Essential Eats: Winter Edition
Apollo Bay Hotel
Otway Estate – Brewery, Distillery, and Cidery
Why: Home to one of the region’s best loved microbrews, Prickly Moses, Otway Estate is also a winery and distillery. Come for a tasting or book a gin or whiskey blending masterclass with some mates – Open for lunch Thursday to Sunday, their pizzas and produce plates are the perfect fuel for days out exploring nearby rainforest walks and waterfalls.
Waves Cafe, Bar and Restaurant
Why: It’s time to visit Port Campbell again – the brand-new major streetscape upgrade, plus new lookouts at both the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge and the new Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng Trail cycling trail connecting to Timboon. Waves Port Campbell is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, has a vast menu to cater for everyone.
Lady Bay Resort Restaurant & Bar
Why: You don’t have to be a resort guest to dine at The Lady Bay – and each night the locals who know it amble in to dine on the extensive, well thought out menu. With a great range of cuisines and dietary requirements, catering for guests from around the world, the Lady Bay restaurant is large and perfect for large groups with varied palettes.
Pavilion Cafe & Bar
Why: Owners Jon and Mary-Ellen Watson are dedicated to reducing their environmental impact – they source everything they serve as locally as is possible, and they even donate food waste to local farmers. It is also wheelchair accessible, and every morning breakfasters are entertained by local trainers taking their racing horses for training swims.
Why:It’s back! And we’re convinced the reopened Grand Pacific is better than ever. Freshly renovated and opened this summer, the Lorne locals are loving the new Italian inspired menu and the opportunity to pull up a chair again at ‘Fishos’ bar. Grand is not an understatement here – the building dates back to 1879 and remains an iconic feature of Lorne.
Why: With renowned chef Matt Germanchis at the helm, the menu has evolved into a simplified, yet refined offering, with dishes that are reminiscent of pub favourites – with a little bit more pizazz. The bistro’s floor to ceiling windows make sunny days feel like summer here – and when it does warm up, the expansive beer garden is the perfect spot to kick back and admire Louttit Bay.
Deep Blue Hot Springs Warrnambool
Why: Located on site at the Deep Blue Resort and Hot Springs, Tides Cafe and Bar serves up staples, plus healthy platters to re-energise after your hot springs sanctuary bathing, salt room or spa treatment. Look out for the ‘Breakfast and Bathe’ or ‘Soak and Graze’ packages running all winter.
Apollo Bay Bakery
Why: The home of the famous scallop pie – the Apollo Bay Bakery’s lime green shop front and signage is not to be missed when passing through ‘paradise by the sea’. It’s a local hot spot for coffee and sweet treats, there’s an always changing themed donut display for the kids, and sandwiches, rolls and pies that make perfect packed lunches for days exploring.
