A 2.5 hour drive from Melbourne via Princes Highway, Johanna River Farm & Cottage is a working sheep farm
Located at the foot of the Otway Ranges just off the Great Ocean Road ~ Midway between Apollo Bay & the 12 Apostles.
4kms from Johanna Beach, which incorporates The Great Ocean Walk, and central to all the highlights of the Great Ocean Road and Otway National Park.
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Fabuluos place to stay, especially in the winter with the wood fires roaring. Lovely views with plenty of walks on the property. Julian and Helen are excellent hosts and will make you and your dogs very welcome. Look forward to going to the waterfalls in the summer too.
Jan and family
I love the farm experience,being around the animals and with beautiful ocean views this is a memorable place. It’s great to be able to bring along the dog and the kids absolutely love the pet sheep.
Such a restful and comfortable place to stay, rest up, watch the weather and the sheep.
fresh air excersise and a comfortable place to sleep. warm friendly hosts. What more could one ask ?
We love visiting Johanna river farm cottages. Johanna and the Otways are a great place to visit.
We stayed in the farmhouse, home away from home. The kids loved picking up the eggs and the chooks seemed to enjoy the experience too, they just flocked to the kids when they threw out our scraps. Great fun, good relaxation.
Fantastic destination with lots of fun on offer for the kids and friendly hosts. Cosy accommodation and great views – a place to remember!
brillant escape makes you relise what lifes about or should be!
hosts were incredible people definetly going back
This is just the best place to stay! Great hosts, beautiful countryside, fresh air, ocean views, friendly farm animals and fabulous flora and fauna.
It’s a ‘Must Stay’ place for us whenever we head down the west coast!!! Julian & Helen are fantastic hosts!!
Helen and Julian are the perfect hosts. You really feel at home and part of their beautiful farm environment. And Wow! what fantastic views – country and seaside all in one package. Cosy, comfortable and affordable cottages – definately a home away from home.
Just brilliant!
Amazing scenery combined with a stunning farm. To top it off there was quick access to the beach and a close by river. The kids also loved the cute and cuddly animals (especially the alpacas), while the dog thought he was the boss because the sheep were scared of him.
Helen and Julian were great hosts.
WOW! How could you ever NOT thoroughly enjoy your stay at Johanna River Farm & Cottages! Cosy cottages, great scenery with the serenity of living on a working farm far removed from the pressures and frenetic pace of city life. Kids especially will adore the farm animals not to mention the natural wildlife, and you too for taking them there in the first place!
And Helen and Julian are the hosts with the mosts! You’ll simply feel “right at home”.
Heaps of things to see and do outside of the property too. No wonder previous guests just keep coming back!
We really enjoyed our stay at the farm, we would have loved to stay abit longer.
Helen made us feel really welcome and feeding the animals was a high light for the kids. Loved the sheep, would have taken one home if we could. Having towels and sheets supplied was nice and cabins clean and tidy.
Thanks
Jodie, Frank Amelia, Lucy and Antonio Chiodo
10 out of 10!!!
Great place to stay and great hosts
This was our second holiday in a cottage on the farm…and we’ll be back for more! Our children love the kids bunk-room, our dog loves the lazy balcony and the warm fire, and my wife and I love the whole cosy ‘log-cabin’ feel. The warm welcome, the beautiful views, and the fresh eggs from the new chook house – what could be better! Thank you Helen & Julian.
It was great to find somewhere to holiday with our dogs, with many of the comforts of home plus beautiful scenery and so many things to do, both on the farm and in the surroundng area. Or the option to just relax and read a book.
The animals all made us welcome and Helen and Julian were always helpful and supportive without intruding in any way.
We’ll be back!
Superb views. Excellent place for children who can happily watch sheep from the cottage and feed the animals. Thanks.
Great views from a beautiful private cottage. Enjoy the peace, birds and kangaroos that come to the fence. The fresh eggs and salads from the garden are great too!
A beautiful rural retreat with the ocean only a stones throw away.
Open fire, fresh eggs, great views and privacy. Beautiful drives, lovely walks…what more could you possibly ask for? A pool?? There is one there!
It was sad to leave and l will definitely be back.
Absolutley the best dogs on holiday accommodation I have had the pleasure to stay at. Magnicificent views of mountains, farmland and sea, beautiful cottages, lovely poeple. Dogs and people are equally and warmly welcomed. Top class holiday accommodation, shall be returning at least three times a year. Love it!
Johanna is one of the most spectacular places in victoria. Helen & Julian have provided a wonderful farm retreat with stunning views and exciting walks. Their attention to detail was unsurpassed. Will return again & again.
Very relaxing, home away from home, well stocked and supported, we are planning to return soon.
It was the holiday my 3 sisters and myself had been planning for months to celebrate my youngest sister’s 40th birthday. We had so much fun relaxing, cooking, scrapbooking, cooking toast and marshmallows on the fire, late nights and warm beds not to forget the unforgettable view as the sun came up in the valley. The perfect place for a holiday – look forward to the day when we can come back again – maybe for another birthday celebration.
