Ideally situated within a short drive to the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge
Character home within walking distance to Port Campbell town centre and beach. 10 minute drive to the 12 Apostles and other main attractions of the Great Ocean Road. Spacious native garden, balconies, large deck and outdoor space to relax. Unlimited NBN WIFI, free on site parking for at least two cars in front of the house.
Please note: We supply firewood for one night during the winter months of June to August. If you need additional firewood, you can find some in the local supermarket.
Our house used to be an old school house in a small country town called Carpendeit. It was built around 1915 and was moved to it's current position in Port Campbell around 1997. Within a short drive of about 10 minutes from the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and Gibson Steps, The Old School House is a perfect hub for exploring everything the Great Ocean Road has to offer. It is a charming home full of character.
There are two bedrooms upstairs: a main with a queen size bed and a smaller bedroom with two single beds. For additional guests after 4 people, there is the option of a pull-out sofabed in the living room downstairs (converts to a queen size bed) or a spare mattress in the study upstairs. For any guests traveling with a baby or small child, there is a travel cot available to use at no extra charge.
Please note that bed linen and towels are provided. All of the bed sheets, including the doona covers, towels, face washers and tea towels, are freshly washed for our guests when we get the house ready. Please ensure to let us know the correct number of guests so that we can provide enough towels and prepare the correct number of beds.
There are two balconies upstairs. A large deck wraps around 3 sides of the house downstairs. There is a BBQ on the deck for you to use if you wish. We have an outdoor fire pit in the backyard and a wood-fire oven in the living room.
We are keen to keep the character of the house. The kitchen cabinets are the old school house drawers , which gives it a rustic look, whilst providing all of the modern amenities you need to make your stay comfortable: full size fridge with freezer, freestanding electric oven and stove with range hood, electric water kettle and toaster. (Please note that pots, pans, plates, bowls, cutlery etc are all provided.) There are two toilets in the house. The separate toilet next to the bathroom will remind you of an Australian outhouse with the corrugated metal walls. The spacious bathroom has a second toilet, a bath tub (dimensions are: overall length 1.5m, overall width 0.7m) and a separate shower. There is an air-conditioner in the living room for heating in winter and cooling in summer as well as a wood-fire heater for cosy winter nights. There is a panel heater in the main bedroom and a radiator heater in the second bedroom. If using these heaters, please ensure these are switched off when leaving the house.
There is a large dining table that seats 8 people if you wish to invite some friends over for dinner.
Please note: Bedrooms are upstairs, toilets are downstairs. Entry to the house is via a set of stairs. Plenty of parking available along the driveway in front of the house.
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Check out is strictly at 10am
Ensure that all heaters, the air-con, oven, stove and all lights are switched off
Ensure that all doors are locked and windows are closed
Return the key to the key safe
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Do not light bonfires and adhere to total fire bans when using the fire pit. Only use wood fire heater if you are experienced lighting fires.
The number of guests at the property should not exceed the number of guest you have booked for unless agreed by management.
The use and/or charge of lithium battery operated items anywhere in the house or on the property is prohibited, including e-scooters.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 9184303
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
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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 and a first aid kit
About the area
Port Campbell
Located in Port Campbell, this holiday home is in a rural area and near the beach. The Twelve Apostles and Port Campbell National Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include The Arches Marine Sanctuary and Twelve Apostles Marine National Park. Snorkelling, surfing/body boarding and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking nearby.
Port Campbell Visitor Information Centre - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
Port Campbell National Park - 8 min walk - 0.8 km
Port Campbell Foreshores - 8 min walk - 0.8 km
The Twelve Apostles - 9 min drive - 13.5 km
Getting around
Melbourne, VIC (AVV-Avalon) - 139 min drive
Restaurants
Port Campbell Hotel - 6 min walk
12 Rocks Beach Bar Cafe - 8 min walk
Sow & Piglets Brew Pub - 7 min walk
Grassroots Deli Cafe - 7 min walk
Port Campbell Takeaway - 8 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Ideally situated within a short drive to the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Ideally situated within a short drive to the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge?
As of 9 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Ideally situated within a short drive to the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge on 19 July 2026 start from NZ$436, 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 Ideally situated within a short drive to the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Ideally situated within a short drive to the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Ideally situated within a short drive to the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Ideally situated within a short drive to the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge located?
