The gourmet hub of the 12 Apostles hinterland.
The lush pastures of Timboon produce some of the region’s finest products and the tall forests are the perfect playground for active adventures. Spend the weekend trying the locally made whisky, organic cheese, farm fresh fudge, mouth-watering ice cream, hand-crafted chocolates and some of the most luscious strawberries you will ever taste! Then ride off on the historic Timboon to Camperdown Rail Trail before escaping for a night of luxury among native bushland.
Those who get away early for the weekend can watch the magic happen at this sustainable, award-winning dairy farm. At 4pm every day the specially bred herd of Aussie Red Jersey cows make their leisurely stroll up through their home of 367 acres of rolling green pastures to the milking sheds. Then, see for yourself how this paddock to plate farm works. Dairy farmers and owners, Julian and Denise Benson pipe the pure, quality milk direct to the adjacent boutique cheese factory that then churns it into the award-winning Apostle Whey Cheese.
You can be the judge when you venture inside for a free cheese tasting of their range of hand-made blue, fresh, milk, semi-hard and soft cheeses. Our favourite was the Southern Briez, apparently also the judge’s choice at the Australia Grand Dairy Awards.
This two-bedroom, beautifully designed luxury home resides in the heart of Timboon. Something you’ll soon forget when you’re sitting on the private deck surrounded by native bushland and abundant birdlife. It would be a great weekend simply curling up with a good book by the indoor and outdoor fireplaces but more adventurous types will love the neighbouring bushwalking trails that take you all the way to Port Campbell and being only a short stroll from all of the townships main attractions.
Wake up to the best breakfast in town. Wholesome, fresh country cooking served by the friendliest of staff is what makes this cafe a favourite with locals and tourists alike. Timboon has a long history of dairy farming and the cafe name and mascot pays homage to the superior grazing of the area. The same can be said for the quality of the delicious menu and daily specials on offer!
Forgot your bike? Don’t worry, Ride with Us has a large selection of e-bikes, mountain bikes and children’s cycles, seats and trailers for hire. Discover the tall forests, historic bridges, grasslands and magnificent lakes as you ride the picturesque 34km rail trail between Timboon, Cobden to Camperdown. And it’s is just getting better – construction to extend the trail to the coast at Port Campbell has commenced and is anticipated to be completed by December 2021.
There couldn’t be a more scenic spot to stop for lunch than Curdies River Trestle Bridge. Riders who choose the Ride With Us ‘Gourmet Rail Trail Ride’ are sent packing with a souvenir backpack and gourmet, local-made feast of bakery fresh rolls and wraps, fruit salad, delicious slices and bottled water.
You’ve earned a treat or 24! That’s the number of farm fresh all-natural ice cream flavours to choose from at Timboon Fine Ice Cream. Made by a third-generation dairy farmer it’s the local fresh milk and cream that goes in that creates the luxurious, creamy smoothness this boutique ice cream is famous for. Choosing is tough work so sample as much as you like, that’s the ice creameries very generous rule.
Stock up on local produce and put together the perfect picnic of fresh meats, wine, charcuterie, cheese, and all things delicious to take to one of the most breathtaking beaches on the Great Ocean Road – Loch Ard Gorge.
Summer will see that the local berry farms are ripe for the picking (Nov – Apr). The whole family will love spending the morning plucking their own strawberries from the rich volcanic soil. This is what makes the luscious berries taste better than any strawberry you’ve ever had before! You can also pick hybrid blackberries which are double the size of your usual blueberry and treat yourself at the newly renovated cafe and farm store.
Don’t worry if it’s not berry season, there are lots more delicacies in town that are ripe for the picking. Start your Sunday with breakfast and a gourmet coffee using local organic milk at Timboon Provedore. Then browse their larder of locally sourced artisan products. The eclectic homewares, curated clothing and accessories at the nearby Milk & Honey might also take your fancy. It’s impossible to walk out empty handed!
The town’s railway shed that’s been converted into a vibrant, award-winning whisky distillery and cafe. Inspired by Timboon’s illegal 19th Century whisky trade the two onsite copper pots produce three award-winning single malts as well as vodka, schnapps, limoncello and coffee cream liqueur. Enjoy a pre-lunch tipple that’s sure to put a fire in the belly, soon to be satisfied with the restaurant’s generous lunch menu starring local produce.
Timboon may be the gourmet hub of the 12 Apostles region there’s plenty more local food artisans, wine makers and farm gates to discover in the area. Drop in on the way home or join a Ride with Us ‘Gourmet Food Artisan’s Trail Tour’ through dairy country to explore the farms and taste all that’s on offer in the 12 Apostles Coast and Hinterland region. Sit pasture-side and sample Dairylicious Farm Fresh Fudge, feed the friendly alpacas at Gorge Chocolates before treating yourself a hand-crafted artisan block or enjoy a cold one at Port Campbell micro-brewery Sow and Piglets – just some of the many quality producers on the 12 Apostles Gourmet Trail.
Riding the historic Timboon to Camperdown Rail Trail
Enjoying a gourmet packed lunch at Curdies River Trestle Bridge
Living among the trees at the luxurious modern escape of Modesc
Tasting the fine foods from the many food artisans of the 12 Apostles Coast and Hinterland region
Having the iconic landscape of the Great Ocean Road only a short drive from town.
Your taste buds will take you to Timboon and make you never want to leave!
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Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.