My first stay at Joanna seaside cottages will not be my last. From the gorgeous ocean views to the open fires, to the kitchen with everything you need to make a gourmet meal to the sounds of the ocean. We loved the views and our staffy loved the smells.
Great place to relax pre kids – looking forward to returning in the near future with the two kids and dog in tow!
What a great place to stay……..beautiful beach, breathtaking views and peace to relax couldn’t of had a better holiday. Thanks Helen and Jules for your kindness and hospitality!!!
Our little get away to this property was one we will never forget.
We spent our evenings by the fire watching the sun set over the lake and behind the hills and our days tasting the wine and cheese of the Otways.
We will definitely be back.
Thank you to our hosts, Julian and Helen, for sharing this beautiful landscape.
Hi Helen and Julian, we hade a great week at youre farm whit all youre animals. Hope that you had a great time in Melbourne and we hope that we might see you soon
Helen and Julian, thank you for everything! We had a wonderful week at your beautiful farm.
Say hi to all the cute animals!
What a special treat this was for our grand daughter. Thank you.
Well what a magnificent couple of days…..
From the lambs and sheep welcoming us at the gate, to the gorgeous open fire and breathtaking views.
We really didn’t want to leave and can’t wait to come back again…..
Thanks so much Helen and Julian we think we have found our heaven on earth.
always made to feel welcome – a great homely atmosphere – love the wildlife and the farm animals – my favourite winter holiday – watching the storms roll in from the ocean are just awesome
fantastic location, lovely surroundings, magical in every way.
aboutsolutley brillant cosy comfortable what a view are host were fantastic we will be back
Quiet, serene, away from it all – but fantastic fun for the kids with the farm there. Couldn’t ask for better hosts.
just back ,after 3 beautiful days. didnt leave property. thanks helen julian.
What a fantastic place! From its humble beginnings the owners have always welcomed us warmly and made us feel right at home. A wonderful getaway from the hustle and bustle of melbourne, in breathtaking surroundings. I can’t wait to go back!
We discovered Johanna river farm and cottages 12 years ago and try to stay at least twice a year – once in mid Autumn (the best time) and just before the chaos of Christmas. The colours are amazing. See you in early December Julian and Helen!.
A working farm – great for families
What a wonderful place for a holiday. Our 3 year old loved feeding the lamb with a bottle and we loved the bower bird making its nest outside out cottage with the rolling hills to look at all the way to the sea. Breath taking.
We love the Otways and the wonderful seclusion of The Acacia Cottage. The spa, the woodfire & other comforts, and the view, friendly hosts, Johanna beach, the river, funny friendly farm animals all this and more add to the reasons why we stay at Johana river farm and cottages often.
Fantastic place to stay for city dwellers to get a taste of country life. Great for kids as animals are nice and friendly
Fantastic, gorgeous scenery. The owners felt like family within minutes of meeting them. We even got fresh eggs for our breakfast the next day, beautiful.
Can think of 101 reasons to stay with Helen & Julian at Johanna River Farm & Cottages, Fantastic hosts, great location, great views, comfy cottages, family friendly, child friendly, couple friendly, pet friendly, 101 friendly farm animals, perfect for international and interstate guests, close to the beach, rainforests, tourist drives and the Great Ocean Walk. Helen & Julian provide comprehensive local & tourist information, fresh eggs from their resident chooks, a vegie patch to share………….GO FOR IT!
What a fantastic place to escape to!! So much to see and do and the the kids can really wear themselves out! (They loved the dogs and the sheep!) Fantastic walking tracks and loved the beautiful Johanna beach. Gorgeous in Winter…can’t wait to go and stay in Summer too. Thank you Helen and Julian for being such amazing hosts.
Friendly, warm, and wonderful! Our 1 night stay was 364 nights too short.
My husband, myself, the two kids and the dog, love Johanna River Farm and Cottages so much that we have now been there 3 times. In fact, my son has demanded that we go there EVERY second year for ever (and is not that happy that we go anywhere else in the inbetween years!)!
Julian and Helen are wonderful hosts (and their dogs Charlie and Bowie and Stropp the pet sheep who thinks he is a dog) – always helpful, and giving the kids lots of hands-on interaction with the general animal care, if they want.
The farm and cottages are beautifully maintained, with plenty of choices in what to do each day either on the farm, down by the river, or in the area.
A lovely place to wake up each day, whether to be active or just relax. We cannot recommend it enough.
Great place, peaceful and refreshing. You are always made to feel welcome.
If you’re a dog lover and would like to take your hound(s) on holiday with your family, then Joanna River Farm and Cottages is the place to go. Comprising four cottages, the farmstead is tranquil, has beautiful views of the ocean, and has access to great walks in the surrounding areas. We try to get to Joanna River Farm and Cottages at least once a year precisely because of the friendly and tranquil environment the farmstead offers.
Fabulous place to visit and relax. Friendly atmosphere with marvellous hosts and views to match. You and your dogs will be made most welcome.
