Here are answers to some of the questions you may have about the accommodation at Window on the Otways

How many Studios do you have?
Just the two Cantilever Studios - each designed for one couple. This means that at any one time there are only ever two couples on the 25 acre property. A third Studio, the Mezzanine, is not currently available for short term rental.

Are the Studios private?
Yes, there is about 100 metres separating the two Studios and native plants and shrubs provide screening between them – your privacy has been maximised. Also, being on 25 acres with uninterrupted views out over the Otways it feels like you really do have the place to yourself.

Are the Studios identical?
Yes, they are the same lay-out and ‘Cantilever’ design. The Studios are called Cantilever’ because the bedroom and bathroom are ‘suspended’ either side of the centrally supported living area – which gives you the feeling of ‘floating’ in the clouds. Both Studios face the Great Otway National Park and have private decks from where you can enjoy uninterrupted views over the Pennyroyal Valley and Otway Ranges.

Which Studio has the view from the spa bath?
They both do. Although they are separate and private, both Studios enjoy essentially the same view from the double spa bath - and indeed from the ‘Japanese’ inspired bedroom and the living area. There really isn’t a lot of difference between the two Studios.

What is the ‘Zen Den’
The Zen Den is our quirky name for the separate building which has a Swim Spa (yes you can swim in it), Sauna, exercise bike and Yoga/Pilates equipment. Guests can book use of the Zen Den in three hour time slots.

Do the Studios have blinds?
Yes. The bedroom, bathroom and North facing living areas have blinds. They give privacy and the double glazed windows help keep the Studio romantic & cosy. The South facing living areas have been left without blinds – as they face the Great Otway National Park (and are so high up) no-one can see in.

What is included in the rate?
The Studios are self-contained. We provide provisions for breakfast (bacon or vegetarian option, eggs, bread, milk, juice, pancake mix, muesli, butter, jam and plunger coffee). A bottle of bubbly and port & chocolates are also provided. Our facilities page lists all the other inclusions.

Do you provide packages?
Our standard accommodation has the inclusions listed above – that’s our escape package. We can however create a ‘package’ to meet your needs – whether it be massages in your Studio, special flowers, or ‘surprise’ provisions. We are happy to provide advice on restaurants and activities, and even make bookings for you – which means you get them at true cost.

Are the Studios serviced? We have found with so many of our guests that once they arrive they decide not to go out – rather they stay in and enjoy the break and privacy. So, we do not service the Studios, but are happy to provide additional towels if required. If necessary, the stock of firewood (kept on the outside deck) is replenished in the afternoon.

What is the check-in procedure?
We don’t have a formal check-in procedure. Check-in is from 2.30 pm and check-out is 11 am. When you arrive, we will show you the Zen Den (if you are interested in using it), give you the access code for your Studio and show you a couple of Studio features. If you have paid in full prior to arrival then, that’s it – if you still have the balance to pay then we will fix this up and leave you to enjoy your break.
If you let us know your approximate arrival time we will have the fire going for you.

How will my booking be confirmed?
If you book online, our booking system will automatically send you an instant booking confirmation by email - ie, once you have completed the booking providing your credit card details for the deposit (our booking system is on a secure server.)
All reservations made by phone are confirmed by email.

How long will it take to travel to Window on the Otways?
Approximate travel times, via Winchelsea (the inland route), are as follows:
• Melbourne CBD under 2 hours (shorter once the Geelong bypass is complete);
• Geelong about an hour;
• Avalon Airport about 1.4 hours
You can of course travel via the Great Ocean Road, but it will take you 30-40 minutes longer, depending on how many slow moving caravans you encounter.
We will send you detailed travel directions by email once you have booked and will also text directions to your mobile on the morning you are due to arrive. If you use your GPS it will send you via the Great Ocean Road!!

How much deposit is required?
All bookings require a deposit equivalent to 50% of the accommodation price. Our cancellation policy is detailed in our terms and conditions.

Are there business facilities?
Well, no. Window on the Otways is here to provide a break from it all. We do however receive Next G coverage which means if you are on this network you can use your mobiles and lap-tops – if you want to.

Do you enforce non-smoking inside?
Absolutely! We have provided facilities for smokers on the deck outside each studio. Should guests wish to smoke inside, Window on the Otways is not suitable. A minimum cleaning fee of $65 is applicable if evidence of smoking inside is found.
We also ask our guests to be extremely careful when disposing of cigarette butts. Just one carelessly disposed cigarette butt can cause a bush fire.

How far from Lorne are you?
We are an easy, and very beautiful, 15 minutes drive from Lorne and the Great Ocean Road.

Is there a supermarket close by?
There is a supermarket in Lorne, along with bakeries and an array of other shops.

Are there restaurants close by?
There are a couple of cafes in Deans Marsh – 5 minutes drive away – however, the bulk of the cafes and restaurants are in Lorne.

Do you cater for children?
Window on the Otways has been designed to accommodate just one couple per studio. The property is not suitable for children.

Can we bring our pets?
Window on the Otways is adjacent to the Great Otway National Park and is surrounded by bushland. The constant presence of native wildlife makes the property unsuitable for family pets. There is however a ‘pet resort’ on the outskirts of Geelong – see our attractions page for web details.

Discover the romance of the Otways