Great Ocean Road Foodie Tours
The Great Ocean Road region offers such a diverse range of produce, from the land, sea and fresh water. Here are four tours we recommend to meet the makers and the custodians of some of the region’s most unique agri-businesses. From First Nation’s UNESCO recognised aquaculture, to sustainable Abalone farming – take your pick!
Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism – Breakaway Creek
On the lands of the Gunditjmara first people, the UNESCO world heritage listed Budj Bim Cultural Landscape is the earliest example of aquaculture. On a tour you will learn how the custodians of country here in the far South West of Victoria, manipulated the landscape to create a sophisticated system of traps and tanks, to create a sustainable method of farming Kooyang (eel) and freshwater fish. Finish your tour on country with a Kooyang Tasting Plate – featuring eel arancini balls, smoked eel and pates, among other bush foods.
This is a premium cultural tourism experience and is highly recommended.
Brae Farm Guided Tour
A unique behind-the-scenes experience for food and sustainability enthusiasts. Jo Lawson, Brae Head Gardener, guides visitors on a one-hour farm walk every Friday and Saturday at 11 am.
Explore Brae’s vegetable production areas, fruit orchards, olive groves, and polytunnels, seeing firsthand where organic fruits, vegetables, citrus, nuts, berries, honey, and grains are grown for the restaurant’s award-winning menu. Taste what’s being harvested and discover what’s being planted next, while learning how regenerative practices shape the daily menu.
Ocean Road Abalone Farm Tours
Just outside Port Fairy, Southern Ocean Mariculture have been sustainably farming Abalone for nearly 30 years. They now offer farm tours, so you can learn about how they raise Tiger Abalone year-round on their land-based farm by the Southern Ocean. Learn how the farm operates, see the life-stages of abalone, and finish with a tasting of handcrafted specialty abalone dishes.
Tours operate through summer as part of the Port Fairy Taste Trail, or can be arranged by appointment.
Ride With Us – Tastes of the Great Ocean Road Tour
Be chauffeured on a foodie half or full day tour on a personalised food artisan experience for 2–6 people exploring the 12 Apostles Food Artisans Trail. Meet the makers behind the produce, visiting chocolate, ice-cream and cheesemakers, whisky distillers, winemakers and more with optional stops in townships and at local attractions like the famous 12 Apostles.
Door to door transport means no need to draw straws for designated driver duties – and you get the added benefit of local stories and knowledge.
Apostle Whey Cheese Farm Tours
Operating for more than 40 years, Apostle Whey Cheese is aptly named for its location, just a short drive from the 12 Apostles. Their range of gourmet handcrafted cheeses also play homage to local sites – think “Loch Ard Gorgeous” Camembert or “The Grotto” – a washed rind version, and ‘Apostle Crumble’ marinated feta.
They are open every day and cheese tastings are free. Take a farm tour to see the ‘Mooternity Ward’ where calves are born, and learn about the Benson family’s story and their passion for regenerative farming, animal welfare and the environment. This is a must for lovers of cheese!
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