Great Ocean Road Food Trip

Glorious unexpected eats and hidden gems on Australia's most breathtaking road.

Apparently, this isn’t the time to visit Victoria’s spectacular Great Ocean Road. The normally frisky sea temperatures are much warmer for swimming in the Summer, the wildflowers bloom along the Otways in Spring, and the golden light is majestic in Autumn. Winter? It’s colder, wetter, windier. But guess what? I actually LOVE a road trip here in winter for its moodiness, solitude and some truly memorable (iconic even) food experiences - away from the crowds. Many of which could easily be their own day trip from Melbourne.

Before embarking on my Great Ocean Food Tour, I consulted a couple of local chefs for some recommendations, specifically away from the busy and buzzy town of Lorne, to which one of them replied “there isn’t really anything else.” WHAT?! I refused to believe that, because anywhere with an abundance of high quality produce and artisan food (hello Schulz organic dairy, Otway forest mushrooms and Irrewarra sourdough, to name a few), is sure to attract people that want to cook with it. I just needed to find them.

And I did.

After weeks of research and many 100’s of kilometres travelled along the dramatic coast, I’m sharing some of the very best eating experiences in tiny towns nestled amongst surf beaches, towering limestone cliffs and lush rainforests. In an age where almost everything feels “discovered”, these places still have that under-the-radar, tucked away feel; a mix of windswept charm and nostalgia. Trust me, these are SERIOUSLY worth travelling for.

My guide includes an incredible surfside deli slinging nostalgic Italian sandwiches, a tucked-away romantic French bistro dishing up slow-cooked comfort by the sea, and a humble yet iconic pier-side spot serving the day’s catch fresh from the boats, amongst others. All unforgettable, and all the better for being quietly off the radar.