Victoria’s Best Eateries for a Great Ocean Road Trip

Planning your Great Ocean Road trip? Don’t forget to include some amazing cafes, restaurants, and eateries along the way. From cozy brunch spots to fine dining establishments, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Here are our top picks for where to eat on your Great Ocean Road adventure.

1. The Wye General, Wye River

Located in the picturesque hamlet of Wye River, The Wye General offers a delightful dining experience by the sea. Their all-day brunch menu features excellent coffee, fresh pastries, burgers, full breakfasts, and salads. It’s the perfect spot for a meal, especially during the cooler months when you can cozy up by the combustion heater. Plus, there’s a play area for the little ones.

Address: 35 Great Ocean Road, Wye River, Victoria

2. MoVida, Lorne

Enjoy stunning ocean views at the Lorne Hotel while indulging in tapas plates from MoVida. This renowned restaurant, originally based in Melbourne, uses the best local produce to create a menu inspired by Spanish flavors and techniques. Don’t forget to visit the Alimentaria Deli, where you can grab cheese, preserved seafood, pickles, wine, and tapas to take home.

Address: 176 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne, Victoria

3. Forage on the Foreshore, Port Campbell

After visiting the Twelve Apostles, treat yourself to a meal at Forage on the Foreshore in Port Campbell. Their menu focuses on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, offering dishes like baked free-range eggs with garden greens, cream, cheese, and sourdough, or spelt hotcakes with preserved rhubarb and maple syrup. Don’t miss the local cheese plates, braised calamari, homemade gnocchi, and fresh grilled fish.

Address: 32 Cairns St, Port Campbell, Victoria

4. Fish by Moonlite, Anglesea

Run by Chef Matt Germanchis, Fish by Moonlite in Anglesea is a fish-and-chip and seafood retail shop along the Great Ocean Road. Inspired by his time in Greece, Chef Germanchis offers the freshest seafood delivered daily, along with cooking advice from seasoned chefs. Try their delicious fish and chips for a truly satisfying meal.

Address: 87-89 Great Ocean Road, Anglesea, Victoria

5. Chris’s Beacon Point Restaurant, Apollo Bay

Located high in the Otways above the Great Ocean Road, Chris’s Beacon Point Restaurant has been an iconic eatery since 1979. With a focus on fresh seafood and the best produce available, their menu offers a taste of southern European cuisine. Enjoy lunch or dinner with a spectacular view of the surrounding area.

Address: 280 Skenes Creek Rd, Apollo Bay, Victoria

6. Conlan’s Wine Store, Port Fairy

In the historic town of Port Fairy, you’ll find Conlan’s Wine Store, a relaxed restaurant perfect for unwinding. Their menu offers a four-course sharing style option or a wide selection of a la carte dishes, all of which pair perfectly with the region’s finest wines. Don’t forget to browse their retail store and bring home a bottle and some homely goods.

Address: 34 Bank Street, Port Fairy, Victoria

7. The Bottle of Milk, Lorne

For a hearty breakfast, head to The Bottle of Milk in Lorne. Their coconut porridge, truffled mushrooms, and corn and zucchini fritters are all excellent choices. Later in the day, you can enjoy mouth-watering burgers, including vegetarian options.

Address: 52 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne, Victoria

Brae, Birregurra

While not technically on the Great Ocean Road, a detour to Birregurra is worth it to dine at Brae. This renowned restaurant has consistently been named one of the best in the country. Chef Dan Hunter’s ever-changing menu incorporates produce from Brae’s organic farm and local, sustainable producers. It’s a dining experience you won’t want to miss.

Address: 4285 Cape Otway Rd, Birregurra, Victoria

9. Ipsos Restaurant & Bar, Lorne

For a fun night out with friends, Ipsos is the place to be. This modern Greek restaurant offers a variety of salads, dips, and grilled meats to satisfy your cravings. And don’t forget to try one of their superb cocktails.

Address: 48 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne, Victoria

10. Apollo Bay Bakery, Apollo Bay

The locals along the Great Ocean Road rave about Apollo Bay Bakery. With a range of fresh sandwiches, rolls, cakes, and hand-made pies, pasties, and sausage rolls, this bakery is a must-visit. Don’t miss their famous scallop pie, and make sure to try the gluten-free pies and vegan pasties too.

Address: 125 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, Victoria

11. Merrijig Inn, Port Fairy

Merrijig Inn, Victoria’s oldest inn, exudes old-world charm. Open for dinner Thursday to Monday, their menu highlights local producers and farmers. Depending on the day, you might find dishes like free-range duck, Western District lamb, or pan-fried fillet of Portland blue-eye. It’s a dining experience steeped in history.

Address: 1 Campbell Street, Port Fairy, Victoria

12. Bellbrae Estate, Bellbrae

Just a five-minute drive from Bells Beach, Bellbrae Estate is a cool climate winery and cellar door. This family-owned establishment has been recognized as an “excellent” winery capable of producing elegant wines. Stop by for a tasting or enjoy a wood-fired pizza and tasting flight on the weekend.

Address: 520 Great Ocean Rd, Bellbrae, Victoria

13. Great Ocean Road Gin Tasting Room, Aireys Inlet

Hidden in Aireys Inlet, the Great Ocean Road Gin Tasting Room is a delightful spot to relax and enjoy a gin cocktail. Sip on a small-batch navy-strength gin negroni while taking in the sunny deck and vibrant furniture. If you get hungry, head next door to the Gin Kitchen for a five-course banquet inspired by Southeast Asian cuisine.

Address: 32 Great Ocean Rd, Aireys Inlet, Victoria

14. Noodledoof Brewing and Distilling Co., Koroit

Open from morning to evening, Noodledoof Brewing and Distilling Co. offers a range of beverages and delicious food. Start your day with a cold-drip coffee and end it with an evening gin distilled with botanicals from a local volcano. Indulge in burgers, loaded fries, and chicken wings for lunch or dinner, and enjoy a slightly more salubrious breakfast with options like almond and chia pudding or fruit toast and granola.

Address: 128 Commercial Rd, Koroit, Victoria

15. Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op, Apollo Bay

For seafood lovers, Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op is a must-visit coastal restaurant. Situated just meters from the surf, they serve up incredibly fresh fish and crustaceans. Try their fisherman’s basket and enjoy the view of sailboats bobbing in the water.

Address: 2 Breakwater Rd, Apollo Bay, Victoria

16. Wickens at the Royal Mail Hotel, Dunkeld

Wickens at the Royal Mail Hotel is a show-stopping restaurant that shouldn’t be missed. With an extensive kitchen garden and its own beef and lamb, they offer a truly farm-to-table experience. Their award-winning cellar boasts an impressive collection of wines. For a more casual meal, check out Parker Street Project, an offshoot of the hotel.

Address: 98 Parker St, Dunkeld, Victoria

17. Timboon Fine Ice Cream, Timboon Railway Shed Distillery, and Schulz Organic Creamery & Cafe, Timboon

In the charming town of Timboon, you’ll find a cluster of artisanal food and drink producers. Timboon Fine Ice Cream offers delicious flavors like apple pie, while Timboon Railway Shed Distillery serves up whisky and slow-cooked grass-fed black Angus beef. Don’t forget to visit Schulz Organic Creamery & Cafe for a spot of morning tea, featuring treats like chocolate babka and scones with local jam and cream.

Addresses in order: 1A Barrett St, Timboon, Victoria; 1 Bailey St, Timboon, Victoria; 3 Ford and Fells Rd, Timboon, Victoria

Enjoy your Great Ocean Road trip and indulge in the culinary delights along the way!