28 Of The Best Markets In Melbourne to Visit

It’s an essential part of any visit to Australia’s cultural capital; from food to fashion, find a collection of handmade gems and gourmet eats at Melbourne’s markets.

There’s nothing quite like diving straight into a sea of stallholders at one of the many Melbourne markets that occur throughout the year, whether they’re farmers showcasing the latest growing season or imaginative local designers putting their best foot forward. The atmosphere, the affordable prices, the conversations and the endless source of inspiration – a good Melbourne market always brings the local community together.

Below, you will find 28 of the best markets Melbourne locals can’t seem to get enough of.

Weekend markets in Melbourne

Melbourne has many weekend markets that are integral to the city’s diverse shopping scene. From innovative local designers to stallholders offloading their pre-loved treasures, everyone is given a platform to share the love when Saturday and Sunday mornings roll around.

1. The Rose Street Market, Fitzroy

Open: Every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm

Market goers at Rose Street Markets in Melbourne — Find unique gifts, spanning art, fashion, design, jewellery, homewares and furniture. ( Image: Visit Victoria/ Artwork by Aaron Mackenzie)

The Rose Street Market in Fitzroy is inspired by similar markets in world-class cities like London and New York, focusing mainly on local designers across different categories. As one of the best weekend markets in Fitzroy, this is the place you’ll want to go for rare finds and unique gifts, spanning art, fashion, design, jewellery, homewares and furniture.

This popular Melbourne market also has an eatery and rooftop bar, serving up some affordable eats and drinks for a more accessible alternative to all the surrounding restaurants and bars.

Address: 60 Rose St, Fitzroy

2. Coburg Trash & Treasure Market, Coburg

Open: Every Sunday from 8am to 1pm

Coburg’s weekend market is messy in the best way possible. The controlled chaos is akin to a massive garage sale, with Coburg Trash & Treasure nailing the phrase “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure".

Many locals come here to offload their pre-loved wares, so you’ll find rare vintage treasures like videos, CDs, vinyl, plants, toys, car parts, art, books and more. There’s no such thing as junk.

Address: 155 Newlands Rd, Coburg

3. St Kilda Esplanade Market, St Kilda

Open: Every Sunday from 10am to 5pm

Luna Park and St Kilda markets — The iconic Luna Park looms over the St Kilda markets.(Image: Visit Victoria)

The St Kilda Esplanade Market is the most recognisable weekend market in Melbourne, having been around since the 1970s. And it’s a true shopper’s paradise, set against the golden sands of St Kilda Beach with over 100 stalls from Melbourne’s best makers.

The market is easily accessible on tram 16 or 96, taking just 15 minutes from the CBD to reach a sea of trinkets, accessories, designer fashion, handcrafted artwork and more.

Although many of St Kilda’s best restaurants are nearby, it’s worth bringing your appetite to the dedicated food zone as well. You’ll find cuisines from all over the world, from souvlaki to Dutch pancakes.

Address: The Esplanade, St Kilda

4. Melbourne Book Market, CBD

Open: Every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm

Melbourne Book Market is located at Queen Victoria Market every Saturday and Sunday, swelling with a curated collection of over 5,000 new and pre-loved titles from every era you can think of.

The amount of knowledge here is insurmountable and quite overwhelming. It pays to discuss with all the stall holders at this market, chatting about classics and new releases to get an idea of what will appeal to you the most.

Some of the city’s most experienced booksellers, illustrators, book creators and authors regularly pop by the market to showcase their favourite titles, new and old, in Queen Victoria Market’s D Shed.

Address: D Shed, Queen St, Melbourne

5. Red Hill Community Market, Red Hill

Open: The first Saturday of every month between September and May from 9am to 2pm

Shoppers at The Red Hill Community Markets — The Red Hill Community Markets boasts over 300 stalls to browse.

This historic Melbourne market has been around since 1975, often considered one of the most fruitful days out for those who want to go shopping in Melbourne. Over 300 stalls feature every Saturday for the Red Hill Community Market, set in the picturesque locale of Mornington Peninsula.

Yes, you’ll have to drive about an hour of town to dive into this maze of pre-loved treasures, but it’s worth it. An easy $5 parking will get you access to a massive, colourful variety of goods, from vintage fashion and boutique local designers to art and homewares. There are several produce stalls and breakfast stalls so bring your appetite.

