Get your taste buds tingling with our Great Vic tasting trail starting with our favourites that feature along the route.
The 2022 Great Vic Bike Ride is packed with sights to see as we pedal from Koroit to Buninyong via the Great Ocean Road, but what you might not know is that this year’s route is foodie heaven.
The region is a favourite among Great Vic regulars for the spectacular riding along a snaking coastline, through the Otways rainforest and across sweeping golden plains of the hinterland. Dotted along the way are some of the finest places to eat and drink from boutique brewers and wineries to artisan producers and restaurant dining.
Download the printable brochure with the map and access the trail on Google Maps below.
Download brochure See on google mapsHere are some of our favourites:
Noodledoof Brewery & Distillery, Koroit
Catch up with old Great Vic friends over craft beer or gin on arrival in Koroit and say cheers to the week ahead. They team at Noodledoof work with local Indigenous Corporation, Worn Gundidj, to incorporate native botanicals in their gin sourced from the local area.
Basalt Wines, Tower Hill
Tower Hill is a must see on arrival day and just stone’s throw from the campsite in Koroit. A short pedal away is the Basalt Vineyard where you can sample some of the finest wine in the region and grab a bite at the rustic cellar door.
Berry World, Timboon
Set up your tent at the local recreation reserve then wonder across the road to Berry World where you can pick your own delicious strawberries. Strawberry season will be in full swing and it’s the perfect time of year for a twilight pick. Stay for dinner or grab some takeaway from the on-site restaurant – Berry Good Thai.
Timboon Fine Ice Cream
Many Great Vic-ers will be familiar with creamy goodness of Timboon Ice Creamery—who have featured on site for a post-ride treat in past years—but this year you’ll get the chance to try it at the source. The gourmet ice cream is made from locally sourced produce and crafted into a wide range of delicious flavours.
Hot tip: Try the Sundae School experience for 45 minutes of family fun learning and churning ice cream. Plus, you’ll get to make your own Sunday!
Timboon Railway Shed Distillery
A treat for grown-ups lies next door where you can sample award-winning single malt whisky at Timboon Distillery. The restored railway shed features a wall of craft Aussie spirits and striking copper pot stills which is worth a look for drinkers and non-drinkers alike. Grab a tasting paddle or learn all about their whisky making process on a tour of the distillery.
Dairylicious Farm Fudge, Jancourt
Stop by the Dairylicious Farm on our second day of riding and try the fantastic home-made fudge. The unique, labour-intensive recipe using Australian ingredients produces a softer, creamier fudge that is sure to delight all who have a taste.
Otway Artisan Bakery, Birregurra
Birregurra may be a small town but it bats high above its average in the food department. While most known for its fine dining restuarant, Brae, Birregurra’s rustic Otway Artisan Bakery serves delicious baked goods that are entirely gluten free. Don’t be dissuaded – the specially crafted bread is sure to impress the most gluten tolerant riders!
Forrest General Store
As you wind your way through the Otways on day five, make sure you stop in the charming and aptly named town, Forrest. Some may be interested in the famous Forrest Brewery across the road (looking at you Team Two Pots), but General Store is the perfect one-stop-shop to stock up on local produce or grab a bite at the local café.
Apollo Bay Fish Co-op
Not your average fish and chippery – feast on generous serving of the freshest locally caught fish with sides of salad or your favourite fried goodies. If you’re feeling fancy, treat yourself to a seafood platter or their signature rock lobster. Polish off your feed on the decking outside that overlooks the bay.
Great Ocean Road Brewhouse, Apollo Bay
What better way to spend a rest day than at the iconic Great Ocean Road Brewhouse? They’re home to a large collection of craft beers – including their own tasty drop, the Prickly Moses Handcrafted Beer. You'll enjoy a few of their favourites brews at the Great Vic bars but here you’ll have the opportunity to taste them at the source. They also have some tasty dishes made from local ingredients, including pub favourities such as the Mexican parma and nachos.
The Birdhouse, Apollo Bay
If you’re looking for fine dining with a spectacular view, look no further than The Birdhouse. Located above the bakery and overlooking the beach and foreshore, this local favourite features a wonderful Mediterranean inspire menu and is sure to treat on your rest day!
The Aireys Pub, Aireys Inlet
After a stunning ride along the Great Ocean Road, the Airey’s Pub is the perfect spot to grab a cool beverage and soak up the ocean air on the large deck set just a stone’s throw away from the beach. Let the kids run wild on the spacious grass area as you sip one of the perfectly crafted beers, brewed by their own micro-brewery. Just make sure you don't get caught up in the beauty, there's still 10km of riding to Anglesea.
Fish by Moonlite, Anglesea
It’s a big claim, but this fish shop could have the best potato cakes in Victoria. If you're hungrier, enjoy classic fish and chips made from only the freshest local catch of course.
Last One Inn, Anglesea
This bar and bistro in a 1970s beach shack overlooking the Anglesea River is a cracking spot for sunset drinks with a cocktail list that will melt your heart. Formerly a burger joint, it recently reinvented itself to boast a delicious seasonal menu with a South American influence. Try the locally caught snapper for a treat.
Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery
With a collection of 250 chocolates, an ever-changing array of freshly made pastries, desserts and artisan ice creams, you might think you've ridden into dessert heaven. Watch Chocolatiers work their magic through giant viewing windows and sample the sweet delights they have to offer in the spectacular showroom.
Wolsely Wines, Paraparap
Once we leave the coast on the penultimate day of the event, you’ll enjoy a rest stop at Wolsely Wines, a boutique vineyard located just off the beaten track in Paraparap on the way to Inverleigh. With cool-climate varieties influenced by the mineral-rich soils of the Surf Coast region, riders can wind down with a glass of their carefully crafted, 100% organic wines. Plus, the vineyard runs on 100% grid solar power!
This classic pub in a beautiful bluestone building dating back to1856 is boasts all your pub favourites with seasonal changes showcasing the incredible local produce. A great pub to toast the last night on the Great Vic with friends old and new.
After crossing the finish line to complete the Great Vic 2022, treat yourself to a fine dining experience with strong ties to the local community. It’s monthly ‘dine without decision’ set menu is a celebration of what is fresh, available and at its best. Go on, you’ve earned it.
Looking for more places to try on the Great Vic or in the area? There’s plenty more to discover through these other great resources:
- https://www.otwayharvesttrail.org.au/
- https://visitgreatoceanroad.org.au/52greatweekends/no34-12-apostles-food-artisan-trail/
- https://visitgreatoceanroad.org.au/explore/experiences/foodies/12-new-foodie-gems-you-need-to-try/
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