New on the Great Ocean Road this Summer
Whether you are a regular summer visitor or this is your first time visiting the Great Ocean Road region, there are many new places to discover this year.
We've made a list to help you discover some of the newest places to stay, eat, and experience this summer, wherever you're hanging out on and around the Great Ocean Road.
After a fresh renovation, the iconic Grand Pacific Hotel, overlooking the Lorne pier and Loutit bar has reopened. Fisho’s bar is the perfect spot to spend cocktail hour, or for a casual lunch or dinner.
Venture behind Surf City in Torquay to discover a neighbourhood of cool cafes and retailers – Torquay Taphouse showcases the Great Ocean Road Brewing range of beers and is a great space for families and large groups. Come for lunch, dinner or to watch a game on the big screen with a couple of frothies.
A crowd favourite at its flagship store in Apollo Bay, multi-award-winning Dooley’s is about to open a sister store in Torquay’s town centre. Over 500 awards back up our case that this is likely some of the best ice cream you’ll ever try! Experimental flavours, and classic plus a selection for special dietary requirements mean there’s really a flavour for everyone at Dooley’s!
Ocean Road Abalone
How much do you know about Abalone? Join a farm tour at Southern Ocean Mariculture, just outside Port Fairy, to learn about the premium tiger abalone grown sustainably on site. This is a truly unique experience and topped off with tastings of deliciously prepared abalone.
Technically not new, but with a brand-new accessible cellar door and production facility, we think it’s worth the drive to MacArthur to stop in and sample the range at Suffoir. Set very close to the must-do Budj Bim National Park, top off your hike around Lake Surprise with a tipple at Suffoir.
Babche wines are handmade on an organic vineyard in Timboon. They make small batches of diverse wine varieties. The wines are manually basket pressed and gravity fed into bottle, paying homage to the Babche family traditions of old. The new Timboon Cellar door offers tastings and sharing platters.
Want to try the Forrest MTB trail network but can’t bring a bike? Forrest MTB Hire has a range of bikes for hire in all shapes and sizes. Located at the Forrest Guesthouse, it’s as convenient to the trails as can be – and for those with bikes, they can also service and repair.
Port Farm
A luxury holiday home, perfect for group gatherings, and compliant for guests with disabilities, Port Farm, is set on a hilltop on acreage, overlooking Port Campbell. The design features and luxurious furnishings provide for a relaxing and rejuvenating stay in a glorious location.
RACV club members and those with a penchant for resort style holidays, with everything you need onsite, will love the new guest room upgrades at RACV Torquay Resort. Come and stay in rooms that are like new, but with the same stunning views over Spring Creek, the golf course and Torquay beach.
