Everything To Know About The Pole House, Fairhaven

An icon of the Great Ocean Road, The Pole House is one of Australia’s most photographed holiday homes.

A Great Ocean Road landmark marvelled at by visitors from near and far, The Pole House is an astounding architectural masterpiece. And unlike many other trophy homes, this is one you can actually stay in. If you feel like splashing out on a stay with a difference, take yourself to the edge of Australia by booking a couple of nights in this seemingly suspended house overlooking Fairhaven Beach.

Location

One of the best things about the Surf Coast is that it feels completely removed from the city yet is just one, easy car ride away. From Melbourne CBD it’s only a one hour and 40-minute drive to reach the famous Pole House in Fairhaven. If you’ve just jetted in from overseas or interstate and are travelling straight from Melbourne Airport, the drive should take you just under two hours, depending on traffic.

The Pole House Fairhaven perched on a cliff

The Pole House is only a one-hour and 40-minute drive from Melbourne CBD.

Located on the Surf Coast, when you hit the town of Aireys Inlet, you’re getting close to experiencing the glory of the Pole House. Once you pull up outside the house, make your way along the floating walkway. This unique piece of architecture looks and feels as though it’s hovering. Supported by a single, hulking steel pole, the Pole House is something of an icon, perched 40 metres above Victoria’s Great Ocean Road.

The Pole House Fairhaven above the beach

This stunning accommodation rises 40 metres above the dunes.

One thing you’ll need to get used to is the attention this special house receives. While you’re enjoying your stay, don’t be surprised to look out onto the beach to see people craning from a distance, admiring the Pole House rising above the dunes. Understandably, this head-turner is a bit of a local landmark.

the front facade and floating walkway at The Pole House Fairhaven

Make your way along the floating walkway.

Style & Character

First built in 1978 by Frank Dixon, the original, mostly wooden structure was compromised by the corrosive effects of the sea air. The new owners made the decision to demolish it in 2013 and replace it with a state-of-the-art construction that stays true to the original architect’s vision. The new incarnation reimagined by Franco Fiorentini from F2 Architecture is a minimalist, luxury take on the previous building that will see it stand the test of time.

the kitchen interior at The Pole House Fairhaven

The interior boasts a luxurious, minimalist aesthetic.

The interior is now a modern masterpiece. One of the major changes that architects made was to install floor-to-ceiling retractable glass walls on the ocean-facing side to make the most of the stunning views of Aireys Inlet, stretching all the way to Lorne, with the Southern Ocean beyond. The term ‘million-dollar views’ gets bandied about by real estate agents and hoteliers often, but the Pole House really does have a perspective worth the price tag. Want to be wowed (or wow someone special)? This is the place.

floor-to-ceiling walls with beach views at The Pole House Fairhaven

The views are nothing short of spectacular.

Facilities

Inside you’ll find a stripped-back studio space which acts as an intimate retreat from the outside world. The star of the show is undoubtedly the phenomenal water views you can take in from every angle thanks to the full-length glass windows designed to maximise your viewing pleasure.

a fireplace near the full-length glass windows at The Pole House Fairhaven

You’ll find a fireplace near the full-length glass windows.

With just one bed, this hideaway is the ultimate place for a romantic weekend, memorable proposal, anniversary stay or cheeky solo retreat. The contemporary kitchenette has a microwave, glassware, kettle, coffee machine and fridge for chilling celebratory Champagne and cheese.

the dining table at The Pole House Fairhaven

Raise a glass while soaking up sweeping beach views.

If you haven’t packed any provisions, the Aireys Inlet General Store is just a five-minute drive up the road and stocks a great range of gourmet goods as well as the basics. Here you can buy fresh local produce and snacks like free-range eggs, marinated olives, milk, bread, dips, terrines, cured meats, wine, beer and artisanal cheese – all perfect additions to your stay.

the living room facing the ocean at The Pole House Fairhaven

The Pole House is filled with futuristic and sleek touches.

Of course, the Pole House also has air-conditioning to keep you cool on those balmy, summer nights and a flatscreen TV for watching movies with a glass of vino or cup of tea after dark. A glass, vertigo-inducing balcony surrounds the property – the perfect spot to take in the next-level ocean views. Other sleek touches include automatic blinds, a futuristic floating wood fireplace (how apt) and a wall of burnt ash timber to hide the supporting steel pole.

the bed with ocean views at The Pole House Fairhaven

Sleep in comfort overlooking Fairhaven Beach.

Accessibility

This property is wheelchair-accessible but not suitable for children or pets.

Details

Address: 60 Banool Road, Fairhaven, Victoria.

