1. Bellbrae Estate
A mere stone's throw from world-famous Bells Beach, Surf Coast winery Bellbrae Estate pairs critically acclaimed cool climate chardonnay, shiraz and pinot noir with the likes of tapas and wood-fired pizza. What better way to begin your Great Ocean Road journey?
2. Great Ocean Road Gin Kitchen
A new favourite stop at Aireys Inlet. Get down to some serious sipping in the Great Ocean Road Gin tasting room or wander next door to the Kitchen, a beautiful bar space serving a South East Asian–inspired menu that you can bet will perfectly complement your fave gin tipple.
3.Totti's Lorne
Gather your friends at Totti's Lorne for Mediterranean-style share plates by the beach. Awarded a chef's hat in the 2024 Good Food Guide, this local Italian diner set inside the Lorne Hotel is all about simple, authentic dishes created with fresh produce – perfect for a sun-drenched day on the coast.
4. Little Picket
Lorne's Little Picket scooped a Good Food Guide chef's hat in the 2024 awards, adding to the town's growing gourmet buzz. The focus here is on seasonality and sustainability, with home-grown ingredients and fresh dishes. Graze on lunch and follow up with barefoot fun on the bowling green.
5. IPSOS
Buzzing and popular IPSOS continues with its year-on-year Good Food Guide chef's-hat status in Lorne. Book or try your luck for a table and tuck into generous share plates of Greek cuisine made with seasonal Victorian ingredients. Simply delish.
6. Wye River General Store
We reckon this roadside staple has some of the best coffee on the coast. The Wye River General Store is a winner for breakfast, lunch and provisions, and casual meals served all day.
7. Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant
Head slightly inland from Skenes Creek to graze on memorable fine dining at Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant. The treetop and coastal views are stunning here, and there's accommodation, too, if you can't bear to leave.
8. Apollo Bay Bakery
Seafood lovers make a beeline for Apollo Bay Bakery, known as the 'home of the scallop pie' on the Great Ocean Road. Chomp into handmade pastry cases filled with your choice of two fresh fillings: curry scallop or scallop mornay. Maybe take another for the road.
9. Great Ocean Road Brewhouse
Pull up at the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse for a refreshing selection of more than 100 craft brews, including 14 local labels on tap. Pair a frothy with a produce platter that features the region's finest treats. Your pooch is welcome to join you in the tasting room.
10. Kermond's Hamburgers
Born in Warrnambool more than 70 years ago, Kermond's never disappoints. Juicy, award-winning burgers from the Port Fairy outpost are a great way to finish off a day of touring on the Great Ocean Road.