The Red Hill Community Markets — It’s worth the drive outside of Melbourne to visit these community markets.

Address: 266 Arthurs Seat Rd, Red Hill

6. Camberwell Sunday Market, Camberwell

Open: Every Sunday from 7am to 12:30pm

With a distinct love of retro fashion, unique antiques and collectables, the Camberwell Sunday Market is a great choice for anyone looking for interesting gifts and home decorations across more than 350 stalls.

Set in a Suburban car park, the long-running markets are frequented by a young crowd shopping for vintage clothes and pre-loved vinyl records as well. The broad scope of what’s on sale at the Camberwell Sunday Market makes it one of the most diverse in Melbourne. There have even been stories of people finding rare items and going on to sell them to international art dealers for much more than the sale price.

Address: Corner of Station Street, Camberwell

7. Kensington Markets, Kensington

Open: Every third Sunday of each month from 10am to 3pm

Kensington Market is smaller and more focused than some of the other Melbourne markets that have been at it for quite a while. You’ll find around 70 specialty stores at Kensington Town Hall on the third Sunday of every month, highlighting mostly inner-city makers and local craftsmanship.

The range of goods on offer is highly curated and fiercely local, ranging from designer fashion through to homewares, ceramics, kids wear and visual art. There are also homemade treats and coffee to keep you going.

Address: 30-34 Bellair St, Kensington

8. Fitzroy Market, Fitzroy

Open: Every Saturday from 9am to 2pm and every Sunday from 10am to 3pm

The entry to Fitzroy Markets in Melbourne — The Fitzroy markets feature 75 stalls bustling with second-hand goods

Fitzroy Markets is one of the best markets in Melbourne and perfectly reflects its trendy setting. In almost a decade, the market has grown from a small boutique collection of locals selling their wares to around 75 stalls bustling with second-hand goods.

Given the popularity of the market, it’s likely you’ll find the lion’s share of Saturday’s best market finds in the entire city. There are plenty of handmade items from innovative designers and a nice spread of food stalls as well.

Address: Napier St & Greeves St, Fitzroy

Farmers markets in Melbourne

From Melbourne’s best restaurants and bars to the city’s famously diverse cafe scene, eating and drinking exceptionally well is threaded into the Melburnian lifestyle. The state’s best produce dictates those famously high standards; which you can experience first-hand at any number of Melbourne’s farmers markets as fresh seasonal produce passes directly from the growers and farmers to you.

9. Regional Farmers Market, Abbotsford

Open: Second Saturday of every month from 8am to 1pm

The popular Regional Farmers Market at the historic Abbotsford Convent happens on the second Saturday of every month, focusing on food security and sustainability from some of the state’s best farmers. Also serving as a strong platform for female representation in the food industry, the farmers market seeks to evolve discussions about produce and the journey of Victoria’s storied food scene.

Note that there is a $2 entry fee, and all proceeds go towards the Abbotsford Convent.

Address: 1/3 St Heliers St, Abbotsford

10. Gasworks Farmers Market, Albert Park

Open: The third Saturday of every month from 8am to 1pm

Homemade condiments at Gasworks Farmers Markets in Melbourne. (Image: Eduard Ingles)

On the third Saturday of every month, the historic Gasworks Arts Park welcomes the popular Gasworks Farmers Market. It’s a great way to work through a leisurely Saturday morning, with many Melburnians turning out to browse top-shelf Victorian produce direct from the state’s best farmers and specialty makers.

Find everything from just-laid free-range eggs and fresh fruit to freshly cut flowers that give the vibrant award-winning market pops of colour. The park’s resident artist studios are also open during the day so make sure to check out some of the latest works before or after your grocery shopping.

fresh flowers at Gasworks Farmers Markets in Melbourne — Treat yourself to fresh flowers. (Image: Eduard Ingles)

Address: 21 Graham St, Albert Park

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

11. South Melbourne Market, South Melbourne

Open: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 4pm

Agathe Patisserie at South Melbourne Market — Freshly baked goods from Agathe Patisserie always go down a treat.

Dating back to 1867, the South Melbourne Market is another one of the city’s best farmers markets with an absolute smorgasbord of fine Victorian produce, premium meats, craft spirits and street food. You’ll also find plenty of fresh flowers at this market, as well as a few cafes.

