The Great Ocean Road, a 243km stretch of Australian coastline isn’t just about the views and the landscapes – it’s a food destination. Here you’ll find fresh produce, craft beer and local delicacies. From Apollo Bay to Port Campbell and beyond the Great Ocean Road is a foodie’s paradise. Fresh seafood, gourmet cheese, fortified wine and flavours that celebrate the environment.
Taste the Regions
The Great Ocean Road is more than just a drive – it’s a doorway to the flavours of Victoria’s regions. Each area has its own unique offerings shaped by the landscape, climate and culture. Apollo Bay is famous for its fresh seafood, harvested daily from the Southern Ocean; Timboon has rich, creamy cheeses and whiskies that capture the essence of the green pastures. As you travel through this region, you’ll not only have a culinary adventure but also gain insight into the local way of life. Each stop, from seaside cafes to organic farms and bustling markets, tells a story of quality, sustainability and seasonality. As you eat and drink locally, you’ll taste the heart of Victoria.
Foodie Fun
A drive down the Great Ocean Road is a sensory feast – scenic views and great food. Take in the coastline while eating dishes made from the region’s volcanic soil. Whether you’re wine tasting at one of the many wineries or eating cheese platters at the local dairies, this is a wine lover and foodie’s adventure. Pop into craft breweries, stop at roadside stalls for fresh produce and visit seaside cafes for a taste of the local.
Fresh Seafood
The Great Ocean Road Tours offer a delightful journey through the region’s seafood heritage, with the Southern Ocean providing fresh catches like gummy sharks, abalone, and lobster as standout highlights. Local gems such as Apollo Bay Seafood Cafe and Ocean Road Abalone serve up beloved regional favourites. For an extra special experience, enjoy a meal at the Apollo Bay Hotel or savour fish cakes and fresh fish at nearby cafes while soaking in stunning ocean views and the unbeatable fresh flavours.
Artisanal Cheeses
The fertile farmland and dairy rich pastures along the Great Ocean Road are perfect for producing gourmet cheeses. Timboon Railway Shed Distillery and the nearby Timboon Rail have cheese tastings for cheese lovers, Childers Cove Cheese Company produces high quality cheeses. Cheese platters and gourmet cheeses are available at various stops to add a creamy and delicious extra to your meal.
Wines
Wine lovers will love the Great Ocean Road with its cool climate wines. The Otway and Geelong wine regions produce some of the best wines, including award-winning Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Chardonnay. Many of the vineyards along this route have cellar door tastings, guided tours and wine-pairing dinners so you can get up close and personal with the winemaking process. The Ocean Road Brewhouse has a selection of local wines to match its local produce menu. Some vineyards even offer fortified and dessert wines to finish off any meal. With the stunning coastline as your backdrop, every wine tasting on the Great Ocean Road is a treat.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Thanks to the volcanic soil the region produces seasonal fruits and vegetables that you’ll find at markets in Apollo Bay, Port Fairy and beyond. This fresh produce grown in harmony with the environment adds flavour to the local dishes from breakfast to gourmet dinner. Organic farms near Tower Hill and Lavers Hill also supply fresh high quality ingredients to enhance the culinary experience.
Gourmet Coffee and Baked Goods
Australian coffee culture is alive and well on the Great Ocean Road, with cafes serving great coffee and freshly baked goodies. From Apollo Bay Bakery’s favourites to locally roasted coffee at Waves Cafe, each cafe has its own unique style. Start your day at Cafe 153 or Emu Cafe with a great coffee and fresh pastries or a breakfast platter. Casual cafes like Fusion Space Café & Restaurant and Otway Junction Restaurant & Cafe also have a cozy atmosphere and stunning views, so they are perfect to slow down and enjoy a morning with great coffee.
Craft Beverages
Beyond wine, the Great Ocean Road has a growing craft brewery scene. At the Ocean Road Brewhouse and Timboon Railway Shed Distillery, you can sample craft brews, whisky tastings and locally made gin. Pop into breweries for a tasting experience or enjoy a cold one with ocean views.
