A Foodies Journey from Melbourne to Adelaide

Take a trip to Adelaide along the Great Ocean Road and forget the normal itinerary visiting the 12 Apostles and Bells Beach. Instead eat your way from Melbourne to Adelaide. There are many foodie’s delights to explore along the way. Our thanks to Cassandra – a recent Melbourne Campervanner.

Day 1. Melbourne to Lorne

Collect your campervan nice and early in Melbourne and head off down the freeway towards Geelong. After stopping off to take in the sights around Geelong’s Eastern Beach why not head to the Little Creatures Brewery for a free tour. Afterwards enjoy a great bite at the Creatures Canteen adjacent to the Brewery.

Continue towards the Great Ocean Road stopping in for a bit of surf outlet shopping in Torquay before making your way to Anglesea for afternoon tea.

McGains Nursery is well worth a visit. Sit back and relax with the perfect coffee and slice of cake in amongst the beautiful plants. Why not also pick up some of the local produce from their store whilst you’re there.

Continue on from Anglesea to Lorne where you overnight. A must visit in Lorne is definitely the Lorne Hotel Bistro and Arab cafe. Enjoy a delicious meal with a glass of wine while overlooking the beach. No better view in town.

Distance: 145kms, 2 hours

Stay: Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park

Day 2. Lorne to Port Campbell

Head 20 minutes out of Lorne to the picturesque town of Pennyroyal where a hidden gems awaits. Gentle Annie’s Berry Gardens (open November to April) is a charming little pick-your own berry farm where you can stroll through the fields picking lovely fresh berries. Before you head back on the road you can enjoy a coffee and something yummy to eat for morning tea in their café. You can also purchase some local produce while you’re there.

From Pennyroyal you have a few different options of where to stop for lunch. Make your way back to the Great Ocean Road via the town of Forrest where another surprise awaits. The small town of Forrest is home to Forrest Brewing Company which is a perfect stop for lunch if you can fit it in. Alternatively from Pennyroyal you can travel to a small town of Barongarook (via Colac) and stop in at the gorgeous Otway Estate. At Otway Estate you can sample some handcrafted beers, delicious wines or some fruit ciders. This is a perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy a lovingly prepared meal whilst taking in the beautiful surrounds. If you prefer to stick to the Great Ocean Road itself you can make your way from Pennyroyal to Apollo Bay to enjoy a good old fashioned pub meal at the Apollo Bay Hotel.

Continue on your way to Gorge Chocolates located in Cooriemungle, off the Great Ocean Road near Princetown. This is a must stop for chocolate lovers. Whilst you’re probably still full from lunch, there is always room for chocolate. Sample the finest chocolate in the area whilst sipping on a latte from locally brewed coffee beans. If you are more of a cheese lover a stop at Apostle Whey Cheese is sure to please. Apostle Whey Cheese is also located in Cooriemungle as well so you could even visit both places if you dare. Apostle Whey Cheese offers mouth-watering hand-made cheese made on right on the premise. You can sample the range of delicious cheese they have on offer before making the tough decision of which ones to buy for later.

From there make you way back to the Great Ocean Road heading to Port Campbell where you can stay for the night.

For dinner why not cook up a meal in the campervan using some of the fresh local produce from the area. Or if you’re not into cooking why not enjoy some local fish n chips on the foreshore at Port Campbell Beach. That is of course if you can bring yourself to eat another bite.

Distance: 148kms, 2 hours 15 minutes (via Barongarook) or 159kms, 3 hours (via Forrest and Apollo Bay)

Stay: Port Campbell Holiday Park

Day 3. Port Campbell to Port Fairy

Time to set off again and explore some more of this spectacular region. From Port Campbell make your way in land a bit to the town of Timboon where you can easily spend half a day exploring. For the cheese lovers out there you can stop in and sample the handmade cheeses at The Timboon Cheesery. Why not also stop into Timboon Fine Ice Cream for an irresistible locally made ice cream. If that doesn’t get the taste buds going then you could always stop into Berry World to pick-your-own strawberries. For lunch make your way to the renowned Timboon Railway Shed Distillery for a gourmet lunch while sampling the finest local whisky. Before you leave Timboon make sure you stop into Farmshop 1580 to pick up some fresh local produce.

Travelling from Timboon head along the Great Ocean Road to the bustling seaside town of Warrnambool. Just outside of Warrnambool in Allansford you will find Warrnambool Cheese World and Museum. Definitely worth a stop if you fancy some more cheese tasting.

