15 most incredible travel experiences you can only have on the Great Ocean Road

1. BRAE, BIRREGURRA: A critically acclaimed restaurant, Brae offers a culinary experience like no other. It's set on an organic farm in Birregurra near Lorne, which sits on the 240-kilometre-long Great Ocean Road as it winds its way between Torquay - about a 90-minute drive from Melbourne - and Allensford. Much of the produce served in Brae's daily tasting menu is grown on site, complemented by ingredients sourced from other local producers. Reservations are released two months in advance and book out quickly. The eight-course tasting menu costs $380 a person, with beverage pairings available from $140.

2. OTWAYS DISTILLERY, BIRREGURRA: The spirit of the Otways is bottled up in Otways Distillery's various gins, vodkas and limoncellos. With a mission to highlight the native botanicals and produce of the region, the distillery offers unique tastes, from citrus vodka to quince liqueur and forest gin. The cellar door has plenty of room to sit and enjoy the local flavours.

3. GRAND PACIFIC HOTEL, LORNE: A long-standing cornerstone of the local community, the Grand Pacific Hotel has been thoughtfully refurbished to deliver a warm, carefully curated experience, all set against the sweeping backdrop of Lorne's breathtaking coastline. Established in 1879, the hotel's restaurant offers indoor and alfresco dining, showcasing an Italian-inspired menu.

4. APOLLO BAY DISTILLERY: At the end of the main street in Apollo Bay, this distillery blends the town's rich history with a passion for small-batch distilling, producing handcrafted gins using locally sourced botanicals. Housed in the town's old post office, the distillery invites visitors to sample a gin flight, paired with a selection of regional produce designed to complement each pour.

5. GRAZE, APOLLO BAY: Tucked away in Apollo Bay's back streets, Graze showcases a seasonal Australian menu. A generous selection of starters, mains and desserts is complemented by a thoughtfully curated list of regional wines, beers, liqueurs and spirits, making it one of the coast's most in-demand dining spots.

6. THE PERCH, LAVERS HILL: Nestled among the lush greenery of the Otways, The Perch at Lavers Hill is an ideal lunch or dinner stop along the Great Ocean Road. Working closely with local farmers and fishers, the kitchen showcases the region's finest produce, from fresh rockling fish to wild-harvested venison ravioli, complemented by an extensive wine list.

7. BASALT WINES, PORT FAIRY: Set among picturesque vineyards in Port Fairy, Basalt Wines is celebrated for its cool-climate wines and Mediterranean-inspired dining. For $15, visitors can sample stand-out varieties such as riesling, pinot noir and tempranillo, while hearing directly from the passionate winemaker. The experience doesn't have to end there, with two villas nestled among the vines for an immersive overnight stay.

8. THE STUMP, PORT FAIRY: Established in 1844, The Stump is Victoria's oldest continuously licensed pub. With its warm, bustling atmosphere and classic yet contemporary pub menu, it has remained a beloved fixture of the local community for generations. The family-run operation is open for lunch and dinner, with indoor and outdoor seating options.

9. PAVILION CAFE AND BAR, WARRNAMBOOL: A seaside venue in the heart of Warrnambool, Pavilion Cafe and Bar is open for breakfast and lunch, serving morning coffees and afternoon cocktails with sweeping water views. The menu champions ocean-to-plate dining, with favourites such as the salt and pepper squid, prawn spaghetti and beer-battered flake.

10. THE MONTY, ANGLESEA: A Palm Springs-inspired motel in the heart of Anglesea, The Monty is a must-visit for those seeking a playful and distinctive stay. The rooms are colourful, vibrant and designed with both comfort and accessibility in mind. Guests can enjoy an outdoor pool and spa, and the newly opened Nina Cantina Mexican restaurant.

11. CUMBERLAND RIVER HOLIDAY PARK: Just a 10-minute drive from Lorne, Cumberland River Holiday Park is a hidden gem along the Great Ocean Road. The park, with a choice of cabins or campsites, stretches alongside the Cumberland River, nestled in a lush valley framed by dramatic cliffs and within walking distance to the beach.

13. WILDLIFE WONDERS, APOLLO BAY: A trip through the Otways isn't complete without a koala sighting, and while you might get lucky spying one in the trees along the road, you'll have much better luck with a visit to Wildlife Wonders at Apollo Bay. Take an immersive, guided tour through the protected 12-hectare sanctuary which is brimming with native plants and wildlife. The tours start at $59 for adults and $24 for children.

14. SCENIC HELICOPTER FLIGHT: It's not a trip to the Great Ocean Road without a visit to the 12 Apostles. And what better way to see them than from the air. From $195 a head, 12 Apostles Helicopters will fly you alongside the apostles, past The Arch and London Bridge in a 16-minute round trip. The views will take your breath away.

15. DEEP BLUE HOT SPRINGS, WARRNAMBOOL: It's the perfect spot to relax, rejuvenate and replenish before or after a day exploring Warrnambool. Deep Blue Hot Springs features open-air rock pools, quiet sensory caves and cascading thermal waterfalls designed to melt tension from the body and clear the mind. There's also a salt room, day spa and sauna. Entry starts at $33 for adults.

The writer was a guest of Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism; see greatoceanroadtourism.org.au