Accommodation in Australia: The Great Ocean Ecolodge

Koalas, Cape Otway Conservation Centre, Cape Otway National Park
Kangaroos grazing, Cape Otway Conservation CentreYoung bucks playfighting, Cape Otway Conservation CentreGuest bedroom, Cape Otway Conservation CentreOwners, Lizzie & ShayneKoalas, Cape Otway Conservation Centre, Cape Otway National ParkGallery, Cape Otway Conservation CentreCape Otway Conservation Centre, Cape Otway National ParkCape Otway Conservation Centre, Cape Otway National ParkKoalas, Cape Otway Conservation Centre, Cape Otway National ParkGuest bedroom 2, Cape Otway Conservation CentreCape Otway Conservation Centre, Cape Otway National ParkYellow robins feeding, Cape Otway Conservation CentreCape Otway Conservation Centre, Cape Otway National ParkCape Otway Conservation Centre, Cape Otway National ParkCape Otway Conservation Centre, Cape Otway National Park
Our Rating: First Class
The Great Ocean Ecolodge
Apollo Bay, Southeast Australia
As the name suggests, this is an unique accommodation option providing more than just spacious rooms and excellent food. Set in 150 acres and backing on to the Otway National Park, this property is a fully functional and sustainable ecotourism venture, incorporating research, education and wildlife care components.
The building was designed and built to showcase environmentally wise products and philosophies, from its soaps and shampoos through to its solar panels and careful business practices, all with the aim of causing minimal impact on the surrounding environment.
Your hosts are the enthusiastic young couple, Lizzie and Shayne, whom infect guests with their passion for the local wildlife and nature in general. The centre has won many tourism and environmental awards, including the 2004 Victorian Tourism Award and the 2005 Prime Minister's Award for Environmentalist of the Year and attracts naturalists and 'twitchers' from all parts of the world who come to marvel at the abundance of wildlife present on the property and the area in general.
Lizzie and Shayne run guided walks on a number of carefully designed paths that cover the property, pointing out the local fauna and flora, including one of the largest populations of koalas in all of Victoria. They also act as a care centre for injured or orphaned local wildlife, so you are likely to see baby kangaroos and koalas at close quarters as they carefully nurse them back to health.
The accommodation comprises of five guest bedrooms, each with private en-suite and stunning views out onto the surrounding countryside and a large communal area, complete with a fireplace, comfortable lounges and a large dining area.