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Escape to Valley View Nature Retreat – A Hidden Sanctuary in Apollo Bay

Family-friendly guesthouse in Apollo Bay

Photo gallery for Escape to Valley View Nature Retreat – A Hidden Sanctuary in Apollo Bay

Natural spring on the property - literally our front yard!
Slow down & relax in front of the fire place.
New kitchen with all your cooking needs.
Luxury 5 seater couch, with view to the courtyard and valley.
Main bedroom 1 queen bed

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Apollo Bay, VIC
  • Place, Wild Dog Creek Streamside Reserve
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, Great Ocean Road Waterfront
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, Great Otway National Park
    ‪12 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Child Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Escape to Valley View Nature Retreat – A Hidden Sanctuary in Apollo Bay

Tucked into the hills of Wild Dog Valley, just 7 minutes from Apollo Bay, Valley View is a cosy, newly renovated farm retreat with a private lake and ancient trees. Wake to kookaburras, misty valley views and quiet mornings by the fire. A peaceful escape for couples, small families and creatives.

Enhance your stay with on-site healing in our tranquil studio:
🌿 Body & Soul Acupuncture (75 min – $150) – melt tension, restore balance
💆 Shiatsu Massage (60 min – $150 | 90 min – $225) – release blockages, deep calm
Book to make your retreat truly transformative! ✨

Note: steep driveway – may not suit front-wheel drive vehicle's or cautious drivers.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
Lake view

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Farm animals in fenced areas and lake on property
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
No Smoking inside
All children must be supervised at all times. Particularly near lake. Gate can be closed between accommodation and lake if needed.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
Property Registration Number 9174770

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Apollo Bay

Located in Apollo Bay, this guesthouse is in a rural area and on a lake. Old Cable Station Museum and Apollo Bay Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Great Ocean Road Waterfront and Apollo Bay Harbour. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Apollo Bay, VIC

What's nearby

  • Wild Dog Creek Streamside Reserve - 15 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Great Ocean Road Waterfront - 9 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Great Ocean Road Visitor Information Centre - 11 min drive - 6.8 km
  • Marriners Lookout - 11 min drive - 7.2 km
  • Great Otway National Park - 12 min drive - 6.1 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Apollo Bay Hotel - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪George's Restaurant - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Chopstix Asian Noodle Bar - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Great Ocean Road Brewhouse - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Fusion Space Cafe & Restaurant - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Escape to Valley View Nature Retreat – A Hidden Sanctuary in Apollo Bay pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Escape to Valley View Nature Retreat – A Hidden Sanctuary in Apollo Bay?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Escape to Valley View Nature Retreat – A Hidden Sanctuary in Apollo Bay?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Escape to Valley View Nature Retreat – A Hidden Sanctuary in Apollo Bay?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Escape to Valley View Nature Retreat – A Hidden Sanctuary in Apollo Bay located?

This family-friendly Apollo Bay guesthouse is located by the sea, within a 10-minute walk of Wild Dog Bushland Reserve and Wild Dog Creek Streamside Reserve. Apollo Bay Coastal Reserve and Great Otway National Park are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 11 out of 15 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 15 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 15 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 15 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 15 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.2/10

Location

9.0/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Abbie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Thoroughly enjoyed our family weekend away.Wonderful hosts and a picture perfect setting to disconnect and unwind. Accommodation was spotless and everything we needed to spend time as a family - enjoyed the games cupboard while we waited for the rain to pass.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anna S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very picturesque valley, and cosy, clean, tidy cottage with birds and deer right outside
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful and relaxing stay. Rachel, Tim, and their daughter were all very friendly and helpful. Our daughter loved the deer, horses and Elle the dog. Highly recommended.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Claire D., Melbourne, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Lovely farm stay

My kids loved the animals, birds and farm dogs- idyllic setting. Family very helpful and welcoming.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

JASON O.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful

Beautiful very relaxing the wild life was fantastic
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tommy L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Trip away

Fantastic getaway, the property is even better than expected. Rachel and Tim are fantastic, friendly and very welcoming. Will be coming back again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Joanna F.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Valley Retreat

Great experience
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ned M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Magical Spot on Wild Dog

Many thanks to Rachel and Tim for a fantastic time. This place is awesome- beautiful swimming lake, birds that visit you throughout the day, deer and lots more. Literally 10 minute drive from Apollo Bay. We will definitely stay afsin.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Colette M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

So many animals right at your doorstep.

There was so much wildlife right outside! From birds, to deer and a bowerbird nesting outside the bedroom window. The hosts were very welcoming and let our kids feed their horses and dogs. Our Son fell in love with one of their little dogs and still remembers her now. We loved our time here!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023

6/10 Okay

Stephen A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Location

It's a bit steep

What they don't tell you until after you have booked us how steep the road is to their property. If you've got a 4WD you will be fine but for our little 4 cylinder car it was impossible without driving like a rally car. . We booked for 4 nights and stayed only one because of the stress of getting up the hill.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Wendy H.

Liked: Check-in, location

Valley view stay

We loved the location, the steep treed hills and the lake - an excellent base to travel around the Otways. More generous tea/ coffee supplies were needed. Also there was no pre-warning about lack of free-to-air TV and only a few board games. In this situation, a radio would also be a useful addition to amenities. Suggest a warning system/ tooting? on the steep narrow, driveway shared between other guests & host family.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved our stay here. The bird watching was great, the peace and quiet lovely. The hosts welcoming and friendly. Would love to return sometime.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jerome H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful location

The property is nested between green hills, very charming. The owners are very friendly and helpful. The kids loved the deers and the rosales. 😊
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Pradeep C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful scenic very quiet location.

Enjoyed the whole time at the Valley view nature retreat. Ideal place to spend the holiday away from a busy lifestyle. Great hosts, very friendly and accommodating. Enjoyed sitting out near the fireplace watching the moonlight filled skies. Will be back
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rajesh S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Farm stay at its best

Property was a great getaway to country lifestyle surrounded by beautiful nature. Hosts were very friendly and puppies were adorable. My kids loved the time spent playing with Nash, Tinkerbell and ofcourse Elley. It was bit tricky to get to the place but once you were there it is a luvly in every way. Defineltly will come back!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2022

About the host

Hosted by Rachel Harmer

Host profile image
I am a Mum of 2 children, a boy and a girl and have moved to Apollo Bay recently with my lovely husband Tim. We love Apollo Bay and have enjoyed holidays here for years, so we are delighted to offer people an opportunity to experience this beautiful countryside we live in. We are very passionate about nature and sharing this wonderful experience with you.

Why they chose this property

Escape to the peace and serenity of Valley View Nature Retreat, a stunning farm stay in Apollo Bay. Surrounded by rolling hills and a small lake, this property provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing and rejuvenating getaway.

What makes this property unique

Just 7 minutes from the nearby seaside town, you can enjoy both the beauty of nature and the convenience of nearby amenities.

Languages:

English

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