Great Ocean Road
Great Ocean Road
One of the world's great coastal drives is also one of its best independent-venue corridors. Breweries in former surf clubs, cafes in converted dairies, and stays with views that earn the premium.
Great Ocean Road Brewing
112 Balliang St, South Geelong VIC 3220, Australia
Fri 3:30pm–8pm
Swedish-born brewer Mattias Isaksson leads the brewing at this Geelong operation, co-owned by two couples — the Shortals and Rangers — who between them bring FMCG marketing, sports physio practice and theatre nursing to running a brewery. The range ships along the Great Ocean Road corridor, with a taphouse in Torquay open through the week.
Alkina Lodge
35 Parkers Access Track Wattle Hill, Wattle Hill VIC
Mon–Sun 12am–11:59pm
Three private residences on the Great Ocean Road, designed by Glenn Murcutt and Wendy Lewin to sit lightly on the land. Stone floors, clean lines, log fires, and kangaroos at the window most mornings. Self-contained, so stock up before you arrive — the nearest shops are in Lorne.