Visitor Information, Food & Wine, Lorne, Great Ocean Road and Region, Victoria, Australia

Visitor information

Visitor Information Centres

The Great Ocean Road has several local accredited Visitor Information Centres. Drop in or call for more information on the region and help with planning your holiday.

	Geelong and Great Ocean Road Princes Hwy Little River, Victoria 3211 Phone (toll free): 1800 620 888 Ph: +61 3 5283 1735 Fax: +61 3 5223 2069
	Geelong 26 Moorabool St Geelong, Victoria 3220 Phone (toll free): 1800 620 888 Ph: +61 3 5222 2900 Fax: +61 3 5223 2069
	Apollo Bay 100 Great Ocean Road Apollo Bay, Victoria 3233 Ph: +61 3 5237 6529 Fax: +61 3 5237 6194
	Colac Cnr Queen & Murray Sts Colac, Victoria 3250 Ph: 1300 689 297 Fax: +61 3 5232 2764
	Lorne 15 Mountjoy Pde Lorne, Victoria 3232 Ph: +61 3 5289 1152 Fax: +61 3 5289 2492
	Queenscliff 55 Hesse St Queenscliff, Victoria 3225 Ph: +61 3 5258 4843 Fax: +61 3 5258 3726
	Torquay Surf City Plaza Torquay, Victoria 3228 Ph: +61 3 5261 4219 Fax: +61 3 5261 4756

Look for the sign. Offices are open 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week.

When in Melbourne...

If you're in Melbourne we suggest you visit the Visitor Information Centre at Federation Square.

Situated on the corner of Swanston and Flinders Streets, directly across from Flinders Street train station and its tram interchanges, the Visitor Centre is a one-stop shop for discovering what Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road have to offer visitors.

Open: 9am to 6pm, 7 days a week
Ph: +61 3 9658 9658

Highlights

Lorne

Arab Restaurant

An original beatnik coffee hangout, which opened two weeks before the Olympic Games in 1956, has been going strong ever since. The Arab, which is open all year round has a menu to suit all needs. The aroma of many different styles of coffee flow freely through the air. It is famous for it's fresh pasta and chicken Kiev, but you can also tuck into dishes such as the fish of the day or chicken schnitzel. The apple crumble is sensational. Take a break at the Arab Restaurant.

Lorne

Cuda Bar

Cuda Bar provides great food and great entertainment. Situated in the middle of Mountjoy Parade in picturesque Lorne, Cuda Bar offers great views of Louttit Bay from both the extensive balcony and indoors. Whether drinking or dining, Cuda Bar promotes a casual atmosphere accompanied by live music and DJ's and coupled with a diverse food, wine and cocktail menu it leaves you spoilt for choice. Drink or dine, inside or out, enjoy an afternoon or evening at Cuda Bar!

Lorne

Darriwill Farm Lorne

Darriwill Farm specialises in unique and exclusive gourmet food, giftware and boutique wines. The world's finest produce and wines are sourced direct from the farm gate, making Darriwill Farm a favourite destination for lovers of the best things life in the country offers. The retail stores are regular meeting place for people to catch up, enjoy a coffee and take in the latest range of freshly sourced goodies. Upon visiting their stores you will not only receive friendly service, but ideas, handy tips and solutions from passionate and knowledgeable people.

Lorne

Great Ocean Road Bakehouse Lorne

Making everything with passion, the Great Ocean Road Bakehouse bakes in house each day. Delights include a range of continental breads, cakes, scrolls and delicious meat pies. Stop in and grab something on the way to the beach; for your picnic basket or enjoy a coffee in our alfresco setting.

Lorne

Lick & Sip Cafe

Lick & Sip Cafe satisfying tummy grumbles from morning to late. Specialising in homemade foods and 100% real fruit juices and smoothies. Perfect to replenish and refresh. Enjoy smooth and enticing Di Bella coffee, Bondi chai's or an array of fresh tea's. With delicious selection of naughty and nice snacks including cakes, slices, home-made biscuits, evia yoghurt and fruit salad. Full breakfast menu with scrumptious bacon and eggs, banana bread, egg and muffin, pancakes through to muesli, fruit salad and raisin toast. Morning scones and muffins with superb coffee. Healthy lunch options with focaccias, pita wraps, club sandwiches, toasted sandwiches. Plus delicious home made: soups, zucchini & bacon slice, frittata and lasagne. Gourmet sausage rolls and quiches. Watch out for daily specials! Multi award winning Fritz Gelato ice-cream. Made from organic produce, amazing ice-cream that needs to tasted to be believed. It is a Lorne must do. Vegetarian and Gluten free options. Wireless Internet available.

