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

Jo StewartBy Jo Stewart
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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.

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Jo Stewart
Jo Stewart is a freelance features writer who pens stories about nature, pop culture, music, art, design and more from her home in the Macedon Ranges of Victoria. When not writing, you can find her trawling through vinyl records and vintage fashion at op shops, antique stores and garage sales.
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The Gold Rush town that’s become Victoria’s best country escape for foodies

    Jocelyn PrideBy Jocelyn Pride
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    The well-preserved Gold Rush town where an idyllic country vibe meets the best of city living.

    Cafe culture

    ‘Slow down’ is the mantra of Tortoise Espresso , and it’s apt for anyone visiting town. This local coffee hangout was the brainchild of Lloyd Meadows, who at 16 started it as a hole in the wall of an old pub. Five years on, it graces a fine shopfront with a menu of around 60 different coffees. Other one-off centrally located daytime cafes, such as Saffs, Togs, Saint Florian and Lazy Bones, are tucked into historic buildings and serve creative menus featuring local produce. A personal favourite is Origini, where chef Luca Sartori brings a taste of northern Italy to his rustic restaurant. For the best banh mi outside Vietnam head to Super Hero, and the pastries at Johnny Baker are legendary.

    the Saint Florian Cafe, Castlemaine
    Saint Florian is one of many businesses tucked away in a historic building. (Image: Griffin Simm)

    On the town’s fringe you’ll find some treasured cafes: Blackbird. Grist, Doveton Corner Store, and the cosy Aitken’s Corner. The Mill precinct also brings another dimension to Castlemaine. Located directly opposite the beautiful Botanical Gardens, this once-derelict woollen mill is a hive of creativity and collaboration. Retaining an industrial feel, it is home to a myriad of 44 unique businesses, galleries and studios that stretch over the three-hectare site.

    Brilliant brews, bars and food

    diners at The Mill, Castlemaine
    The Mill is home to many local businesses. (Image: Visit Victoria/Michelle Jarni)

    The Mill is also home to one of Castlemaine’s bespoke breweries, Shedshaker Brewing Company and Taproom. Within the sensitively restored walls of the oldest part of the building (circa 1875), small-batch, handcrafted beer features alongside fine wholesome food and live music.

    A more recent newcomer to the brewing scene is Love Shack . Starting small as a laneway pop-up in 2021, visionaries Conna Mallett and Harry Cox were armed with a Melbourne beer culture pedigree, which helped them create a great new ‘pub’ that feels as though it’s been there since the 1850s. Other atmospheric bars and restaurants are dotted around town – Grafting Cellars for local wines by the pour; buzzy Mostyn Street Cellars; Table Records plays vinyl on weekends; and the quirky Maurocco bar is not to be missed.

    food and drinks at Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro, Castlemaine
    The nostalgic Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro serves comfort food. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    For food you’ll write home about, the hatted Bar Midland serves exquisite dishes from Victorian-only produce. The freshly renovated Wild is located in the original firestation, Voor Ouker specialises in Indonesian/Dutch fusion, and the Railway Hotel oozes English pub charm.

    the Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
    Theatre Royal is the longest continually operating theatre on the mainland. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

    Much-loved Teatro Regio, found in the magnificent Theatre Royal , is the go-to for pizzas with a twist. As mainland Australia’s longest continually running theatre, this grand dame is also one of more than a dozen performance spaces that add to a rich and diverse entertainment and festival scene.

    pizza at Theatre Royal
    Dine before a show at Theatre Royal. (Image: Tourism Australia/Visit Victoria)

    Quirky country stays

    Quirky, authentic and perfectly located, the Midland Hotel is a private hotel that dates back to 1879. Each of the nine rooms at the Northern Arts Hotel is different and named in honour of an Australian artist. Castlemaine Boutique Accommodation also has a range of properties to suit all types of travellers.