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.