Lorne

Lorne Beach Pavilion

Situated on the most beautiful family beach in Victoria, the Lorne Beach Pavilion is an idyllic location for everyone. With a café, bar and restaurant our venue provides the versatility necessary to cater for the various wants and needs of Lorne's visitors and locals. Whether it be for coffee and cake, a relaxed café breakfast or lunch, catch up with friends over a few drinks during happy hour, or a special dining experience with stunning views. Lorne Beach Pavilion also acts as an ideal venue for functions such as weddings, birthdays and corporate events. We provide a variety of packages to match guest lists of all sizes, offering both cocktail style and seated menus (with a standard option of 50/50 allocation and the opportunity to upgrade to a table d'hôte format), as well as a range of beverage packages. The venue provides both outdoor and indoor spaces and the capability to set up a marquee over the deck, therefore catering to various different function themes and styles. For all bookings, enquiries, venue inspections and planning meetings please contact us.

Lorne

Marks Restaurant

Marks Restaurant, featured in the 2011 Good Food Guide and celebrating over 20 years on the Surf coast. Marks has become an icon destination on the Ocean Road. Simple flavours, competent cooking, local produce whilst not turning our back on what the rest of the world has to offer. That's us.

Lorne

Ovenhouse Restaurant

The Ovenhouse restaurant in Lorne on the Great Ocean Rd, has established itself as something of an institution in the area. Situated on Mountjoy Parade, Lorne's main restaurant strip, the Ovenhouse features a wood fired oven, allowing for delicious gourmet pizzas and other Mediterranean style food. Recommended by 'The Age' Good Food Guide, The Ovenhouse has a stylish and comfortable lounge area, which allows for catered private functions and conferences. The Ovenhouse also offers a tempting take-away menu and caters for children with a healthy but delicious children's menu. The town of Lorne is famous for it's beautiful beaches, spectacular scenery and relaxed atmosphere. Situated approximately 2 hours drive from Melbourne, it is often described as the 'jewel of the Great Ocean Road'.

Lorne

Erskine River Trading Co. & River Tea House

On your way through the bustling seaside town of Lorne you will come across a small boutique cafe and gift shop known as the Erskine River Trading Co. & River Tea House. Enjoy wholesome breakfasts and lunches, cakes, coffee and the best scones on the Great Ocean Road. All the while you can look for that perfect gift or even something to put in your own home. The atmosphere evoked at the River Tea House comes from the simple beauty that flows from the ancient ritual of tea with more than 100 varieties of tea to choose from. There is also a variety of gourmet produce for sale.

Lorne

St Anne's Vineyard

St Anne's Vineyards is a family owned wine company that was established some 30 years ago in the Pentland Hills at Myrniong, Southern Victoria. Since its humble beginnings, the company has expanded and seen substantial vineyard development at Perricoota, Moama Southern NSW. St Anne's Myrniong Vineyard was established by Allan & Shirley McLean in 1972. The extremely cool climate and high annual rainfall combine to form premium viticultural conditions. The vineyard at Myrniong is low yielding producing premium cool quality fruit. Located 200km North of Myrniong, 250km Melbourne, St Anne's Perricoota Vineyards were established in 1994 by Allan and Shirley McLean. The ideal growing conditions combined with modern viticulture techniques are combined to produce premium quality fruit and in turn, premium quality wine. The 21st century has seen St Anne's management passed down to second-generation family members seeking broader horizons and new challenges. We invite you to sample our product.

Lorne

Stone Cold Ice Creamery

Stone Cold Ice Creamery is a melting moment in Lorne, open now at the exciting Mountjoy water front precinct. This buzzing gelato spot is buzzing for a reason: the 48 flavours of ice-cream and gelato are delicious, and devouring them along with ocean views over Lorne's beautiful beach is even better. The bright, fun space has video games at the back and booth seating down the side. Light cafe meals are available, too, but just make sure you leave room for the all-important dessert.