Specialty Products
The Great Ocean Road also has a range of specialty products that capture the region. Look for olive oils, honey and jams at markets and pick up unique condiments and seafood products like Ocean Road Abalone. These specialty products make great gifts and allow you to take a taste of the Great Ocean Road home.
Festival Delights
Festivals are a celebration of local food and culture along the Great Ocean Road, bringing communities and visitors together to enjoy the region’s produce. Events like the Apollo Bay Seafood Festival and the Port Fairy Folk Festival showcase fresh seafood and local wine, handmade crafts and live music. These festivals are the real deal, a true taste of the region’s food and culture, so get along to one. Going to a food festival means you get to try lots of local dishes, meet the producers and experience the Great Ocean Road hospitality.
Foodie Routes
The Great Ocean Road has many ways to plan your food trip, with foodie routes in Apollo Bay, Timboon and Port Fairy. Each stop has a variety of fresh flavours, iconic eateries and gourmet cafes. For the ultimate experience, join food and wine tours or attend community events and seasonal festivals that showcase local produce.
Apollo Bay
Apollo Bay’s beachside vibe and food scene make it the perfect spot for anyone wanting to taste the Great Ocean Road’s local flavours. Famous for fresh fish, craft beer and beachside cafes like Apollo Bay Distillery and Apollo Bay Seafood Cafe, this town is a foodie’s paradise. Eat seafood by the sea or head to Apollo Bay Hotel for a more relaxed dining experience. With options like Cafe Experience and Waves Cafe, Apollo Bay has tasty food, ocean views and a heap of local products.
Lorne
Lorne has plenty of dining options, from casual cafes to gourmet restaurants and weekend markets. Famous for its beach views and outdoor seating, Lorne is the perfect spot for a food adventure that includes Italian, Indian, and Cantonese cuisine, which often includes seasonal produce from local farms. Head to Raas Leela or Beacon Point Restaurant for stunning coastal views and gourmet dishes made from local ingredients.
Port Campbell
Port Campbell is a small town with a big food reputation. Famous for its craft brewery, fresh seafood and wineries, Port Campbell invites you to eat while surrounded by stunning scenery, including Port Campbell National Park. Whether you’re stopping for fish and chips at a local cafe or enjoying a fine wine with ocean views, this town has a mix of gourmet and natural beauty.
Timboon
Timboon’s dairy farming heritage has given rise to a food culture with gourmet cheese, craft drinks and spirits that draw visitors from far and wide. The Timboon Railway Shed Distillery is famous for its whisky tastings, local cafes serve cheese platters and fresh dairy products. You can also take a tour of the cheese making facilities and see how it all happens.
Warrnambool
Warrnambool’s food is as varied as its attractions. Home to food festivals, farmers’ markets and a range of eateries serving Australian, Greek and fusion cuisine Warrnambool is a must stop for foodies. Outdoor dining spots have fresh produce and local wine and the town has a relaxed vibe so you can sit back and taste the local flavours.
Port Fairy
Port Fairy has seaside charm and a focus on local ingredients. With community events and markets, Port Fairy is the perfect place to taste craft beer, seasonal produce and gourmet cheese. Visit Port Fairy’s cafes, attend festivals and try crowd favourites like fresh seafood with fine wine for a truly local experience.
FAQ
What should I eat along the Great Ocean Road?
Fresh seafood, gourmet cheese, cool climate wine and craft beer are just the beginning. Visitors should also try local fruit, vegetables and specialty products like honey and jams from the markets.
Where can I get fresh seafood on the Great Ocean Road?
Apollo Bay and Port Campbell are the places to go for fresh seafood. Apollo Bay Seafood Cafe and the nearby markets have the best seafood dishes.
Are there food and wine tours on the Great Ocean Road?
Yes, there are several food and wine tours that will take you to the best foodie spots along the way. These tours include wine tastings, cheese sampling and visits to local breweries and distilleries.
Where can I get coffee along the Great Ocean Road?
Apollo Bay Bakery, Waves Cafe and Emu Cafe are great for coffee. They also have a range of baked goods, breakfast options and casual dining.
When are the food festivals on the Great Ocean Road?
All year round. Seasonal festivals and local markets with fresh produce and food all year.
