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The Pole House, Great Ocean Road
Posted by CarolineForrester
The Pole House, situated on the Great Ocean Road, stands as a stunning testament to the 70’s Australian imagination. Designed by surfer and architect Frank Dixon while recovering from a surfing accident in 1978, the house sits atop a large ‘pole’ like structure. This wonderful pedestal house is a recognisable feature for all who travel along this beautiful winding coastal road. 
 
Floating 40m in the air, the building gently sways in the ocean breeze. This really is the perfect place to sit, sipping on a glass of south Australian wine, gazing out at the ocean for hours. Or for those who prefer to be more active, there are plenty of national parks nearby with fantastic walks, and then of course there’s the lure of the surf.
 
We approached the house hesitantly from the narrow walkway, and once entered it’s cosy interior, felt instantly transported by its unique design. The house is divided up into several sections, including an entrance hall with carpeted walls, a lounge area with a brilliant open fire and amazing views of the ocean, a retro kitchen / diner with trendy wine bottle lampshades and a luxurious bedroom.
 
This house is well worth a visit for anyone looking for a stylish retreat or those simply looking for the perfect romantic hideaway.

60 Banool Road, Fairhaven, Victoria, Australia
www.greatoceanroadholidays.com.au

Google map: tinyurl.com/ycm2f2x

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Sandpiper Cottages, Tasmania
Posted by JanGla
Comfortable cottages beside white sand beaches, a turquoise sea and pink mountains. And amazing wildlife; Wendy the wombat lived underneath the house and there were wallabies and all sorts of birds in the grounds. On the beach we saw pelicans and fur seals. Penguins and kangaroos used the road. We were there out of season but had a warm welcome from friendly and helpful hosts Tony and Kyle. Breakfast was brought in the morning and a log-burning fire warmed chilly evenings.
The nearby village of Bicheno had stores, restaurants, a stunning coastal walk and friendly people. There's a reserve where you can see tasmanian devils, and evening trips to watch the penguins. It's not far to the pink granite hills of the Freycinet National Park and a walk to the fabled Wineglass Bay.

sandpipercottages.com.au/
On Denison Beach 2 kms north of Bicheno, east coast of Tasmania. 18546 Tasman Highway

Google map: tinyurl.com/yl8xugq

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Ecopoint Murramarang Resort, New South Wales
Posted by Thomas Butler
Ecopoint Murramarang Resort was an ideal place to unwind after a big wedding in Sydney last November. Eleven members of the bride’s family took over three of the cabins - including the newly-weds in their own luxury Beach Spa Villa which came with King size bed and spa bath. Its pine shaded verandah and spectacular views of the ocean made it the venue of choice for the rest of the party as we enjoyed the plentiful supplies of beer and stronger potions left over from the wedding celebrations. The larger family cabins with two double bedrooms living room kitchen and spacious verandah were well equipped and very comfortable. These were just a short step from the beach. Refreshing dips in the crystal clear sea helped keep us fit and nearby Bateman’s Bay took care of all other provisioning needs. Within the resort there is a lagoon style pool with nicely appointed bar and restaurant adjoining. Kangaroos kept the grass neatly clipped, brilliant red and blue feathered parrots chattered and possums played chase after dark.  We all had a great time.

www.murramarangresort.com.au
Mill Beach, Banyandah Street
South Durras NSW 2536 Australia

Google map: tinyurl.com/ybvekjm

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Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island, Queensland
Posted by katiemack
It can be hard work trying to find a good beach spot in Australia that isn't over-run with tourists. If you're passing through Queensland, take the time to stop by Point Lookout on North Stradbroke island - beach houses for rent have balconies overlooking the ocean, most with BBQs (perfect for cooking prawns, tuna, snapper etc caught by local fishermen that day). Beautiful beaches, whales swimming past, and not a tourist bus in sight. It's one of the best kept secrets that the locals won't tell tourists about.

www.visitstradbroke.com.au/
Meegera Place, Point Lookout, 4183, Queensland
Australia
Phone: 07 3409 8255

Google map: tinyurl.com/y8hxsu6

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Sanctuary Retreat, Mission Beach, Queensland
Posted by raechappers
I spent 2.5 weeks at the Santuary Retreat, which is not quite a beach house but an eco-retreat in the tropical rainforest that is a short walk to the beach. It is half-way between Townsville and Cairns and close to Mission Beach. The accommodation is either mesh-huts so you are quite literally in the rainforest or more luxury canopy cabins. There is a restaurant, bar and social area with views to the Coral Sea. During the day it is a short walk down to the beach, which you often have to yourself, in the rainforest you might see a cassowary a native Australian flightless bird, or for the more active walker it is 1.5 hour walk to Mission Beach town. Or if you didn't want to leave the Retreat, you could join a yoga class or indulge in a massage. It is an amazing place to relax and enjoy the tranquility and wonderful hospitality.

72 Holt Rd, Bingil Bay
+ 61 (0)7 4088 6064
www.sanctuaryretreat.com.au

Google map: tinyurl.com/y9ts2s5

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Rottnest Island Villas, Western Australia
Posted by DiggingDorset
Rottnest Island is a short ferry ride from Perth or Freemantle. Along with being known for numerous lovely bays which can be explored by bicycle, Rottnest is known for its Quokkas, little furry creatures that look a bit like miniature kangaroos. Quokkas are native to the island. Dutch explorers thought they were rats; hence the name, Rottnest Island.

The villas are self-catering units with balconies and bbqs and have lovely views of the sea. They are reasonably priced and popular with families. School holiday slots are chosen by lottery. Cars are discouraged on the island. Public transport and rental bicyles are readily available.

www.rottnestisland.com/
+61 8 9432 9111

Google map: tinyurl.com/ycyd4u9

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