Dreaming of a girl’s weekend away? Whether it’s your hen’s weekend or you’re just looking for some quality time with your besties, Alkina Lodge is the perfect place to throw away your responsibilities for a few days, relax and indulge yourselves.
We are situated in a truly amazing location on the Great Ocean Road. We’re close enough to Melbourne to make it an easy weekend away, but still far away enough to make it extra special.
Each of our three luxury lodges has four bedrooms and two bathrooms, making them the perfect set-up for a group of friends.
The lodges were designed by renowned Australian architects Glenn Murcutt and Wendy Lewin, and come with fine European furnishings and a designer kitchen.
For the winter we have under floor heating in the bathrooms, and of course our famous fireplace – the perfect spot for a good bottle of red wine, some local cheeses and a group of your best friends for a good girl’s night in!
So get packing! Bring your wine and cheese. Bring some good books and magazines. Bring your hiking boots and maybe even your surf board. But most importantly bring your sense of fun, friendship and indulgence…
Below is a list of ideas to help plan your luxury girl’s weekend away:
Friday
- Arrive at Alkina Lodge. You’ll be met by our managers Cindy and Jordan who will show you around and help you settle in.
- This evening you might like to catch up on everyone’s news with a girl’s night in. Our Gaggenau equipped kitchen is a great place to gather and cook a meal together before you enjoy a long evening in chatting!
- If you don’t feel like cooking tonight, then our chef Cindy will prepare you something special for your evening meal. Cindy is a French Canadian international chef and studied the culinary art of haute cuisine in Ontario. You’re sure to enjoy the meal she creates for you.*
- If it’s a clear night tonight, we suggest you step outside the lodge after your evening meal, as you’ll be able to see amazing views of the Milky Way. If you’d like to use our complimentary telescope for a really clear view please let us know early so we can arrange this.
Saturday
- Whoever has the master bedroom will wake up to stunning ocean views today. And everyone should take a look outside as soon as you wake up – there are usually kangaroos feeding in the early morning, often right outside the bedroom windows.
- If you’re feeling active today then rest assured, we’ve got you covered. Grab your hiking boots this morning and enjoy some spectacular walking along beautiful coastline or through serene rainforest. There are walking trails to suit all tastes and abilities close to the lodges.
- Alternatively, we have some of Australia’s best surf beaches on our doorstep – how about a group surf lesson?
- You’ve probably worked up a good appetite by now, and we suggest you head to the nearby Otway Ranges as there are some fabulous cafes and restaurants here. You can’t beat a lazy girl’s lunch with some great food and a few bottles of local wine.
- After lunch you might like to stop in at some of the local craft breweries and wineries and enjoy sampling some of their delicious products.
- When you get back to the lodge, it’s probably time to relax with a pile of magazines or a good book. Alternatively now might be the perfect time to get out the nail polish and those face packs!
- Of course, no trip to the Great Ocean Road is complete without visiting the famous 12 Apostles, and we believe sunset is one of the best times to visit. There’ll be fewer people around, there are often spectacular sunsets, and if you’re lucky you’ll see the little penguins who return ashore at this time of day. The 12 Apostles are just 20 minutes drive from Alkina Lodge.
Sunday
- Sundays are the perfect day for a lie-in so you don’t need to get up until you want to! But if you find yourself awake early we suggest you put on the Nespresso machine and find somewhere to sit outside so you can watch the resident kangaroos on their morning feed around the lodge.
- This morning you might like to visit beautiful Wreck Beach, just a short drive from Alkina Lodge. There’s a steep walk down, but it’s worth the effort! You’ll be able to see the anchors of the famous shipwrecks Marie Gabrielle and the Fiji here, and you’re sure to appreciate the wild and beautiful coastline here.
- On your way back to Melbourne you might like to take a small detour and visit Cape Otway Lightstation for some amazing coastal views and fascinating history. The cosy Lightkeepers Cafe also does a very tasty lunch!
There are so many other things to see and do while you stay at Alkina Lodge, so if you’d like any other ideas for your girl’s weekend away please contact us.
So what are you waiting for?! Click here to check our availability calendar and make a booking. Then grab your favourite ladies, pack your bags and prepare to come and have the best girl’s weekend away you’ve ever had!
*Please note meals must be booked 7 days prior to arrival.
Where To Stay
Luxury accommodation is available at Alkina Lodge (+61 3 8899 7426 ; alkinalodge.com.au ). There are three luxurious, architecturally designed lodges which are set in 104 acres of native bushland. The lodges are about 15 minutes drive from famous sites such as the 12 Apostles. Prices start from $297.50 per person per night (based on twin share occupancy and excluding flights).
Getting There
The Great Ocean Road is located in Victoria and stretches for 243 kms, starting at Torquay and ending near Warrnambool. How to get there depends on which part of the Great Ocean Road you’d like to visit. However, the most famous sights such as the 12 Apostles and Port Campbell National Park are located 275 kms west of Melbourne, approximately a 4 hour drive along the Great Ocean Road.