Top stays around Geelong and the Great Ocean Road

Getting ready for your summer holidays? Get in early and book your accommodation – especially if you are looking to spend your nights in some sought after places! If you’re planning a trip to the mainland on Spirit of Tasmania this summer, check out these top stays around Geelong and the Great Ocean Road. 

This hotel is hard to beat for quality and convenience in Victoria’s second city. Novotel Geelong is ideally located where CBD gives way to bayside promenade – the place to be in summer. The best rooms boast expansive sea views, but all have contemporary style and comfort. The indoor-outdoor Waterfront Restaurant boosts the holiday mood, especially during Christmas Day lunch.

From comfy cabins and villas with up to three bedrooms, to shady powered sites for tents and caravans, Barwon River Holiday Park has something for everyone – including kids, who love the swimming pool, dinosaur garden, jumping pillow and GoKarts for hire. It’s within Geelong, a short drive or bike ride from the waterfront and CBD, but pleasantly located beside parkland on the city’s river.

On Geelong’s doorstep, the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula offers boutique accommodation such as the Portarlington Grand Hotel. A major renovation has married this seaside grande dame’s 1888 glory with contemporary comforts. Premium rooms overlook the water, including from broad private balconies framed with iron lacework – a perfect place to relax. You’ll also want to enjoy the ground-floor public spaces’ summer holiday vibe – especially in the new light-filled atrium bar.

Close by is Curlewis Golf Club, ranked 25 among public-access courses by Golf Australia magazine. The recent addition of a French restaurant and modern accommodation has made it an ideal destination for golfing getaways with your partner or friends. Sixty hotel-style rooms are scattered beside the greens. Book early for those with prime views overlooking the 18th hole, and to secure a spot at the restaurant’s Christmas lunch.

While away your summer holidays in a secluded accommodation nestled in bushland not far from the beach. The Woods is another Bellarine favourite, with one cabin for two and another ideal for a small group of family or friends. These rustic-chic havens have kitchenettes and ensuite bathrooms, as well as outdoor bath, shower and daybed. Shared facilities include an alfresco kitchen, pizza oven, fire pit and tennis court.

Head west along the Great Ocean Road and park your posse right beside the sea. Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park is also an easy drive to attractions such as the iconic 12 Apostles and Great Otway National Park. From self-contained beach houses to unpowered tent sites, it’s got what you need. Plus everything you want at family-friendly accommodation, like a games room, pump track for bikes and boards, and seasonal activities including twilight cinema and yoga.

Let the year’s troubles float away in the outdoor geothermal baths at the end of the Great Ocean Road. The mineral-water wonders at Deep Blue Hotel and Hot Springs include an aromatherapy pool misted with essential oil, sensory cave pools and waterfalls. There are also spa treatments and dining, all steps from your accommodation. Christmas treats include spa suites and self-contained penthouses with ocean views.

Information included in this blog is correct at the time of publishing. Please contact individual operators for further information.