The Otway Haven - rainforest, nature and relax.

Entire cottage in Tanybryn, Australia

  1. 4 guests
  2. 2 bedrooms
  3. 2 beds
  4. 1 bathroom
Rated 4.85 out of 5 stars.241 reviews
Hosted by Laurence
  1. 6 years hosting

Listing highlights

Self check-in

Check yourself in with the keypad.

Peace and quiet

Guests say this home is in a quiet area.

Mountain and valley views

Soak up the views during your stay.
A lovely, tranquil pet-welcome holiday cottage for up to four, with log fire, nestled next to the Great Otways National Park.

** Selected as Victoria's Luxury Cottage of the Year for 2025 by Travel and Hospitality Awards **

The space
Escape to The Otway Haven, a luxurious two-bedroom cottage (lovingly dubbed “The Otway Heaven” by delighted guests) nestled in the breathtaking Great Otway National Park. Surrounded by ancient rainforest, lush gardens, and farm paddocks, this boutique retreat is your perfect haven for romance, family adventures, or a peaceful getaway with friends. Just minutes from the Great Ocean Road, immerse yourself in serenity, fresh air, and the symphony of birdlife and wildlife.

Why Choose The Otway Haven?

• Award-Winning Luxury: Celebrated as Victoria’s finest for 2025, offering unmatched comfort and style.
• Nature’s Embrace: Stunning rainforest views from every window, with trails, waterfalls, and beaches nearby.
• Pet-Friendly Paradise: Bring your furry friends (with prior approval) with dog treats and water bowls provided.
• Hassle-Free Value: No cleaning fees, no checkout chores, and a warm welcome with a lit fireplace on cold days.
• Cozy & Connected: Stream your favourite shows with super-fast Starlink Wi-Fi and relax with a later 11am checkout.

Luxurious Interiors

Step into a light-filled sanctuary with a soaring vaulted ceiling and a secure entrance. The inviting living and dining area, perfect for couples or small families, features a sleek wood-heater fireplace (unlimited free firewood and firestarters included). On chilly days, arrive to a pre-lit fire, instantly wrapping you in warmth. Relax with seating for two, dining for two, board games, a curated library, binoculars for birdwatching, and a Bose music player. Stay connected with blazing-fast Starlink Wi-Fi.

Plush Bedrooms

Retreat to two elegant bedrooms, each with a luxury queen bed, electric blankets, plush pillows, premium linen, quilts, spare blankets, panel heaters and ample storage. One bedroom boasts a large smart TV with satellite channels and streaming apps (Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV, and more) so you can watch your favourite shows. Traveling with little ones? A sturdy porta cot and child’s secure dining chair are ready for you.

Spa-Inspired Bathroom

Pamper yourself in a serene bathroom with a shower, hip bath, plush Egyptian cotton towels, waffle shawl bathrobes, premium toiletries, and a hair dryer.

Gourmet Kitchen

Create delights in the fully stocked kitchen, complete with gas oven and burners, microwave, fridge, kettle, toaster, Nespresso coffee machine, and milk frother. You'll find plenty of crockery, cutlery, glassware, pots, and pans at your fingertips. We kick things off with complimentary breakfast provisions for your first morning, including eggs, cereals and oats, bakery items, fruit, milk, jams, teas, Nespresso pods, hot chocolate, and more – so you can enjoy a delicious, effortless start to your day without stepping foot outside.

Outdoor Bliss

Stroll through the enchanting gardens (please respect “Private Residence” areas) and unwind on a spacious deck with panoramic rainforest views. Fire up the Weber BBQ (full LPG tank, no cleaning needed), gather at the dining table, or lounge in cafes, Adirondack chairs under a sun umbrella. In winter, cozy up by the firepit with free firewood – and we even provide marsh-mellows! Extras include carparking, bicycle storage, a petanque set, and, in summer, a Mexican hammock.

Pet-Friendly with Care

We love pets! Please contact us before booking to discuss bringing your furry friend, as we have sheep and alpacas nearby. Approved pets can roam off-leash, and we’ll provide dog treats and water bowls plus a guide to dog-friendly adventures in the area, ensuring your pup feels right at home.

Adventure at Your Doorstep

1 minute to Great Otway National Park’s trails and wildlife.
15 minutes to Skenes Creek, the Great Ocean Road, pristine beaches, waterfalls, and hiking paths.
20 minutes to the charming cafes, shops and breweries of Apollo Bay and Forrest.
60 minutes to vibrant Lorne.
80 minutes to the iconic Twelve Apostles.
Explore the nearby Californian Redwoods and soar through the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures.

Good to Know

No Cleaning Fees: Enjoy transparent pricing with no extra costs.
No Checkout Chores: Leave stress-free with no tasks required.
Late 11am Checkout: Linger longer and savour your getaway.

Quiet, private, and designed for relaxation, yet close to adventure.

Book Your Unforgettable Escape Today!

Experience The Otway Haven’s award-winning charm, where a pre-lit fire, thoughtful pet perks, and a complimentary first-night breakfast await. With no cleaning fees, no checkout chores, and a leisurely 11am checkout, your stress-free retreat is ready.
Whether you’re seeking romance, family fun, or a pet-friendly adventure, we can’t wait to welcome you to your rainforest haven.

Reserve now for a stay you’ll never forget!

Guest access
You'll have your own private secure access to The Otway Haven.

Other things to note
The Otway Haven is 'pet-friendly' - though as we have neighbouring farm animals, you must discuss and allow us to approve your pet BEFORE you book. Please don't book without discussing with us, or arrive with an unannounced pet! - as we'll need you to either cancel, or possibly not allow the pet to stay. Also, the entire property - inside and out - is non-smoking. The nearby Otway Nest shares the outdoors spaces and is also available for stays for a couple. There's a short/one minute walk from the carpark to the cottage.

Where you'll sleep

What this place offers

Garden view
Mountain view
Kitchen
Wifi
Dedicated workspace

Select check-in date

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4.85 out of 5 stars from 241 reviews

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Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 89% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 8% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 2% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 0% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 0% of reviews

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for accuracy

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for value

Where you’ll be

Tanybryn, Victoria, Australia
This listing’s location is verified.

Neighbourhood highlights

The Otway Haven is a beautiful self-contained accommodation hilltop home next to the Great Otways National Park; 15 minutes from the Great Ocean Road and 20 minutes from dining, groceries and retail at Apollo Bay. A short drive will lead you to stunning ocean beaches, the Great Ocean Road, rainforest walks, waterfalls, restaurants, boutiques, wineries, world class mountain bike trails, farm gates, many parts of the National Park, and an abundance of splendid wildlife and birdlife to behold throughout your travels; all within an easy two hour’s drive from Melbourne.

Meet your host

Host
353 reviews
4.84 out of 5 average rating
6 years of hosting
Born in the 60s
Where I went to school: The King's School, Canterbury
Hi, your host is Laurence. Maddie is our excellent housekeeper and she interacts with guests to ensure you have a great stay. I'm a frequent Airbnb traveller in Australia and overseas. We host guests in our two self-contained cottages, all part of our larger home, in the Great Otways National Park. I'm an academic, journalist, diplomat, and consultant advising clients on international affairs and geopolitics.

Host details

Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.

Things to know

House rules

Check-in: 15:00 – 22:00
Checkout before 11:00
4 guests maximum

Safety & property

Exterior security cameras on property
Carbon monoxide alarm
Smoke alarm

Cancellation policy