Things to See & Do
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.
This trail traverses some of the most fertile land in Victoria which grows some of the state’s best produce. Breakfast can be enjoyed anywhere between Apollo Bay and Lorne before turning left into the Otways hinterland. The Deans Marsh and Pennyroyal area is renowned for its berries, olives and wineries.
Further North, Birregurra is the hub of Otway produce and the perfect lunch stop. Heading back towards the Great Ocean Road via Forrest, which has a boutique brewery and an atmospheric cafe. Continue South through towering rainforest to Apollo Bay.
Brochures for the Otway Harvest Trail, which details the growers and producers in this hinterland region, are available at local visitor information centres.
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.
Winchelsea Larder - for a relaxing break or meal, regional food and wine, and local art. 100% carbon neutral Freetrade Organic coffee by Jasper, leaf tea including organic, homemade cakes, pastries, pies and sausage rolls, great-tasting menu with regional and seasonal ingredients, local beers and Geelong Wine Region wines. Browse the shelves stocked with a range of gourmet regional produce - scrumptious stuff!
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).
There is a shopping strip in Anglesea with the regulation variety of specialty shops as well as supermarkets, food outlets and services.
There are also galleries featuring local art and several tour operators, activities and equipment hire shops in the vicinity.
In a world where anonymous and sterile malls increasingly define the shopping experience, Apollo Bay is literally a breath of fresh air.
Most retail outlets have distinct personality and style, and are right opposite the foreshore – shopping with a sea breeze and ocean views. There are several stores selling art, jewellery and homewares crafted by local artisans.
As the largest regional centre in the Otways district, Colac has a lively retail scene. Shops range the spectrum from small boutique giftwares, antiques and collectables through to major national brands and department stores.
Most of the shopping areas are on the main street in town, Murray Street (Princes Highway).
Mountjoy Parade is the main strip in Lorne, and is a great place for shopping with a view – the street overlooks Loutit Bay. There are loads of specialty stores, fashion boutiques, giftware, souvenirs as well as the pharmacy, post office and other services.
Torquay Beach Club is a Geelong based company with 16 stores around the Victorian coast, from Warrnambool to Sorrento.
Beach Club is proud to have built a customer base that enjoys quality, comfort & classic fashion. They are conscious of using natural fibres such as cotton & linens. Easy to wear & easy to care for garments.
Torquay Beach Club's look is relaxed but stylish, café style appeal.
Beach Club is unique, as they produce ranges that are exclusive to them; they proudly brand these 'Beach Club'. These ranges vary from season to season but for winter they include cotton knitwear and a great selection of 'must have' items. Please go to the 'buy on line' selection in the web site.
Beach Club also carry specially selected product from labels such as Jump, Tommy Hilfiger, Aero, Jag and selected stores Mesop and many more, plus a wonderful selection of scarves and jewellery.
Located in Torquay on the Surfcoast, at the beginning of the Great Ocean Road, Torquay Tackle & Sports is your local provider of fishing tackle, bait, rods, reels, diving and boating equipment.
With many places to go surf fishing, river fishing and boat fishing around the region the Surfcoast offers some diverse fishing. Come in and see the fantastic range of gear, and chat to one of the friendly staff about fishing in the region.
Major brands are stocked such as:
- Okuma
- Rapala
- Abu Garcia
- Shogun Tackle
- Mercury Marine
- Land & Sea Sports
- Gotcha Bait & Burley
As birth place and headquarters for some of the biggest surf brands in Australia, Torquay is a destination for shopping. The main highway into town has shops and plazas, including the large Surf City Plaza, on either side of the road. Every name in surfwear and adventure sports apparel is featured in the precinct. Many of the brands also have factory outlets nearby.
As a vibrant and modern seaside destination, Torquay has a number of other shopping precincts. Gilbert Street is considered the centre of town, with supermarkets, bakeries, post office and banks as well as specialty retail and eateries. Torquay Central is a plaza development housing some of Australia’s best known retailers alongside coffee shops and places to eat. Bell Street has a collection of shops, cafes and restaurants as well as the local pub. Some tour operators and learn to surf schools operate from offices in Bell Street.
