Everything To Know About The Pole House, Fairhaven

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.

Video credit: Tourism Australia

From coast to mountains, hiking in Gippsland offers a stunning array of landscapes, with trails that take you deep into the region’s heritage.

I step out onto the sand and it cries out underfoot. Kweek! I take another step and there’s another little yelp. Screet! Picking up the pace, the sounds follow me like my shadow, all the way down to the water. It’s obvious how this spot got its name – Squeaky Beach – from the rounded grains of quartz that make the distinctive sounds under pressure.

For many, Wilsons Promontory National Park is the gateway to Gippsland , and the best way to explore it is by walking its network of hiking trails, from coastal gems such as Squeaky Beach through to the bushland, among the wildlife. But it’s still just a taste of what you’ll find on foot in the region.

Venture a bit further into Gippsland and you’ll discover the lakes, the rainforest, and the alpine peaks, each changing with the season and offering summer strolls or winter walks. Just like that squeaky sand, each step along these trails has something to tell you: perhaps a story about an ancient spirit or a pioneering search for fortune.

The best coastal hikes in Gippsland

sunset at Wilsons Promontory National Park — Wilsons Promontory National Park is a sprawling wilderness with many coastal bushland trails. (Image: Mark Watson)

Wilsons Promontory National Park (or ‘The Prom’, as you’ll end up calling it) is an easy three-hour drive from Melbourne, but you might ditch the car when you arrive, with much of the park’s 50,000 hectares accessible only by foot. From the inky water of Tidal River (dyed dark purple by abundant tea trees), I like the easy walks along the coast, among lichen-laden granite boulders, to golden beaches and bays.

a couple on Mount Oberon — Panoramic views from the summit of Mount Oberon. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

The trail to the panoramic views at the summit of Mount Oberon is a bit harder, up steep timber and granite steps, but it’s a popular 6.8-kilometre return. The more remote hikes are found through the open banksia and stringybark woodland of the park’s north, or along the multi-day Southern Circuit , which ranges from about 35 to 52 kilometres, with sunrises and sunsets, kangaroos and cockatoos, and maybe even whales.

a golden sand beach at Wilsons Promontory National Park — Walk ‘The Prom’s’ golden sand beaches. (Image: Tourism Australia/Time Out Australia)

You might also see whales on the George Bass Coastal Walk , even closer to Melbourne on the western edge of Gippsland. This dramatic seven-kilometre trail along the clifftops takes in sweeping views of the wild ocean, occasionally dipping down from grassy green hills to coastal gullies and a secluded beach. It also now links into the Bass Coast Rail Trail for an extra 14 kilometres.

Over at the eastern edge of Gippsland, in Croajingolong National Park, you can wander along the lakeshores beneath koalas and around goannas (I keep my distance since one chased me here!). For those who are even more adventurous, the park is also the starting point for the 100-kilometre Wilderness Coast Walk , usually done over seven days.

the Croajingolong National Park, Gippsland — Wander along the lakeshores in Croajingolong National Park. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The best bush hikes in Gippsland

the Baw Baw National Park — The alpine heath of Baw Baw National Park. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

Deep in the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine at Walhalla, mining guide Richard tells me how this small town in the mountains east of Melbourne boomed when prospectors found gold here in 1862. These days, you’ll find most of the town’s treasure – its heritage – above ground, with the Walhalla Tramline Walk a wonderful way to explore it.

Just seven kilometres long, the walk takes you through decades of Gold Rush history, following the original rail trail from lush bushland to the mining sites, and through the charming village of just 20 residents with its wooden cottages and old shopfronts adorned with turn-of-the-century advertising posters. Blazing a trail where trailblazers once opened up the region, this is also the starting point for the 650-kilometre Australian Alps Walking Track.

Nearby, Baw Baw National Park has walks through gnarled snow gums and alpine heaths that show off the colourful wildflowers in summer and the pristine carpet of white in winter. Several trails are perfect for snowshoes, including a 45-minute route from St Gwinear up to vast views across the Latrobe Valley.

Further up into the mountains, the Toorongo and Amphitheatre Falls Loop Walk is an easy 2.2-kilometre path that serenades you with the sound of flowing water as you pass mossy rocks and tree ferns en route to two sets of waterfalls cascading over boulders in the remote wilderness.

The best cultural hikes in Gippsland

the Mitchell River National Park, Gippsland — Hike the Mitchell River National Park. (Image: Parks Victoria/Grace Lewis)

Across a pool in a natural sandstone amphitheatre, deep within a cave behind a waterfall, it’s said the Nargun has its lair. A fierce creature, half human and half stone, that abducts children and can’t be harmed by boomerangs or spears, the story of the Nargun has been told around the campfires of the local Gunaikurnai people for generations.

As a culturally significant place for women, hikers are asked not to go into the Den of Nargun, but a 3.4-kilometre loop walk leads you through a rainforest gully to the entrance where you can feel the powerful atmosphere here in Mitchell River National Park , along Victoria’s largest remaining wild and free-flowing waterway.

the bee-eaters at Mitchell River National Park — Bee-eaters at Mitchell River National Park. (Image: Parks Victoria/Grace Lewis)

The Den of Nargun is part of the Bataluk Cultural Trail , a series of important traditional Gunaikurnai sites through central Gippsland. Another location is Victoria’s largest cave system, Buchan Caves Reserve, with trails to important archaeological sites of human artefacts up to 18,000 years old. The FJ Wilson Interpreted Walk includes the naturally sculpted white limestone steps of the 400-metre-long Federal Cave, while the Granite Pools Walk goes among tall timber and moss-covered gullies.

the ancient rainforest of Tarra-Bulga National Park — The ancient rainforest of Tarra-Bulga National Park. (Image: Josie Withers)

Also important to the Gunaikurnai people is Tarra-Bulga National Park , known for its ancient myrtle beeches and enormous mountain ash trees. Just 40 minutes return, the Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk offers a taste of this verdant landscape, while the Grand Strzelecki Track takes you deep into the lost world of forest giants on an epic 100-kilometre trail rich with tradition.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

the WildernessRetreats in The Prom — Wilderness Retreats in The Prom. (Image: Christian Pearson)

Wilderness Retreats in Wilsons Promontory offers glamping-style tents with luxurious queen beds. Star Hotel is a reconstruction of a Gold Rush-era hotel from 1863 in the heart of heritage Walhalla. Caves House is a historic three-bedroom house with views over the Buchan River.

Eating there

the Carrajung Estate, Gippsland — Enjoy a post-hike lunch at Carrajung Estate. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

Kilcunda General Store serves great coffee and meals of local produce at the George Bass Coastal Walk. Alpine Trout Farm is located near Toorongo Falls in Noojee. Fish for your own lunch and barbecue it with the provided cookware.

Carrajung Estate is a short drive from Tarra-Bulga National Park. The winery’s restaurant offers a seasonal menu of regional ingredients and you can stay at The Lodge.

a seafood feast at Carrajung Estate, Gippsland — The table is set for a seafood feast at the estate.