Lorne

Swing Bridge Café & Boathouse

At the mouth of the Erskine River, the Swing Bridge Café and Paddle Boat Hire has an ambience that is a world away from the excitement and bustle of Lorne's main street. Its unequalled location by the historic swing bridge where the river meets the sea is one of Lorne's best kept secrets. From the Swing Bridge Café find easy access to the surf beach, the family friendly river and estuary beach with paddle boats for hire makes a beautiful location for a relaxing break.

Lorne

The Bottle of Milk

Situated on the Lorne's main st, Mountjoy parade, The Bottle of Milk was opened in 2008 by Brett Graham and Robert Lowther. Having previously opened a popular pizza shop in Lorne, Pizza Pizza, Brett and Robert opened the Bottle of Milk with the intention of bringing good quality hamburgers to Lorne. The burgers at The Bottle of Milk are a delicious take on the beach side classic burgers and chips. The Bottle of Milk use local premium quality Australian beef on freshly baked buns and condiments made either in house or locally by Four Fat Martians. You can take away across the road to the beach or eat in on one of the large outside tables or a vintage chair inside. It's not just burgers at The Bottle of Milk. The coffee is seven seeds and there is also a selection of imported and local cold drinks.

Aireys Inlet

a la grecque

a la grecque is a modern Greek Australian restaurant. Situated on the famous Great Ocean Road in Aireys Inlet, it is a comfortable 40 minutes drive from Geelong and 20 minutes from Torquay. a la grecque has established itself as a destination for food lovers and diners from all over the world. Many tourists and overseas visitors stop and tell us stories of recommendations from fellow travellers and guide books the world over. Many proclaim the best meal they've eaten in Australia - by far. a la grecque are proud of its reputation of having the freshest fish and seafood available. Kosta spends his mornings on the telephone or on the road chasing the best and the freshest, while Pam and Alex are hands on in the kitchen preparing the menu to accommodate and showcase the produce. The restaurant is acclaimed for its attention to detail, friendly efficient service and most of all its welcoming and relaxed ambience.

Pennyroyal Valley

Gentle Annie Berry Gardens

Doug and Leanne Campbell look forward to welcoming you and your family to Gentle Annie, their berry farm nestled in the picturesque Pennyroyal Valley near Deans Marsh. Spend time wandering the farm picking a variety of berries and orchard fruit, or simply drop in for a coffee and piece of cake, Devonshire tea, lunch or afternoon tea in the licensed cafe. In the produce shop you will find a variety of Gentle Annie's jams, chutney's, sorbets and a selection of local produce.

Pennyroyal Valley

Gosling Creek

Nestled in the stunning Otway Ranges of South Victoria, come celebrate what Gosling Creek Wines have to offer. Gosling Creek flows from the Great Otway National Park through fern gullies and picturesque rolling countryside to the Barwon River. The vineyard is located on the northern slopes, where the maritime influences of Bass Strait make an ideal location for cooler-climate grapes. The Gosling Creek wines range from pinot noir, which was the first set of 2000 vines planted, 10 years ago. Following that there are 2500 Shiraz and 2000 Riesling vines. The cellar door is open on weekends from September to June and everyday in January. Gosling Creek serves light lunches over the warmer months.

Deans Marsh

Martians Café & Bar

Michael, Liz and staff invite you to come and experience the relaxing vibe that is Martians Cafe. Martians Cafe is also a bar and music venue and is a perfect stop off jaunt or a just a great place to meet in a friendly and creative atmosphere. Located on the Lorne Road at the foothills of the Otway Ranges in Deans Marsh, the cafe and bar is only twenty minutes from Lorne and Colac, and 40 minutes from Geelong. The cafe is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (dinner Thurs-Sun only) and prides itself on great coffee and homemade meals. They also have a fully licensed bar with a wide range of drinks and local wines, as well as a bottle shop. Head to the website for more information. Martians Cafe has become a very popular music venue amongst punters and musicians alike. Artists such as Archie Roach, Chris Wilson and Rebecca Barnard have honoured its stage and have received wonderful receptions from its audiences.

