Story by Olivia
A Tranquil Weekend at the Lake Cottage
Adventure in Glenaire, Great Ocean Road, VIC, AU
Just a couple of hours from the city, the Lake Cottage made for the perfect weekend escape. The drive was easy, and although the rain stayed with us most of the time, it suited the place perfectly.
Mornings were slow and cosy - coffee by the fire, reading as the rain fell, and feeding the birds that came right up to the deck. Kangaroos and baby joeys wandered by, and our dog, Freyja, loved exploring the fenced yard.
We still managed to get out for a ride along the Timboon bike trail, stopping at the creamery and distillery before heading back to unwind in the jacuzzi. Even with the weather, it was a peaceful break that reminded us how nice it is to switch off and enjoy the quiet moments.
Mornings were slow and cosy - coffee by the fire, reading as the rain fell, and feeding the birds that came right up to the deck. Kangaroos and baby joeys wandered by, and our dog, Freyja, loved exploring the fenced yard.
We still managed to get out for a ride along the Timboon bike trail, stopping at the creamery and distillery before heading back to unwind in the jacuzzi. Even with the weather, it was a peaceful break that reminded us how nice it is to switch off and enjoy the quiet moments.
Things We Did
- Lookout
- Wildlife
- Town
- Café
- Bike
Just a two-minute drive from the Lake Cottage, Castle Cove Lookout offers sweeping views of the coastline and cliffs below. We were lucky that the sun came out Sunday morning, giving us the perfect moment to stop and take in the view before heading home. It’s an easy, quick stop, but one that’s absolutely worth it for the stunning ocean outlook.
Such a peaceful way to spend sunset - soaking in the spa surrounded by nature. We made a cheese platter to enjoy outside, but quickly learned to tuck it away when the birds came out for their dinner! They’ll come right up to you, and the cottage even provides birdseed so you can feed them from the deck. Once we moved their food to the other side, we could relax and take in the view. It’s such a treat to have this right at the cottage - the perfect way to unwind at the end of the day.
A lovely spot to wander before starting the bike trail. We explored a few of the local stores. Milk and Honey Homewares was a favourite, and we grabbed a coffee from one of the nearby cafés. It’s a charming little town with plenty to see, and the perfect place to begin your ride or just enjoy a slow morning. The distillery is also a highlight (we've stopped there before!) and definitely worth the visit.
We stopped here while riding the Timboon Bike Trail, but it’s definitely worth visiting even if you’re not doing the ride. The café is set on a beautiful property with cows in the paddocks and plenty of greenery around. They’ve got all the usual café treats along with local dairy products from the creamery. We tried the berry milkshake, which was so good, and shared the dairy sampler board with fresh yoghurts, cheeses, and bread — all made onsite. It’s a great spot to sit outside, enjoy the view, and fuel up before heading off again.
The Timboon Bike Trail starts right in town and runs for just under 20 kilometres each way. We didn’t do the full ride, but it was such an enjoyable way to explore the area. The trail takes you through cow fields, forests, and parts of the Great Ocean Road Food Trail, so there are plenty of great places to stop along the way. The path is mostly gravel and dirt, so mountain bikes are best — road bikes might find it tricky in spots. You can also hire e-bikes in town, which is a good option if you’re planning to do the full route—a great way to get outdoors and see more of the region.
We packed our own lunch and found the perfect lookout spot in Port Campbell to enjoy it. The views over the cliffs and ocean were incredible, and it made for such a nice break before heading back. There are plenty of picnic spots around town, so it’s easy to find a quiet place to take in the view. If you're looking for some restaurants - there's plenty of option in this town as well.
There are endless stops along the Great Ocean Road, and it’s just as stunning every time. We’ve explored this area a few times before, so on this trip we revisited some of our favourite lookout spots along the way. You really can’t stay in this area without checking it out — it’s the perfect base, whether you’re seeing the Great Ocean Road for the first time or returning to some of the well-known landmarks you love.
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