2 Best Hotels in Lorne, Great Ocean Road

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.

You can fall asleep listening to waves rolling ashore at this huge complex on 12 acres near the water's edge in Lorne. Choose from a standard room or the self-contained one- or two-bedroom apartments, which have their own kitchen and laundry. Most have nice touches like hot tubs, and all have garden or sea views and direct path access to the beach. There is a stylish restaurant and bar, as well as a good day spa. It's very popular so, despite its size, book in advance.