The Lorne Girl stores represent designers include All About Eve, Just Add Sugar, Bonds and the fabulous Living Doll.
Check out the Lorne Bay menswear stores in Lorne, Noosa, and Queenscliff. Selected labels are also in the Mornington Classics store. Beach Club Clothing carry labels that have appeal to all age groups including Tommy Hilfiger, Mossimo, Industrie, Jag, Coast, Blazer, Freshjive and Henley to name a few.
Here's a peak at what we're doing in Beach Club for winter 2012 - if you see anything you 'must have' (hopefully there are a few items that are 'just you') - you can now buy on line or pop in to see the friendly staff at your nearest store. You can also call.
Nestled in the coastal village of Lorne, Surfcoast optical creates an idyllic location to discover the latest designer optical frames and sunglasses plus a genuine vintage retro eyewear collection labels featured include Prada, Versae, Vogue, Maui Jims and hand made Australian desings such as Jono Hennessy.
Bulk Biled eye testing service is available by appointment. Surfcoast Optical also offer a mobile service through out the otways and the surfcoast with expert advice to help select prescription and fashion frames that perfectly reflect the personality and requirements of each client.
Welcome to the Moriac Store on the Old Cape Otway Road, the smart way to the Otways and the surf coast.
Moriac is the gateway from Geelong to Torquay, Anglesea, Lorne and Apollo Bay.
Call in for wine, food or supplies for your weekend away or just on the way home.
Otway Herbs is a nursery with a difference, set in large terraced garden with magnificent views across the Otway valleys and out to the ocean. It is situated high in the hills behind Skenes Creek 12kms by road from Apollo Bay, 8kms off the Great Ocean Road, via Wild Dog and Busty Roads.
The nursery has been open since 1982 and is well known for the huge variety of plants, with an emphasis on herbs but also growing fragrant plants, salvias, perennials, medicinal's, shrubs and trees, and indigenous natives. The plants are all propagated on site using biodynamic compost, using biodynamic methods in the garden for 20 years.
The nursery and garden is open every day from 9am to 5pm, there is no entry fee but donations to maintain the garden are welcome. Also for sale is the gardens own dried packaged herb tea, oregano etc, massage oils and herbal body and face creams. Children are welcome to play in the large sand pit or explore the large garden with its many sculptures. Dogs are also allowed as long as they are well behaved and don't chase the many birds that live in the garden.
Antique, Gift Centre and Cafe located in the iconic, historic sheds on the Princes Highway between Camperdown and Colac have been renovated to provide 1,000 square metres of Antiques, Art, Collectibles, China, Memorabilia, Old Wares, Furniture, Records and much more representing 10 individual dealers.
A delightful cafe provides refreshment for visitors taking a rest from aisles and aisles of rare treasures, antiques and collectibles. Enjoy hot soup, fresh cakes, slices, light lunches and quality coffee while taking a break from browsing or considering that special purchase.
Pombo-Mart really has something for everybody, from young couples shopping for a special piece for a new home, for mums, dads, kids and plenty of nostalgia and antiques to impress the young at heart.
Shops within shops; Sharlene Cottage offers a large range of home wares and gifts for all occasions reasonable prices.
The Bell Street Gallery showcases a magnificent range of inspiring surf and landscape photography predominantly from the Great Ocean Road region of Victoria. The Gallery is an outlet for a select handful of Victorian professional photographers. Their collection of work exposes the raw and at times frightening beauty of this ancient coastline, encompassing international iconic locations such as the Twelve Apostles and Bells Beach.
Located in Torquay, home of the annual Bells Beach pro surf contest and the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, the Bell Street Photographers Gallery features canvas and paper prints for sale and provides high-end archival quality printing and framing services. Prices start at $50 and all pieces are locally manufactured.
See the Great Ocean Road through the eyes of local photographers.
Open 7 days a week.
