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[title]This neck of Victoria is renowned the world over and for good reason. There’s so much to see and do, from the astounding rock formations of the 12 Apostles to the lush forests of the Otways, to volcanic lakes and a line of dazzling towns each as unforgettable as the next. The best thing is, the life-changing trail can be reached with only a one and a half-hour drive from Melbourne.
It’s one of the many magnificent spots you have to explore in our state. You can find more thanks to Visit Victoria’s ‘Stay close, go further’ campaign. We want you to get inspired to explore Victoria’s wide-open road. These curated itineraries are perfect for a day trip drive-through or for longer exploration if you’ve got a bit more time.
Day trip
There’s a ridiculous amount of awesome to soak up while cruising along the rugged beauty that is the Surf Coast, so we really recommend slowing down and discovering what it has to offer. If you're around the region, you can get away with a full-day jaunt around the town of Airey's Inlet, which lets you make the most of the sand, sea and mighty good feeds that are commonplace around here.
Eat and drink
While the Surf Coast is all about those ocean views, there are loads of adorable spots tucked away inland too. It’s well worth taking a break in Anglesea to visit Grow. We love this adorable wholefoods café that’s also a one-stop shop. You can pick up fresh farm eggs, rhubarb jam and old lolly jars full of Belgian dark choc dried strawberries. Browse beautiful crockery and artisan soaps, and you can even get your hair cut out the back. Sip your coffee on the chunky wooden benches out front, and dig into the egg and halloumi roll or the chia pudding.
Apparently, folks come from ages away to try the Cajun-spiced scrambled tofu wrap at Airey’s Inlet hero Onda Food House and we can totally see why. The gorgeous explosion of orange and yellow hues dished up on the plate is beautiful to look at for one thing, and the flavour sensation that follows once you take a mighty mouthful does not disappoint. The sweet potato, spinach and avocado and bean salsa Mexi bowl is similarly fulfilling. As is the jaw-dropping view out to the blue scoop of inland sea over the road. The view is best appreciated from the picnic tables that line this stylish spot with its floor-to-ceiling windows and artwork-adorning gallery-like walls.
And as the sun goes down over the postcard-perfect Airey's Inlet lighthouse on the crest of the hill, look no further than the Captain of Airey’s for a wood-fired pizza feast. This cosy firelit haven is proof positive that humans and cows have a lot in common: namely extra stomachs, because believe us, you’re going to want to scoff as many of these pizzas as possible. It’s impossible to choose a fave, but the smoked pork belly and pear is sublime, as was the sweet potato and Meredith goat’s cheese option that comes sprinkled with crunchy walnuts. And just quietly, the venue serves some of the best garlic bread we’ve tasted this side of Italy.
Do not head home before picking up a bottle of Great Ocean Road Gin’s Raspberry Gin Liqueur. It was crafted in 2019 to mark the first anniversary of this super-cute spot on the Great Ocean Road. The venue has a Mediterranean-style courtyard up front which certainly attracts a cool crowd. Great Ocean Road Gin also does a scrumptious cheese platter that makes it the perfect spot for gin o’clock.
Things to do
Make sure you take a stroll up to Split Point Lighthouse. Even if you don’t head inside and take the tour up the spiral staircase, the views out to sea and to the inlet from this blissful spot are amazing. There are several lookout spots from which to take in a glorious sunset. But our favourite way to admire it was from horseback. The passionate and abundantly friendly team at Blazing Saddles Trail Rides will set you up with a steed perfectly suited to you, whether you’re a first-timer or an old pro. Once you're saddled up, you’ll be able to take in bush-to-surf views of Fairhaven Beach that will stick with you forever.
Or if you want a slightly more sedate but nevertheless endlessly entertaining activity, then slip into Great Ocean Road Mini Golf. Show off your putting mastery (or lack thereof) on both courses up for grabs. There's a shipwreck themed one replete with vast mast-like structures and hill views, and a 12 Apostles one with angular rock stacks and a great whale mural. You can even try out the virtual reality range offering you a passport to some of the world’s most famous courses.
Stay a while
The wowzas views keep on coming when you drive along the Great Ocean Road, so we totally recommend pressing on to Lorne. It’s a handy hub from which to explore the region and the Otways, as well as being a fantastic destination in its own right.
Eat and drink
If you’re looking for a show-stopping lunch to remember then we suggest heading direct to the beautifully tiled original staircase of the Lorne Hotel and working your way up to Coda Lorne. The pub owners invited the beloved Melbourne restaurant to create a summer pop-up, but the magic they conjured up was too good to lose. It's since become a permanent attraction here in Lorne.
Everything about this blissed-out dining room is divine, from the pale wood parquetry floors to the vast wraparound balcony. Weary travellers can bring back the zing by sinking their signature cocktail the Coda Collins, a zesty blast packed with kafir lime-infused vodka and mixed with fresh lime and sparkling soda. Every dish on the menu is a winner, but we'd suggest the crispy tapioca and prawn betel leaf treats (a fun twist on kingfish sashimi) served with olives and chrysanthemum, or the curried barramundi served with a pop of jewel-like pomegranate seeds.
The father-son team over at the brilliant Ipsos Restaurant and Bar ensure that the atmosphere and fun times banter is as unmissable as the authentic Greek feast they serve up with a smile. And we really do mean a feast: this is not the place to scrimp. The moreish whiting dished up on seared leeks is a real keeper, as is the slow-cooked lamb shoulder served on braised red cabbage. Don't leave before trying the walnut-laden saganaki or the heavenly taramosalata.
Sure, the constant crashing of the waves is a real soul-soother in Lorne, but you can also get your chill from listening to the trickling, duck-splashing waters of the Erskine River by grabbing brekkie at the dinky and delightful Riverbank Cafe. The smell of freshly baked scones is enough to wave away all your cares in the morning and the totally stacked B.A.L.T had our mouths watering before the first bite. Get in early to bag the window bench seat.
Things to do
Remember what we said at the start: as tempting as it is to stay by the surf, there’s so much more to explore inland along the Great Ocean Road. Following all the swooning you'll be doing at the sunrises, sunsets, rolling surf and all the fabulous boutiques, bookshops, bars and eateries Lorne has to offer, you can also head deep into the trees for one of the most exciting adventures you’ll ever experience.
Live Wire Park rings with the sound of screams – of pure joy, though! An action-packed playground strung between the treetops, there are courses designed for all ages packed with zip lines, climbing frames and tightrope walks. You can cap it all off with the rollercoaster-like thrill of the shockwave zip coaster, a sit back and fly experience (which is not unlike the speeder bike scene on Endor in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi). It’s that exciting, even if you’ll have to settle for cockatoos over Ewoks.
Stay
If you’re going to make the most of exploring all Lorne has to offer, then you’re going to need a great base to rest your head and restore your energy. The spacious apartments of Cumberland Lorne are ideal. They are so huge they can easily accommodate a family and if you're lucky enough to blag one with a balcony overlooking the beach then fair warning: it’s going to take a lot to get you to leave in the morning. And you don’t even need to leave the premises to feed rumbling tummies. You can nip downstairs to Lorne Central to maintain that view while breaking all the rules and feasting on cinnamon waffles with ice cream and berry coulis. Not sorry.