Whenever people walk Johanna Beach or look out from its cliffs they are inevitably struck by the rugged beauty of this section of the south west coast.
Most people though, have no idea of how this place came to be named. For a short account of events that occurred 157 years ago, and how they gave rise to the name Johanna Beach….
For more information please click here.
“Great for families and pets. They have thought of everything, including dinner bowls for the dogs. Pool is fantastic and the kids love all the farm animals. Close to all the tourist destinations e.g Apollo Bay, Tree Top Walk and surf beaches.
Our time together at Johanna was so special we were welcomed as if we were royalty and could not have asked for more. The cottage was lovely with beautiful views and very well equipped.
Close to the Twelve Apostals and all the attractions of the Great Ocean Road.
We will be back.”
“Johanna Seaside in a beautiful property in the heart of the Great Ocean Road.
The property is beautifully and close to all the National Parks with the Great Ocean Walk on the door step.
We loved our stay and Joy and the team are great.We look forward to coming back”
“We take my dogs with us when we go on holiday. This is the most pet friendly place I have ever taken the dogs to. The attention to detail to make the farm visitor friendly is remarkable. Even to the extent that the grass planted on the farm is a variety that makes it easier for the guess to get around. No bulls and no electric fences. Free eggs and vegetables.
A back gate that leads onto one of the best beaches in Australia.
It is quite a remarkable place to stay.”
“We have spent our last 4 vacations at Johanna Beach Seaside Cottages. Everytime we think of setting off somewhere else on holiday, we always end up coming back to our favourite spot. Beautiful setting that is unspoiled, cozy cottages that are nicely appointed and a fantastic place to bring your dog. There are some excellent nature walks in the vicinity as well. Don’t miss Melba Gully…it is superb! Johanna Beach is, of course, breathtaking!”
“One of the best mini holidays we have ever had. The cottages were superb, cosy and exceptionally well furnished.
We took our dogs for the break, alas the last ever break for one of them, and it will be a time we will remember forever.”
“What a place!
What ambiance!
What friendly staff!
What a great location, despite the filthy weather (we’re from Melbourne so we don’t mind.)
What comfortable beds! And good reading lights!
Loved the nearby Tree top walk, esp. after rain and everything so fresh!
Everyone must visit there, at least once!”
“What a beautiful and solitary getaway when one needs it most! Absolute privacy. Scenery to die for. Left the curtains open all night to admire the black sky and bright stars whilst sleeping in the most magnificently comfy big beds. Thoroughly recommended.”
“Wow – we came with relatives who were visiting from Slovenia in June 2008…We all loved the views, the wide open spaces, the wonderfully appointed home, warm and welcoming. The walk to the beach via the calving paddock was wonderful, watching the calves being born is a most unforgetable experience. Running along the beach with our Samoyed and listening to the crescendo of the waves – mind blowing. The beautiful rolling hills of green, dotted with black and white cows, swirling birds – ahhh heavenly. Thank you so much – a most wonderful expereince for us and our overseas relatives.”
“Thank you to all at Johanna Seaside Cottages for a totally awesome holiday. It has it all – tranquility, brilliant views, spectacular beaches nearby and all the comforts and luxuries of home. Fresh garden produce and fresh eggs are an added bonus. We felt completely disconnected from the outside crazy world. Keep up the good work and see you again soon.
Michael & Sue Dorrough” – September 2012
“Just the place for a totally relaxing holiday. We both had a great time, also our dog Elti. She had her 8th. birthday there and wishes to return for her 9th. Thanks to Joy and staff, we enjoyed our time at Glen Tara and were sad to leave after 4 short nights.”
“The family of 4 (2 dogs). Absolutely love the place. Joy the Manager is great. The accomodation is terrific, tranquil and peaceful. The views are superb, The beach only 500mtrs away. Home away from home. Been there 4 times and will soon make it 5. The dogs think it is great and are given 5 paw service. Thanks again.”
“A magic place to stay. Wonderful views over the valley & of the ocean, welcoming hosts, very comfortable cottage, right in the midst of the Great Ocean Walk”
“Our plan for future holidays is to return to Johanna Seaside at least four time a year. We love Joy , Johanna Seaside and her friendly team. Thanks for a wonderful stay”
“The Cottages are a fabulous springboard to the BEST of the Great Ocean Walk . They are wonderfully warm and comfortable with spectacular views to come back to enjoy and relax each night inbetween treking. One of our BEST Annual Girls Treking weekends so far!”