Numerous renowned stalls make a regular appearance, including South Melbourne Dim Sums and Agathe Patisserie.

Couple browsing South Melbourne Markets — Spend the morning tasting your way through the markets. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Address: 322 – 326 Coventry Street, South Melbourne

12. Oakleigh Market, Oakleigh

Open: Every Wednesday from 7am to 4pm; every Thursday and Friday from 7am to 6pm; every Saturday from 7am to 1:30pm

Given the area’s strong Hellenic influence, the Oakleigh Market is set apart from other Melbourne farmers markets with its strong Mediterranean accents.

For more than 50 years, this bustling hub of fresh produce has been serving the community, right alongside an additional Sunday market at the nearby Rotary Club with 140 stalls selling all kinds of treasures.

Address: 12-18 Chester Street, Oakleigh

13. SloFlo WeFo Farmers Market, West Footscray

Open: The second Saturday of every month from 9am to 1pm

Fresh eggs and orange juice on sale at SloFO Markets — The focus here is on forging a slower, richer and more meaningful relationship with local growers.

Set in Barrett Reserve in West Footscray, the SloFo WeFo Farmers Market is one of the most modern produce markets in Melbourne, presented by Slow Food Melbourne.

Designed to promote a slower, richer and more meaningful relationship with local growers, the market showcases the best Victorian produce with a particular preference for local artisan makers. The idea is to reduce food miles, with a hyperlocal approach that guarantees unrivalled freshness.

Address: Essex Street, West Footscray

14. Coburg Farmers Market, Coburg

Open: Every Saturday from 8am to 1pm

You’ll find the Coburg Farmers Market every Saturday set inside the grounds of Coburg Primary School. Focused and deeply rooted in community, you’ll find just 30 stalls slinging fresh fruit and vegetables alongside coffee, deli meats, take-home meals and flowers.

Visitors often head here just to grab some delights from Milawa Cheese Company, who are regulars at the weekly farmers market.

Address: 92 Bell St, Coburg

15. Veg Out Farmers Market, St Kilda

Open: The first Saturday of every month from 8:30am to 1pm

Head out to St Kilda bright and early on a Saturday to find the Veg Out Farmers Market. Just a short walk up from the beach, right next to the area’s community garden, this collection of local produce showcases some of the state’s finest growers alongside small food businesses that sell simple fare like pies, pastries and coffee

Address: 12 Chaucer St, St Kilda

16. Carlton Farmers Market, Carlton

Open: Every Saturday 8am to 1pm

Grab some freshly baked goods from Ned’s Bake pastries and some liquid gold from Bad Bees Honey at Carlton Farmers Market. This simple collection of stalls may be one of the smallest in Melbourne, but the quality of stalls speaks for itself.

You’ll also find fresh flowers, dog treats, and the occasional visit from ethically bred farm animals to keep the family-friendly atmosphere going.

Note that there’s an optional $2 entry fee that can only be paid by card. All proceeds go towards supporting the Carlton North Primary School, which is where this farmers market takes place each Saturday.

Address: 6054/60 Lee St, Carlton North

17. North Essendon Farmers Market, Essendon

Open: The third Saturday of every month from 8am to 1pm

The North Essendon Farmers Market only pops on up the third Sunday of every month and is a popular spot for mid-afternoon picnics in Lincoln Park. Set yourself up in the leafy areas while picking at rotating stalls offering all types of fresh produce, alongside baked goods, gourmet pies, fresh juices, and some of that famous brownie banana bread from Brownie Kitchen.

Each iteration is slightly different, with a range of family-friendly activities as well including yoga and face-painting.

Address: Lincoln Rd, Essendon

Night markets in Melbourne

While some of Melbourne’s best night markets have since shut up shop, you can still find a handful of delicious food stalls after you clock off during the week. These night markets tend to be packed full of life, smoke and some of the best casual food slingers in the state.

18. Summer Night Market, CBD

Open: Every Wednesday night from 5pm to 10pm (summer only)

Every December through to mid-March, the Summer Night Market takes over Queen Victoria Market each Wednesday, with a huge range of food trucks, festive bars and fashion stalls. There’s also great live music to help pick up the vibe.

