Heading out of Melbourne and pointing your bonnet toward the coast is a brilliant start to any Victorian road trip. But before you get completely swept away by the scenery, you need to understand that the journey is just as much about the food as it is the driving.
Pulling over for a hot pastry and a coffee is a massive part of our local culture and it completely breaks up those highway kilometres. We have mapped out the very best places to grab a bite so you can experience the ultimate country bakery before hitting the sweeping coastal bends.
Key Takeaways:
- Stopping at a local bakery is an essential part of the true Australian road trip experience.
- World-class culinary stops are scattered perfectly along the route from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road.
- Securing a reliable rental vehicle gives you the total freedom to pull over whenever you spot a great pie shop.
Award-Winning Bites at Rolling Pin
If you are taking the scenic route through the Bellarine Peninsula or heading straight down to Torquay, pulling over at Rolling Pin Pies & Cakes is an absolute must. They have multiple locations including Ocean Grove and Queenscliff, and they consistently take home the title for Australia’s Best Pie. Grabbing their legendary Jumbo Chunky Beef pie or the award-winning Country Lamb and Rosemary ensures you are kicking off your coastal drive with the absolute best pastry in the state. Getting your hands on these incredible local flavours turns a standard rest break into a genuinely brilliant culinary highlight.
The Legendary Apollo Bay Bakery
Once you are properly cruising along the Great Ocean Road, the Apollo Bay Bakery is the ultimate tactical pit stop. This incredible local institution is famous across the country for being the undisputed home of the Scallop Pie. You can park your car on the sealed main drag and choose between their legendary Curry Scallop or the rich Scallop Mornay, both packed with fresh Bass Strait scallops. Sitting right on the waterfront with one of these unique coastal creations in hand is an experience you simply cannot get in the city.
Comfort for the Journey Ahead
Chasing down the state’s best pastries requires a vehicle that makes the journey just as enjoyable as the food itself. We ensure your chariot is meticulously prepped with modern features and spacious seating so you can conquer those coastal routes in total comfort. Pack your appetite and get ready to discover the absolute best flavours Victoria has to offer!