If you’re touring to Australia and stopping in Melbourne, taking a drive on the Great Ocean Road (GOR) is sort of a requirement. The 150-mile coastal freeway in western Victoria is matched in its breathtaking views maybe solely by California’s Pacific Coast Highway. In truth, it’s such a must-see that my mates who moved to Melbourne a couple of years in the past from New York have gotten considerably uninterested in taking their company there. Thankfully, I used to be in a position to persuade them to go yet another time, as a result of the dramatic, rocky shoreline—and the Great Otway National Park that it wends by—delivered on the spectacular surroundings, the Brobdingnagian flora, and the only-in-Australia wildlife.
The principal vacation spot on the GOR is 12 Apostles, an outcropping of limestone stacks rising from the ocean that appear like one thing out of a sci-fi fantasy. While many who do the GOR keep within the bigger seaside cities like Apollo Bay or Port Campbell (the closest city to 12 Apostles), I wished someplace within the center to have as a house base. I stumbled throughout this lovely cabin within the city of Johanna, about midway between Apollo Bay and 12 Apostles.
Airbnb
Airbnb
Called The Log House, this Airbnb is positioned on a hilly seven acres simply up the street from the coast and is reached by way of a protracted gated driveway. The single-story rambling house (with three bedrooms and 6 beds that may accommodate eight folks) is about amid impeccably manicured landscaping and is backended by a forest inhabited by deer and a koala named Jimmy (whom, sadly, I didn’t see throughout my keep). There’s an orchard of citrus and stone timber in addition to a trellis of ardour fruit that company are welcome to take pleasure in. For company with youngsters, a cute playhouse may be discovered again.
Inside, accessed by way of key in a lockbox, my mates and I had been met with a comfortable dwelling house with low-profile seating, a nonworking fire, and a TV. Beyond is the eating space and the glossy kitchen with trendy facilities like a conduction range and funky Japanese dishware. To the correct of the eating desk is one other seating space with a wooden range heater as its focus. (Wood is supplied to warmth the house within the colder months.) On both finish of the home are the bedrooms. A giant bed room with 4 bunk beds additionally acts as a playroom for teenagers; on the other finish is without doubt one of the principal bedrooms and loos, together with a small laundry vestibule.
What units this place aside out of your normal Airbnb itemizing is the decor, which might be described as rustic log cabin meets boho-chic bungalow. The mix of pure and painted woods with a shade palette of dusty roses, umbers, and marigolds creates a heat environment. The furnishings is a textural mixture of velvet, hemp, and wicker. The outside areas are made for enjoyable as properly: The entrance porch, outfitted with seating, extends the size of the constructing. Out again a big deck comprises a eating desk for eight and an extra lounging space. There’s additionally an outside bathe with a big stone basin hidden behind bushes for privateness.