Located in Barramunga, this lodge is in a rural area and in the mountains. Old Cable Station Museum and Apollo Bay Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Forrest Brewing Company and Great Ocean Road Waterfront.
Great Ocean Road Waterfront - 22 min drive - 28.2 km
Great Ocean Road Visitor Information Centre - 23 min drive - 29.0 km
Apollo Bay Harbour - 24 min drive - 29.7 km
The Redwoods Otways - 36 min drive - 32.3 km
Restaurants
Forrest Brewing Company - 10 min drive
Forrest General Store - 12 min drive
Dar Teta - 11 min drive
Platypi Chocolate - 11 min drive
Dar Tèta - 12 min drive
About this property
Top of the Otways - The Nature Lodge
Escape to one of our two pet-friendly cottages in the heart of the Otways. Surrounded by National Park, the Nature Lodge offers a unique farm-stay experience with friendly animals to hand-feed, forest views and a cosy wood fire. Modern comforts include a barista-style coffee machine and fast reliable internet. Explore nearby waterfalls, spot platypus at Lake Elizabeth, discover Forrest and its famous mountain bike trails, or enjoy the beaches of Apollo Bay and the Great Ocean Road.
The Nature Lodge is a split level open plan cottage, featuring three comfortable bedrooms, including two open plan loft bedrooms and one downstairs bedroom. Each furnished with a queen-sized bed, premium bedding and an electric blanket to keep you warm and toasty during the cooler Otway nights.
The spacious open-plan living, dining and kitchen area is designed for relaxing and spending time together. The fully equipped kitchen includes everything you need to prepare meals during your stay, including a full-sized fridge and freezer, gas oven, microwave and barista-style coffee machine.
After a day exploring the Otways, relax by the cosy wood fire, enjoy a board game with family and friends, or simply take in the views from the comfort of the lodge. If you don’t wish to switch off from the world, there’s reliable wifi allowing you to stay connected while enjoying the tranquillity of nature.
Step outside to your private covered entertaining area, complete with BBQ facilities and an outdoor fire pit (available outside fire danger periods). From here you can enjoy sweeping views across the farm and surrounding forest.
Dogs are warmly welcomed both inside and outside the lodge. A fully fenced and secure yard provides plenty of space for children and pets to play and explore safely.
During your stay, you’re welcome to explore much of our 32-acre farm, including the walking trails that lead down to the creek in the valley below. You’re also welcome to meet and hand-feed our friendly farm animals, including sheep, goats and chickens.
The property is home to two separate guest accommodations, The Nature Lodge and the Country Cottage (https://www.vrbo.com/en-au/holiday-rental/p9552130?dateless=true), which are located a comfortable distance apart to provide privacy for all guests. Each accommodation has its own dedicated outdoor areas and parking.
A communal guest laundry is available on request. Please contact us during your stay and we’ll happily show you where it is and how everything works.
As this is a working farm and our family home, some sheds, paddocks and operational areas are reserved for private use. We simply ask guests to respect any signed areas and enjoy the rest of the property responsibly.
We acknowledge the Gadubanud People of the Eastern Maar Nation as the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land on which we live and gather. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
House Rules
Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events
No events allowed
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Pets
Pets allowed: limit 2 total
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Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Important information
You need to know
Property # 9568290
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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit
Frequently asked questions
Is Top of the Otways - The Nature Lodge pet-friendly?
Yes, this lodge allows pets (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Top of the Otways - The Nature Lodge?
As of 18 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Top of the Otways - The Nature Lodge on 22 June 2026 start from NZ$330, 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 Top of the Otways - The Nature Lodge?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Top of the Otways - The Nature Lodge?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Top of the Otways - The Nature Lodge?
Checkout is at 12:00 PM.
Where is Top of the Otways - The Nature Lodge located?
This family-friendly Barramunga lodge is located in the mountains, steps from Great Otway National Park and within 9 mi (15 km) of Kennet River Koala Walk and Wongarra Bushland Reserve. Apollo Bay Coastal Reserve and Porcupine Creek Reference Area are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Top of the Otways - The Nature Lodge Reviews
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
A beautiful little cabin at the top of the Otways. We stayed in the Nature Lodge and loved our 2 nights there. The freshly laid eggs left for us were delicious and the hosts made sure we were warm and cosy.
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Loved our time here. Very peaceful and beautiful, and the lodge was well-appointed and very very comfortable. Note that the lodge is quite an open plan!
Do yourself a favour and book this stay. Katie and Max were such friendly and accommodating hosts. The property was spotless, beautifully presented, comfortable and equipped with everything you could need for your stay. The location was stunning, surrounded by incredible views. It was the perfect getaway with friends, and we’re already looking forward to returning.
My son and I had an excellent week at Toto with our two not-very-friendly Aussie Shepherds. The house, location, views - amazing. Katie and Max are excellent hosts. We also loved the goats! Too sweet. We hope to return! Thanks, Katie and Max.
Loved our stay at the nature lodge. Beautiful location, lodge was spotless and really well equipped. Max and Katie were super friendly and helpful. Will definitely return!
TOTO is absolutely stunning, the view from the nature lodge was just incredible to wake up to each day. Max and Katie are so friendly and made sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed for our stay. The lodge is well fitout with everything you need for a relaxing getaway.
Property was a base for a two day trip to explore Otway's, Apollo Bay and Lorne. Apart from being a 25 minute from Apollo Bay, the property met all our needs, along with a beautiful location and great views across a wooded valley.
An overwhelmingly beautiful, comfortable place to call home for a week.
Clean, with blissful surroundings and so many options for activities for both cooler and warmer weather activities.
Beautiful people, Max, Katie, friends and pets made it all the more worthwhile.
Went there with my partner and we both had a wonderful time from sitting around the wood fire to exploring the back yard and creek, and feeding the animals
It is the perfect place to go when you’ve got time off and just want to have a detox and chill
I would recommend it for anyone
Max is a legend
Denz & em
Nature is not a place to visit. It is home."Truely amazing location close to nature. Beautiful house with retro design gives warmth and cozy feeling.Must visit.
Max, Katie & Otto are great hosts and the cottage is just the most perfect place to stay when you are exploring the Otway area and Great Ocean Road. It was wonderful to be able to leave the craziness of the public holiday visitors in the area and relax in the calm surroundings of the cottage, feeding the goats, watching the birdlife over the forest and sitting by the fire / firepit after a busy day exploring, depending on the weather.Facilities inside & out were spot on. We stayed a week with friends and loved it to bits.A definite must stay location when heading to the Otways.
The place was a good size, very comfortable and clean. The host was friendly and accommodating. Despite being a few accommodations on the block it felt very private. Our dog absolutely loved it. Would be perfect for young families, or couples or a couple of friends. We would recommend and will hopefully go back!
The cabin is cosy and very comfortable with gorgeous views and a very comfy bed. You'll see chickens and goats just outside too. Our dogs loved the yard and the comfy warm spot in front of the fire . It's also an easy drive to Forrest and Apollo Bay. We'll definitely be back. Big thanks to Cassandra and Ben for you help too
We had a wonderful time at the cabin. Our dog did not want to leave and had the best time meeting the chickens and goats. Max and Katie have a beautiful property and we had a great time exploring it. Thank you for the great stay and we will be back!
The cottage and location were perfect in every way. It was all we needed, it was spotless, cozy, the views were stunning. Bonus was meeting a couple of the newly born lambs. We highly recommend this place, Max, our host, was very friendly and accommodating. Thanks for sharing your slice of heaven..