Experiences

Embrace the rain and zen out at Deep Blue Hot Springs in Warrnambool

Close your eyes and imagine lying back in a warm, lavender scented hot spring with the fresh sprinkle of rain on your face. Quiet. Serene. If that’s not zenning out, I don’t know what is. Don’t be put off by a little rain, this place is magical in any season. If you’d prefer something indoors though, they also have the amazing Bath House and Salt Therapy Room, all to be enjoyed along with their Nourish Dome for a drink or meal afterward.

Get even wetter and take a surf lesson

It’s raining, but it’s not cold! Embrace the day and get in the ocean with a surf lesson. It’s stacks of fun and once you’re out and dry you’ll feel energised to take on the rest of the day and have a massive smile on your face. The Surf Coast go-to’s for surf lessons are Go Ride a Wave in Torquay, Anglesea or Lorne, or Torquay Surfing Academy. Further down the road you will find Apollo Bay Surf & Kayak, Port Fairy Surf School or Go Surf in Port Fairy or Warrnambool.

Check out our blog on the best beginner spots to learn to surf or practice those pop ups.

Get cultured and visit some art galleries

Art galleries are a classic ‘what to do when it’s raining’ activity, but we promise the art galleries on the Great Ocean Road are anything but boring.

Eagles Nest in Aireys Inlet is full of quirky art and ceramics all created by local artists, and the gallery curator is always full of stories and up for a chat. Plus you can walk to the Great Ocean Road Gin Kitchen from here for a sneaky post gallery cocktail.

Warrnambool Art Gallery is probably the most well known with fantastic exhibitions, there’s always something happening at the WAG! 30kms from Warrnambool is quaint little Nirranda Art Studio where they specialise in silk painting, textile design, drawing, illustration, photography, painting and sculpture.

Bay of Whales Gallery in Narrawong near Port Fairy is an absolute gem, showcasing animal and nature oil paintings from local (and world-renowned) artist, Brett Jarrett. If you’re lucky, you might even get to see him at work while you’re there.

Time for a long lunch

Now you’re talking. Everyone loves a long lunch and there are just way too many spots on and around the Great Ocean Road to even list, but here are some hot faves.

A La Grecque in Aireys Inlet is the classic long lunch destination, serving up share plates of greek inspired food accompanied by a beautiful wine list. Even if it is raining, they have plenty of seating under the front verandah over looking the heathland.

The Perch at Lavers Hill is located on the highest point of the Great Ocean Road, nestled between lush rainforest and beautiful gardens. Not just great for food and drink – they also have regular live music, trivia nights and more.

Great Ocean Road Brewhouse is another spot with plenty of seating indoors or undercover on the deck overlooking Apollo Bay Beach. This may be a pub, but they are lovers of local craft beer and have a full range of their very own Pricky Moses on tap for you to try. These guys are very dog friendly too. You can even head around the back to Tastes of the Region and sample local produce, indoors and out of the rain.

See here our other great dining spots, or if you have time to book ahead, why not try one of our newly hatted restaurants for 2023!

The perfect excuse for a few arvo cocktails

I mean, who needs an excuse anyway?! Especially if you’ve just come from a long lunch, if it’s still raining, well, cocktail time. There are stacks of places wherever you are on or around the Great Ocean Road and always look out for the cocktails using locally distilled Great Ocean Road Gin, Timboon Railway Shed Distillery whisky or Noodledoof gin from Koroit.

See our top list of spots for cocktails.

Book yourself a luxury stay so you don’t even need to leave the house

We love the absolutely lux, boutique holiday houses on offer from ELUX throughout Aireys Inlet, Lorne and Apollo Bay. ELUX pride themselves on unique experiences and helping you to make lasting memories…all while staying out of the rain but not giving up that incredible view. Trust us, these holiday houses will make you never want to leave.

Great Ocean Road Holidays also rent holiday stays and will provide you with more unique offers like beach shacks, farm stays, sleek apartments or seaside cottages, all in amazing spots. The perfect getaway with families or friends, raining or not!

Treat yourself and book in at a day spa

Now this is one everyone will love. Depending where you are, we have a spa for you.

Our top tips are Lux Spa & Wellness at Anglesea where the serene spot on the Anglesea River will already have you feeling rejuvenated. They offer facial therapies, massage, treatments, infrared sauna and so much more in their beautiful sanctuary. The perfect spot to escape the rain.

One Spa, part of RACV Torquay Resort is another space that will instantly have you feeling a world away with their floatation tanks and hammam bathing experience. You could easily spend a day here and as they say, return to the world as one.

If you’re further down the road, we have already mentioned Warrnambool’s Deep Blue Hot Springs which also has a range of indoor therapies like their salt room or bath house.

Whatever you decide to do, we would love you to tag and share it with us!

@visitgreatoceanroad