Your guide to the famous Pole House on the Great Ocean Road

Jo StewartBy Jo Stewart
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An icon of the Great Ocean Road, The Pole House is one of Australia’s most photographed holiday homes.

A Great Ocean Road landmark marvelled at by visitors from near and far, The Pole House  is an astounding architectural masterpiece. And unlike many other trophy homes, this is one you can actually stay in. If you feel like splashing out on a stay with a difference, take yourself to the edge of Australia by booking a couple of nights in this seemingly suspended house overlooking Fairhaven Beach.

Location

One of the best things about the Surf Coast is that it feels completely removed from the city yet is just one, easy car ride away. From Melbourne CBD it’s only a one hour and 40-minute drive to reach the famous Pole House in Fairhaven. If you’ve just jetted in from overseas or interstate and are travelling straight from Melbourne Airport, the drive should take you just under two hours, depending on traffic.

The Pole House Fairhaven perched on a cliff
The Pole House is only a one-hour and 40-minute drive from Melbourne CBD.

Located on the Surf Coast, when you hit the town of Aireys Inlet, you’re getting close to experiencing the glory of the Pole House. Once you pull up outside the house, make your way along the floating walkway. This unique piece of architecture looks and feels as though it’s hovering. Supported by a single, hulking steel pole, the Pole House is something of an icon, perched 40 metres above Victoria’s Great Ocean Road.

The Pole House Fairhaven above the beach
This stunning accommodation rises 40 metres above the dunes.

One thing you’ll need to get used to is the attention this special house receives. While you’re enjoying your stay, don’t be surprised to look out onto the beach to see people craning from a distance, admiring the Pole House rising above the dunes. Understandably, this head-turner is a bit of a local landmark.

the front facade and floating walkway at The Pole House Fairhaven
Make your way along the floating walkway.

Style & Character

First built in 1978 by Frank Dixon, the original, mostly wooden structure was compromised by the corrosive effects of the sea air. The new owners made the decision to demolish it in 2013 and replace it with a state-of-the-art construction that stays true to the original architect’s vision. The new incarnation reimagined by Franco Fiorentini from F2 Architecture is a minimalist, luxury take on the previous building that will see it stand the test of time.

the kitchen interior at The Pole House Fairhaven
The interior boasts a luxurious, minimalist aesthetic.

The interior is now a modern masterpiece. One of the major changes that architects made was to install floor-to-ceiling retractable glass walls on the ocean-facing side to make the most of the stunning views of Aireys Inlet, stretching all the way to Lorne, with the Southern Ocean beyond. The term ‘million-dollar views’ gets bandied about by real estate agents and hoteliers often, but the Pole House really does have a perspective worth the price tag. Want to be wowed (or wow someone special)? This is the place.

floor-to-ceiling walls with beach views at The Pole House Fairhaven
The views are nothing short of spectacular.

Facilities

Inside you’ll find a stripped-back studio space which acts as an intimate retreat from the outside world. The star of the show is undoubtedly the phenomenal water views you can take in from every angle thanks to the full-length glass windows designed to maximise your viewing pleasure.

a fireplace near the full-length glass windows at The Pole House Fairhaven
You’ll find a fireplace near the full-length glass windows.

With just one bed, this hideaway is the ultimate place for a romantic weekend, memorable proposal, anniversary stay or cheeky solo retreat. The contemporary kitchenette has a microwave, glassware, kettle, coffee machine and fridge for chilling celebratory Champagne and cheese.

the dining table at The Pole House Fairhaven
Raise a glass while soaking up sweeping beach views.

If you haven’t packed any provisions, the Aireys Inlet General Store is just a five-minute drive up the road and stocks a great range of gourmet goods as well as the basics. Here you can buy fresh local produce and snacks like free-range eggs, marinated olives, milk, bread, dips, terrines, cured meats, wine, beer and artisanal cheese – all perfect additions to your stay.

the living room facing the ocean at The Pole House Fairhaven
The Pole House is filled with futuristic and sleek touches.

Of course, the Pole House also has air-conditioning to keep you cool on those balmy, summer nights and a flatscreen TV for watching movies with a glass of vino or cup of tea after dark. A glass, vertigo-inducing balcony surrounds the property – the perfect spot to take in the next-level ocean views. Other sleek touches include automatic blinds, a futuristic floating wood fireplace (how apt) and a wall of burnt ash timber to hide the supporting steel pole.

the bed with ocean views at The Pole House Fairhaven
Sleep in comfort overlooking Fairhaven Beach.

