6 Best Restaurants in Great Ocean Road, Victoria

Up in the hinterland above the Great Ocean Road, in a village at a crossroads, sits one of Australia's most celebrated restaurants. Chef Dan Hunter's Brae serves a daily set menu renowned for its fine organic fare, much drawn from its own farm, which surrounds the dining room, the rest from ethical, sustainable suppliers of the highest quality. There are also six guest suites on the property, each accommodating two adults, from A$635 for two, including breakfast. Brae is 30 minutes from Lorne, 40 minutes from Geelong.

Down a bluestone alleyway, Coffin Sally is the good-time girl of Port Fairy, a fun, grown-up pizza bar doling up quality beers, wines, and cocktails alongside piping hot pizzas. The signature pizza, Buffalo Sally, features local Shaw River buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. Gluten-free pizzas are available and bookings are essential on the weekends; if you have to wait, take a seat by the fire and try a local wine, served by the glass. If you didn't book and you can't get a table, the takeaway is worth the wait. And the name? Yes, this was once the workplace of Port Fairy's undertakers, in what was known as Coffin Alley.

Possibly Victoria's best ice cream is made in the vivid green hills behind Port Campbell. You won't regret the 15-minute drive to the village of Timboon to taste its all-natural ice creams and sorbets, made with milk from local dairies. The flavors range from the regular---strawberry and vanilla---to the exotic---Turkish Delight, lime and coconut, or whisky cream, and change with the seasons.

To discover more delicious artisan news, follow the Twelve Apostles Food Artisans route: the whole circuit is 88 km (54 miles)---budget for a full day's gourmet outing. Highlights include Apostle Whey Cheese, Sow & Piglets Brewery and Timboon Railway Shed Distillery, www.12apostlesfoodartisans.com.au.

Seafood fresh from the fishing trawlers is the reason to visit this long-standing fisherman's co-op, located in Apollo Bay's working harbor. Rock lobster, shark, and barracouta are regulars on the menu, and scallop, octopus, giant crab, squid, and even abalone make an appearance. Regular fish-and-chip shop fare, such as calamari, flake, and burgers are always on the menu, the lobster and abalone are charged at market price---just check the specials board for the day's catch.

Enter this whitewashed stone hotel to find its café serving breakfast from 7 am, as well as lunch and dinner. The Oak & Anchor might have been around since 1857, but the food is fresh and light---try the quinoa porridge for breakfast or the Australian king prawns with sourdough for lunch. For a snack on the go, order a toastie stuffed with pesto and two cheeses, or a BLT. There are also six sunny little suites upstairs, if you can't drag yourself away.

A relaxed main street eatery with a spacious sundeck and friendly staff, open for breakfast from 6 am, there are daily fish and soup specials, and Devonshire teas with fresh scones. Waves also has self-contained rooms including some with spa baths.