The Great Ocean Road is well-known for its excellent sea views and its rugged coastline for the beach lovers; but also for the lovers of gastronomy. From Torquay to Port Fairy one can have their pick from a selection of relaxing café; seaside bistros or award winning restaurants. If you want delicious fresh fish, a cold beer, or some special food made out of seasonal ingredients, the establishments along these roads are sure to surprise you. From simple settings in the interior of Apollo Bay to great restaurants in Port Fairy, designs variations are available on the last two places. In this article, we’ll show you the most interesting places along the route where you can satisfy your hunger with the help of the local cuisine, or you can join the organised Great Ocean Road trip that passes through the above-mentioned towns.
Great food and drinks along the Great Ocean Road
Wandering in and out of picture-perfect seaside places and promiscuous pastoral views, the food scene on the Great Ocean Road is both refined and raw. One can find a rich supply of seafood, beer, and fresh vegetables which put this area on the culinary map. Here are some of such places, where aural people can range out cold drip coffee or well mastered other dishes with great love.
The Wye General, Wye River
Perched amidst nature in camaraderie Wye River, The Wye General is a great place to have fresh food while admiring breathtaking scenery. Rustic little coffee shops like this achieve in making free-range baked eggs, granola with coconut yoghurt and serving excellent coffee. It’s the perfect place to work up an appetite for a late brunch before venturing on the rest of the coastline.
Forage on the Foreshore, Port Campbell
Forage on the Foreshore, located in Port Campbell, is one of the great gems of the restaurants in the area. They offer a menu featuring seasonal fruits, and seafood like no other since everything is freshly caught. Their cheese platters and coconut porridge are the first selection on the menu, and there is a perfect outdoor area where you can enjoy your meal alongside amazing views of the ocean.
Fish by Moonlite, Anglesea
On the other hand, Anglesea’s Fish by Moonlite is a coastal eatery that serves the best seafood, which includes fresh fish and scallops from the locality. This place is acclaimed for its fresh and modern ‘fish-and-chips’ version that will certainly blow your cravings away. Thanks to the concept of her place right on the beach, it is comfortable to spend the evening with a refreshing glasses of gin or wine from her extensive collection of exquisite wines.
Chris’s Beacon Point Restaurant, Apollo Bay
All fruits and vegetables are gorgeously arranged in a stylish manner and they surely will complement the great peach of the Otway Harvest Trail. This happens because the all-familiar wines from the henty wine producing isle are quite elegant, as are all the dishes made, and together compensate for the amnesitic aloofness of the dinner. The chefs spare no effort in preparing everything from seafood to chicken wings with no holds barred in a set menu designed to give one satisfaction in relaxation under Australian trees and great sea vistas.
Conlan’s Wine Store, Port Fairy
For finer cuisine, there is Conlan’s Wine Store, located in Port Fairy, which is a solo restaurant known for its exquisite dishes complimented with diverse wines. The restaurant was warm and the atmosphere hospitable and the food was rather regional made with seasonal ingredients. Whether you are a wine lover or a mere eater, Conlan’s seems to be an information area to reach.
Brae, Birregurra
For an elegant meal, turn to Birregurra to Brae, where the popular degustation fare is inspired by what is used from the kitchen garden. It’s one of the best cellar doors in the district featuring many five course banquet meal options with a great variety of seasonal ingredients and gourmet treats.
The Bottle of Milk, Lorne
For those who like their meat in the form of burgers, the Bottle of Milk located within Lorne is also known for its burgers and craft beer. It is a rustic styled cafe, which is nice to have a meal after a swim in the ocean or a long walk on the Otway walking tracks.
Ipsos Restaurant & Bar, Lorne
Ipsos is located in the centre of Lorne and adds a classy approximation to the modern menu. With an emphasis on Mediterranean ideas, the restaurant combines the relaxed environment of the seaside with active cooking. From FISHERMEN’S to small plates, you can have it all and more which is why Ipsos is good both as a formal restaurant and an informal diner often.
Apollo Bay Bakery, Apollo Bay
The famous Apollo Bay Bakery is well known for its popular scallop pies and fresh bake goods. Visited by guests in Apollo Bay, the bakery serves Special Diet Pies made without gluten and baked Sausage Rolls. Great place to stop for a quick meal even if it is just apple pie ice cream which’s great for before a swim in the sea, and sometimes quick snacks before the sea.
Bellbrae Estate, Bellbrae
The unparalleled stylish dining is adorned with the cool climate wine of the Henty wine region. Food or rather bite-sized morsels accompanied with excellent wine are available at Bellbrae Estate, making it a layover for wine tourists in search of the Great Ocean Road.
Noodledoof Brewing and Distilling Co., Koroit
A mecca of craft beer and reclaimed spirits dwell at Noodledoof Brewing and Distilling Co. This famous small volume brewery proves that there is more to the food culture if one travels to the South West Victoria as there is more than beer. Relish a cold drink and rustic food at the quaint Koroit town, Australia.
Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op, Apollo Bay
If one is in Apollo Bay and in need of the gadgets, equipment or accessories of fishing, there are various places one can visit Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op. At this seaside eatery, the catch of the day is in abundance with delectable dishes that vary from a casual grilled fish to the elaborative and sophisticated seafood fare. It is ideal for having a lunch with beautiful views of the sea along with fresh sunshine.
Wickens at the Royal Mail Hotel, Dunkeld
It is one of the finest restaurants in the region in terms of providing quality and lavish dining experiences. Wickens at the Royal Mail Hotel is mostly known for its five courses banquet menu presenting the fullness of the produce from the hotel’s kitchen garden. The dining experience is enhanced with a selection of wines from the Henty wine region.
