The Pole House Holiday Home

Australian Traveller Magazine’s 100 Great Australian Holiday Homes
Almost as famous as the Great Ocean Road itself, the precarious and fabulous Pole House has grown to become a Victorian landmark in its own right – and a pretty inspirational one at that. When the Ash Wednesday bushfires brought the region to its knees in 1983, the Pole House was virtually all that remained untouched, and for years afterwards it bore the blackened evidence of ferocious flames licking the entire length of its 40m pedestal. It was a close call, but today the lofty Frank Dixon-designed 1970s love den (with carpeted walls!) regularly services honeymooners and holidaymakers from around the world. Some argue that it has the best views in the region – but that can’t be true, since it’s the only spot from which you can’t see this splendid structure. So if you do get the chance to walk out across its 23m walkway bridge for a stay, unless you’re afraid of heights and a little bit of swaying in the wind, we suggest you jump at it.

Details // Banool Rd, Fairhaven, Vic. From $355 per night. www.aireysinletrealestate.com.au, (03) 5220 0200.