Wake above the Southern Ocean with uninterrupted views from every living space. Set on 27 private acres in the Otways, this is your own coastal retreat with a rainforest walk, waterfall and resident animals to hand-feed. Pets welcome inside with a large fully fenced garden. Guests say the views are even better than the photos. Solar-powered, rainwater-fed and EV-ready, this is off-grid living without compromise - connected when you want it, completely immersed when you don’t.
The space Start your day with coffee overlooking the ocean, explore your own walking track through rainforest to a secluded waterfall, and end the evening by the fire as the sun drops over the Otways. This is a place to slow down, spread out, and feel completely immersed in nature, while still being just minutes from Apollo Bay. Guests often say their stay wasn't long enough.
Cliftons is designed to sit gently on the land. The house runs on solar and battery storage, harvests its own rainwater, heats with a slow-combustion wood fire, and cooks on bottled gas - comfortable and connected, but not dependent on the grid. If you're arriving by EV, a carport power point is available for charging (connected to the solar).
Cliftons @ The Eyrie comfortably accommodates up to six guests, while still feeling warm and cosy for couples. Three bedrooms sleep six: two queen rooms and one double, each with views. The living spaces are designed around the views, with expansive windows looking out over the ocean and Otways. The main lounge includes a slow-combustion wood fire and Smart TV (Netflix, Stan, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Paramount+, Chromecast), while the dining area offers elevated views across the coastline. The kitchen is fully equipped with everything you need for a relaxed stay, including oven, gas cooktop, full fridge/freezer, dishwasher and essentials.
A large ocean-facing deck provides the perfect place to relax, dine, or simply take in the view, with the land dropping away into a deep gully and out toward the coast. A separate north-facing verandah captures sun throughout the day and overlooks the sheltered, fully fenced garden - ideal for pets, children, or a quiet moment out of the wind.
Set across 27 acres, the property combines open grazing land with lush rainforest. Guests are free to explore, including a walking track that moves from elevated paddocks down into forest, leading to a peaceful waterfall. Along the way you'll encounter local wildlife, as well as the resident llamas and sheep, which many guests enjoy feeding.
The property is very private, with no disturbance during your stay apart from the surrounding wildlife - koalas, parrots, kookaburras, and wallabies are often seen. There is another house on the property, positioned well separately, and your stay area is fully independent.
Cliftons is genuinely special in every season. In winter, the slow-combustion fire creates real warmth while mist rolls through the Otways and the ocean stretches endlessly below - one of the most atmospheric places you can be in Victoria. In summer, cooling sea breezes flow up the valley and the long evenings on the deck are something to savour. The most common comment from guests is that they wished they'd booked more nights.
Despite the seclusion, you're only around 5 minutes from Skenes Creek beach and 12 minutes from Apollo Bay for cafes, restaurants and shops, making it easy to balance retreat and convenience.
Pets are welcome inside, and the garden is fully fenced. Plenty of parking is available.
Longer Stays Discount 8% discount for 5 or more days, 12% for 7 or more days.
Guest access The property has two houses, separated by ~100m of pasture, fences and trees. You won't see or hear anything of the other house. The entire 27 acre property is open to you to explore, and there is a ~2km signposted walk around the property that includes rainforest, pasture, incredible views from handcrafted benches and a gorgeous waterfall. It's something that you must do if you are staying, regardless of weather.
Other things to note The Eyrie is high in the Otway ranges, ~300m above sea level (but still only a 5 min drive from the beach). You will experience the most amazing views, but there is a price to pay - the weather is changeable - sometimes we are above the clouds! So make sure you bring some warm clothes...or alternatively just stay indoors and enjoy the slow combustion heater whilst watching the weather roll in.
Property amenities
Internet
Available in the house: WiFi
Bedrooms
3 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming cats and dogs only
2 pets total
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Safety features
No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
2 total pets
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
About the area
Skenes Creek North is home to this holiday home. Great Ocean Road Waterfront and Apollo Bay Harbour are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Wongarra Bushland Reserve and Apollo Bay Coastal Reserve. Visit our Skenes Creek North travel guide
Is 27-Acre Off-Grid Retreat | Ocean Views + Waterfall pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total).
What time is check-in at 27-Acre Off-Grid Retreat | Ocean Views + Waterfall?
Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.
What time is check-out at 27-Acre Off-Grid Retreat | Ocean Views + Waterfall?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is 27-Acre Off-Grid Retreat | Ocean Views + Waterfall located?
Situated in Skenes Creek North, this holiday home is 1.2 mi (2 km) from Wongarra Bushland Reserve and within 3 miles (5 km) of Apollo Bay Coastal Reserve and Skenes Creek Beachfront Park. Elliot River - Addis Bay Coastal Reserve and Old Cable Station Museum are also within 6 miles (10 km).
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