Timboon Fine Ice Cream
Timboon Fine Ice Cream is a place where one stops for dessert and never leaves disappointed. This natural ice-creamery located along the Otway Harvest Trail has it all from apple pie ice-cream to sundaes. We recommend a scoop or two of these beautiful fellas whilst walking around the rolling pastoral surrounds.
The Farmer’s Wife, Port Fairy
The restaurants and cafes in Port Fairy have homestyle food, the ingredients of which are in season and local. The Farmer’s Wife is designed for mid-morning meals whether it is for baked free-range eggs or toasted sandwiches.
The Oak and Anchor Café, Port Fairy
In a beautifully renovated building, The Oak and Anchor Café offers fresh salads, woodfired pizzas, and other seasonal dishes using local ingredients. One can enjoy great outdoor dining in this quaint coastal town whilst taking in the beautiful scenery at this historic coastal town.
Brightbird Espresso, Warrnambool
Call all coffee maniacs! Bluebird Bistro serves just that bright cold drip coffee fresh with pastries. It is cut out for anyone whether in excitement for a cuppa take-out or wish to rest in the premises with great coffee and service.
Bohemia Café, Warrnambool
Bohemia Café is warm, welcoming and sits itself in the heart of Warrnambool with tasty special and good coffee. Wide selection of artisan and home made food as well as fresh pastries is the reason why one should stop for breakfast or lunch while traveling through South West victoria.
Merrijig Inn, Port Fairy
Merrijig Inn, one of the oldest inns in South West Victoria, operates the menu on a daily basis, trusting it to the availability of ingredients. Incredible rural setting with gourmet cheese platters and local wines at this spot makes it a must visit.
| Restaurant/Café | Location | Type of Cuisine | Specialty Dishes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Wye General | Wye River | Café | Fresh pastries, locally sourced produce |
| Forage on the Foreshore | Port Campbell | Australian Contemporary | Seasonal dishes with an ocean view |
| Fish by Moonlite | Anglesea | Seafood, Modern Australian | Fish and chips, grilled seafood |
| Chris’s Beacon Point Restaurant | Apollo Bay | Mediterranean, Seafood | Seafood platter, lamb dishes |
| Conlan’s Wine Store | Port Fairy | Wine Bar, Modern Australian | Local wines, charcuterie boards |
| The Bottle of Milk | Lorne | Burgers, Casual Dining | Gourmet burgers, craft beers |
| Brae | Birregurra | Fine Dining, Modern Australian | Multi-course tasting menus |
| Ipsos Restaurant & Bar | Lorne | Greek, Mediterranean | Lamb skewers, spanakopita |
| Apollo Bay Bakery | Apollo Bay | Bakery, Café | Famous scallop pies, sweet treats |
| Merrijig Inn | Port Fairy | Historic Inn, Contemporary | Seasonal tasting menus, local produce |
| Bellbrae Estate | Bellbrae | Winery, Bar | Regional wines, cheese platters |
| Noodledoof Brewing and Distilling Co. | Koroit | Brewery, Distillery | Craft beers, small batch spirits |
| Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op | Apollo Bay | Seafood, Casual Dining | Fresh fish and chips, oysters |
| Wickens at the Royal Mail Hotel | Dunkeld | Fine Dining, Modern Australian | Degustation menus, farm-to-table produce |
| Timboon Fine Ice Cream | Timboon | Dessert, Ice Cream | Artisan ice cream, locally sourced dairy |
| The Farmer’s Wife | Port Fairy | Café, Organic Produce | Farm-to-table brunches, organic produce |
| The Oak and Anchor Café | Port Fairy | Café, Historic Venue | Artisan coffee, breakfast platters |
| Brightbird Espresso | Warrnambool | Specialty Coffee, Café | Specialty brews, light snacks |
| Bohemia Café | Warrnambool | Café, Contemporary | Healthy bowls, fresh salads |
Conclusion
In the case of The Great Ocean Road, it’s not only a delightful drive, but even a more delightful culinary excursion. Snorkelers can feast on the freshest seafood in almost every coastal restaurant and explorers will indulge their appetites in prestigious institutions like Brae, or Chris’s Beacon Point Restaurant with a variety of food options for every type of traveler. Whether it is craft beer at Noodledoof Brewing Co. or a scallop pie from Apollo Bay Bakery, this stretch of the coast is assumed to be equally wonderful and refreshing as what you will see.
FAQ
Which restaurants on the Great Ocean Road are worth a visit?
For their exceptional cuisine prepared with fresh produce, some of the restaurants worthy of mention include Fish By Moonlite in Anglesea, Chris’s Beacon Point Restaurant in Apollo Bay, and Brae in Birregurra.
Are there any quick places to eat on the Great Ocean Road?
Yes, casual cafés such as Apollo Bay Bakery, The Wye General in Wye River, and Brightbird Espresso in Warrnambool are equally good when one is in need of a quick and appetizing meal.
Is there a good place to buy fresh fish on the Great Ocean Road?
One outlet is the Apollo Bay Fisherman’s co-op that is very famous for seafood where a one can buy anything from fresh free fish to expensive seafood dishes.
Are there any distilleries or breweries along the way?
Certainly, one can enjoy the craft beer of Noodledoof Brewing Co in Koroit or sample exquisite gins at the Great Ocean Road Gin Tasting Room which is located at Aireys Inlet.
What’s a good place for fine dining on the Great Ocean Road?
Birregurra’s Brae serves five-course banquet menus based on farm produce and is regarded as one of the few fine dining spots in the region.