Given most of Melbourne’s longer-running night markets have since shut, this seasonal night market usually draws a huge crowd for a Wednesday night so it’s wise to show up early and grab some seats before darting around the many food stalls.

Address: Queen Street, Melbourne

19. Chinatown Market Day, CBD

Open: The third Friday of every month from 4pm to 11pm

If you’re looking for a good market in Melbourne then head on down to Chinatown on the third Friday of every month. The bustling Chinatown Market Day feels like a celebration each month, turning Hefferman Lane into a sizzling, smoky scene of dumplings, rice, noodles, cakes and satay.

Address: Heffermen Lane, Chinatown

Flower markets in Melbourne

Freshly cut flowers straight from the best farms and growers in Victoria. While there are very few dedicated flower markets in Melbourne that are open to the public (most of them are wholesale), you can still find plenty of florists scattered amongst other stalls, selling beautiful fresh flowers and flower arrangements.

20. Prahran Market, Prahran

Open: Every Tuesday and Thursday to Saturday from 7am to 5pm; every Sunday from 8am to 3pm

Fresh produce inside Prahan Market — Prahran Market is a great place to pick up fresh produce and flowers. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The famous Prahran Market has more than just flowers, but the number of options here positions it as the best place to go when you want top-quality blooms. Scattered amongst the spread of artisan cheese and baked goods, Clara’s Flowers is the stall you want with a great variety of fresh flowers and flower arrangements.

Although there are multiple florists on hand to help you find exactly what you need, including a nursery that you can browse for inspiration.

Address: 163 Commercial Rd, South Yarra

21. Santospirito Flowers, Yarraville

Open: Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6am to 12pm; every Tuesday and Thursday from 4am to 12pm; Saturday from 4am to 10:30am

Santospirito flower markets in Melbourne — Buy fresh flowers direct at Santospirito.

While not exactly a market with multiple stores, Santospirito Flowers is pitched as the only wholesale flower market within five kilometres of Melbourne CBD. And it’s an absolute haven for those who love everything about freshly cut, perfectly preserved flowers, plants, foliage and sundries.

The growers showcase blooms picked straight from their farms out in Torquay, displayed in a huge warehouse that has plenty of undercover parking and can get quite busy on weekends.

Address: 1 Minnie St, Yarraville

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Food markets in Melbourne

As with Melbourne’s best farmers markets, these food markets are dedicated to the sharp, seasonal flavours of the state. Pull up a chair (or grab a picnic blanket) and wrap yourself in these very energetic Melbourne markets.

22. Queen Victoria Market, CBD

Open: Every Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9am-3pm; Saturday & Sunday 9am-4pm

The most famous market in Melbourne can fall under most categories in this guide. However, Queen Victoria Market is best known for its incredible range of food, scattered across 600 stalls that specialise in all types of treats, as well as specialty produce, unique gifts and fashion.

Given this market is very much part of the furniture for Melburnians, you’ll spark a heavy debate if you’re asking for suggestions on the best food stalls at Queen Victoria Markets. We recommend smoked sausages at Polish Deli; Basque cheesecake at M&G Caiafa; Japanese katsu sandwiches from Meet Sando; coffee from Little League; and dessert from American Doughnut Kitchen.

Mork Chocolate at Queen Victoria market in Melbourne — Mork Chocolate is a go-to stall for visitors to the Queen Victoria Market. (Image: Kristoffer Paulsen)

Address: Queen St, Melbourne

23. Welcome To Thornbury, Thornbury

Open: Wednesday and Thursday 4pm to 10pm; Friday and Saturday 12pm to 12am; Sunday 12pm to 10pm.

Market goers at Welcome to Thornbury food truck park in Melbourne — Welcome to Thornbury offers a diverse spread of food trucks and regular events, (Image: Visit Victoria)

While not technically a market, we can’t get enough of Welcome to Thornbury’s diverse spread of food trucks and regular events. It’s always a party here, from the huge beer garden to the rotating list of trucks that come from around Melbourne and Geelong.

The best time to head along to this bustling food truck park is in the evening, when the neon comes alive, and the crowds turn out to make every night (except Mondays and Tuesdays) feel like one massive celebration of Melbourne’s food scene.

