Summary:
Nestled in the heart of the coastal village of Port Campbell on Eastern Marr Country, our little white weatherboard cottage by the sea is the perfect place for weary souls and adventurers alike to rest, reconnect with loved ones and explore the 12 Apostles coastline. Many of our family's happiest memories are made here; we hope yours will be too.
The Space:
Port Cottage is one of Port Campbell's original beach houses and is perfectly located for exploring everything the 12 Apostles coastline and hinterland offers - from the incredible natural beauty of the raging seas and flora and fauna to the walking paths and artisan producers dotted along the Great Ocean Road.
The cottage is tucked away in an enviable location opposite the Port Campbell National Park and is only a short walk to the shops and beach. Lovingly renovated in 2021-22 and styled by Belle Hemming, it has its own unique character reminiscent of the shipwreck coast’s history. We have gone to great lengths to make it a memorable place to stay; everything has been chosen for a reason, underpinned by sustainability and support for local businesses.
There are three bedrooms inside and while we can accommodate up to six guests, the cottage is quite small and we think it's best suited to couples, solo travelers and small groups.
Bedroom one – Queen Bed
The Peacock Room. Taking inspiration from the sinking of the Loch Ard and the salvaged Minton peacock (one of only nine in the world and now at Flagstaff Museum in Warrnambool), we think you will soon work out why we gave this beautiful room its name. This room is about the colours of the ocean and beautiful fabrics. It has a window facing out to the front of the cottage and the driveway, with glimpses of the national park and Southern Ocean.
Bedroom two – Two Long Single Beds
From this room you can catch glimpses of the ocean; the perfect place to dream of sailing the seas under moonlight. With two windows, this room is full of natural light and charm. You will find beautiful linen, artwork and original features.
Bedroom three – Queen Bed
Vibrant wallpaper, rope lights and sun streaming through the double windows, this is where we love to read books and newspapers. From this room, you will be sure to hear the thunder of the waves crashing against the cliffs and our resident Wattle Bird singing. Adjacent to the lounge, this room is also home to the cottage's old wardrobe, which has inside a few extra bits and pieces guests can use to make their stay more comfortable.
Bathroom
Inspired by rough seas and grey skies, our gorgeous bathroom with its sloping roof has floor heating and soft towels to wrap around yourself after a long soak in the bath. Our raw brass tapware, reminiscent of fixtures found on the old ships, was made in Adelaide with each piece slightly different. There is also a shower over the top of the bath, a toilet and basin. We have chosen amenities from Grown Alchemist to make your stay even more relaxing.
Kitchen
We love nothing more than sharing meals with family and friends. While you’re here you might not want for nothing more than a glass of Timboon Whisky over ice, however if you’re feeling inspired to cook up a storm, you will have everything you need to make a grand feast, from the induction cooktop and oven we wish we had in our home to the carefully selected pots, pans, knives and servingware.
There is a small round table that comfortably seats four and a beautiful oak dining table outside under the pergola - the perfect spot to share stories and laughs when the weather is calm. You won't find a microwave in our kitchen, but you will find a whistling kettle and a range of coffee, tea and hot chocolate.
Living Area
Port Cottage is about making memories and reconnecting with loved ones. Snuggle up on the couch with one of the many books we’ve selected or play a game of Scrabble. We have also put together a collection of vinyl records, with a solid nod to the classics and Australian artists. To this end, you will not find a television in the cottage. However, you're welcome to use the WiFi network if you wish to connect your own device to stream a show or plan your travels.
In this area there's also a gas log fire which quickly heats the cottage on cool days when all you want to do is snuggle inside with a hot cuppa and a good book. On hot days, we find shutting the curtains and blinds during the day and flinging open the windows to catch the sea breeze in the evening is enough to keep the inside temperature comfortable, but there's also a split system and pedestal fan should you need them.
Laundry Bathroom
Detached from the cottage, you will find the usual suspects in our laundry – washing machine, dryer, iron and ironing board and some cleaning equipment should you need to use it. The laundry also has a walk-in shower, toilet and nook with ample hanging space for beach bags, towels and coats. Outside, at the back of the laundry building, you will also find a clothesline.
Outside
In the backyard you will find an outdoor shower for quick rinses after the beach, a lawn perfect for a game of quoits and a beautiful oak dining table under a covered pergola. There's a heater over the top for when it gets a bit chilly in the evening. The verandah at the front of the cottage is one of our favourite places to sit to watch the sun go down and the world go by.
Guest Access:
You will have access to the entire cottage, garage and laundry during your stay. There’s a storage room next to the laundry which will be locked. We kindly ask guests to only use the number of bedrooms selected at the time of booking. Use of rooms not booked will be charged accordingly.
The Neighborhood:
The Port Campbell community is like many rural communities – close-knit, hard-working and prepared to do almost anything to help someone out of trouble. In summer, the coastline is a hive of activity. In winter, things are quieter. Each season, and sometime day, brings its own experiences, and we love them all.
Being so close to the Twelve Apostles coastline and the only swimming beach in the area, Port Campbell attracts a lot of day trippers, many of whom seem to have the best BBQ lunches down on the foreshore. Although a small town, there are cafes, restaurants and a pub dotted along the main street and plenty of places to get supplies for your own picnic. If you plan to eat out, we recommend booking ahead.
We encourage you to make the most of the walking paths nearby, especially the Port Campbell Discovery Walk which you can join right in front of the cottage.
We are also close to many of the Great Ocean Road's natural attractions including:
12 Apostles - 11km
Loch Ard Gorge - 8k,
Gibson Steps - 12 km
The Grotto - 10km
Bay of Islands - 19km
Timboon - 17km
Peterborough - 13km
Princetown - 18km
Getting Around:
Public transport is limited here and we think having access to car is a must if you plan on visiting the area's attractions. Transport to and from the Great Ocean Walk, gourmet tours and bike hire can be arranged through local business, Ride With Us.
Other Things to Note:
Port Cottage is old and although we have lovingly renovated her, there are floorboards that creak, low sloping ceilings and steps that make moving around, at times, a squash and a squeeze. These are the very same things we love about our cottage, but we understand this might not be suitable for everybody. Here are some other details you should note before booking your stay:
Children - We welcome families, however your stay might be more relaxing if your children are not yet on the move (babies) or are old enough to resist the temptation of pulling things off shelves or running off down the road…yes, we’ve been there! If staying, please let us know the ages of your children as we are only too happy to leave a range of books, toys and games out for them to enjoy.
Mobile network – Being a small rural community, it is quite common for the mobile network to slow or drop out completely. While we offer WiFi at the cottage, please ensure you have a screen shot or print out of your check-in information before you arrive.
Television and microwave - Staying at the cottage is about taking time out from the busy world we live in and slowing down. To that end, you will not find a television or microwave.
Accessibility – There are steps leading into the cottage and inside there is a 15-centimeter step between the kitchen and bathroom, and the kitchen and lounge area. Although we encourage long soaks in the beautiful bath, guests should note that the shower is over the bath and the area under the covered pergola is also filled with gravel.
Please also be aware there are two set of stairs on the footpath leading to the shops. Please get in touch if you have any questions about this - we are only too happy to provide measurements and videos.
Pets - While we love our furry friends, our location directly opposite the Port Campbell National Park and open yard makes Port Cottage unsuitable for pets. Assistance dogs are always welcome, but please let us know so we can ensure they have a comfortable stay too.
Interaction with Guests:
For any queries to do with the cottage, please contact our wonderful House Manager and Co-Host Mellissa. Mellissa lives locally and the cottage wouldn’t come to life like it does without her.
For emergencies (ambulance, police and fire), please call 000.
