A police officer will fight allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman in a hotel room during an interstate getaway.

Victoria Police officer Taylor Johnson was off duty and enjoying a weekend in Sydney when he allegedly raped a 38-year-old woman in a hotel.

NSW Police launched an investigation into the alleged incident in March after a referral from their southern counterparts’ sexual offences and family violence unit.

The 32-year-old officer was arrested on Wednesday when his colleagues carried out a search warrant at his home in north-east Melbourne.

Granted police bail, Johnson faced a Sydney court for the first time on Thursday as he asked for modified conditions that would allow him to live in Victoria.

He was supported by his mother. The court was told she was willing to drive her son to Melbourne to ensure he would not come close to an international airport.

In Downing Centre Local Court, Magistrate Greg Grogin applied a raft of bail conditions, including a ban on leaving Victoria except to go to court in NSW.

Johnson was also banned from contacting the alleged victim, approaching within 200 metres of where she works or lives or publishing any material about her online.

Other conditions including daily reporting to his local police station.

Outside court, lawyer Charles Abbott said Johnson would defend the charge.

He is excused from appearing when his matter returns to court in late May.

He has been suspended from Victoria Police with pay.

1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732

National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028

-AAP