Deans Marsh

Old Lorne Road Olives

The Restaurant at The Old Lorne Grove Olives farm is one of a favourite for a leisurely lunch. It is perfectly situated in the foothills of the Otway ranges, just 20 minutes from Lorne. Come and enjoy the beautiful scenery and a unique, relaxed atmosphere. The Old Lorne Grove Olives cafe and art gallery is nestled amongst the groves with 1300 olive trees. The serene location provides a beautiful afternoon of wine, great food and breathtaking views of the rolling hills of Deans Marsh and surrounds. Indulge in a taste of the Mediterranean with an Italian inspired menu. Break some Ciabatta and soak up the Victorian flavourful olive oils dunked in dukka or simply enjoy a glass of wine and the view. Then work it off with a game of pétanque or a stroll around the grove. The art gallery has been inspired by the many and varied talents of the local Otways artists. From paintings and pottery to glassware and garden additions, there is something for everyone.

Aireys Inlet

Willows Tea House

Willows Tea House is located next to the amazing Split Point Lighthouse. There is a lot to like about this historical cafe. Locals and holiday makers can enjoy a relaxed beachy feel and friendly service, along with delicious healthy food, great coffee, leaf tea, smoothies, milkshakes and yummy homemade cakes muffins and scones. You can enjoy brunch outside in the open air or if it's too hot on a wintry day or retreat inside by the cosy fire and get cosy on the couch whilst soaking up all the charm of this historical Lighthouse Cottage. Souvenirs and gifts also available to purchase.

Aireys Inlet

Aireys Inlet Shopping

There are two small but distinct commercial centres in town - one in the north, including a general store, post office and a couple of food outlets. A slightly larger centre is located just east of Painkalac Creek, featuring fashion outlets and more eateries (fish and chips, cafes, ice creameries and more).

Aireys Inlet

Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club

The 6 km long Fairhaven Beach is the longest beach on the Great Ocean Road. The Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club, founded in 1957, is located toward the eastern end of the beach - and its members average 10 rescues annually. The bar and restaurant are open during the summer months.

Geelong

Geelong Wine Region

Whether it is the distinctive maritime flavours of The Bellarine, the ancient richness of the Moorabool Valley Wine Region or the rugged, exposed coastline of the Surf Coast, the Geelong Wine Region is united by boutique, family owned winegrowers producing premium quality hand crafted wines. With each sub region and winery displaying their own unique characteristics, visitors are invited to explore the diversity of the Geelong Wine Region's stunning scenery, touring routes and restaurants whilst sampling some of Victoria's finest cellar door experiences. Geelong's family owned boutique operators maximise their wine's potential by hand pruning, hand picking and hand crafting their wines allowing regional characters to develop. Areas within the region have varying microclimates influencing the depth of colour, bouquet and flavour of the wines. The Bellarine has a maritime climate with bay breeezes and spectacular views, whilst the hills and valleys of the Moorabool Valley – Anakie areas have a warm, continental style climate. The renowned Surf Coast is famous for its long summer days and cooling ocean breezes. James Halliday in his Wine Atlas of Australia and New Zealand wrote: "If there is a unifying feature in all of the Geelong wines, it is their strength and depth of colour, bouquet and flavour." Not only does the Geelong wine region produce some of Australia's best wines, but the wineries are surrounded by some of Victoria's best scenery and touring opportunities. The Geelong Wine Region. Fine wines – from our hands to yours. For a map of the winery region visit: http://www.winegeelong.com.au/wine_region/map

Torquay

Latitude-38 Restaurant & Bar

Located within the picturesque Wyndham Resort Torquay, unwind amidst the casual elegance of Latitude-38 Restaurant & Bar. Drawing from the ocean's abundant natural bounty, Latitude-38 offers a distinctive menu featuring the freshest of local ingredients. From seafood influenced contemporary cuisine to modern Australian and traditional delights, you'll enjoy a diverse range of flavours served in this exquisite venue. Floor to ceiling windows wrap around the restaurant offering 180 degree views of the rugged coastline. Enjoy an alfresco dining experience on the restaurants balcony and breathe in the fresh crisp ocean air whilst tantalising your tastebuds with delicious food and wine. Latitude-38 Restaurant & Bar is open for breakfast lunch and dinner - seven days a week.

