Food & Wine, Lavers Hill, Great Ocean Road and Region, Victoria, Australia

Fertile soil and the maritime climate make this region an ideal place to grow things we eat and drink. These environmental factors combined with the relaxed, easygoing nature of the region make it less pretentious and earthier than other 'foodie' destinations in Victoria and Australia.

The Geelong wine region boasts a winning combination of rich terroir and cool climate, similar to the renowned French wine regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy. The region consistently produces high-quality wine, with more than 13 Geelong wines featured in James Halliday's 'Australian Wine Companion 2012 - Best of the Best List'.

There are diversities within the greater region, spread from the maritime microclimate of The Bellarine and Surf Coast to the dark volcanic topsoils and dry, sandy outcrops of the Moorabool Valley. These sub-regional nuances add an intriguing, multi-faceted complexity to Geelong wines.

More than 40 vineyards and cellar doors in the region welcome visitors to sample their wine. Many also have restaurants, art features or accommodation on site. Visit the Wine Geelong website by clicking here.

The wine is terrific, but it's only part of the story in this region. Some specialty produce has long been established in the region, but some newer food product is beginning to make waves in the region.

Bounded on three sides by water, fresh seafood has always been a feature of the region. Recently this amazing product has become even more accessible with the emergence of local fisheries, provedores and fishermens cooperatives selling direct to the public. Portarlington mussels and Apollo Bay crayfish have long-standing reputations among the local food and restaurant crowd.

The rolling hills of the hinterland, volcanic plains and lush peninsula soil are growing all sorts of delicious treats. There are olive groves producing some of Victoria's best fruit and oil, berry farms where the family can roll up their sleeves and pick their own - the taste of fruit freshly picked by your own hand is incomparable.

Other foods are emerging too - cheese, hydroponic vegetables, eggs and other meat products are being grown locally and, in many cases, featured on the menus of local eateries.

Many of the food and wine experiences in the region have been packaged up into neat touring routes, complete with maps and information about their specific area. The Bellarine Taste Trail and Otway Harvest Trail are worth exploring. Call into a visitor information centre for a guide.

Things to See & Do

Lavers Hill

Blackwood Gully Restaurant

Welcome to Blackwood Gully, the ultimate Otways stop for bird-watching, a rainforest walk, fresh coffee, and delicious food prepared by the chef for mouth-watering breakfasts, lunches, morning and afternoon teas. The architect-designed two storey pole-house, with its vine-covered deck, is the perfect vantage point for views of the Otways while recharging your batteries for the stunning walks and waterfalls along the Great Ocean Road. Blackwood Gully is fully licensed and famous for alfresco dining, family-friendly service and delicious food. Blackwood Gully have their own patch of cool-temperate rainforest, complete with blackwoods, tree ferns, and a footbridge over a little creek which flows in the winter.

Beech Forest

Peveril Vineyard/Beechy Berries

The Peveril Vineyard cellar door is in a shed directly off the Colac-Lavers Hill Road. It is built from local timbers by a local It's small and tasteful. The wines, like the berries, are grown with natural nutrients and no chemicals. The sole exception is the anti-fungal spray used sparingly on the vines. Other than that the grapes are the product of pure water and soil. Small, tasteful, clean. That's the way the Rossiter family want to go on this patch of perfection. The name Peveril is a tribute to Marg's three aunts, Peggy, Vera and Lil. The vineyards, orchard and garden are a tribute to the earthy visions and energy of owners, Bruce and Marg. All you have to do is take that small turn into their drive to enjoy the splendid fruits of their loving labours

Beech Forest

The Ridge Organic Food Store & Café

The Ridge Organic Food Store & Café takes a simple approach to life & food. They keep in touch with local organic farmers and when produce is at its finest their chefs create beautiful, rustic food enticing the natural flavours to sing. The breakfast, lunch and take-away menus change with the season and the produce available from local organic and biodynamic farmers. The Ridge Organic Food Store & Café make sensational chutneys, jams and gourmet goodies to help you prolong the taste of the Otways after you've reached home.

Near Johanna

Aire Valley Restaurant and Guest House

Aire Valley Restaurant and Guest House is situated on the Great Ocean Road, west of Apollo Bay outside the hamlet of Hordern Vale. The Homestead dates originally from the 1890s and overlooks the lakes of the Aire River Wildlife Reserve and the Great Otway National Park. The Aire Valley Restaurant specialises in the very best fresh food. Vegetables and herbs are picked from the garden each evening just before dinner from the restaurant garden. Usually the vegetables and herbs are picked after you have ordered so the freshness and flavour of the dinner is amazing. The restaurant was one of the first restaurants in Victoria to obtain Green Table status. In summer, dining can be on the veranda overlooking the Aire River Valley and the Otway National Park and in winter, dining is by candlelight in front of the log fire. The guest house wing has four ensuite rooms all of which can be Queen or Twin rooms so doing the Great Ocean Walk can be catered for. All transport, lunches and dinner can be organised for all walkers. The guest house has been hosting walkers on the Great Ocean Walk since it opened in January 2006 and are situated near the Aire River, Castle Cove and Johanna sections of the Great Ocean Walk. Great Ocean Road Attractions: - Cape Otway Lightstation - Otway Fly Treetop Walk - Melba Gully Rainforest Walk - Koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, echidnas - Waterfall walks, Triplet Falls - Secluded beaches - World class surf - Otway Nourished - 12 Apostles - Loch Ard Gorge - Bay of Islands - Bay of Martyrs - London Bridge

Skenes Creek

Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant and Villas

Chris's Villas offer accommodation all year round and many diners choose to stay the night after enjoying a meal and a fine wine or two. Chris's is located high above Skenes Creek and the villas are elevated, so the impact of the ocean views is stunning. Recently renovated, the villas are contemporary and well equipped. All of the apartments are self-contained and contemporary, with modern fittings and floor-to-ceiling windows, a balcony and a dizzying sea view. A complimentary Continental breakfast is included in the tariff. This is served in Chris's Restaurant from the Melbourne Cup to Easter and is provided in your room out of season. Chris's Restaurant and Villas is an icon of the Great Ocean Road. A personal approach to hospitality has made Chris's one of the most loved places in the region and a passion for the food of Southern Europe combined with the freshest and purest produce has made the cuisine world famous. "From the ashes of last years fire has risen a splendid new structure of glass and timber, cleverly angled and tiered to make the most of the panorama. The restaurant looks down on Skenes Creek meandering down to the Southern Ocean below, with Apollo Bay's boat harbour in the distance. Chris's food-like his hospitality- is genuine and generous." - Gourmet Traveller Guide 2005 Chris's Restaurant is operating seven days a week. From Melbourne Cup to Easter it is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Out of season Chris's is open nightly for dinner at 6PM and lunch on Saturdays and Sundays. For reservations please contact the restaurant.

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.

Packages & Offers

Winter Warmer Getaway

A winter escape to Apollo Bay with overnight accommodation for two, three course dinner and continental breakfast

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.

Romantic getaway at Whitecrest Resort from $620

Romantic Getaway package including 2 nights, sparkline wine, fine handmade chocolates and flowers.

Seaside Family Escape $275.00 per night

Includes self-contained two bedroom Apartment, kids eat free at Latitude-38 restaurant, 20% discount off day spa.

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.

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