Address: 520 High St, Northcote

24. Dandenong Market, Dandenong

Open: Every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from 7am to 4pm; every Sunday from 9am to 4pm

Welcoming well over five million visitors per year, Dandenong Market is one of the most established in regional Melbourne. Over 150 years of history sits behind this beloved food market, which is so big that it includes an entire fresh fruit and vegetable hall, and one just for meat, fish and deli produce.

On select days, the market welcomes various street food stalls which you can sample on a guided group tour. And while fresh produce lures most of the crowd, the real reason to head along to Dandenong is that it’s one of the most culturally diverse markets in Australia. Load up on produce from all corners of the globe, from India to Ethiopia, demonstrating exactly why Melbourne’s best restaurants are so innovative and pull from so many different cuisines.

Address: Clow Street and Cleeland Street, Dandenong

25. Preston Market, Preston

Open: Every Wednesday and Thursday from 8am to 3pm; every Friday from 8am to 6pm; every Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 3pm

Fresh produce on sale at Preston Markets — Buy direct from the farmers at Preston Markets.

Melbourne’s massive Preston Market opens every Wednesday through Sunday, showcasing some of the city’s best food vendors. It’s always worthwhile for food lovers to head on into this busy food market, presenting a diverse, selection of stalls from popular spots like South Melbourne Dim Sum and 888 Street Food.

Fresh bread on sale at Preston Markets — All your weekly staples are on sale at Preston Markets.

Popular casual restaurants from all over Melbourne show up for this five-day-a-week foodie celebration, threading some of the city’s best suburbs into one big plate of multiculturalism.

Patrons line up to purchase cheese at Preston Markets — Gourmet deli meats and cheese are in abundance at Preston Markets.

Address: 30A The Centreway, Preston

Special occasion markets in Melbourne

Melbourne loves a seasonal market. From big celebrations of local designers to Christmas blowouts, these are the one-off markets that help capture Melbourne’s irrepressible energy.ther ins

26. The Big Design Market, Carlton

Open: Friday 29 November to 1 December 11am – 5pm

Crowds gather at the Big Design Market in Melbourne — It’s worth timing your visit to Melbourne around this market. (Image: Blake Walshe)

Taking over the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, The Big Design Market is one of the most anticipated seasonal shopping hubs in the state. Every so often, this massive celebration and showcase of the best designers from Australia and New Zealand pops up with 250 stallholders selling all types of treasures.

Stallholders at Big Design Market in Melbourne — The annual Big Design Market is an excellent place to find a gift for a loved one or yourself. (Image: Blake Walshe)

Usually set for May and December, the market pops up for around three days and offers a great range of ceramics, homewares, jewellery, clothing, lifestyle products, art prints and more. Plus, the food and drink offering is just as well-curated, with some of Melbourne’s best showing out from Wonderbao and St ALi to Pizzini Wines and La Tortilleria.

The entrance to the Big Design Market in Melbourne — The Big Design Market takes over the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton every year. (Image: Blake Walshe)

Address: 9 Nicholson St, Carlton

27. Boho Luxe Market, Various Locations

Open: Various dates throughout the year

A stallholder at the Boho Luxe Markets — Find a curated selection of some of Australia’s best makers and designers. (Image: Marie Luise)

The nomadic Boho Luxe Market pops into Melbourne now and then with a curated selection of some of Australia’s best makers and designers. Catch boutique jewellers, fashion designers, illustrators and just about every creative expression under the sun, worked into a colourful array of stalls.

Affordable prices and interesting wares aren’t the only reason to head along to Boho Luxe Market whenever it pops up (usually February and December – for a Christmas edition). There are often themes whenever the market is on, taking curation even further so you can focus more on what you want, and less on what you don’t.

Address: Various locations throughout the year

28. Finders Keepers Market, Carlton

Open: Dates vary throughout the year

Crowds gather inside Finders Keepers Market in Melbourne — Finders Keepers is an extravaganza of retro fashion and design. (Image: Samee Lapham)

Finders Keepers is an open-air extravaganza of retro fashion and design. (Image: Samee Lapham) — Pick up gourmet condiments and treats at the markets. (Image: Samee Lapham)

The Finders Keepers Market is where Melbourne’s love of hand-crafted fashion and accessories reaches its peak. Guests enter an open-air extravaganza of retro fashion and design at this pop-up three-day shopping event, where more than 250 stalls sell everything from slow fashion to stationery.