Accessibility

This property is wheelchair-accessible but not suitable for children or pets.

Details

Address: 60 Banool Road, Fairhaven, Victoria.

Cost: Stay from $1400 per night, for a minimum of two nights, year-round. Planning a road trip through the Great Ocean Road? Hit here to read our guide on one of the greatest roads in Australia.

the exterior view of The Pole House Fairhaven
Take yourself to the edge of Australia in this seemingly suspended house.

Discover the best things to do on the Great Ocean Road.

Jo Stewart
Jo Stewart is a freelance features writer who pens stories about nature, pop culture, music, art, design and more from her home in the Macedon Ranges of Victoria. When not writing, you can find her trawling through vinyl records and vintage fashion at op shops, antique stores and garage sales.
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The iconic Victorian beach where true Aussie surf culture was born

    Craig TansleyBy Craig Tansley
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    Torquay’s Bells Beach is considered one of the best surf beaches in the world.

    It’d be easy to think Australian surf culture was born around the right-hand point breaks of the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. These regions seem the epitome of how the world views Aussie surfers – bronzed (or burnt), languishing in warm water and sunshine. The reality is a lot different.

    The rise of surf culture along Victoria’s coastline

    surfers at Bells Beach in Australia
    Surfers stand on the shore at Bells Beach, where the country’s biggest surfing competition is held each year. (Image: Getty/Filed Image)

    True Aussie surf culture was born on the chilly waves of Victoria’s winters, when huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean hit cliff-lined beaches along the Great Ocean Road . These beaches were the ultimate proving ground – surfers from all over Australia arrived in panel vans and VWs to do battle with the biggest waves they could find.

    huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach
    Surfers take advantage of the huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

    There are surf breaks all along this very picturesque coast – but those around Torquay were most revered. The ultimate test of a surfer’s ability – and durability – however, was Bells Beach: Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. Just beyond, the breaks at Jan Juc and Winkipop beckoned.

    an aerial view of surfers at Bells Beach
    Hit the waves along the picturesque coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Torquay became surfing’s Silicon Valley: HQ for the entire Australian surf culture revolution. Four young locals worked out of their backyards in Torquay to create two of the world’s biggest surf labels – Rip Curl and Quiksilver , which soon became the region’s biggest employers.

    surfers out at Bells Beach
    Surfers out at Bells Beach, Victoria’s most famous beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

    Rip Curl started sponsoring the Bells Beach Pro in 1973 – and have done ever since. It’s been going since 1962 – making it the world’s longest continually run surfing contest. Held every Easter, it’s part of the world surfing tour. Spectators line its 30-metre-high cliffs to watch the world’s best take on enormous waves – it’s the ultimate coliseum for the sport and has inspired generations of Aussie surfers to join the list of heroes whose names are on its iconic bell.

    Follow the waves through Victoria’s surfing heartland

    Australian National Surfing Museum, Torquay
    The Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Just behind Torquay’s main drag, you can see all that history on display at the world’s best surf museum – the Australian National Surfing Museum . Here you can take your time absorbing the 100-year-or-so history of Australian surfing and check out the 150-strong surfboard collection.

    surfboards on display at Australian National Surfing Museum
    The museum holds surfing memorabilia, including a room dedicated to the history of boards. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    But classic Aussie surf culture can be observed in everyday life all over the Great Ocean Road and Torquay. Surfing dictates life here; no work is done until the big swells have come and gone. Just being here provides a window into 60-odd years of rebellion against convention; for no-one likes nine-to-five living on the Great Ocean Road.

    surfing memorabilia at Australian National Surfing Museum
    The varied displays celebrate the Bells Beach competition, surfing legends and Aussie surf culture. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s less panel vans and VW Beetles these days, but surf culture still rules life. Surfers run this coast; you’re better off keeping out of their way when they’re running down past you to face the biggest swells – then hear them swap stories at cafes, restaurants and bars all around you.

    surfing at Bells Beach
    The beach near Torquay is Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. (Image: Visit Victoria/William Watt)