Great Ocean Road Food Trail
The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most iconic drives for a reason.
Scenic views, endless coastline, and delicious dining options are just some of the things you’ll find along this 240-kilometre strip. We’ve put together our ultimate Great Ocean Road Food Trail from Melbourne to Colac, with the perfect spots and landmarks to see along the way.
It’s time to hit the road!
First stop: Lorne
From Melbourne, you’ll drive the two hours to the humble seaside town of Lorne. Here, you’ll get your first taste of the beautiful beaches to come. Don’t have the right vehicle for the ride? Check out the car share service KINTO^, with convenient locations for you to find online. Hire the perfect Toyota for your Great Ocean Road escape with the tap of your finger! All bookings are made through the app, with no hidden surcharges. Talk about an easy car hiring experience.
The Lorne Hotel is a must-visit cosy Aussie pub, that has stood proudly at the gate of the Great Ocean Road for 145 years — serving up classics every day in their Bistro & Beer Garden. Looking for something a little more special? Totti’s deliver mouth-watering Italian dishes that are very much worth the pit-stop.
Lookouts: Cumberland River, Mount Defiance and Wye River
Apollo Bay & Lavers Hill
Now we’re on! This area of the Great Ocean Road is the beginning of the Great Otway National Park, home to many little Aussie legends like echidnas, koalas, and even platypus. Here you can discover breathtaking waterfalls, dense eucalyptus bushland, and historic fern-laden valleys. It doesn’t get much more beautiful than this.
Hungry? We know just the place. Nestled between lush rainforest and beautifully kept gardens, The Perch in Laver’s Hill proves that community and sophistication are not mutually exclusive. Renowned for sourcing produce from local farms and grocers, they offer some of the finest dining in the area. And when the ingredients are harvested in their own backyard, it doesn’t get much fresher than The Perch.
Lookouts: Marriner’s Lookout, Cape Patton and Cape Otway Lightstation.
The Twelve Apostles & Port Campbell
You’ve made it to one of Australia’s most beautiful landmarks, so stay a while and soak up the glorious sights of these limestone wonders. By now you must be ready for a treat, and we know exactly where you need to go!
Located just outside of Timboon, Schulz Organic Creamery & Café enjoys a relaxed garden setting on the corner of their thousand-acre dairy farm. They are serious about sustainability and delicious dairy products. From cheese and bagels to cakes and milkshakes, Schulz serves up something every member of the family will love. Be sure to listen out for moos from the girls in the nearby paddocks.
Nearby, you’ll also find Berry World. Here you’ll have the chance to try the best sun-ripened strawberries you will ever taste. Pick your own from the farm or the fridge — choose your own adventure.
Lookouts: Twelve Apostles Viewpoints, Tom and Eva Lookout and Gibson Steps Lookout
Peterborough
This cosy shorefront town nears the end of the Great Ocean Road. So, stop a while and soak in the gorgeous limestone coastline for one last time. Peterborough offers epic walking trails, secret coves, and calm rivers, with picture-perfect cliffs, offshore islands, ancient gorges, and blowholes.
Peterborough Beach is one of the quieter spots in the area, making it perfect for a family picnic, or if you’re looking to throw in a quick line, the inlet jetties, rocks and the freshwater river are sensational locations for fishing.
Up for one last hike? See the sights from above and tackle the cliff top trail from Peterborough Golf Course through to Halladale Point. Take your time relishing in the natural beauty — it’s sure to stay with you long after you leave.
Lookouts: London Bridge, The Grotto Blowhole and Bay of Martyrs Lookout
Last stop: Colac
There’s one last stop you’re going to make before you hit Colac, and that’s the legendary Dairylicious Fudge Farm. This homemade fudge is soft, creamy, and made from all local dairy products! Their unique and original recipe features less sugar, delivering some of the best fudge Australia has to offer. Trust us, you’ll want to buy extra — it won’t last the drive home.
After you’ve explored Colac, take a 15-minute journey from town to Red Rock Lookout. This is the home to Australia’s youngest volcano. Weren’t expecting that were you? It’s the third largest volcanic plain in the world and estimated to be 8,000 years old. There are seven lakes to view from the lookout, with Lake Corangamite being the largest and most beautiful. Sounds like the perfect spot to end this road trip.
Lookouts: Lake Colac, Colac Botanical Gardens and Colac Bird Reserve Lookout
We’re so lucky to have some of the world’s most infamous natural beauties right here in Australia! So, if you were looking for a sign to escape to the idyllic coastlines of the south, here it is. Hop into your Toyota and hit the road — your gourmet weekend awaits.
Disclaimer
^ KINTO is a program of Toyota Finance Australia Limited ABN 48 002 435 181.