Artist at her stall at the Finders Keepers Market in Melbounr — Local and interstate makers come to sell their artworks at the Finders Keepers Market. (Image: Samee Lapham)

The biannual design market takes over the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton and usually happens in both mid-July and mid-October with an easy $6 entry price.

Cookies on sale at Finders Keepers Market — Find sweet treats on sale alongside homemade wares. (Image: Samee Lapham)

Servers at a margarita stand in the Finders Keepers Markets in Melbourne — Get a pick-me-up from the margarita stand while you shop. (Image: Samee Lapham)

Address: 9 Nicholson St, Carlton

For more travel tips and insider recommendations, read our Melbourne travel guide.

The Great Ocean Road has captured the hearts of Australians with its astounding scenery since 1932, but going off-course can enrich your experience with untouched nature, foodie delights and charming towns.

It’s a chilly 16 degrees. My husband pulls on a steamer and jogs – as all seasoned surfers do – into the water. We’re at Bells Beach, the legendary break on Victoria’s Surf Coast that’s home to the Rip Curl Pro, the world’s longest-running event in competitive surfing. Each year, over the Easter long weekend, up to 40,000 people descend on the region for the event. Today, though, we have the beach almost to ourselves, and the less-than-favourable temperature doesn’t deter my husband from surfing this famous break.

Torquay to Anglesea and Aireys Inlet

The red dome of Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The nearby surf town of Torquay marks the starting point for the Great Ocean Road. Unfolding our map, which we have marked out with a highlighted route for our children to follow, we set off for lesser-known Anglesea, a chilled-out town 20 minutes south of here. Its wide, sandy beach is a gentler swimming option for our young family. Groms can learn to surf here with Go Ride a Wave, which also runs stand-up paddle boarding on the Anglesea River.

Split point lookout — The lighthouse overlooks the Shipwreck Coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

After a couple of nights in Anglesea, we hit the road again, first stopping at Aireys Inlet. Here we stretch our legs at Split Point Lighthouse, which was made famous by the 1990s television series Round the Twist, before driving under the Memorial Arch that welcomes us, officially, to the Great Ocean Road.

This 243-kilometre coastal road was built by returned First World War servicemen and serves as a permanent memorial to those who fought and died during the war. Carved into rock using hand tools and horse-drawn carts, it was a huge engineering feat and provided much-needed access to isolated coastal communities.

Lorne to Birregurra

Lorne is a delightful beachside stop for lunch and browsing boutique stores. It’s also the gateway to Great Otway National Park, which comprises a varied landscape of old-growth forests, cool-temperate rainforests, heathy woodlands and rugged coast. With the highest rainfall in Victoria, the region is home to many waterfalls – 10 of which are within 10 kilometres of Lorne.

Turning slightly off the main drag, we wind along a gum-shaded road to Erskine Falls. Here, our son leads the way through the hyper-green rainforest and down 200-plus stairs to the cascade that drops 30 metres into a lush fern gully. We hop over large boulders to get closer to the falls, enjoying the entire place to ourselves; it’s worth the return climb.

From Sheoak Falls Picnic Area, there are walking trails to Henderson Falls, Phantom Falls, Won Wondah Falls and Kalimna Falls, some of which follow an old timber tramway from forest-logging days, which only came to an end in 2008.

You can follow your appetite north to the town of Birregurra, which is part of the Otway Harvest Trail that connects farm gates, markets, wineries, breweries and distilleries. It’s home to three-hatted modern Australian restaurant Brae, helmed by celebrated chef Dan Hunter, set among native gardens and an organic farm, and Otways Distillery, which produces small-batch spirits using local produce and botanicals.

Brae restaurant — Brae is a three-hatted restaurant in Birregurra. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Apollo Bay to The Otways

Back on track, the cliff-hugging stretch between Lorne and Apollo Bay is breathtaking. At Teddys Lookout, we overlook the winding road ahead and St George River spilling into the ocean. We spend languid days in Apollo Bay, a buzzy seaside town that boasts a three-kilometre-long, crescent-shaped beach with a backdrop of rolling green hills. One evening, as the sun sets, we take the steep 10-minute walk to Marriners Lookout, which affords panoramic views of the ocean, hinterland and town.