Situated by the sea, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Port Campbell Visitor Information Centre, The Arches Marine Sanctuary and Lookout. Port Campbell National Park and Port Campbell Foreshores are also within 10 minutes.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The house was in a quiet street and close to town. The gardens were lovely and the property was very clean. Great location close to many sights on the Great Ocean Road.
Great house, great location. The house was very clean, and the hosts are super considerate and responsive. Stayed 3 nights with 5 others and we had a blast.
Perfect, relaxing and even so much to do in winter. This stay had so many memories for me. This was my school building and it looks amazing. Great communication with the owners. Cozy and warm.
The old house is country comfort with a local flair of pictures of many ship wrecks. Comfortable living space. Bedrooms upstairs, bathroom downstairs with good night lights for those night time visits. The single beds are kid size, ao we curled up! Nice veranda for lounging and the area was quiet. Lots of lovely landscaping.
Great location to see the 12 apostles and parks. Close to town. The host is great at communication. Charming house. Bring slippers -the floor can be chilly this time of year. Kitchen is equipped. Bed is comfortable. Beautiful garden on the property.
Accommodation was great and had everything we needed. The house also had an interesting history. Easy walk into Port Campbell for food etc. Hosts were easy to communicate with and were very helpful with advice on venues. Great spot to explore Great Ocean Road.
Julie W.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025
Archival
10/10 Excellent
NINO D.
16 June 2017
Lovely home
We enjoyed our stay in this beautiful rustic home, it is well equipped and very peaceful area, we recommend it highly.
NINO D.
Response from VrboOwner on 3 April 2020
Hi Nino, thanks so much for reviewing your stay at The Old School House. We are very happy to hear that you and your friends enjoyed a relaxing peaceful stay. :) All the best. Irena
The Old School House has everything a family or couple could possibly need for a weekend or longer stay. We enjoyed the use of kitchen, living and outdoor space. The home is very convenient to town and surrounding area attractions. The host is excellent with communication and we would absolutely stay again!
Absolutely beautiful. Loved the décor loved the garden loved everything
There was everything We needed in a beautiful environment. We will definitely stay at the Old School House again!!!!
Joyce T.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023
Archival
10/10 Excellent
James H.
29 May 2017
Awesome property
What a beautiful house. Really enjoyed our stay. So cosy, lovely fire for a winters night and thanks for turning on the rain on the tin roof, made even more cosy.
James H.
Response from VrboOwner on 3 April 2020
Hi James, I'm very happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay at The Old School House and that you made the best of a rainy day. Thanks for taking care of the house so well for us. I hope you and your family will come back to stay again sometime soon. All the best. Irena
Our stay was prefect. A great location to explore the Great Ocean Road. Owner was quick to communicate and very nice. The cottage had everything we needed to stay cozy and happy.
The old school house is delightful! Beautifully renovated with all the modern comforts, but at the same time the charm and history of an earlier era has been retained. It is surrounded by the most beautiful native garden which is so soothing and calming. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Old School House!
We had a really lovely stay at this house. Location is a short walk into the town centre and house itself was great - we felt very much at home. Our only suggestion is to provide two tea-towels (we ate in both nights, and without a dishwasher the tea-towel got a workout).
A beautiful historic property, appointed wonderfully. Close to 12 apostles and national park. Garden was gorgeous with rabbits and other wildlife. Highly recommend
We loved our 4 days at the old school house. The open fire made the home very cosy and relaxing, the house and the history of it so interesting. We loved Port Campbell and we will be back! Thank you!
Adored the charm and wonder of this unique and special home. It’s so inviting and comfy we slept through our wake up calls! Owner was responsive and caring, helped supply beach towels and ice trays when asked. Grilled my first Baramundi outside and loved it! I never wanted to leave!
Sonja S.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Archival
10/10 Excellent
SARAH H.
19 November 2017
Highly recommend!
We had the most amazing time in this gorgeous little house! It was beautifully decorated and extremely comfortable. The extra little touches (and also linen and towels provided) makes this stayz house priceless. We also Ioved the huge balcony and outdoor area and of course the resident bunnies!