Gifts with animal themes. Eponia has a wonderful menagerie of unique gifts for all ages inspired by the animal kingdom. Including wildlife, Australian fauna and pets. Greeting cards, ornaments, toys, homewares, beautiful jewellery and prints. Browse fascinating handicrafts from all over the world, all with an animal theme.
The retail store is located on the Surfcoast in Torquay, Victoria, Australia, 95 kilometres south west of Melbourne.
Beach Club is a Geelong based company and is owner operated. There are 16 stores around the Victorian coast, from Warrnambool to Sorrento. The newest additions, being Mornington and Barwon Heads. Stores are also situated in Brighton and Noosa (Queensland).
Beach Club are proud to have built a customer base that enjoys quality, comfort and classic fashion. Beach Club is conscious of using natural fibres such as cotton and linens. Easy to wear and easy to care for garments.
The look is relaxed but stylish. "Café style apparel".
Beach Club is unique, as ranges are produced that are exclusive to them; and are proudly branded 'Beach Club'. These ranges vary from season to season but for winter includes cotton knitwear and a great selection of 'must have' items. Please go to the 'buy on line' selection on the website.
Beach Club also carry specially selected products from labels such as JUMP - TOMMY HILFIGER - AERO - JAG - selected stores MESOP and many more, plus a wonderful selection of scarves and jewellery.
The GIRL stores represent - ALL ABOUT EVE - JUST ADD SUGAR - BONDS and the fabulous LIVING DOLL.
Have you seen the L.Bay menswear stores in Lorne, Noosa, and Queenscliff? Selected labels are also in Mornington Classics store? Beach Club carry labels that have appeal to all age groups. TOMMY HILFIGER - MOSSIMO - INDUSTRIE - JAG - COAST - BLAZER - FRESHJIVE - HENLEY to name a few.
Goats of Gaia Soap Co. is nestled in the Otway Rainforest, near Apollo Bay. Established as a dairy in 1900 Fernside Farm has gone back to its roots - offering goats milk soap and body care products from our stud herd of holistically raised Saanen milking goats.
The all natural goats milk soap, indeed all the products, are handcrafted at the farm and the delightfully smelly Farm Shop is situated in the original farmhouse. Goats of Gaia Soap Co. offer a huge variety of soaps, skincare products, salves, balms and liniments, herbal and aromatherapy products.
Coming soon for Season 2011/2012
Workshops for Groups - Make your own body care and herbal products under the guidance of qualified herbal practitioner and soap maker Bea Gardner
Meet the Goats - Informative sessions about milking goats, with photo opportunities and a chance to interact with some of the herd.
Keep up to date with Workshop information and Meet the Goats sessions by viewing the website. Online shopping is also available.
IshShoes are handcrafted from soft leather with lightweight soles. This combination provides the comfort people require, for both casual and business footwear, while maintaining a high degree of durability.
IshShoes are available in children's to adult sizes in a range of designs. The leather is not pre-stretched so that each shoe moulds itself to your particular foot. Each order receives personal attention to ensure a comfortable fit no matter how 'odd' the foot shape.
The range of leather exceeds sixty different colours, which constantly change according to demand and supply. You can choose one colour, or many, according to design. IshShoes will endeavour to match leathers with your colour choice.
Lorne Beach Club is proud to have built a customer base that enjoys quality, comfort and classic fashion. Lorne Beach Club is conscious of using natural fibres such as cotton and linens. Provides easy to wear and easy to care for garments.
Lorne Beach Clubs look is relaxed but stylish, café style appeal.
Beach Club is unique, as they produce ranges that are exclusive to them; they proudly brand these 'Beach Club'. These ranges vary from season to season but for winter they include cotton knitwear and a great selection of 'must have' items. Please go to the 'buy on line' selection in the web site.
Beach Club also carry specially selected product from labels such as Jump, Tommy Hilfiger, Aero, Jag and selected stores Mesop and many more, plus a wonderful selection of scarves and jewellery.
