You, Me, The Forest and The Sea.

If you’re travelling down the coast and looking to enjoy the forest and sea, then Top of the Otways is for you. Just twenty minutes inland from Apollo Bay, this cosy picturesque cottage made us feel like we were far away from the bustle of coastal towns, but only a short drive to have a dip. The dog-friendly property was heaven for our pooch and an ideal setting for us parents to reconnect and unwind.

We spent the whole first day taking in the views of the valley from the deck (in some seriously comfy lounge chairs), followed by walks around the property to say g'day to all the sheep, goats and chickens. Ricarda and Max, the lovely couple who own the farm, showed us around too, even letting us collect eggs from the chicken coop that tasted amazing! It didn’t take long to unwind and chill out, breathing in the fresh, crisp air and tuning into the slower pace of country living.

Trying not to get too comfortable at the cottage (which you could easily spend the whole weekend enjoying). We left the farm and explored Apollo Bay, tasting amazing vegan food and trying local wines at The Great Ocean Road Brewhouse, an easy walk at Stevensons Falls and a refreshing swim in Lorne. We even fit in a little picnic on the beach at idyllic Wye River and a leisurely drive stopping at lookouts along The Great Ocean Road.

It was an unforgettable couples getaway, spending the time to get reconnected with nature and each other.
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Things We Did

  • Walk
  • Beach
  • Food & Drink
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    For animal lovers, The Top of The Otways will be paradise. We walked around the property saying hello to all their furry friends including baby chicks, inquisitive goats and sheep grazing on the hill. Max and Ricarda's friendly pup was always up for a pat and play too!...
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      Wye River is a quaint little seaside town near Apollo Bay - the perfect spot to have a picnic on the beach and watch the surf....
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        This easy walk couldn't get any closer to The Top of The Otways cottage. Unlike a lot of the national parks, it's dog-friendly. On the way to the waterfall, you'll find a redwood forest and creeks to sit down and meditate to the peaceful sounds of the stream and the forest....
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          The best place to get a fantastic oat milk latté, delicious smashed avo and an acai bowl....
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            Lorne beach never disappoints. We caught some rays and had a refreshing dip in the sea here followed by treats from Lorne Ice Cream....
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              A local gave us a tip to check out Tastes of the Region at The Great Ocean Road Brewhouse. It didn't disappoint, with a selection of local wines, beers and gins. The customary dog polaroid after a pint and our family portrait was a beautiful reminder of our time at The Tasting Room....

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