The Great Ocean Road, famous for its scenic drive along the coast and views, is also a year-round showcase of regional flavours that celebrate the unique food landscape. This stunning region combines natural beauty with a huge range of food and drink experiences, from fresh produce and seafood to craft beer and fortified wine. Driving the Ocean Road is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds, where you can sample local delicacies, drink cool climate wines and enjoy seasonal produce along the way. Whether you stop at cafes by the sea in Port Campbell or gourmet shops in Apollo Bay, this food adventure will be a taste to remember.
Taste the Ocean Road
Every town on the Great Ocean Road—Port Fairy, Apollo Bay, Timboon and more—has its own unique food experience. You can find a wide range of options, from fresh food and gourmet cheese to artisanal chocolate and high-end wine. The region’s food diversity celebrates reconciliation by acknowledging the heritage of the Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara people and working towards equity for local communities. Along with this rich history, the natural environment— ancient forests and rugged cliffs—adds to the experience, as well as food and scenery.
Food Trail: Plan Your Trip
The Great Ocean Road Food Trail is a self-drive adventure that gets you up close and personal with local food. With your trail brochure in hand, you can map out your journey through the region’s fertile farmland and stunning coastline, which will give you views that will take your breath away. Stops include the Otway Harvest Trail, a showcase of local produce and gourmet cheese and the Timboon Railway Shed Distillery, makers of handcrafted spirits. You can taste Great Ocean Road specialties like ice cream, sweet treats and fortified wine from small family-owned businesses.
Seafood by the Sea
Fresh seafood is a Great Ocean Road staple, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell are the leaders in ocean to plate experiences. The Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op is a must for fresh catches of lobster, abalone, and scallops, which are caught daily and served at cafes by the sea. Seafood lovers can also enjoy fish and chips at casual cafes with views, where the blue water meets the cliffs for a beautiful dining backdrop. From the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op to Port Fairy’s waterfront restaurants, this region’s food experience is all about being close to the ocean. Every bite of fresh seafood is accompanied by the salty sea air, the full coastal experience.
Fresh Food and Farm-to-table
The Great Ocean Road is famous for its green and fertile farmland, and you can find fresh produce at markets, farm gates and eateries. In Apollo Bay, Emu Cafe, a casual café set in the hills, has a menu full of local and seasonal ingredients. The Otway Harvest Trail showcases these flavours, where you can taste gourmet cheese, fresh fruit and herbs straight from the farm. The region’s farm-to-table experiences will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the agricultural landscape of this area and how the land shapes the food. You can enjoy dishes created with a chef’s passion for local ingredients and every meal is a true taste of the Great Ocean Road.
Wine Tasting along the Coast
With its cool climate the Great Ocean Road wine region is renowned for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and you can taste these along the coastal route. Wine enthusiasts will find wineries that offer everything from fortified wines to wine flights that match perfectly with local specialties like cheese boards made from local dairy farms. Wineries in this area offer an experiential experience, with tastings set against limestone cliffs or vineyards that stretch to the ocean. Along with the wine, you can take in the views and enjoy the moment with the region’s stunning views and scenery.
Breweries and Distilleries: A Taste of the Local Craft
Beyond wine, the Great Ocean Road has a thriving craft brewery and distillery scene. Microbreweries and establishments like the Ocean Road Brewhouse and Apollo Bay Distillery offer the chance to taste craft beer and hand-distilled spirits inspired by the region’s native flora. You can taste local beer and hand-distilled spirits, many of which incorporate native botanicals for a unique twist. These breweries and distilleries are often in stunning locations, with rugged cliffs, green hills and ocean views as their backdrop. Each sip will connect you deeper to the Great Ocean Road, blending the flavour of the drink with the coastal atmosphere and environment.
Sweet Treats and Artisan Chocolates
If you have a sweet tooth, the Great Ocean Road has you covered. Timboon Fine Ice Cream is a local institution that offers a range of flavours made with fresh local ingredients. Artisan chocolatiers are scattered throughout the region, with handcrafted chocolates to match with fortified wines or as an indulgent snack on the road. Apollo Bay Bakery is another local favourite, famous for its freshly baked pies and pastries to eat on the go. These sweet stops are the perfect indulgence while travelling, combining the pleasure of treats with the scenery and cool coastal air.
Famous Restaurants and Eateries
Dining along the Great Ocean Road is where great food meets stunning views, where famous restaurants and cafes are part of the journey. Santara Restaurant in Apollo Bay is famous for its creative dishes and beautiful beaches nearby. Port Fairy has Greek restaurants with real Mediterranean flavour. Whether you dine at a white hat restaurant or stop by a funky burger joint for a more casual experience, each eatery, along the way, adds its own flavour to the trip. Famous eateries along the road combine fresh produce with local inspiration, so every meal is memorable and connects you with the local culture through food.
Places to Stay with Scenic Views
Many travelers opt to extend their visit and immerse themselves in the warm hospitality and stunning natural beauty of the Great Ocean Road through a variety of accommodation options. Whether it’s beachside resorts adorned with local art or eco cabins perched above dramatic cliffs, there’s something to suit every preference. With accommodations conveniently located near food trails, cozy cafes, and top local attractions, exploring the region’s culinary delights and breathtaking coastline is effortless—perfect for those embarking on Great Ocean Road day tours.
FAQ
Where do I find the best seafood along the Great Ocean Road?
Port Campbell and Apollo Bay have the best seafood, with the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op offering fresh lobster, abalone and fish.
Is there a food trail I can follow along the Great Ocean Road?
Yes, the Great Ocean Road Food Trail and the Otway Harvest Trail are the two to follow to taste local produce, wine and artisanal goodies from local makers.
What wineries must I visit along the Great Ocean Road?
Several wineries along the Great Ocean Road offer wine tastings. Look for cool climate wines that showcase the region’s flavour, like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Are there local breweries or distilleries to visit?
Yes! Breweries like the Ocean Road Brewhouse and distilleries like the Timboon Railway Shed Distillery have local craft beer and spirits, many using native botanicals.
What’s the unique dessert or treat I must try?
Chocolates, Timboon Fine Ice Cream and Apollo Bay Bakery goodies.
