5 WAYS TO SUPPORT LOCAL & HAVE FUN AT HOME THIS SPRING

Local businesses within the Great Ocean Road region, like many regions, rely on visitors from all around to help them thrive. With travel restrictions in place, local businesses are doing it tough. We know you can't travel right now, so we thought instead we might inspire you with some ways to enjoy a taste of the Great Ocean Road region - from home!

Embark on a flavour filled journey from the comfort of your couch, meet a maker online and purchase their work, or spend this time planning the perfect staycation for when the time is right. Reconnect and explore what the Great Ocean Road region has to offer knowing you are supporting a local small business to survive.

1. DIY for the kids (or kids at heart)

The Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Icecreamery covers all basis. Ready to eat deliciousness or get the kids on a make their own mug cakes, brownies or rocky road! Check out their DIY kits you can buy online.

2. Order something special for date night

The famous Forage on the Foreshore gnocchi, handmade by local chef Sam Anderson will definitely have you in the good books.

Order a selection of cheeses from Apostle Whey Cheese, part of the 12 Apostles Food Artisans Gourmet Trail, its award winning 'Southern Briez' brie is to die for. 

Create the perfect movie night a movie box from Rebecca's Cafe in Port Fairy, including their famous homemade Yo Yo’s!

Or seduce your seafood lovers with locally caught abalone from Great Ocean Abalone.

3. Let someone know you’re thinking of them by sending something handmade

Want to make a big gesture? LUONE Jewellers located in the seaside village of Port Fairy boasts handcraft collections with signature detail.

For something smaller, Chella from Takeawei Ceramics in Torquay has a huge range of handmade products to choose from including the cutest mugs and cups.

For something a different, how about a photo of you in a frame made entirely of chocolate?! That’s right, Platypi Chocolate in Forrest is making edible picture frames. Just upload your photo and they will print it on a white chocolate backing and post it to your loved one in a Belgian milk chocolate frame.

4. Knock off drinks (at home)

You may not be able to visit our breweries and distilleries at the moment, but this downtime is giving our artisans time to perfect their brew. Here are some of our favourite drops:

Great Ocean Road Gin is now doing premix cocktails. Try their Dry Martini, Raspberry Old Fashioned, Negroni or our personal favourite, the Kaffir Lime Gimlet.

Have you heard the black panther myth of the Otways? Legend has it is that there is a lone black panther roaming the Otways, and every now and then a story will pop up of someone who's seen it. Prickly Moses has released their seasonal brew inspired by the mysterious legend of the big cat, the Prickly Moses Black Panther. 

Noodledoof Brewing and Distillery are located in the irish township of Koroit. These guys are best known for their Pale Ale and unique Iced Coffee Stout, but they are now distilling craft spirits using locally sourced native botanicals from Worn Gundidji including the ingredients lemon myrtle and mountain pepper. We think this is well worth a try.

5. Now’s the time to lock in that trip

Zoom your friends and start planning that Great Ocean Road road trip.

Stay: Alkina Lodge has unique accommodation ready for you. Situated on the Southern Ocean near the world famous 12 Apostles and abundant with native wildlife, Alkina Lodge is the perfect place to explore, refresh and reconnect. Or for something a bit different, relax in a luxury self-contained Sky Pod, situated on a 200 acre private wildlife refuge in the Otways.

Rejuvenate: Want to rejuvenate and replenish your senses? The Great Ocean Road is spoilt for choice, One Spa RACV Torquay, Saltair Spa Torquay & Lorne, The Port Fairy Day Spa and the Deep Blue Hotel and Hot Springs in Warrnambool. 

Play: Need to stretch those legs? When the time is right why not do it 25 meters high amongst the treetops! Pre-purchase your tickets at Otway Fly Treetop Adventures for the Treetop Walk and whilst you are online check out their virtual forest fun. Or maybe its time to tick something off the bucket list and see the spectacular 12 Apostles like you’ve never seen them before with a helicopter flight over the Port Campbell National Park with 12 Apostles Helicopters.

During these times, it's best to book ahead and book directly with your accommodation, restaurant or activity to make sure you've got the latest info.

 Take this time for yourselves and we can't wait to see you soon.

With Love

-Great Ocean Road