What Can I Do, Food & Wine, Skenes Creek, Great Ocean Road Region, Victoria, Australia

What can't you do? That would be a shorter list. There are attractions, activities, events and features throughout the region to suit all ages and interest groups. From theme parks for children to adventure sports for adrenaline junkies. From gourmet food and wine experiences to bushwalking through campsites. From a simple dip in the ocean to a luxurious spa retreat. There really is something for everyone.

Things to See & Do

Touring Routes & Tour Operators

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

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.

Producers

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.

Food & Wine

Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay Hotel

The Apollo Bay hotel is situated on the Great Ocean Road, three hours drive west of Melbourne on one of the most scenic drives in the world. The Hotel with elevated streetscape dining offers locals and tourists a wonderful hotel experience whilst enjoying the atmosphere of a small coastal town. Whether it's the hectic summer holiday period or the quiet winter months enjoying local musical talent beside the fire in the bar, having a few beers and playing a game of pool, all whilst enjoying the great atmosphere at the Apollo Bay Hotel. The reputation for great food and friendly service make the Apollo Bay Hotel the place to visit. The bistro is open seven days, lunch and dinner all year round except for Christmas Day. A public bar, bottle shop and function room are available.

Apollo Bay

Cafe 153

As self confessed 'foodies', Cafe 153 pride themselves on the use of local produce, and only use seafood from Australian waters. The head chef Jules is excited to deliver a cross section of flavours with his food which is both honest and from the heart! The aim is to provide you with good service in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and great food that is both visually exciting with balanced flavours and tastes. Be decadent, enjoy!

Skenes Creek

Otway Herbs

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.

Apollo Bay

The Iluka Motel & Restaurant

The Iluka Motel & Restaurant is a restaurant and accommodation all in one. This is a motel offering free parking as well as restaurant cooking breakfast, lunch and dinner. Perfect for the weekend getaway or business trip to Apollo Bay. Affordable accommodation and food complimented with friendly and helpful staff. Situated on the Great Ocean Road, easy to find and get to.

Apollo Bay

Wickens Provedore & Deli

Wickens Provedore & Deli offer a range of freshly baked bread, cakes, pies, sandwiches, and baguettes, as well as introducing a range of house made produce which is likely to include jams, chutneys, sauces, pickles, terrines, and sausage (including Robin's black pudding), as well as a range of local an imported cheeses and local smallgoods. There are two different sides to this shop, the café side with freshly baked pies and breads, and the other side the deli with cheeses and hams.

Packages & Offers

See, Do, Stay & Save

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

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

Wyndham Resort Torquay Couples Spa Indulge Package

$379 per night (Double or Twin share)

Geelong Riverview Tourist Park Summer Special

15% discount per night

Food & Wine

Stay Connected

Food & Wine

Things to See & Do

Producers

The Food Purveyor

Food & Wine

Apollo Bay Hotel

Cafe 153

Otway Herbs

The Iluka Motel & Restaurant

Wickens Provedore & Deli

Where Can I Stay?

What Can I Do?

Where Can I Eat & Drink?

What's On?

Packages & Offers

See, Do, Stay & Save

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Barwon Heads Golf Club Winter Escape

Wyndham Resort Torquay Couples Spa Indulge Package

Geelong Riverview Tourist Park Summer Special