On from Warrnambool is the picturesque seaside town of Port Fairy. If you fancy some afternoon tea you can stop in at Clonmara Tea Rooms and Gift Shop for some home baked scones jam and cream. If you are more of a chocolate fan then Slitti Chocolate and Coffee in town is well worth a visit.

Port Fairy is a perfect place to stop for the night. For dinner why not cook up a spectacular meal using some of the lovely fresh local produce you have picked up along your trip.

Distance: 100kms, 1 hour 30 minutes

Stay: Big 4 Port Fairy Holiday Park

Day 4. Port Fairy to Naracoorte

Today it’s time to leave Victoria behind and head for South Australia. From Port Fairy head along the Great Ocean Road to the quaint seaside town of Portland to enjoy some morning tea at the historic Cape Nelson lighthouse. Within the old stables on the light house grounds you will find a local favourite, Isabella’s Café. Here you can sit back and enjoy a nice coffee and cake.

Travelling on from Portland make your way to the enchanting town of Mount Gambier where its natural wonders will delight. Mount Gambier has many local cafes and restaurants where you can have lunch or why not enjoy a picnic lunch in the beautiful Cave Gardens. If you have a bit of a sweet tooth, spot into Dickins’ Delights in Mount Gambier to try some simply delightful toffee.

Head north from Mount Gamier to the serene town of Penola; where you can explore some of the famous Coonawarra wine region. With around 17 wineries in the area you are spoilt for choice. Katnook Estate, just north of Penola is a great place to spend the afternoon unwinding with a glass of award winning Cabernet Sauvignon.

From Penola head north to Naracoorte where you can stop for the night. On arrival to Naracoorte head to The Veg Shed to purchase some local produce from the Limestone Coast to cook up a feast back in the campervan.

Distance: 335kms, 4 hours.

Stay: Big 4 Naracoorte Holiday Park

Day 5. Naracoorte to Victor Harbor

This morning it’s time to make your way back to the coast and to the town of Victor Harbor. Before you leave Naracoorte make sure to pop into Van Leuven Bakery and Patisserie for a coffee and fresh pastry.

From Naracoorte continue along the highway to Padthaway where you will find Henry’s Drive Vignerons. This is a perfect stop for a light lunch with a glass of fine wine before continuing onto your journey toward Victor Harbor.

Just outside of Victor Harbor, near Mount Jagged you’ll find the awarding winning Alexandrina Cheese Company. If you are a cheese fanatic then it is well worth a visit to taste the delicious cheese on offer. Alternatively enjoy a coffee made with their fresh Jersey milk. For dinner why not stop by one of the many fine restaurants in the heart of Victor Harbor.

Distance: 350kms, 3 hours 45 minutes

Stay: Victor Harbor Holiday & Cabin Park

Day 6. Victor Harbor to Barossa Valley

Today it’s time to leave the stunning Victor Harbor and make your way to the world renowned Barossa Valley.

Along the way to the Barossa Valley just outside of McLaren Vale you’ll find Home Grain Bakery. This is the perfect place to stop for a quick pie or pastie before getting back on the road.

Next Stop, the Hahndorf, the heart of the Adelaide Hills. If you are a lover of all things food then Hahndorf is the place for you. Why not spend a few hours exploring what this intriguing little village has to offer. Well worth a look in is the German Cake Shop, the German Village store and Hahndorf sweets, among others. If you can drag yourself away from this quaint town, it’s time to continue on to the Barossa.

There is no better way to send the day then driving through the Barossa Valley sampling its finest local food and wine. With so many spots to visit it may be hard to choose which one to visit. If you’re in the mood for some cheese, the Barossa Valley Cheese Company is the place for you. For the inner foodie in you, check out the fabulous Maggie Beer’s farm shop. If wine takes your fancy then Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre might be just the place for you. The Barossa Valley will be the stop for tonight.

Distance: 170 kms, 2 hours 30 minutes

Stay: Discovery Holiday Park s – Barossa Valley

Day 7. Barossa Valley to Adelaide

It’s time to make your way to Adelaide to return the campervan. Adelaide has many foodie’s delights to explore. If you are into chocolate then a must is a visit to Haigh’s Chocolate Visitors Centre on Greenhill road in Parkside or pick up a 3 hour chocolate walking tour from Ruddle Park. Also worth a visit is the Adelaide Central Market which has lots on offer for the inner foodie.

Distance: 80 kms, 1 hours 10 minutes

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