Lorne Diva is a one-stop-shop-for-women offering stylish, comfortable clothing for sizes 10-24, swimwear, accessories and lingerie. Lorne Diva also offers a selection of homewares and linen; wedding accessories including bow ties, cufflinks, horseshoes and garters. Located conveniently on Mountjoy Parade the main street in Lorne, this is an unmissable store.
Lili Fine Jewellery was established 2003 with 21 years of industry experience. They are a small family owned business specialising in quality handmade custom designed pieces from diamond engagement rings, remakes, remodels to simple jewellery repairs. All your jewellery needs can be completed on-site and in-store by a qualified jeweller.
Wendy is the jeweller and owner of Lili Fine Jewellery. She attended RMIT completing a gold and silver smithing diploma before completing a four year apprenticeship while working in the heart of the jewellery industry on Collins street in Melbourne. Wendy began her training as a seventeen year old and has worked at several places throughout Melbourne and along the Victorian coast working under, and with, a variety different characters with diverse styles has led Wendy to her own wide-ranging style that encompasses from the very classical to the very modern.
Lili Fine Jewellery prides itself on working with clients to achieve something they are truly happy with. As a small company in a relatively small town they can devote the required time and effort to make sure your jewellery is exactly what you want and made to 'last a lifetime'.
Lorne Beach Books has become an institution on the Surf Coast since opening in 1999. The owners have amassed 33 years of bookshop ownership first in South Yarra, now Lorne.
Due to the quirky and rebellious nature of the owners the bookshop has a very distinct style, with much culture packed into a small space.
Great Escape Books' vision is to create a destination in Aireys that customers would love to come to. With this in mind all sections are now expanded, lovely leather couches installed and a great range of T2 teas and Genovese coffee is now available.
The coffee table includes readers copies of books they love. They are happy for you to curl up on a couch with a coffee and enjoy these favourites.
If you love it, you can grab the new edition off the shelf. The selection is changed each week, so please drop by to spend some time relaxing with a great book and check out what the Book store hopes will become a favourite destination for you and your family.
They even have an extensive range of games and toys including Lego, to keep the kids happy.
Anglesea Fruitz is a fruit, vegetable and gourmet food store on Victoria's Great Ocean Road. They pride themselves on stocking organic and bio-dynamic produce from the Geelong region such as Anglesea organic garlic, Geelong tomatoes, local honey and Otway preserves and jams.
Selling variety of breads including Zeally Bay Sourdough and incredibly tasty gluten free bread from The Healthy Loaf.
There is also a wide range of deli meats and cheeses including Istra Smallgoods, Warrnambool Cheese and Butter and a variety of cheeses from Meredith Dairy
Beachouse Gifts has a wide range of gifts and homewares to choose from, they can cater for all your home and holiday requirements and much more. No matter what your budget they will be able to find a gift to suit that special occasion.
Come in and view our range of brands from Scanpan, Chasseur, Baccarat, Alex Liddy, Avanti, Cuisinart, Papaya, Oneworld, Wild, Urban Rituelle, Abode Aroma, Burleigh Ware, Portmeirion and many more. Beachouse Gifts also have a great range of cards, bath and beach towels, candles and cushions. They offer Laybys facilities and gift register for your weddings or special occasions.
All major credit cards are accepted and we can arrange to freight or send home that special purchase, no matter where you live.
Flying Fishes is the perfect place to spoil yourself and others. Australian designed ceramics, jewellery,clothing and glass complimented by French costume jewellery, scarves and vintage clothing, Flying Fishes is a must visit shop in Lorne.
One of the smallest shops in Lorne - in the old box office of the iconic Lorne Picture Theatre - Flying Fishes has been trading for almost 20 years. The main focus of the shop is Australian design in ceramics, jewellery,clothing and glass, but we also sell French costume jewellery and scarves and vintage clothing.
Brands we stock include Nancybird, Lea Stein, Sophie Digard, Angus & Celeste, Richard Clements glass, Lazybones, Yoshi Jones, High Tea with Mrs Woo, Bjorg, and many many others.