Cost: Stay from $1400 per night, for a minimum of two nights, year-round. Planning a road trip through the Great Ocean Road? Hit here to read our guide on one of the greatest roads in Australia.

the exterior view of The Pole House Fairhaven

Take yourself to the edge of Australia in this seemingly suspended house.

Discover the best things to do on the Great Ocean Road.

Find out where to stay on the Great Ocean Road with our guide to the best Lorne accommodation.

Great Ocean Road’s classic holiday hotspot of Lorne is perennially popular with visitors from near and far for good reason. With the ability to enjoy both forest walks and beach swims, and a thriving food scene offering everything from coastal Italian fare to top-notch burgers, Lorne ticks all the boxes required for a carefree beach break.

Whether you stay in a tiny home in the forest, a beachside luxury holiday home or an amenities-packed resort, there’s no shortage of Lorne accommodation options to choose from.

Hotels

1. La Perouse Lorne

Best for: Couples and solo travellers who appreciate the finer things in life.

the view from the bedroom at La Perouse Lorne

Wake up next to breathtaking views.

A touch of European refinement on the Great Ocean Road, this four-room, boutique hotel truly is a home away from home. In your room, you’ll find everything you need for a splendid stay, including Aesop bath products, a Smart TV, a Smeg minibar, a drinks trolley, cotton beach towels and a Dyson hairdryer to dry your hair after a day at the beach. The library, garden and terrace (where a Parisian-style breakfast is served in the morning) are lovely communal spaces to relax and chat with other guests or your friendly hosts Sue and Laurel.

Address: 26 William St, Lorne.

2. Lorne Hotel

Best for: Beachgoers, foodies and travellers who value convenience.

This iconic hotel offers one of the most beloved stays in town.

Lorne Hotel has been a local landmark for 145 years and counting. Stay in one of this hotel’s contemporary rooms and you’ll enjoy the convenience of being right across the road from the beach. You’ll also have direct access to the bistro and beer garden for summer ales in the sun.

Address: 176 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne.

3. Qdos Treehouses

Best for: Art-loving couples and solo travellers seeking a quiet break in nature.

If an eco-art retreat sounds right up your alley, then the Qdos Treehouses are for you. The five, Japanese-inspired treehouses designed to suit couples are fringed by eucalypts which offer privacy and peace. Here you are free to immerse yourself in nature away from the trappings of city life. Spend your time wandering the sculpture garden, visit the gallery space and enjoy a nourishing breakfast of eggs from the owner’s chooks and kitchen garden greens in the gallery cafe. Bliss!

Address: 35 Allenvale Road, Lorne.

Airbnbs and holiday homes

4. Vista 180

Best for: A luxe group getaway your loved ones will remember for years to come.

the interior of Vista 180 accommodation in Lorne with windows that open up to sea views

The accommodation comes with a balcony that opens up to sea views.

Dubbed as ‘a place to make memories’ Vista 180’s blockbuster panoramic ocean views will certainly linger in your mind. This premium holiday home located just 100 metres from Shelly Beach is worth saving up for. With space for up to 11 guests, this is a luxe getaway spot perfect to celebrate a big birthday, anniversary or special weekend with friends. By day, use the open-plan, entertainer’s kitchen to whip up a seafood lunch to enjoy on the deck in the sun and by night retreat indoors to drink cocktails and chat by the fireplace. Like a fine wine, this is a property worth savouring.

Address: Armytage Street, Lorne

5. Lorne World

Best for: Budget-conscious solo travellers and couples.

Located a short walk from Lorne Beach, Lorne World’s compact studios are packed with personality. Each room is a colourful homage to a different far-flung destination from Santorini to Malibu, with each room having everything you need for a great stay including a television, kitchenette and espresso machine. If you’re after a well-priced beach break with a bit of flair, pack your bags for Lorne World.

Address: 3 Bay Street, Lorne.

6. Seaview House

Best for: Group getaways and celebration stays

the lounge area inside the Seaview House, Lorne

The accommodation is designed for surfers and beach lovers alike.

With five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a spacious deck, an outdoor shower, a firepit, a games room and a basketball ring, Seaview House is an entertainer’s delight. Perfect for a multigenerational holiday, group getaway or weekend to celebrate a milestone, this incredible luxury pad in South Lorne is worth splurging on.

Address: 106 Smith Street, Lorne.

7. The Charred House

Best for: Architecture and design lovers.

the exterior of The Charred House in Lorne

Its architecture blends well with nature.

This striking holiday home is an awesome spot for an indulgent beach break with your family or friends. A five-minute walk from the beach and central Lorne’s cafes and restaurants, the Charred House is in a prized position, although you’ll probably want to maximise your time at the property itself, such is its beauty. Kick back in the lounge room by the log fire with a glass of red in hand, bliss out in the oversized bath or read a paperback out on the deck in the sunshine. A stay at the Charred House encourages slow pursuits.

