A RIVER BED COTTAGE - Relax and unwind in this spacious cottage by the river
Its right on the river and just a short stroll to the beach, shops and cafes. Self contained 'couples accommodation'. Your Aireys Inlet cottage has a private courtyard and an excellent outlook.
The accommodation includes: *kitchen *lounge *tv/dvd *queen bedroom *r/c air conditioner * electric heating *microwave *oven/cooktop *outdoor furniture *bbq *corner spa bath *all linen and towels provided
While it is an older style cottage it has had a small upgrade with new carpet in the bedroom new flooring kitchen/dining/bathroom, outdoor setting on the deck and rear courtyard, brand new full size fridge, additional coffee table and a few new items for the kitchen.
XMAS/BIRTHDAY/GIFT VOUCHERS available
Enjoy the newly opened lighthouse, bush, beach and cliff top walks, paddle on the river, horse riding and mountain biking at your fingertips. Its a beautiful part of nature here and such a great part of the Great Ocean Rd. Nearby is the town of Lorne famous for its waterfalls and cafe strip.
Why this retreat was built and how to get there.
Owner/manager of A River Bed, Wendy, holidayed in the area as a child and, loving the memories, moved here in 1997. While working in the Tourism/Accommodation industry for many years, saw a need for modern self contained 'couple' accommodation. So created A River Bed for 2.
Directions: Take the Princes Highway from Melbourne, through Geelong and follow the signs to the Great Ocean Road. Drive through Anglesea and continue on to Aireys Inlet. Aireys is a tranquil seaside resort on the beautiful southern coast of Victoria. When you enter the town of Aireys Inlet, drive past the shops on the left and the hotel on the right. Down the hill and, at the bottom, turn right into Bambra Road then left into River Road, left again into River Reserve Road. Second on the left, you'll see your carport on the left.
Location and what's nearby
A River Bed is close to Lorne, Anglesea, Torquay and the Otways but right on the Great Ocean Road and Surfcoast. Its so handy for day trips and a perfect base for your holiday or simply a weekend or overnight getaway.
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
About the area
Aireys Inlet
Located in Aireys Inlet, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Anglesea Golf Club and Lorne Country Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Great Otway National Park and Aireys Inlet Bushland Reserve. Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary and Coogoorah Park are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with windsurfing and power boating nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours and horse riding.
Airies Inlet Clifftop Walk Trailhead - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
Split Point Lighthouse - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
Sandy Gully Beach - 5 min drive - 3.8 km
Aireys Inlet Bushland Reserve - 6 min drive - 4.2 km
Getting around
Winchelsea Station - 52 min drive
Melbourne, VIC (AVV-Avalon) - 57 min drive
Restaurants
Aireys Pub - 11 min walk
The Lighthouse Tea Rooms - 11 min walk
Le Comptoir Restaurant - 14 min walk
Angahook Café & Stores - 11 min drive
A la Grecque - 10 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is A RIVER BED COTTAGE - Relax and unwind in this spacious cottage by the river pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at A RIVER BED COTTAGE - Relax and unwind in this spacious cottage by the river?
As of 13 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at A RIVER BED COTTAGE - Relax and unwind in this spacious cottage by the river on 26 May 2026 start from NZ$327, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at A RIVER BED COTTAGE - Relax and unwind in this spacious cottage by the river?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at A RIVER BED COTTAGE - Relax and unwind in this spacious cottage by the river?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at A RIVER BED COTTAGE - Relax and unwind in this spacious cottage by the river?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is A RIVER BED COTTAGE - Relax and unwind in this spacious cottage by the river located?
Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Airies Inlet Clifftop Walk Trailhead, Table Rock Beach and Split Point Lighthouse. Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary and Lighthouse Discovery Trail Trailhead are also within 15 minutes.
Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Gorgeous outlook, the cottage was very spacious and clean.Easy walk to the beach and lighthouse.
Nici M.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified
6/10 Okay
Verified traveller
18 January 2026
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
The host was very welcoming and responded quickly. The amenities were poor and some suppliers advertised were missing. The place needs some TLC.
Verified traveller
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 January 2026
Thank you for your feedback. I’m pleased you loved the location! I have attended to amenities and supplies and constantly working on maintenance. Thank you
The host was very hospitable. The close proximity to the local shops, river and the beach is what stood out. As well as the local pub and restaurant. Very quiet area. A good place to just kick back and relax.
Donata B.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 19 January 2026
Thank you Donata, looking forward to having you back again.
This was a gorgeous little cottage in an absolutely picturesque location. Cottage was spotlessly clean, location was quiet and peaceful, scenery was beautiful, and everything was within walking distance. Wendy, the owner, was lovely to deal with - very friendly. We thoroughly recommend A River Bed Cottage for a quiet little get-away.
Susan L.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Suzanne R.
24 January 2019
Great little place in a terrific location
Property is neat, tidy and well maintained. Has all you need for a get away. Location is fantastic, short walk to beach, shops or cross the road to sit by the river.
Suzanne R.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 18 March 2020
I am so pleased you enjoyed A River Bed and all it has to offer. I look forward to having you stay again soon.
Great cosy cottage and no problems keeping warm at night in the cooler months. Easy short stroll to the beach and enjoyed the local fish/chips and woodfired pizza. Had a great quiet weekend away!
Leith T.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 18 March 2020
Fabulous! I'm please the new rc/ac is doing its job. I'm sure it will also be appreciated during the summer months.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Sandra G.
