4 Best Restaurants in Great Ocean Road, Victoria

Seafood fresh from its own trawler, the Tambo Bay, is the reason to visit this long-standing fisherman's co-op, located in Apollo Bay's working harbor. Flathead and snapper are regulars on the menu, and scallop, octopus, giant crab, squid, and even abalone make an appearance, but their signature is the southern rock lobster. 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.

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, Fior di 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.

Churning out reliably good coffee, Moons is a stalwart on the Lorne café scene. This vegan-friendly spot is the place to pull up for big breakfasts or a pastry and juice while sitting in the sun, or take your bounty just across the road for a picnic at the beach.