Address: Richardson Boulevard, Lorne

8. Lorne Bush House Cottages & Eco Retreats

Best for: Wildlife-loving families, couples and groups.

the beds inside Lorne Bush House Cottages & Eco Retreats

Settle into a private bush retreat.

Just 4-minutes’ drive from central Lorne, this private bush retreat is a wholesome spot to enjoy a break in nature. Choose from a cottage, bush house or glamping tent kitted out with private ensuite, Smart TV and a deck with your own barbecue to cook a feast on by night. There’s plenty of colourful birdlife (and other native wildlife) in these parts, so be sure to spend some time at this property appreciating the wonders of nature.

Address: 1860 Deans Marsh-Lorne Rd, Lorne.

9. Qii House

Best for: A DIY wellness weekend.

the living space interior of Qii House, Lorne

Retreat into this rustic and chic accommodation.

Built in the 1970s by Melbourne architect Edgard Pirrotta, this offbeat ecolodge just 18 minutes from Lorne is an ideal space to host a DIY retreat with friends. With a teahouse, bathhouse area and Japanese-style gardens, you have all the ingredients for a wellness weekend with friends in the forest. Travelling solo or with your partner? Book one of the tiny houses to spend a glorious day or two immersed in nature – the outdoor hot tub, hammock and fireplace make it easy to enjoy the outdoors.

Address: 630 Benwerrin-mt Sabine Rd, Benwerrin.

Resorts

10. Cumberland Lorne Resort

Best for: Active travellers of all ages.

Bed down at Cumberland Lorne Resort.

With an indoor heated swimming pool, spa, sauna, tennis courts, squash court and games room, Cumberland Lorne Resort has amenities galore. Room configurations span from one-bedroom apartments to a three-bedroom penthouse, so there’s a space to suit everyone here, including people who use wheelchairs. While the amenities are great, you’re also just across the road from Lorne Beach for morning swims in the surf and afternoon walks in the balmy breeze.

Address: 150 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne.

11. Mantra Lorne

Best for: Families, groups and couples who love active breaks.

a living room with windows looking out to the sea at Mantra Lorne

Soak up the sea views from the living room.

12 acres of landscaped gardens, tennis courts, croquet lawns, steam rooms, an indoor heated mineral pool, a gym and an 18-hole putting green make Mantra Lorne an incredible spot to stay if you love getting stuck into activities on your break. When you’re not making the most of the amenities, kick back in the Larder for breakfast or dinner or order from the in-room dining menu to enjoy dinner in the comfort of your room or apartment.

Address: Mountjoy Parade, Lorne.

Camping Grounds

12. Allenvale Campground

Best for: Nature-loving, experienced campers who are cool with using non-flushing toilets.

Fancy a few, budget-friendly nights off the grid surrounded by nature? Visit the Parks Victoria website to book a campsite at the Allenvale Campground. For just over $15 a night, you’ll be able to sleep in a serene spot right near the banks of the St George River.

Connecting with nature is easy when it’s right outside your tent. Wake up in the morning to birdsong, unzip your tent, and then spend your day walking the trails of the Great Otway National Park. At dusk, keep your eyes firmly fixed on the river for the resident platypus that emerges to feed just before the sun sets.

Since this campsite is in the Great Otway National Park, you’ll need to leave your pets at home and bring your own supply of drinking water and a fuel stove or gas barbecue for cooking (since no fires can be started any time of the year). Since this campground only offers unpowered campsites for tents (no vans, tiny homes or RVs allowed) this private, peaceful spot is ideal for quiet campers who enjoy the simple things in life.

Address: Off Allenvale Road, Lorne

Caravan Parks

13. Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park

Best for: Budget-conscious travellers and people travelling with pets.

an eco safari tent at Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park

The eco safari tent is equipped with modern comforts.

Whether you’re staying in a cabin or eco safari tent, or are rolling your own RV into one of the dog-friendly powered sites, Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park is a great base camp for adventures in Lorne and beyond. What is actually five parks (Erskine River, Kia Ora, Ocean Road, Top Bank and Queens Park) in one, the spacious caravan park is a family favourite. Enjoy lunch at a picnic table along the river, use the communal barbecue to cook up a feast, let the kids go wild on the pirate ship-themed playground or walk down to the beach for a fun day in the surf. Whatever you do, this is a beach break spot that won’t break the bank.

Address: 2 Great Ocean Rd, Lorne.

Discover the best things to do in Lorne.

Your guide to the famous Pole House on the Great Ocean Road