Self-catering properties in Great Ocean Road
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Moonlight Head Private Lodge
- Style
- Architectural ascetic
- Setting
- Majestic clifftop
Great Ocean Road
Eating, drinking and dancing
We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Great Ocean Road.
Restaurants
(+61 (0)3 5261 6142)
Scorched
The contemporary Mediterranean menu, served with a view of pretty Torquay beach, has attracted rave reviews from critics. For a truly gourmet experience, choose the six-course tasting menu.
17 The Esplanade, Torquay, Victoria, Australia
(+61 (0)3 5289 6922)
A La Grecque
Looking down at the ocean, feasting on fried calamari, grilled local fish served with latholemono (a kind of vinaigrette) and baklava, you could almost imagine you were on a Greek island. The Talihmanidis family has been in the restaurant game in these parts for almost 30 years, so you know you’re in good hands.
60 Great Ocean Road, Aireys Inlet, Victoria 3231, Australia
(+61 (0)3 5568 2324)
Merrijig Inn
Young chef Ryan Sessions is causing a stir with his contemporary Spanish-style menu with a seafood focus. It’s a beautiful room, too, in a 19th-century building. One for a special occasion or a treat.
1 Campbell Street, Port Fairy, Victoria 3284, Australia
Cafés
(+61 (0)3 5263 2500)
Pete’s Place
Fuel up in the morning with banana pancakes or free-range eggs on toast, or visit later in the day for a selection of dips, steak burgers, fried calamari and pots of mussels.
113 Great Ocean Road, Anglesea, Victoria, Australia
(+61 (0)3 5237 6995)
Sandy Feet Café and Health Foods
Great coffee and plenty of healthy offerings – from fresh juices to sandwiches and big breakfasts – feature at this popular beachfront café.
139 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, Victoria 3232, Australia
(+61 (0)3 5289 1300)
Salty Dog Fish & Chippery
Indulge in a time-honoured Australian tradition by ordering fried battered fish and chips wrapped in paper, then taking it down to the beach to share with the seagulls.
Shop 1/150 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne, Victoria, Australia
Bars and clubs
(+61 (0)3 5289 1808)
Ba Ba Lu Bar
Although open all day, this place comes into its own as the sun sets. There’s a Moroccan vibe, tapas dishes, a good wine list (including some excellent Spanish picks) and often live music.
6A Mountjoy Parade, Lorne, Victoria 3232, Australia
Pubs
(+61 (0)3 5237 6250)
Apollo Bay Hotel
Grab a spot out the front of the pub, and drink beers in the sunshine while looking out over the beach. The perfect accompaniment? A dozen fresh oysters.
95 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, Victoria 3233, Australia
(+61 (0)3 5289 1409)
Lorne Hotel
In summer, this feels like the centre of the universe as everyone congregates for chilled drinks and chats. The bars and bistro of this beautiful old pub have all been given a careful, chic update and, of course, there’s a fantastic beer garden.
176 Mountjoy Parade, Great Ocean Road, Lorne, Victoria 3232, Australia
