Great Ocean Ecolodge at Cape Otway

During our trip down the Great Ocean Road we stayed at the Great Ocean Ecolodge, at Cape Otway. The Great Ocean Ecolodge was founded by Lizzie and Shayne. It was their dream to create an Ecolodge that would have a minimal impact on the environment and to welcome nature lovers from around the world.

How does a day at the Ecolodge look like?

Breakfast is a feast meal served in the Hall. Fresh fruit, homemade muesli, cereals, yoghurt, fresh croissants and local bread are just a few of the items awaiting you.

After you`ve satisfied your appetite, then you can fill in your day with all sorts of activities close by and there is something for everyone.

For the active traveler, you can take part in the Great Ocean Walk, this is 104 km of incredible coastline and forests that stretches from Apollo Bay to 12 Apostles. The walk follows the awe-inspiring shipwreck coast into special places which are only accessible by foot. Or visit Maits Rest, like we did, follow a boardwalk that loops through a rainforest with myrtle beeches and beautiful fungi.

For the beach lover, you`re at the coast, so plenty of beaches. We visited Point Franklin, Johanna Beach and the small fishing village Apollo Bay.

Tip: at Johanna Beach make sure you walk out on to the beach, even though it`s beautiful from the viewing point, it`s even more spectacular at the beach.

Furthermore you can go explore and visit Cape Otway Lighthouse. At the tip of Cape Otway is the oldest Lighthouse on the Australian mainland. The Light has been in operation since 1848 and is perched on the towering sea cliffs 80m above the waves where Bass Strait and the Great Southern Ocean collide. Entrance is $AUD 18.50.

Hold on tight on the top of the lighthouse, when standing at the balcony as it`s very windy!

Or drive towards Lorne from Cape Otway to see the stunning coastline up close.

Still haven`t done enough exploring – trust me, you can easily stay here a couple of days even weeks and still discover new places – then you should take part in the guided Dusk Walk offered at the Ecolodge. The Great Ocean Ecolodge lies within the grounds of the Cape Otway Center for Conservation Ecology, a dedicated wildlife rehabilitation and ecological research center. When you join the Dusk Walk you`ll be able to observe wild kangaroos, koalas and other wildlife and learn about the conservation projects, like the Sugar Gliders or the interesting Tiger Quoll.

Or you can just sit back in the lounge of the Ecolodge, relax, read a book by the fire.

A few photos so you can picture what to expect:

I truly enjoyed my stay at the Ecolodge, Lizzie and Shayne welcomed us with open arms. It`s wonderful to see people be so enthousiastic about their projects, if you would like to learn more about their Tiger Quoll conservation program, you can read up here.

Practical

Afternoon Tea is served at the Hall, as is Dinner which is a menu changes daily and there are two choices for the main course and dessert.

Internet is available

Prices start from AUD $350 per room per night including breakfast and certain activities depending on which day of the week you stay. More information on the daily activities here.

My stay in Cape Otway was provided by the Conservation Ecology Center and Tourism Victoria, as always the opinions in this article are my own.