Lonely Planet Review

A short detour off Great Ocean Rd brings you to this eco-haven for wildlife and those that appreciate it - part upmarket B&B, part animal hospital. Five en suite doubles feature slate floors, sunny timber decks and louvred windows angled to catch the cross-breeze.

Womby, the adorable, boofhead dog, leads you to the post-and-beam mudbrick homestead run by his owner-builder folks: Lizzie, the zoologist, and Shayne, the natural resources manager. With broad pastoral views it's a seriously good-looking retreat, practising sustainable living from its solar power down to its recycled loo paper and locally made, natural shampoo. You're likely to find an orphaned joey or baby koala slung in a woolly hat on the back of a lounge chair. Or meet Big Buck, the eastern grey roo who mentors the many orphans lovingly nursed here until they're ready to rejoin the wild. The guided nature walks, and chef Craig's gourmet meals paired with local wines are special in their own right, but the total experience, promoting this environment as nature intended, is unique.