When you think of off-grid living, do you think of cosy cabins that lack creature comforts like indoor plumbing and electricity? If so, it's time to welcome you to the 21st century, where off-grid living can have pretty much all of the luxuries of modern-day living – and a prime example are these Sky Pods and Sky Ships in Cape Otway.
Housed on an 80-hectare private wildlife refuge that hugs Victoria's western coast, these four bookable and self-contained eco-pods are best known for a particular feature: floor-to-ceiling glass walls that blur the lines between outdoor and indoor. Those staying the night get to enjoy the best of the bush and luxury accommodation, with amenities like Nespresso machines, a fully equipped kitchen and free Wi-Fi.
Choose between the two Sky Pods (priced at $415 and $435 per night) or the Sky Ships (priced at $355 per night) and book for a minimum of two nights. Make sure to pack provisions or stop on the way to pick up ingredients for dinner, as the property is fairly remote and Apollo Bay is the nearest town to you at a half-hour's drive away.
When you roll up to the gate at the end of Manna Gum Drive, you'll likely be greeted by a smiling Maxwell Vella, ready to tell you the story behind his little slice of paradise. Max and his wife Lisa (who are musicians that formerly owned the Night Cat in Fitzroy) own and live in a house on this sprawling space where they've tasked themselves with leading lives – and building living spaces – that cause the least environmental damage possible. All of the properties here are completely off-grid, and solar panels power your experience. The Vellas have also planted more than 65,000 trees on the property to help regenerate the land.
After you've arrived, settle in and make yourself at home then prepare for the incoming sunset. While you can watch it from your pod, you'll also have access to a private walking trail down to Station Beach and Rainbow Falls – at least once during your stay, you should embark on the short trek (20 minutes downhill there, 30 minutes uphill back) down to the water. When you get back, rug up and set up the 100-inch projector screen for an immersive movie night experience. When you wake up and roll up the screen, you just might be lucky enough to catch sight of some roos enjoying breakfast.
