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Picnics in paradise: Everything you need for a top-notch foodie road trip

Must-stop gourmet spots you need to visit through Geelong, The Bellarine and the Great Ocean Road

Brought to you by Great Ocean Road Tourism.

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When it comes to a satisfying holiday, sometimes simple is best. So forget the stress of overseas travel and combine a classic Australian road trip with a picnic featuring the finest foodie delights.

Follow your tastebuds through Geelong, The Bellarine Peninsula and onto the Surf Coast’s Great Ocean Road, where you’ll enjoy scenery that’s a feast for the eyes and collect a plethora of epicurean delights along the way to create a mouth-watering picnic of your dreams.

From crisp cold climate wines and delicious cheeses to locally caught seafood and handmade chocolates, there’s so much local produce to eat and drink in these tasty Victorian regions.

To help you out, we’ve pulled together the must-stop foodie spots you need to visit as you adventure through Geelong, The Bellarine and the Great Ocean Road.

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What are you waiting for? Clear a weekend, grab that hamper and tartan rug and enjoy a picnic of foods and drinks from some of Victoria’s best-kept secrets. Bon appétit!

The only downfall of artisan bakery Ket Baker is the indecision you’ll face when it comes to choosing a sweet treat to take on your travels.

Geelong and The Bellarine

Austin’s

The home of premium cool climate wines, all grown in the Moorabool Valley. Pick up a bottle of Austin’s Curated Off Dry Riesling 2021 in collaboration with Boom Gallery showcasing Shane Drinkwater’s artwork.

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Bellarine Smokehouse

Rock up at the Shed Door from Monday to Saturday and shop sustainably farmed or sustainable wild caught fish, which is smoked in the traditional way using only salt, smoke and time.

Ket Baker

Expect treats like savoury or fruit Danishes, pain au chocolat, croissants, tarts and lamingtons, plus bread, of course, at this 100 per cent sourdough bakery in Wallington.

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Manzanillo Grove

The Bellarine Peninsula olives grown on the biodynamic Manzanillo Grove give this award winning cold pressed extra virgin olive oil a distinct flavour – plus it is processed on the Drysdale property within 24 hours of being picked!

Meredith Dairy

Every picnic spread needs a jar of Meredith Dairy Marinated Goat Cheese. This cheeseboard favourite is sustainably created on the dairy in Meredith, Greater Geelong.

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Moorabool Valley Chocolate

Visit from Tuesday to Saturday and you may be lucky enough to see expert chocolatiers at work. Grab a bag of Ginger dipped in Dark Chocolate for the journey, and a handmade Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Bar for after lunch.

Wallington’s Local Pantry

Support small businesses and producers at Wallington’s Local Pantry – a curated collection of local and homemade produce and smallgoods all under one roof.

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No Great Ocean Road trip is complete without tasting the fresh Southern Rock lobster meat at Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Op.

Great Ocean Road

Apostle Whey Cheese

Some Great Ocean Road highlights are non-negotiable – like the once in a lifetime views of the Twelve Apostles. Apostle Whey Cheese is nearby with goods made in a paddock to plate operation.

Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Op

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Whether the catch is Southern Rock lobsters, scallops, flake, snapper or calamari it goes straight from the sea to the Co-Op and then onto your plate.

Forrest Brewing Company

Mark Forrest Brewing Company on your map if you’re exploring the Great Ocean Road and Otways. Pick up a carton of pale ales for the passengers – the perfect refreshing brews.

Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

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At the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie there are over 250 exquisite chocolate-coated creations inspired by the local surrounds to choose from.

Noodledoof Brewing and Distilling Co.

Despite the name, Noodledoof in Koroit is more about the beers than the noodles. Pick up a pack of Sour Feijoa Spritzers that’ll go down a treat with your picnic fare.

At Timboon Railway Shed Distillery, owner and distiller Josh Walker makes all the single malts in beautiful copper pot stills.

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Timboon Railway Shed Distillery

Known for its single malt whiskies, Timboon Railway Shed Distillery creates small batches in the same traditions as the Scottish single malts. If whisky’s not your thing, try the Vodka infused with Australian vanilla bean.

The Fresh Market Warrnambool

Pick up local produce direct from farmers and producers at the Fresh Market Warrnambool. Pickles, cheeses, honey, fruit and vegetables, fish, baked goods, cured meats… it’s all here.

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There’s so much deliciousness to enjoy. Don’t forget to pack your appetite and stop off at these foodie spots as you make your way through these tasty Victorian regions. There’s one thing for sure – you’ll never go hungry!

Competition: Which Victoria Road Trip Are You?

Enter now for your chance to experience these amazing foodie spots yourself, and win an amazing getaway to the Great Ocean Road, Geelong and The Bellarine. Just click here and take the quiz by tapping ‘Get Started’.

Brought to you by Great Ocean Road Tourism.

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