The house really made our photography weekend so much more pleasant and extra special. I will definitely book to come here again! Thank you so much Irena and Simon, if I could give you 100 star rating I would!
SARAH H.
Response from VrboOwner on 3 April 2020
Hi Sarah, That's great - I'm so happy to hear that you and your friends enjoyed your stay at The Old School House. Simon went there straight after you left to mow the lawns and get the house ready for our next guests. He was most impressed with how neat and tidy you left the place. Thanks so much for taking such good care of the house while you were there. You and your friends are welcome back at any time. I hope you got some great shots of the area! All the best. Irena
When I first found the Schoolhouse, I knew it was more space than my wife and I needed, but I fell in love with the history and the pictures! Absolutely didn’t disappoint! Eclectic, old world charm with all the necessary amenities of today’s world. Only disappointment was the weather was cool so we could’nt enjoy the beautiful outside spaces!
Pro
Fast response of the owner
Clean
Old school concept nice
Nice Garden
Con
Much tired furniture not comfy
Bed, Sheets and blanket terrible
Two towels with bleach stains provided for two persons two days stay
Cold in October!
Just stayed one night, shared the uncomfortable sleeps, but compensation limited to “sorry”
Dryer did stink to rotten water
Washer and dryer, oven end of lifecycle
Frankly I felt mislead by the high ratings, typical maximum profit, no investment “saft laden”
Roel L.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 7 November 2024
Guest advised that he was leaving after the first night (was booked for 2 nights) as he did not sleep well "due to bedding".
I have asked for more information but was not provided any further details and was therefore not given any opportunity to rectify the situation.
The furniture at our house, which used to be a school house, are mostly antiques from early to mid century to keep the unique character and history of the house.
The appliances, including the washer, dryer and oven, are all properly functional modern appliances that were only recently purchased.
The bedsheets are freshly laundered for each booking and are 100% cotton.
The house has heating in the dining/living area downstairs (split system air-con as well as a wood fire heater) as well as in both of the bedrooms (electric radiator heaters) - there is no need for our guests to feel cold in the house.
It is very important for us that our guests feel welcome and "at home" at The Old School House. We feel very disappointed and surprised that this particular guest did not enjoy his experience.
About the host
Hosted by Irena & Simon
The Old School House is a joint project by husband and wife team Simon and Irena.
We love getting out and about hiking and exploring, enjoy hanging out on the beach and dining out in groovy restaurants. We enjoy traveling together and spending time with the kids.
We live in Melbourne but spend time in our holiday house whenever we can.
Although we live in Melbourne, we have put a lot of effort and thought into our house and hope that it will meet or exceed your expectations and that you will have a relaxing and wonderful stay in our house.
Should anything be lacking or should anything need improving, please contact us to let us know. We appreciate your feedback.
Why they chose this property
Simon and Irena love all old things that have charm and character.
From the moment we stepped foot into this house, we absolutely fell in love with it. We bought the house in 2015 and have spent three years working on bringing back it's past splendour. We painted and decorated the house, added the gardens, the pathways and the fire pit, filled gaps, replaced the upstairs sliding doors and much much more. It certainly was a labour of love.
We love the feel of this unique house, the space and the surrounding gardens. When we are at the house, we spend most time gardening but we also love going to the beach and hiking at one of the many amazing spots around the area. We have since found out a lot about the history of this old school house and even had a former student from the school over for a cup of tea and a cake!
What makes this property unique
The house is a warm and friendly home that is steeped in history. We love the wooden floors, the exposed beams and the old character of our house. We love having the fire going on a cold winter's night and gazing at the stars. We love watching the native birds and the kids enjoy grilling marshmallows over the outdoor fire pit and climbing up on the beautiful old gum trees in our gardens. We had some pretty good harvests from our veggie patch too and picked lots of passion fruit last season. In summer we really enjoy hanging out in our hammocks with a nice glass of wine and watching the abundant birds go by. We love sharing our house with our friends and having long lunches out on the deck.
This really is a unique property and our guests have the whole house and the surrounding gardens all to themselves. It is only a short drive away from the main attractions of the Great Ocean Road, such as the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. I can assure you - it will feel like a home away from home. :)
Languages:
English, German
Premier Host
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