No trip to the southeast of Australia is complete without cruising the Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives! Of course, my husband and I did not miss this beautiful stretch of road on our one-month long Australia and New Zealand journey (see our outline here), although we did not have the time to do the whole route. Of course, Port Campbell National Park, home of the glorious sights as the Twelve Apostles or the London Bridge, was on our schedule before heading to Port Fairy to spend the night in one of the very few accommodations to stay in style in the area. We also drove another part of the Great Ocean Road the following day when heading to Melbourne.

The Great Ocean Road starts in Torquay, a bit more than an hour southwest of Melbourne, and ends in Allansford, near Warrnambool. It is 243 kilometers (151 miles) long, listed as Australian National Heritage and gives a myriad of opportunities for sweeping ocean views.

Port Campbell National Park

Next is the most popular sight, Twelve Apostles, limestone rock-stacks formed by erosion, though only seven of them are left.

Not far away, Loch Ard Gorge, a spectacular beach inside an impressive gorge, can be viewed.

After passing the small coastal town of Port Campbell it is the turn to The Arch,

showing the middle stage of an island transitioning from tunnel, to arch and will ultimately collapse into two rock stacks. Next on the list is another highlight, London Bridge,

a former double arch before the inner arch collapsed in 1989 leaving two tourists stranded on the outer side. The course finishes with The Grotto,

a cave and sinkhole where you can view rock pools carved out in the jagged edged limestone.

While you have superb coastal views of the surf breaking into the mouth of the Saint George River and of the Great Ocean Road on the upper platform,

there are equally breathtaking views of the Saint George River winding itself into the valley and of mountainous peaks on the lower one.

While following the Great Ocean Road towards south, we made two other stops at Point Addis Marine National Park (Point Addis

and Southside),

part of the Great Otway National Park stretching form Princetown (from where we started exploring Port Campbell National Park the day before) to Torquay. Unfortunately, we did not have time to do this part of the Great Ocean Road, but I am sure it is also worth visiting with rugged coastlines and sandy beaches as well as rainforests and streams.

After pointing out some highlights on the Great Ocean Road, I will go into a truly awesome place to stay in style when being in the area.

I am afraid that there is not much on offer when it comes to luxury accommodations along the Great Ocean Road. I was so underwhelmed by the lack of lodging opportunities for discerning travelers, that I was even ready to do a detour of almost four hours to be able to stay in style when doing one of the world’s most beautiful drives, although having only one night to spend in the area! That said, it was worthwhile doing as it turned out to be one of the best stays of our Australia trip.

The Drift House, Port Fairy

The original double story Victorian bluestone house and the neighboring single-story Edwardian villa are complemented by a number of modern extensions. A Melbourne architect studio married old and new in a stylish and original way, a gem of modern design in a heritage context!

There are six suites, all exquisitely designed and cutting edge modern, each with its own spirit. We had Suite #2, in the original property (Victorian bluestone house), on the first floor with a lovely balcony running the length of the house with views to the Moyne River through the town’s heritage-listed Norfolk pines.

Upon entering, you are faced with an abstract expressionist floor-to-ceiling mural (by Colleen, the owner) wrapped around a bathroom pod separating the living from the sleeping room.

Other features just as a sleek kitchen, a fireplace,

high-end textiles and a comfortable bed make the picture of a perfect accommodation for demanding travelers complete. The bathroom is modern with a sizable shower but otherwise – the only (very) minor drawback – a bit on the small side.

All interior spaces and compact grounds are beautifully maintained. You find here a small, inviting outdoor pool,

bicycles to take and a brand new, tastefully decorated breakfast cafe

– we were lucky enough to try out the latter on its first day of service! A continental breakfast is served here, not your usual one but a special treat. There is a buffet with artisan, locally sourced and mostly organic products: great sourdough breads, a selection of meat, cheese, pickles and fruits, yoghurt and even a breakfast cake! Fabulous, one of the best continental breakfast I ever had!

And the owners, Colleen Guiney – I already mentioned her, she is an artist and the creator of most artworks you encounter on the property – and John Watkinson, they are the most perfect hosts, with an intuitive and a heartfelt attitude!

My husband and I immensely liked our stay at The Drift House and would have loved to stay longer, also especially in view of the fact that Port Fairy is not only a jewel but there is a myriad of things to do here!

Port Fairy insights

And Port Fairy is also known for its year-round festivals, from which the folk festival is the most popular one.

When it comes to great dining – another field I attach great importance to –, you are spoilt for choice in Port Fairy. Colleen and John from the Drift House put together a list with their top picks, from which we chose Conlan’s Wine Bar & Restaurant after double checking it on TripAdvisor. This relaxed dining spot is under the lead of Matthew Dempsey, a multi award winning chef owning other highly regarded restaurants in the area, and pours local (and other) wine along creative, seasonal dishes of various sizes. We liked the buzzing atmosphere

and the well-made modern food

here in spite of some (minor) imperfections.Other places had caught my interest in the run-up of our Australia trip that might be worth visiting – note that I did not try them out –, Coffin Sally for best pizza and cozy bar atmosphere as well as Bank St + Co for quick bites.

When doing one of the world’s best drives, the Great Ocean Road, and appreciating the finer things in life, then Port Fairy, is a must-do stop! This historic fishing town, nestled at the very end the mentioned drive, has not only expansive beaches and lots of beautiful 19^thcentury architecture, but also features one the best boutique accommodations in Victoria, The Drift House. This exquisite high-quality property offers six immaculately designed suites within easy walking distance to everything. And you are treated to a fantastic continental breakfast in the newly built breakfast/lounge area.

Hands down, our stay at this luxury boutique hotel in combination with its location in a lovely seaside town proved to be one of our most memorable ones on our Australia journey. I only wished we had had more than one night here because that is definitely not enough to make full use of Port Fairy’s attractions.

Date of stay: November 2018

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