheels, go horseback riding on the beach or take a romantic coastal walk. Surf enthusiasts can tackle the waves at the famous Bells Beach, just 20 minutes’ drive away.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: A$149 – A$202
Guest Rating: 8.8
Address: 40 Hopkins Street, Aireys Inlet, Australia
Chris’s Beacon Point Restaurant & Villas
Set high in the Otways overlooking the Bass Strait, Chris’s Beacon Point Restaurant & Villas is considered a mecca for gourmet travellers. It boasts elevated villas perched high above Skenes Creek with incredible views of the ocean. You can choose from a variety of self-contained apartments that feature contemporary decor and modern fittings and marvel at the surrounding sights through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Find respite in the King Studios, where leather couches, kitchenettes and king-size beds provide a romantic haven. Visit Chris’s Beacon Point Restaurant next door, an icon of Great Ocean Road, to watch a sunset illuminate Apollo Bay as you dine on the world-famous menu of freshly caught seafood and speciality Greek dishes.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: A$247 – A$279
Guest Rating: 8.7
Address: 280 Skenes Creek Rd, Skenes Creek, Australia
Wyndham Resort Torquay
Showcasing panoramic ocean views on Victoria’s Surf Coast, Wyndham Resort Torquay is tucked along the pristine shores of Zeally Bay Beach. Discover stylish guest rooms and spacious one-bedroom apartments, most featuring patios and private balconies. Catch up on business at the work desk, make a cup of tea and recline on your couch and watch a movie on the flat-screen TV.
Take a break with a refreshing dip in the resort’s lagoon-style swimming pool, rejuvenate your mind and body with a spa treatment at Breathe Day Spa or take a romantic coastal walk. Just five minutes from the world-famous Bells Beach, the resort is located at the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, while nearby Zeally Bay Beach offers a great shoreline for an afternoon of swimming, surfing and water sports.
Star Rating: 4.5*
Price: A$148 – A$424
Guest Rating: 8.5
Address: 100 The Esplanade, Torquay, Australia
Beacon Point Ocean View Villas
With the rainforests and valleys of the Otway Ranges at its back, Beacon Point Ocean View Villas boasts spectacular views of the Southern Ocean. One and two-bedroom villas feature private decks, while the freestanding Sheoak villa is perfect for couples with its spacious living area, wood fire and secluded ambience.
Laundry facilities and a full kitchen are standard in all villas, while those looking to dine out can head to Apollo Bay or sample a range of local produce on the 12 Apostles Gourmet Trail. Less than a 10-minute drive from Skenes Creek Beach, the villas are also just 30 minutes from the waterfall vistas and picnic spots in the Great Otway National Park.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: A$254 – A$433
Guest Rating: 8.1
Address: 270 Skenes Creek Road, Skenes Creek, Australia
Mantra Lorne
A combination of modern style and rich history, Mantra Lorne is the only Great Ocean Road accommodation that has direct beach access. Couples can choose from a range of heritage hotel rooms and apartments, including the one-bedroom apartment to enjoy a queen-size bed, spa bath and full kitchen in addition to a premier ocean view.
You’ll find year-round swimming with the Great Ocean Road just 10 metres from the property, while the resort also features a tennis court and luxurious day spa. Head to the on-site The Larder restaurant to indulge in rustic Italian cuisine or pack up for a day trip to the bushwalking tracks in the mountainous Otway Ranges or the coastal views at Teddy’s Lookout.
Star Rating: 4.5*
Price: A$97 – A$1,103
Guest Rating: 8
Address: Mountjoy Parade, Lorne, Australia
Sea Foam Villas
Located just metres from the beach in Port Campbell, Sea Foam Villas offers superb self-contained apartment accommodation options. There are a variety of rooms to choose from, each bright and airy with queen-size beds, modern furnishings and double-glazed windows to maintain the quiet natural surroundings. You’ll have a fully-equipped kitchen to cook your own meals, in addition to a cosy living area with a sofa and flat-screen TV.
Shop for souvenirs at the town’s main shopping area on Lord Street, less than a five-minute walk away, or simply relax on your private balcony or deck while soaking up the beautiful Port Campbell Bay views. Take a 15-minute drive to the 12 Apostles or discover the stunning coastal vistas at popular landmarks, such as London Bridge, Bay of Islands and The Grotto.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: A$141 – A$424
Guest Rating: 7.7
Address: 14 Lord Street, Port Campbell, Australia
Hotel Location
A Romantic Road Trip for Two
A drive on Australia’s Great Ocean Road unlocks access to the craggy limestone spires of the 12 Apostles, iconic surf breaks and pristine rainforest landscapes. There’s an array of outdoor activities to choose from, so take the journey with the one you love to make the adventure that much sweeter. HotelsCombined visitors have revealed that the most popular accommodation for couples along the Great Ocean Road boast luxury spa facilities, stunning coastal views and a chance to sample local cuisine.
Where will you stay on your road trip along the Great Ocean Road? Let us know in the comments.
