The Concrete Beach Pad via Airbnb.
Southwest of Melbourne, Victorian city Geelong is one to keep an eye on, especially when mapping out your Great Ocean Road voyage.
Craft breweries, hole-in-the-wall eateries and public artworks abound within the once industrial landscape of this waterfront burg – also a sweet base for exploring the rich soils of the surrounding wine regions.
Below, we take a look at some of the most luxe Geelong Airbnbs to retreat to, from mid-Victorian cottages to Surf Coast farm stays.
An ideal location for wedding day preparations. Photo:Airbnb.
Castlebar Cottage, Geelong West
Best for: original Victorian detailing
A boutique stay just a short stroll from Pakington Street cafes and 500m to Western Beach, Castlebar Cottage marries relaxed modern décor with original Victorian detailing. Boasting two living areas, three bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen with an oversized fridge, you’re all set for entertaining in this Geelong West gem.
Notable features:
Sleeps six
Original Victorian detailing
Claw foot bath
Fully equipped kitchen
Indoor gas fireplace
Air conditioning
Just 20 minutes outside of Geelong, consider your weekend getaway sorted. Photo: Airbnb.
Grasslands Estate, Mount Duneed
Best for: group farm stay
Set on four verdant acres just 5km from Torquay town and within 10 minutes to most of the Surf Coast’s rugged beaches, Grasslands Estate is the ideal coastal farm stay. A pavilion-style residence overlooking a seasonal waterway with alfresco living spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, rolling lawns and a gourmet stone kitchen, Grasslands Estate is rural luxury to a tee.
Notable features:
Sleeps eight
Fire pit
Outdoor dining area and furniture
Barbecue grill
Private outdoor saltwater lap pool (for use in January to March)
A Geelong West cottage built circa 1900. Photo: Airbnb.
Arcasia Cottage, Geelong West
Best for: walkable city location
A mid-Victorian cottage in a prime location in Geelong’s West for walking around the city, Arcasia is a metropolitan haven offering a Scandi aesthetic, stained glass windows and a sun-drenched courtyard. Meander five minutes on foot to Pakington Street’s cafes or 15 minutes to the CBD and come back to this thoughtfully curated home.
Notable features:
Sleeps four
Fully equipped kitchen
Stan and Netflix TV access
Bluetooth sound system
Air-conditioning and heating
Outdoor dining area and furniture
Just over 20 minutes out of Geelong, lies this contemporary beauty. Photo: Airbnb.
The Concrete Beach Pad, Ocean Grove
Best for: contemporary coastal luxury
Rich in texture and taste, this newly-built home combines polished concrete floors, a heightened pitch roof, indoor green wall and copper trimmings to cultivate a true contemporary coastal escape. Happy holidaying.
Notable features:
Sleeps eight
Open plan living
Kitchen with butler’s pantry
Sheltered deck
Heated pool and spa
Outdoor shower
Some of the details within the French room. Photo: Airbnb.
European-style escape, Geelong
Best for: playful European design
Drawing from mid-century, French and Moroccan architecture, this 1959 home – originally built as a personal artwork – features high ceilings, split levels and herringbone floors among other distinctive features. After a long day of strolling Geelong’s art deco promenade and sampling the region’s finest wines, this city stay is one you’ll want to come back to.
Notable features:
Sleeps four
Air-conditioning and heating
Outdoor dining area and furniture
City fringe location
