3 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.