30 October 2017
Excellent stay!
We had a lovely stay at a River Bed Cottage. It was so incredibly relaxing looking out at the river. Shops were within easy walking distance along the river and we enjoyed fishing straight across the road. The cottage was comfortable with everything we needed and Wendy was a responsive, friendly host. Our little dog enjoyed the neat garden and close access to lovely beaches. We hope to return some day!
Sandra G.
Response from VrboOwner on 18 March 2020
So glad you enjoyed your stay.
Verified
6/10 Okay
Elizabeth B.
16 April 2025
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Relaxing view
I’m sorry to say inside it was not so relaxing with vivid patterned covers over the comfy lounge furniture, which was not what was shown on the website! Access to back door entrance via a rusty back gate and dilapidated backyard was offputting. Poor lighting in bathroom and the general feel that this property would be so much more enjoyable with some fresh paint and a spring clean.
Elizabeth B.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 20 April 2025
Thank you for the feedback. While it is as advertised an older style cottage I do like to freshen up a little, ie the couch covers. You might like to go for the studio another time which is newer and more modern. The tastic 4 globe and heating lamp should be ample but I will make sure all globes are working thank you.
Archival
8/10 Good
Simone M.
6 March 2017
Doggy Fun
A River Bed Cottage is in a great location, quiet away from the road across from lovely river. Our dogs were happy playing in the courtyard or having a swim. Hubby was happy fishing and my morning latte was only a 5min walk so I was happy too.
Simone M.
Response from VrboOwner on 18 March 2020
Great review, thank you. I hope you also enjoyed the new outdoor setting.
If you are looking for a place where you need to recharge your batteries and escape the stresses that life can throw at you this is definitely it. I love the sea, my husband loves the bush and A River Bed Cottage ticket all the boxes. Situated in an idllyic pocket of Aireys Inlet. It was very peaceful and we had the river at our door step (approximately 20 metres from the cottage). The only traffic we had was people traffic who were walking and enjoying the serene surroundings. Every afternoon my husband would go to do some fishing. Just a five minute walk there is a bookshop, gift shop, surf shop, a couple of cafes, pizza restaurant and fish and chip shop. The local pub is also walking distance and a bit further up there is a Greek restaurant. The Aireys Inlet lighthouse is also walking distance. A great park that had electric bbqs. Ideal for families with young children. The beach is also close by. It was definitely a very relaxing time for both my husband and I.
Donata B.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 6 November 2024
Thank you Donata for this great review, so glad you got what you came for.
Verified
6/10 Okay
John E.
21 July 2019
Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
Not for us
Let me start by saying that this 1 bedroomed property is located in a beautiful and serene area of Airey's Inlet. We really appreciated this.
Unfortunately, our intended stay had been foreshortened by illness but we made it for a night. This turned out to be an unwise move on our part. It was evident that various aspects of the unit had been updated but the essentials, such as the kitchen, had not been. Expected supplies such as adequate toilet paper and dish washing liquid were missing. Two spotlights in the kitchen had blown and the general level of cleanliness was not as good as we expected (particularly inside cupboards and drawers). The water was turned off because of a major pipe burst but fortunately, this was restored. Communication with the owner (who was away) and the emergency contact bore some fruit. We did not raise all issues with the owner because of the time difference & it was hardly appropriate to do so with the stand-in contact. The real killer was the bed. We had understood that this was comfortable. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I ended up spending part of the night on the sofa because of the hard mattress. It was also cold. Thank goodness for the reverse cycle aircon which was definitely needed! Just in case you wondered - there is no dishwasher despite the photo viewed at the time of booking on the website. Time for a refurb!!
John E.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 18 March 2020
Thanks John, I’m pleased you loved the location. I do feel I need to clarify a couple of things for future guests.
My housekeeper said she left 3 toilet rolls for a 2 night stay and enough dishwashing liquid. I do however apologise for the 2 blown globes and the interior cupboards if not up to my usual standard of cleanliness.
Other comments:
1. Shortening a stay from 2 nights to 1, due to illness is not a negative to my hosting or the property.
2. There was a burst water pipe down the street and the local water board briefly turned off the water. Also not relevant to the property or hosting. John discussed the situation with my housekeeper at the time.
3. I ensured John was aware prior to arriving that I would be away and made sure he had his arrival instructions. The emergency contact number was available.
4. It is impossible to please all guests personal bed type preference. This is the 1st complaint of many years hosting A River Bed.
5. I have tested in cold weather, the reverse cycle which is more than adequate heating. There is also an electric wall heater in the lounge room, a portable heating unit in the bedroom and heat lamps in the bathroom, all in working order.
I will continue to appropriately price my property for future guests.
Wendy
Nicely set up but in dire need of a proper clean and an update
The property was well set up and com, but it is quite dated in its decor, and desperately in need of a good industrial clean. The cutlery drawer was full of bits of food and dirt, and the rest of the property was just generally grubby
Narelle A.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 29 May 2022
Thanks for the feedback, I will get a spring clean done!
Owner/manager of A River Bed, Wendy, holidayed in the area as a child and, loving the memories, moved here in 1997. While working in the Tourism/Accommodation industry for many years, saw a need for modern self contained 'couple' accommodation. So created A River Bed for 2.
Why they chose this property
Read the reviews! Location location location!
What makes this property unique
No need for a car you can walk to the clifftop, beach and along the river for a stroll. There are many long walking trails also.
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests