A Stylish Hideaway on Australia’s Great Ocean Road
If you’re visiting Melbourne, a drive along the Great Ocean Road feels almost mandatory. This 150-mile stretch of coastal highway in western Victoria rivals California’s Pacific Coast Highway for sheer drama. My friends, who moved here from New York a few years ago, had grown tired of escorting guests along the route. But I convinced them to make one more trip—and the rugged coastline, the towering forests of Great Otway National Park, and the quirky wildlife made it well worth their while.
The main draw is the Twelve Apostles, limestone stacks rising from the ocean like something from another world. Most travelers base themselves in Apollo Bay or Port Campbell, but I wanted a midpoint. That’s how I found The Log House, a cabin in Johanna, roughly halfway between the two.
Set on seven hilly acres just off the coast, the single-story home sleeps eight across three bedrooms. The grounds are immaculate: manicured gardens, an orchard of citrus and stone fruit, and a passionfruit trellis guests are welcome to pick from. A forest behind the property is home to deer and a koala named Jimmy (I missed him, sadly).
Inside, the decor blends rustic log cabin with boho-chic: dusty rose, umber, and marigold tones; velvet, hemp, and wicker textures. The kitchen is sleek with a conduction stove and Japanese dishware. A wood stove keeps things cozy in colder months. Outside, a front porch runs the length of the house, and a back deck offers dining for eight plus lounging. There’s also a private outdoor shower tucked behind bushes.
We arrived on a chilly April evening, lit the fire, and headed to The Perch, a surprisingly sophisticated bistro 10 minutes away. The menu features local lamb, kangaroo (not bad), and wine. Back at the cabin, we relaxed by the fire as rain tapped the windows.
The next day, we battled fierce winds at the Twelve Apostles—only eight stacks remain, but the view is still breathtaking. We grabbed lunch at Grassroots Deli & Cafe in Port Campbell, then walked the treetop canopy at Otway Fly. Later, at Aire River Bridge Lookout, we spotted several koalas high in the trees. That evening, we cooked dinner, drank wine, played games, and slept deeply.
The Log House is perfect for families or groups wanting to escape Melbourne, explore the coast, and unwind in the woods. Even my road-trip-weary friends didn’t want to leave. We lingered on the grounds, scanning the trees for one last glimpse of Jimmy.