Stargazing tiny home shows off coast landscape

AN OFF-grid accommodation experience is on its way to the region with the aim of immersing visitors in the Great Ocean Road landscape.

A Port Fairy-designed and built tiny home dubbed Stella the Stargazer is touring the state to encourage more travellers to visit regional Victoria.

It was built from remnants of a farming shed that is designed to have a low environmental impact with an authentic Victorian look.

The government-backed Stargazer is a sustainable structure built with upcycled and hand-made materials, which includes a roll-out sleeping platform, a shower and operable glass louvres to ensure guests can fully experience their surrounding landscape.

Stella will come to the Great Ocean Road between February 3 and April 6 next year, at a location to be confirmed.

A night at the tiny home will set back visitors at least $330, which includes breakfast, a chef-curated hamper and bottle of wine and interior items.

Tourism Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the new initiative “champions” regional Victoria and its tourism attractions”.

“We’re showcasing some of the state’s unique and picturesque destinations, while offering visitors a special and sustainable way to unwind that celebrates Victoria’s makers, creators, culture and natural environment.”

Visit Victoria chief executive officer Brendan McClements said the project aimed to have wide-ranging benefits for Victorian communities.

“Stella the Stargazer is not your typical accommodation experience. This uniquely Victorian stay sets out to deepen visitor’s connection to nature and country, bring attention to the benefits of upcycling and encourage them to uncover new favourite destinations.”

Stella the Stargazer is part of Visit Victoria’s “Stay close, go further” tourism campaign for intrastate travelers.