I recently made a return trip to The Octopus accommodation in Lorne, after having been there previously 2 or 3 times with friends and family (from overseas). This time I attended with a few friends for a girls' weekend and I must say after not having been there for quite a few years I was glad the experience was just as good as I remembered.
The unit was clean, comfortable and close to everything we needed. We got there on a Friday afternoon and were so comfortable we decided to stay in for dinner, rather than go out. We made use of the George Foreman grill and I noticed that the kitchen was even more well-stocked this time than I remembered. It actually had more gadgets available than I have at home, as well as all the basics that are sorely lacking in many other holiday units I've visited. No stone has been left unturned, that's for sure!
The old modular lounge, while nice, had been updated, as had all of the bedding. The fourth bedroom had also been opened up (it had always been locked in previous visits as I think previous owners kept it private for themselves, which is fair enough), and had lovely, new furniture and bedding as well. The shower head in the downstairs bathroom was fantastic and as always, it was great to have a number of toilets, upstairs and downstairs, to choose from. Very convenient.
The star of the show remains the fantastic views and close proximity to the golf course and forest just next to one of the side drives. I've been there in summer and winter, and the view always guarantees a breathtaking opportunity to see the sky and the ocean at its best.
Yes, the walk back up the hill is still steep but after a good walk, shop and visit to one of the many great cafes, pubs or restaurants I actually looked forward to the opportunity for a good bout of exercise. The new cafe near the main road in, and island separating the road, gave us the opportunity to try a new cafe for brunch one morning, where we sat on a picnic table beside the beach while the staff brought us our coffee and food. Awesome addition to the Lorne experience! (I think they're called the Swing Bridge Cafe?!)
I will definitely make sure my next visit to The Octopus will not be so long to organise, as I felt like I was visiting an old friend that hadn't changed over the years.....but had actually gotten better.
Definitely give it a 5/5!