Johanna accommodation from AU$185

Johanna is a small town on the coast of Victoria, off the Great Ocean Road and just west of Cape Otway. It was named after a schooner that was wrecked in 1843 at the mouth of the Johanna River, while it was on its way to Port Fairy. The wild coast was a shipping hazard and there are many tales and relics of ships that came to grief before the Cape Otway Lightstation was built in 1848. You can visit it now for a fascinating history of the area and some of the best coastal views imaginable.

Johanna Beach, part of the Otway National Park and just a minute’s drive from town, has a wild beauty – great for a beach walk and a picnic in the sand dunes. If you are into surfing, the beach at Johanna is a reliable favourite. The Bells Beach Surf Classic has been held at Johanna Beach in years when surf at Bells has been too flat for the competition.

Johanna is perfectly placed for you to enjoy the unique attractions along the Great Ocean Road. Walk the Great Ocean Track; you can reach the many lookout points along the way by taking the safe boardwalks. Each one reveals a different view of this amazing stretch of coastline. Drive along the coast to the Port Campbell National Park, less than 50km away and see the Twelve Apostles, the giant limestone stacks just off shore. You could hike towards the Aire River and see the landscape change as you move inland. You might even spot some peregrine falcons; the area is well known for the variety of birdlife there.

For day trips from your Johanna hotel, you can easily drive to Apollo Bay, a beautiful seaside town with great shopping, dining, fishing and boating. An even shorter drive takes you through superb countryside to Melba Gully where you can experience the magic phenomenon of the glow-worm caves.

Hearing the call of the ocean yet? Johanna put you in a prime location on the beach – and on the Great Ocean Road. And it’s just three hours’ drive from Melbourne! It’s time to book from our range of Johanna hotels below and enjoy a sea-change!