3 Best Hotels in Great Ocean Road, Victoria

Set up high in the green, rolling hills, these three luxury villas are designed for couples, with views over Port Campbell and the Southern Ocean. Located near from the township, the adults-only villas are set on 30 acres of farmland (say hello to their miniature Irish donkeys), and are self-catering, but the hosts can supply a breakfast hamper of locally sourced produce including free-range eggs, organic yogurt, and honey. But if the log fire beckons, take the hamper up a notch with the addition of local wine, cheese and crackers, all drawn from the 12 Apostles Food Artisan Trail, a great self-drive tour. The hosts can supply maps and advice on when to beat the crowds at the Twelve Apostles, and the villas are close enough for guests to drop into Port Campbell for dinner. For large groups, the new, nautical-theme beach house down in the village in Port Campbell sleeps up to 12 in four bedrooms (from A$880).

Small and perfectly formed, this intimate hotel on the Great Ocean Road has its heart in France. Run by two former nurses seeking the quiet life, they have filled their boutique hotel with works by Australian artists, with a backdrop of Parisian decor. While all four rooms are different---the most popular is No. 3, with its outdoor bath---all have fireplaces and private verandas with ocean views. Toiletries are by Melbourne’s own Aesop and the rate includes a breakfast in the courtyards of fresh pastries and a platter of seasonal fruits and veggies, omelets, from strawberries to avocados, and mangoes in summer.