About The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road takes visitors on one of Australia’s greatest and most inspiring coastal drives. From Torquay near Geelong, to Nelson almost 300 kilometres to the west, the road snakes past cliffs, scenic lookouts, waterfalls, rainforests & sunken ships.

One of the most visited stretches is the Port Campbell National Park, home to native bushland & fauna. Buffeted by wild seas & fierce winds, the coastline has been sculpted over millions of years to form a series of striking natural features such as the Twelve Apostles & London Bridge.

The Great Ocean Road has a rich maritime past. Historic towns such as Port Fairy & Portland allow you to enjoy seafaring village life, with their fishing wharves, old pubs & beautifully preserved colonial buildings. A number of ships from the nineteenth & twentieth centuries have foundered off the rugged shipwreck coast, & their histories are recounted in many of the museums in the region.
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Claerwen Retreat

Princetown, Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia

• Coastal retreat
• AAAT 4½ stars
• Guesthouse, cottages & studios
• Smoke free
• Ten bedrooms
• Children by arrangement

• Tariff: Suites - Up to A$240. Studios - from A$99 - A$165 per day. Cottages - Up to A$350 for up to six adults.
Weekly rates - Stay for seven nights and pay for six (except in peak season).
Winter special (1st May - 30th August): stay 3 nights for the price of 2
• Deposit: 50% of total booking in peak season
• Cancellations: "Guesthouse" - 100% within less than 48 hours of arrival; "Cottages and Studios" - 100% within less than 7 days prior to arrival.
• Credit facilities: Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Diners, JCB.

Hosts: Cornelia Elbrecht and Bill Whittakers
Address/Mail: Tuxion Road, Apollo Bay, Victoria, Australia 3233
Telephone: (03) 5237 7064 (International +613 5237 7064)
Fax: (03) 5237 7054 (International +613 5237 7054)
E-mail: cornelia_elbrecht@claerwen.com.au
Home website: www.claerwen.com.au/
190 km (3 hrs) west of Melbourne

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Here is Apollo Bay accommodation on the Great Ocean Road at its best! Claerwen Retreat is located "high above the world" overlooking the Southern Ocean. It is the highest point in the area, offering a holiday experience with a difference that is focused on relaxation, self-discovery and personal growth. We support this process in an environment of peaceful solitude, healing nature and luxurious bed and breakfast accommodation. The guesthouse, studios, cottages and meeting centre are nestled in 130 acres of forest and bush and fern gullies which abound with native animals. The property has a salt-water pool, spa and tennis court. The beach is ten minutes away. It is a place where your spirit can rest.

The Guesthouse is of generous proportions, built around an inner court garden with a saltwater pool and hot spa. A library invites you to sit by the open fire and enjoy the complimentary afternoon tea. There are four suites with double bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms and a private lounge equipped with TV and VCR. Each is centrally heated with panoramic ocean views from all rooms. A cooked breakfast is included in the tariff.

The two cottages are free-standing, with two double rooms and one bedroom with two single beds. The lounge rooms, with an open fire, TV, VCR, DVD and CD player, extend onto a spacious sundeck with spectacular views. An open fireplace and heating in all rooms make them comfortable in winter. There is a fully equipped kitchen and BBQ area and you are welcome to use the tennis court, swimming pool and spa.

There are two Studios where couples can enjoy a break in complete privacy. Both have spectacular views. The Purple Studio features a double bed, ensuite with bath, dining and kitchen facilities, TV, VCR and CD sound system, plus a private BBQ and garden area.

The Yellow Studio has a Queen-size bed on the mezzanine level, ensuite bathroom, lounge area, dining and kitchen facilities, TV, VCR and CD sound system.

During your stay you can choose massages, yoga or art classes. A special meditation room is part of the Studio, which was purpose-built for workshops and meetings for groups of up to 20. Cornelia Elbrecht, who lectures in Art Therapy in Melbourne, conducts regular classes there in Art and Healing, Active Imagination and Relaxation. Once you have recovered your equilibrium, there are plenty of things to do. The Otway rainforests are waiting to be explored. Surf beaches like Moonlight Head and Johanna are close by and The Twelve Apostles are a year-round attraction.

Accommodation at Apollo Bay in such a stunning setting and so close to the Great Ocean Road is a rare find indeed!