What to do on the Great Ocean Road when raining and in winter
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Torquay Things to do in the Rain and in Winter
While the Torquay town is technically just before the round about where the Great Ocean Road begins, it being a bit bigger, it does have some more choices of things to do in the rain.
National Sufing Museum
This indoor museum in Torquay, a mere km before the start of the Great Ocean Road is a good place to stay warm and dry on a rainy day while brushing up on the history of surfing and beach culture.
Surfcoast Gallery
Easy to get to on the main road through Torquay, the Surfcoast Gallery is a great spot to check out a diverse range of artwork from local artists.
Bellbrae Estate Winery
A short drive out of Torquay along the Great Ocean Road to Bellbrae is the Bellbrae Estate Winery conveniently located right on the Great Ocean Road. Book in for a wine tasting experience undercover out of the rain (though you may want to check if you need to rug up as some parts are open air).
Be sure to book in advance, bookings are essential as the wine-tasting experiences are run during a set time only. On the weekends you can also book for wine and food combos.
Anglesea Things to do in the rain and in winter
Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
A great place to get your chocolate fix, you can watch chocolate being made through the large viewing windows or visit the cafe that serves amongst many things lots of chocolatety delights.
Pop in for Coffee at Poppie’s Nursery and Cafe
Connect with nature while still staying indoors at a table at the cute and comfy Poppies. This indoor nursery cafe is undercover and has enclosed walls to keep you dry and out of the wind.
Anglesea Indoor Market
A completely indoors mini market boasting products from over 70 small businesses the Anglesea Indoor Market is the perfect rainy day activity.
Aireys Inlet Things to do in the Rain and in Winter
Eagles Nest Fine Art Gallery
Housing the work of many different artists the Eagles Nest Fine Art Gallary is a great rainy or winter day stop, with many of the artworks capturing local landscapes and culture along with plenty of other pieces coving a variety of mediums of work.
Beach Views
Don’t want to get wet? The section of road around Eastern View offers several carparks where you can park and watch the waves without getting out of your car.
Lorne Things to do in the Rain and in Winter
Stop for a long lunch
With a huge range of cafes and restaurants to choose from, Lorne is the perfect place to stop for a long lunch. Many places like Almyra and the Lorne Hotel offer great views from which to while away the day, drink or snack in hand.
Visit a real life book shop!
Lorne still boasts its very own small independent bookshop ‘Lorne Books’ the perfect place to find something to read in the rainy weather.
Check out my full list of things to do in Lorne in the Rain.
Wye River Things to do in the Rain and in Winter
Wye Beach Hotel
Wye Beach hotel has floor-to-ceiling windows looking out of the little small bay. The perfect place to stop for a drink with a view.
Apollo Bay Things to do in the Rain and in Winter
Fish and Chips in the Car
Grab some fish and chips from the Apollo Bay Fishermens Co-op and enjoy them from the warm comfort of your car.
There are carparks along breakwater road to park up with views looking out towards to the town and hills in the background.
Apollo Bay to Port Campbell
Cape Otway Lightstation – detour
Cape Otway Lightstation is a great wet weather stop for history enthusiasts. While you will need a coat and or rainjacket to walk around the Lightstation and between buildings, it has indoor parts with plenty of information to read while you seek shelter from the weater. The road in is winding so drive to the conditions when wet.
The Perch at Lavers Hill
The ultimate cosy rainy day lunch spot on the Great Ocean Road, The Perch at Lavers Hill embraces warm vibes, friendly service, a wine list and nice views.
G.O.R.G.E Chocolates – Detour
If your happy to drive 13km off the Grat Ocean Road you can stop to enjoy some chocolates at this indoor Chocolate Shop! Its actually part of the food drive below but is one of the closest stops if you don’t want to stray to far from the Great Ocean Road.
12 Apostles Food Artisans Drive – Detour
If a detour is your jam, you might enjoy a rainy-day road trip (but drive safely to the conditions on the country roads!) full of tasty treats. You can download the most recent pdf map with all the details from the Visit 12 Apostles Gourmet Trail Page.
Port Campbell Things to do in the Rain
A tiny little town, the best things to do in Port Campbell in the rain involve your taste buds and your belly.
Sow and Piglets Brewery
A more recent addition (although it opened in 2018 so those 5 years went quick!) to the Great Ocean Road, the Sow and Piglets Brewery is a craft beer rainy day option.