Drift House, Small Luxury Hotel and Dining Room — Hotel in Port Fairy

My family and I stayed at Drift House and like so many reviews before us, we wish we had stayed longer! We spent 2 days driving the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide and if we could do it again we would have enjoyed at least two nights at this amazing spot! Colleen was lovely and warmly welcomed four weary travelers and had us tucked into our rooms and off to dinner before we knew it. ||The Rooms: The room designs are just so fabulous and unique. We LOVED the doors and how grand they were. The beds were very comfortable and the entire room catered to comfort and relaxation. My one bit of feedback is that I tried to enjoy a bath and the water pressure or maybe the faucet was terrible for the tub. I couldn’t have gotten it half filled in 15min and gave up. The rain shower more than made up for it though. ||The Food: Wow. Just wow. John is an amazing cook and the dining area is like the rest of the facility, beautiful attention to detail. We shared pretty much everything on the menu for dinner (mostly tapas like food) because it was all so good. Fantastic drink and wine selection. Breakfast was equally delicious with perfectly poached eggs. Yum! ||Other: The entire facility was just lovely. It was too cold for the pool but there are beautiful gardens and sitting areas and bikes to ride into town if you like. My sister and I did an early morning trip to walk the lighthouse loop which was beautiful.||Overall: You simply can’t miss staying at this amazing gem in Port Fairy. I recommend at least two nights to fully enjoy the experience. Thank you Colleen and John and the rest of the staff for making our stay amazing and your commitment to...

Drift House: A Luxurious Haven of Understated Elegance

Arriving on a blustery July day after a night in a basic Apollo Bay motel, stepping into The Drift House, felt like discovering a hidden paradise. Owned by the talented John and his wife (whose impeccable design vision shapes every detail), this boutique retreat is a masterclass in luxury and warmth.

My son stayed in the stunning fireplace suite, while my own room—equally opulent, with understated elegance—was a sanctuary. The owners have transformed several heritage houses into a secluded oasis near the river, blending architectural charm with sumptuous interiors that rival Europe’s finest hotels. With only five or six rooms, the attention to detail is flawless, and Marley who manages front of house and almost all other aspects performs gracious hospitality ensuring every need is met.

But the true highlight? Dinner at The Kitchen, Set in an intimate, beautifully designed dining space, the Spanish-inspired menu (which changes daily) was so authentic it transported us back home (we live in Spain!). John and his wife draw inspiration from annual trips to Spain, and it shows—every dish was a revelation.

Whether you’re seeking a romantic weekend escape from Melbourne (just three hours away) or a sublime stop along the Great Ocean Road, Drift House delivers perfection: luxury, warmth, unforgettable dining and genuine caring service. Don’t miss it.

A flawless gem...

We had a lovely 2-night stay at Drifthouse in Port Fairy, which marked the end of our journey through the Great Ocean Road.

Maddy welcomed us, gave us a tour of the property, and served us breakfast on our last day - we appreciated her cheerful and warm attitude that made this place feel like home starting at check in.

Our room was uniquely designed with comfortable furniture and modern touches. A small kitchenette featured all the essentials (small electric stove, microwave, coffee, tea selection). The soaking tub was also appreciated on our chillier days!

The food was wonderful - lots of breakfast options, and on our last night we enjoyed dinner in the cozy dining room. We were impressed by all the tapas (especially the beet salad, croquettes, chickpea and spinach dish, and super tender pork shoulder.) The drink and local wine selection complemented the food perfectly.

Colleen assisted us with breakfast and dinner, and was lovely, sweet and helpful throughout our stay. We enjoyed exploring Port Fairy, which is a simple, cute, quiet little town in winter - it must buzz in the summer, when ocean activities would be more appealing. At Colleen’s recommendation, we walked to the lighthouse and had a fabulous time exploring the pathways along the beach.

This is the perfect place to stay in Port Fairy - comfortable, clean, well-designed, a short walk to all activities, great food on property, and a...