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WHERE TO FIND AWARD WINNING BUSINESSES FOR FOOD, REST + PLAY
by BETH GIBSONThere are so many operators who provide amazing food, coffee, accommodation, tours and other visitor services throughout the Great Ocean Road region.
The diversity of offerings, uniquely presented to visitors, is why our region is such a fantastic place for anyone to visit...at any time of the year...for whatever reason!
Some businesses love to push their limits and challenge themselves to do better and better every day. And, to gauge where they sit on the scale in terms of their respected industry, they often enter local, state and national awards.
This is always a very exciting time for these businesses, as well as their local communities; especially when they win a place in a category!
So, if you're planning to visit any of these destinations in the future, check out these award-winning operators to discover why they've achieved such high accolades!
12 Apostles Lodge Walk
12 Apostles Lodge Walk won silver in the Ecotourism section of the 2019 RACV Victorian Tourism Awards.
Alkina Lodge, Wattle Hill
Alkina Lodge won bronze in the Luxury Accommodation section of the Qantas 2019 National Tourism Awards and gold in the Luxury Accommodation section of the 2019 RACV Victorian Tourism Awards.
Anchors, Port Campbell
Anchors self-catered accommodation has made it to the Star Ratings Gold List several times at regional, state and national levels.
Apollo Bay Bakery
The Apollo Bay Bakery won silver in the Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services section at the 2019 RACV Victorian Tourism Awards.
Basalt Wines, Killarney
Basalt Wines bagged nine medals in the 2019 James Halliday Wine Companion Awards (one bronze, six silver and two gold).
Bay of Whales Gallery and Coffee Shop, Narrawong
This business won Business of the Year at the 2019 Glenelg Shire Business and Tourism Awards. In the same year, resident artist Brett Jarrett won the People's Choice Award in the Holmes Art Prize for his piece 'Laughing Kookaburras'. This art prize celebrates excellence in Australian bird art.
Brae Restaurant, Birregurra
Brae is Good Food Guide’s 2020 Restaurant of the Year. They've also been awarded:
- Good Food Guide 2020 Restaurant of the Year – Three Hats
- Gourmet Traveller 2020 Restaurant Awards Regional Restaurant of the Year
- Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards 2019 – Three Glasses
- The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019 – Ranked No. 101
Cape Nelson Lighthouse (near Portland)
Cape Nelson Lighthouse Accommodation won bronze in the Deluxe Accommodation section at the 2019 RACV Victorian Tourism Awards.
Heytesbury House B & B, Cobden
Heytesbury House B & B won Silver in the Hosted Accommodation section of the Qantas 2019 National Tourism Awards and gold in the Hosted Accommodation section of the 2019 RACV Victorian Tourism Awards.
Holiday Great Ocean Road
Holiday Great Ocean Road manages multiple holiday homes that have won awards in the annual HomeAway/Stayz Holiday Rental Awards, including Rotten Point House at Johanna, Cypress Hill at Marengo and Sea Ranch at Wye River.
Live Wire Park, Lorne
This zipline and tree canopy adventure park won the New Tourism Business category at the 2019 RACV Victorian Tourism Awards.
- For more quality accommodation in the region click here
- For more great places to drink and dine in the region click here