Great Ocean Road Foodie Heaven
Welcome to the Great Ocean Road, one of Australia’s most beautiful roads and a foodie’s paradise. This iconic drive takes you through bustling coastal towns and quiet seaside villages, each with special dining experiences and showcasing the best Victorian produce. From high-end restaurants with views to no-frills foodie joints serving up fresh seafood and great coffee, the foodie journey along this road is as varied as it is delicious. Whether you’re sipping wine at a local cellar door or eating fish and chips by the beach, the Great Ocean Road is a sensory feast you won’t want to miss.
Special Dining Experiences
Tucked away in the natural beauty of Apollo Bay, Chris’s Beacon Point Restaurant is the ultimate fine dining experience on the Great Ocean Road. With a daily menu that reflects the freshest local ingredients, diners can indulge in dishes made from the ocean’s bounty and produce from nearby farms. The restaurant’s location above the ocean offers stunning views and mouth-watering meals for every occasion.
Further inland in the charming town of Birregurra, Brae has established itself as one of Australia’s top restaurants. Here, chef Dan Hunter has taken the philosophy of reconciliation with the land to heart and grows much of the restaurant’s produce on-site. Brae’s philosophy extends to its daily changing menu, which showcases a refined and innovative approach to seasonal ingredients matched with beautiful local wines. This commitment to quality and sustainability has earned Brae international recognition and a loyal following of foodies.
Wickens at the Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld is another must eat destination that combines luxury with country charm. The menu is indulgent and features local ingredients, including beef from the hotel’s own cattle farm and vegetables from the kitchen gardens. The sommelier’s wine pairing from the best cellar doors means each dish is matched with the perfect wine to make the whole experience even more special.
By Location
The Great Ocean Road has towns along the way, each with its own foodie treasures. In Lorne, a popular holiday spot, foodies can eat from casual to gourmet.
- MoVida, right by the beach, is Spanish tapas at its best.
- The Bottle of Milk is the burger joint, laid back and full of flavour.
- Ipsos Restaurant & Bar has traditional and modern Greek dishes for a family feast with a view.
- Totti’s is Italian at its best, with fresh pasta and wood-fired pizzas.
- Little Picket is a cute café serving great coffee and light meals for a lazy breakfast or afternoon treat.
In Apollo Bay, seafood is the hero, and the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op has some of the freshest catches to eat right on the water. Apollo Bay Bakery is famous for its scallop pies – a must-try for any visitor.
Specialty Food and Drink
The Great Ocean Road won’t let you down if you love the artisanal. The region is full of distilleries and breweries where you can taste craft beers or enjoy a whisky flight at the Apollo Bay Distillery. For wine lovers, Dinny Goonan Wines offers an intimate cellar-door experience where you can taste award-winning wines and learn about the winemaking process.
This is just a small sample of the local producers who make up the fabric of the region’s food and drink scene. Each one offers a different taste and experience that reflects the local culture and the people who live here. Whether it’s a cold drip coffee or a complex craft beer, these places will refresh you and give you a deep dive into the artisanal spirit of the Great Ocean Road.
Casual Dining and Snacks
For a more relaxed dining experience, the Great Ocean Road has an array of casual eateries and comfort food spots. Fish by Moonlite in Anglesea is a must for seafood lovers, offering a fresh and innovative take on ocean fare in a cozy and unpretentious environment. The restaurant’s commitment to fresh, locally sourced seafood means you’ll always get a treat, whether a simple grilled fish or a seafood platter.
The Wye General in Wye River is more than a café. It’s a community hub where locals and visitors meet over breakfast and lunch. Friendly and rustic, this spot serves up good honest food made with fresh local ingredients, including their famous homemade pies and sausage rolls, perfect for refuelling after a morning surf.
In Port Campbell, Forage on the Foreshore is a cafe that’s all about sustainability and farm-to-table. Here you can enjoy wholesome, organic food while looking out at the beach – perfect for those who want to nourish body and soul. The menu changes with the seasons and reflects the region’s best produce, with dishes that are both delicious and nutritious.
For a quick and Aussie classic, Kermond’s Hamburgers in Warrnambool has been serving up the same burger since the 1940s. Their burgers made with locally sourced beef and fresh ingredients are a hit with all ages and proof that good simple food never goes out of style.
Food Tours and Activities
The food journey along the Great Ocean Road isn’t just about static dining. For foodies who want to get their hands dirty, there are plenty of food winery tours and culinary activities to get you up close and personal with the region’s food scene.
- The Otway Harvest Trail is where you can visit local farms, vineyards and artisan producers. The trail takes you through beautiful scenery where you can taste and buy organic produce, handcrafted cheeses like Apostle Whey Cheese and unique preserves.
- 6 Foodie things to do on the Great Ocean Road are to visit local markets where producers gather to sell fresh fruit, veg and gourmet food, take cooking classes that focus on local ingredients and attend food and wine festivals that celebrate the region’s produce and culinary talent.
More
Beyond the coastal strip the Great Ocean Road has more to offer a little further inland. Babil in Colac and Izzy’s in Koroit are two restaurants that showcase the region’s inland agricultural and cultural heritage. Babil has a menu inspired by local history and ingredients so you can taste regional Australia with a modern twist. Izzy’s is Mediterranean and uses local meats and produce to create dishes that are bright and warm.
How can I visit the Great Ocean Road?
Visiting the Great Ocean Road, one of Australia’s most famous coastal routes, is a fantastic journey through breathtaking landscapes and unique attractions. Here are several ways to plan your visit:
By Car: The most common way to experience the Great Ocean Road is by car. You can rent a car from Melbourne and drive along the coast. The road starts at Torquay, about 100 kilometers from Melbourne, and extends to Allansford.
Guided 12 Apostles Tours: If you prefer not to drive, there are numerous guided tours available from Melbourne. These tours often include stops at major sights like the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Apollo Bay and various coastal towns.
Public Transport: While less convenient, it’s possible to use public transport for parts of the route. V/Line operates services to Geelong, where you can transfer to local buses that service towns along the Great Ocean Road.
Accommodation and Stops: The route is well-equipped with a variety of accommodations, from luxury resorts to hostels and campgrounds. It’s advisable to plan overnight stops if you wish to explore thoroughly, with popular spots being Apollo Bay and Port Campbell.
Best Time to Visit: The Great Ocean Road can be visited year-round, but the best time is during the warmer months from November to April, which offer favorable weather for beach activities and hiking.
For more information, it’s beneficial to check resources like the official tourism sites for Victoria or the specific Great Ocean Road tourism portals, where you can get the latest updates on travel tips, accommodation options, and detailed maps.
Great Ocean Road Dining FAQs
What to eat on the Great Ocean Road?
You can’t go past fresh seafood like Apollo Bay’s crayfish, local bakery scallop pies and gourmet burgers from Kermond’s.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes, many Great Ocean Road restaurants and cafes have vegetarian and vegan menus with dishes made from the region’s abundant produce.
Family-friendly?
The Bottle of Milk in Lorne, The Wye General and Apollo Bay Bakery are family-friendly, casual dining with menus to suit all ages.
How can I taste local wine and beer?
Visit cellar doors like Bellbrae Estate or the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie’s beer and wine tastings to try some of the best local brews and vintages.
Do I need to book most of these places?
While walk-ins are welcome at many casual dining spots, it’s a good idea to book ahead for popular restaurants, especially during peak season, so you don’t miss out on the best experiences.