Forrest

Otway Harvest Trail

The unique combination of aspect, soils, climate and farming practices of the Otway hinterland produce distinctive and exceptional flavours in our produce that cannot be found anywhere else. The Otway Harvest Trail is a celebration of the seasons that bestow their rich bounty on a luscious part of Victoria. Spring is a time of plenty and promise. As the winter gives way to warm sunny days, see the bright patchwork of yellow canola fields appear, the farmers out mowing their grass and baling their hay and the spring lambs frolicking on a frosty morning. The first berries appear. Green shoots can be seen in the vineyards as the vines burst their buds and flowers and spring vegetables appear at farm gate stalls. New release wines can be found at cellar doors. Summer is all about being outdoors. All the berry farms have opened and their sweet juicy berries are ripe for the picking. The lush emerald green of the vineyards become more distinctive as the land around slowly turns a golden brown. People clamour for outdoor tables and chairs at cafés and restaurants to soak in the warm days, mild evenings and glorious pastel sunsets. Local wines and beers go so well with the seafood, vegetables and fruits in plentiful supply. Wine lovers are welcomed at cellar doors and their curiosity is rewarded with the discovery of new wines. Autumn is a time of harvest. The days become still and warm, and the crisp cool nights are perfect for sleeping. With the winter rains not far away, the wineries are busy harvesting their fruit and the vignerons hands become garnet red as they nurture the new wines through their ferment. It is also time to harvest the olives from their groves before the first frosts of winter arrive. Smell the fruity aroma of the extra virgin olive oil as it flows from the presses. The last of the berries are picked. Winter is a time for taking stock of the seasons passed and making ready for the farming year ahead. The farmers plough their fields and sow their winter crops. Vineyards, olive groves and orchards are pruned and readied for a new season. Fences are mended. The days shorten and become colder. Cattle turn their backs to the wind. Dams pent over the summer begin to refill. Root vegetables appear at the farm gate stands. It’s a time for reflection and for savouring the joys of recently harvested produce. Lengthy conversations occur over bottles of wine in front of toasty log fires. Eventually the tell tale signs of another Spring begin to appear.

Geelong

The Food Purveyor

The Food Purveyor brings together a collection of exquisite, regional foods made by incredible artisans and small-scale food and wine producers. Tasty basics to get you started through to luxury treats. Everything is made with quality ingredients that are brought to life by passionate people. Take a journey through the Great Ocean Road region and let The Food Purveyor bring the best food to you. Choose one of our delicious hampers and add in anything that you desire such as wine, a little extra chocolate, some more chutneys, the list is endless. The Food Purveyor hamper can be delivered to your home or holiday accommodation. A perfect start to your holiday or weekend away. All packaged in a beautiful keepsake bag which is perfect for shopping, going to the beach or taking a picnic. For more information on the types of hampers available please visit the website.

Geelong

More Than A Tour

More than Tour offer their local knowledge will give you the very best opportunity of seeing a range of beautiful native animals in their natural environment. Shorts walks to the scenic attractions, lookouts, beaches and rain forests will be on well-defined tracks and board walks and requires a moderate level of fitness. Their guides will accompany you on all walks and your safety is their priority. Being a boutique tour company they will confirm your pick up point, departure and return times prior to departure. More Than A Tour also offers a Door to Door Service. More Than A Tour can tailor make tours to satisfy your groups desires, including: •Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island two day tours •Great Ocean Road and Grampians two day tours •Tailor made tours also available.

Packages & Offers

See, Do, Stay & Save

Welcome to goTravlr, your passport to great deals in Geelong, the Bellarine and the Great Ocean Road.

Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant & Villas Winter Warmer Getaway Package

Package for two from $350.00.

Stay & Save at Cumberland Lorne Resort

From $411 for a three night stay.

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package

A unique musical experience! Toe tapping entertainment, a cool drink and a good laugh. Rock your stay in Queenscliff with Blues Train tickets and award winning accommodation at BIG4 Beacon Resort.

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Relax at stunning Barwon Heads Friday and Saturday night in a cosy 4.5 star one bedroom spa suite.

Barwon Heads Golf Club Winter Escape

$240 per couple per night

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