Places to eat along the highways between Melbourne and Adelaide
It’s hard to beat Maccas in terms of economy and convenience, but really? There are so many other more memorable eating experiences out on the road.If you’re travelling from Melbourne to Adelaide - via either the ocean or inland routes - here are five to look out for.
Fish by Moonlite, Anglesea or Apollo Bay Fishermen's Co-op, Victoria
If you want some fish or seafood takeaway on the Great Ocean Road, stop at Anglesea or continue to Apollo Bay. Two different choices, but each offers the chance to grab some takeaway then choose a fab stop by the ocean to enjoy your catch. Fish by Moonlite in Anglesea’s main shopping strip has a no-frills menu offering perfectly cooked (battered or grilled) fish and chips. In Apollo Bay, the Fishermen’s Co-op has its own boat so head for the harbour to see what’s fresh and what’s coming out of the fryer.
Timboon, Victoria tastings: Cheese, ice cream, berries and whiskey
Timboon is a tiny town on the western end of the Great Ocean Road punching way above its weight in terms of being a foodie heaven. We suggest a progressive lunch: stop at Berry World to pick your own strawberries; sample handmade cheese at the Schulz Organic Creamery & Cafe; stop for lunch (and a wee dram) at Timboon Railway Shed Distillery, but leave room for some irresistible locally made ice cream at Timboon Fine Ice Cream.
Royal Mail Hotel, Dunkeld or The Bunyip Hotel, Cavendish, Victoria
Both options offer food and accommodation in the Southern Grampians but at different ends of the spectrum and make a perfect stopover if driving inland via Hamilton. The Royal Mail is a splurge with its two-hat Wickens restaurant (featuring a 4200 bottle wine list), and the upmarket bistro Parker St Project, plus sublime accommodation. The more down-to-earth option is the nearby Bunyip Hotel with its classic country pub styling (with a huge outdoor garden overlooking a creek), fabulously tasty meals (the “feed me” Sunday lunch is worth the drive alone) and the kitschy-cool updated accommodation.
Upstairs at Hollick, Penola, SA
It would be a pity not to drive slightly off-piste to sample some of Coonawarra's finest wines. Of course, responsible drink driving means you should book somewhere to stay the night. For some of the best cellar door experiences try Bellwether, Bowen Estate, Rymill, Brand's Laira, Wynns or Zema. But for a fabulous winery-long lunch, with a gorgeous view, nothing beats Upstairs at Hollick (wine matching, as you would expect, is spot on).
Waffles & Jaffles, Coonalpyn, SA
Coonalpyn is a long way from Brussels (both in distance and culture) but if you want a genuine delicious Belgian waffle, this is the place to stop. The tiny township’s Ait-Touati family settled there 20 years ago, started a roadside waffle store to pay for their son’s laptop, and since expanded to a shopfront attracting travellers, truckies and anyone wanting a sugary hit. They now offer savoury jaffles but the strawberry, banana, maple syrup and ice-cream waffle is hard to beat. Added bonus: the amazing murals on Coonalpyn’s grain silos.
Related: Five towns near Adelaide you should road trip to this weekend
Related: Five winery restaurants near Adelaide worth the drive
Related: 10 great South Australian road trip ideas
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