“This B&B is a perfect spot for a special occasion. We spent our anniversary there; enjoying magnificent views over rolling countryside towards Bass Straight, and loving the sense of privacy and protection from the usual tourist bustle of the Great Ocean Road. At the same time, we were conveniently close to the attractions of this awesome area. Our hosts were charming; attentive to our needs but ensuring that we were left to thoroughly enjoy our beautiful cottage and all its charming facilities. HIghly recommended.”
“This provides the civilised way to do the Great Ocean Walk. We spent a week here with 2 other couples sharing a cottage and doing the entire GOW as day walks plus visited the Otway Fly, waterfalls, etc. You can either carpool or hire a minivan to drop you off & pick you up from any of the access points. Since the property adjoins Johanna Beach you can plan it so you walk back into the property on 2 of the days. Started most days with freshly laid eggs and finished with a swim in the pool or sitting on the porch with a glass or 3 admiring the view, prior to cooking dinner (with freshly picked veges and herbs) and relaxing in front of a raging fire. Sure beats camping in the rain. Will definitely stay here again.”
“A great place to stay away from the rat race. Stunning sweeping views of green hills and valleys along with with the roaring surf coast.
This is enhanced by the quality accomodation with all the little extras.
I nearly enjoyed this dog friendly property nearly as much as my pooch. ”
“I challenge anyone to find one thing that Joy hasn’t already catered for in the self contained cottages. Dogs,children, fully stocked spotless units,views, privacy,tranquility,vegetables, fruit, herbs, eggs. Not to mention, immediate response to any maintance problem, a wealth of local knowledge especially about the GOW, a warm welcome and the ability to make you feel like you just belong there. Then there is position, position, position. A week is not long enough.”
“Johanna Seaside is located in the Otways beside Johanna Beach. This beautiful property is in the heart of the Otway National Park and close to the Otway Fly,
Triplet Falls and many other attractions.
The Great Ocean Walk is beside the property.
10 out of 10 for the wonderful property”
“This is the place that, when you walk in, it is like the waves of the nearby Johanna Blue Beach wash away the hussle and bussle of everday life…it’s like taking a very deep, calming breath. It doesn’t matter the time of the year, or the nature of the weather…it is all just beautiful and the feeling is always the same. AND, there is so much to see and do in such close proximity! When I think of the best times I have had with friends and family, I am usually thinking of times at johanna seaside cottages.”
“The views were magnificant. Looking out over the ocean watching the weather change as we lolled around with a lovely glass of bubbly. The cottage was exceptionally well appointed; roomy yet with a warm cosy feeling. The hosts certainly knew how to make our stay memorable. The location was ideal – not too far from Melbourne but far enough to make one feel one is in another world”
“The Farmhouse took us back in time when oldies were children, and the pace was much slower. When the kitchen was the beating heart of the house. When food was respected, animals and environment loved. Where every age has a special role to play and gifts to give. Where the nights were black as pitch and oh so quiet. Where water and air is perfectly pure.
September – 2012”
“Hello Joy,
We were sorry to have misseed you when we left on Saturday because we didn’t have a chance to thank you for your wonderful hospitality and let you know how much we enjoyed our week at the Farmhouse.
I think I can speak for all the girls when I say that we finished the week feeling a great sense of achievment, relaxed and refreshed (although a little weary…). I think most of us had a quiet day on Sunday!
You certainly live in a delightful part of the world and we feel very lucky to have experienced all that the area has to offer. The Farmhouse proved to be perfect for us and many happy meals were enjoyed around that lovely kitchen table. We especially enjoyed being able to stroll out to the vegetable garden for ingredients to enhance our meals!
Thank again for all your help, advice and assistance with food orders etc. Much appreciated.
Kind regards
Lisa & Co”
“I have stayed at Johanna Seaside Cottages twice with a group of mum’s on a ‘Womens Walking Weekend’. Both times have been a wonderful experience and the girls will be returning for a third visit next month! The service has always been outstanding and the accomodation is very comfortable. A fantastic location and the pool is a wonderful way to relax those tired muscles after a long day out walking. I thoroughly recommend it!”
“Although usually nothing less than a 5 star resort would do, Joy and her lovely team at Johanna brought us back togther as a family with the children collecting eggs fresh every morning, and vegies for dinner later in the day, home cooking because the glorious wooden table demanded we cook meals to share. The beach just a short stroll away with our dog Leroy as well looked after as we were with his own bedding and fenced area – the indoor pool and beautiful big beds with clean fresh linen, massages in your own cottages just like a 5 star hotel but served with love and affection. We love Johanna seaside but telling everyone about it is just making it so hard for us to get back to you Joy and Sheree and all the team. Thanks for some of our best holiday memories.”
