Restaurants to Try This Spring in the Great Ocean Road Region
Essential Eats: Spring Edition
If you're looking for some tasty inspiration, the Great Ocean Road region has so many delightful dining experiences – here are the restaurants you need to try this Spring.
Brae Restaurant
Brae Restaurant, Birregurra
Princetown General – Store, Cafe and Bar
Princetown General - Store, Cafe and Bar
Overlooking the Gellibrand River Estuary, the re-imagined Princetown General – Store, Café and Bar brings a much-loved local landmark back to life. It’s the natural stop for walkers, birdwatchers, kayakers and trail runners passing through on the way to the Great Ocean Walk or down to Princetown beach. Pick up supplies, grab a coffee, or settle in with a craft beer and simple, comforting fare.
The Perch at Lavers Hill
The Perch, Lavers Hill
Lavers Hill sits at the top of the Great Ocean Road, just half an hour from the 12 Apostles, and it’s here you’ll find The Perch, tucked among rainforest and garden greenery. It’s become a favourite roost for both locals and passing travellers, with a kitchen and bar team crafting a modern dinner menu and generous wine list from produce sourced right across the Otways. Freshness and quality run through everything on the ever-changing menu, and there’s plenty more on offer beyond the table — think live music, trivia nights and other events popping up throughout the year.
Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre & Café
Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre & Café
Right on the shores of Tae Rak (Lake Condah), the Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre & Café serves up bush tucker with a side of deep history, this is one of the oldest and most extensive aquaculture sites in the world. The must-try is the Kooyang Tasting Plates, smoked eel prepared using Gunditjmara methods, best enjoyed alongside a browse of the on-site retail space.
Nina Cantina, Anglesea
Sun-soaked and full of nostalgic style, Nina is a Mexican cantina at home in her Palm Springs-inspired setting at The Monty in Anglesea. Expect coastal California-Mexican flavours built around freshness, shareable dishes, seafood, house-made queso fresco and entirely gluten-free. With riverfront dining Nina is the spot to soak up the coastal vibes.
Lightkeeper’s Cafe Cape Otway Lightstation
Lightkeepers Cafe, Cape Otway
Located in the centre of the Cape Otway Lightstation precinct, step back in time at the Lightkeepers’s Cafe on your visit to the Australian mainland’s southern-most lighthouse. Handmade sweet treats, locally ground coffee and teas are available to lightstation visitors each day from 10.30am to 4pm.
Lady Bay Resort Restaurant & Bar
Lady Bay Resort Restaurant & Bar, Warrnambool
Set in Warrnambool’s beach precinct, Lady Bay Resort Restaurant & Bar is a vibrant, stylish spot for a relaxed catch-up or an easy unwind after work. The a la carte menu covers all the bases, from Western classics to the occasional fragrant Asian fusion dish, with everything served fresh, generous and full of flavour. Open Monday to Saturday from 10am, with lunch from 12 to 2pm and dinner from 6 to 8:30pm, it’s just as good for a coffee and cake as it is a wine after dark.
Great Ocean Road Brewhouse
Great Ocean Road Brewhouse, Apollo Bay
Dairylicious Farm Fudge
Dairylicious Farm Fudge, Jancourt East
Part of the 12 Apostles Artisans Trail, Dairylicious Farm Fudge is the sweet stop worth pulling over for, think small-batch fudge made with local dairy and the best Australian ingredients on hand. Open every day, with room to sit inside or soak up the sun outdoors, it’s an easy way to slow down and treat yourself on the road.
REAL Pizza Pasta Salads
REAL Pizza Pasta Salads, Port Campbell
REAL is all about food that does right by you and the planet, giving you the knowledge to choose ingredients that support both personal wellbeing and environmental regeneration. By day, it’s a community hub hosting wellbeing activities, and food events. By night, it transforms into a create-your-own-meal experience, drawing on seasonal, low-food-mile ingredients from regional suppliers and The Place of Wonder garden, with full transparency on what’s in your food and its impact.
Grand Pacific Hotel, Lorne
The Grand Pacific Hotel in Lorne is where generations have gathered, and today it pairs that history with a fresh dose of modern sophistication and nostalgic charm. Settle in with views over Louttit Bay and work through a menu that moves easily from hearty pub classics to more elegant Italian-inspired plates, matched with a drink from the extensive wine and beer list.