A 15-minute drive along the road, Maits Rest is a lush rainforest gully that has been protected since the early 20th century. Wandering along the 800-metre boardwalk, we inspect the delicate moss-covered forest floor and the gnarled roots of 300-year-old myrtle beech trees, then crane our necks to see their canopies, some 50 metres above us. It’s therapy in nature.

Cape Otway to the Twelve Apostles

The southernmost tip of Cape Otway is a delightful detour, home to the 1848-built Cape Otway Lightstation, the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia. We climb the narrow winding staircase to the gallery deck, explore the keepers’ quarters and telegraph station, and enjoy a coffee and some ‘famous’ scones at the charming onsite cafe.

It’s a pinch-me moment to finally see the Twelve Apostles in person. This unmistakable cluster of limestone stacks rising abruptly from the sea were never 12, however. When coined this in the 1890s as a marketing ploy, there were only nine; today, only seven remain after two collapsed in 2005 and 2009. We admire these Aussie icons from the viewing platform, in awe of Mother Nature’s ever-evolving artwork.

The Grotto is another natural attraction within Port Campbell National Park. (Image: Carmen Zammit)

Edging the wild Southern Ocean, this part of the coast – dubbed Shipwreck Coast – is made up of many sea-carved natural wonders including London Bridge, The Grotto and Gibson Steps. After exploring the lookout trails of Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool – its English name taken from the site of the 1878 shipwreck – we nestle into the sandy beach encircled by towering sandstone cliffs, as our children splash about on the water’s edge, and soak it all in.

Port Campbell to Timboon

Timboon Fine Ice Cream is part of a regional foodie trail. (Image: C McConville)

Just north of Port Campbell National Park, the region of Timboon is part of the 12 Apostles Food Artisans Trail, filled with purveyors of delicious foodstuffs such as Timboon Fine Ice Cream, Timboon Railway Shed Distillery and Apostle Whey Cheese. As an antidote to the indulgence, the 20-kilometre Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng Trail is a self-guided ride or walk between Port Campbell and Timboon through tall forests, over historic bridges and past sparkling lakes and farmland with grazing cattle.

Warrnambool to Port Fairy

Warrnambool building — A 19th-century building in Warrnambool. (Image: Peter Foster)

In Warrnambool, a town rich in maritime history, we take the four-kilometre Thunder Point Walk that traces the coast. The kids squeal when an echidna shuffles out from beneath the wooden boardwalk, and we stop to admire a seal lazing on a rock at the port.

Further along, the streets of quaint fishing village Port Fairy are lined with 19th-century cottages, old stone churches and Norfolk pines. Follow the historic walking trail to see some of the 60-plus National Trust buildings. Port Fairy is also home to Port Fairy Folk Festival (6-9 March), one of the country’s longest-running music and cultural festivals. You could time your road trip with the event for a fittingly celebratory end to any journey.

The Great Ocean Road can easily be done in three days, but we’ve spent a week on the road. The highlighted line on our now creased and well-worn map doesn’t follow the famous route precisely. It has sprouted branches in many directions, leading us to untouched rainforest and charming rural towns filled with culinary delights, and where we experienced some of our most memorable moments on the Great Ocean Road.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

The Monty is a highly anticipated, newly refurbished motel with a chic Palm Springs-inspired aesthetic set across the road from the Anglesea River. Basalt Winery in Port Fairy grows cool-climate wines such as pinot noir and Riesling in rich volcanic soil. Stay among the vines in its tiny home, complete with a kitchen, lounge area and outdoor firepit.

The Oak & Anchor Hotel has been a Port Fairy institution since 1857. Cosy up by the bar in winter or bask in the sunshine of the Lawn Bar in summer. The rooms are beautifully boutique with considered details, such as luxe baths for sinking into post-road trip.

Eating there

The Coast in Anglesea is a modern Australian restaurant focused on local ingredients. Grand Pacific Hotel has been a local landmark in Lorne since 1879 and recently underwent a restoration. It serves a mix of traditional pub and Italian fare alongside ocean views.

Graze is a cosy 40-seat dining room in Apollo Bay with a modern Australian menu complemented by regional wines. Apollo Bay Distillery offers tasting flights, a gin blending masterclass and serves woodfired pizzas.