JRF&C has 4 cottages in a beautiful setting with mountain and sea views. It is very peaceful. The cottages are clean, comfortable and have all a person would require for a reclusive getaway. The added bonus for us being that we can take our dogs and keep them in an exciting and safe environment. The dogs are also treated as welcome guests with towels and feeding bowls supplied as well as a treat on arrival – our dogs always find these in a flash! Helen and Julian are lovley hosts, both vey friendly and calm – a perfect example of how good country living is for one. We try to get to JRFC at least once a year if not more!
The perfect getaway for a long weekend. Simple, peaceful, friendly. Leave your worries behind …
Great place to go and relaxwith your dog. Great Hosts, great cottages and most of all great views.
What a great hidden place to go. Arrive at the gate, leave all your normal routines at the gate and drive down into a place that is hidden away in the most beautiful setting.
All the cottages have dog & children friendly yards, deck, everything in a cottage that you would want during your stay.
The view each morning and nights or whenever you look out the windows is breath taking and relaxing. This is the best week we go away for each year and look forward to catching up with Helen & Julian who are great hosts and friends.
heaven on earth logfire ocean view more comforts than home fantastic hosts incredible farm fantastic for a getaway with the kids or a romantic weekend
loved the donkey and alpacas
we have stayed several times and will be going back, great place with great views and great hosts.
LOVE IT
What an idylic spot….a true piece of utopia !!!!!!!We had everything we needed in the cottages,no stone had been left unturned by our wonderful hosts-Helen & Julian…we felt like part of the family ! We will definitely be returning many times.
3 cottages on a working farm. great for kids!
I have been coming to Johanna River Farm for more than 10 years ; this in itself tells you something ! I love this place best of all the vacation spots I go to and there are several . There are lots of animals on the farm and I especially like the goats who actually greet me and I give them treats (carrots ) . Charley the resident kelpie accompanies me and my dog Rowdy and we sometimes walk across the fields and view the Ocean . It is actually the best view in the World. In the evening you can enjoy the sunset viewed from the cottage window. The cottages are very nicely furnished and comfy. If the meal you are cooking is bland herbs from the garden embellish it. The hosts are very friendly and are happy to chat and give you old and recent history of the Otways and the farm … I am getting anxious just typing this ; I wish to immediately hop in the car and go to Johanna Farm .
Johanna River Farm and Cottages is just great place for sightseeing and fun. There are many sheeps and some alpaca and phony … and in the morning I could see beautiful rising sun. just 5 minutes driving , I could meet nice johanna beach. and Great Ocean Road walking course. So good cottage. Most of all , Host was very nice people and warm hearted.
Johanna River Farm and Cottages is just great place for sightseeing and fun.
There are many sheeps and some alpacas in the farm.
I could see rising sun in the morning . and just 5 minutes driving ,
I could meet beautiful johanna beach. Great Ocean Road walking course.
Host is very nice people and warm hearted people.
Nice cottage.
Just visit Johanna River Farm and Cottages. There is special for you.
A beautiful place in the world. This is our 4th year, and booked again for October. We have 2 lively Jack Russell Terriers and 2 busy Toddlers. It accomodates for kids and dogs. Great walks by the river, or a 5 mins drive to Johanna beach, great rock pools for kids to potter around in. A dam to fish in. Plenty of animals to meet, and lambs to bottle feed. Helen and Julian are the best hosts, nothing is too much trouble. Great BBQ facilities, each cottage has its own, or you can use the communal one if you feel like socialising.
Cottages have all ModCons, including Washing Machine, so you can travel light. Nothing is overlooked.
We as a Family always come back, and highly recommend to other families
Fantastic place to get away from it all. The hosts (Julian & Helen) are a fabulous couple that give you that extra customer service that’s missing elsewhere. A warm and friendly atmosphere with breathtaking views, beautiful surroundings, lovely walks and scenery. Another plus, you can take your dog with you. Highly recommend it.
A working farm in the Otways, animals everywhere great for the kids and plenty for them to do particularly with our dogs. 3 Kilometers of river to wander through and great fishing, ask Julian & Helen where to throw the line.
A terrific place to stay with your family or just a couple. Great veiew and fantastic walks and that is just on the property.
Then you can hit the beach, the forest – it’s a magical place of Australia and Helen and Julian are the best hosts.
Had a great week here, great views,walks and bonus we could bring our dog. Thanks to our hosts who were lovely.
Wonderful rolling green hills and views of the sea, accommodating hosts and an amusing collection of animals to be entertained by.
Where else has it all from amazing rain forest, rugged coast line and almost deserted beaches. We were made to feel very welcome and the farm has a nice family atmosphere – a definate plus was our dogs were able to come to!. thanks to our hosts for a very special holiday will be back again.
A great homely atmosphere, heaps to do plus truly stunning views will definately be back again – thanks for the hospitality
Could not think of a better place to bring the kids. They can feed the animals and then we can tire them out on the beach down the road and hence have a quiet night!