New & Hidden Stops Along the Great Ocean Road

“Every year, more than 2.5 million people drive along the Great Ocean Road, but most of them only see the surface.”

It’s true that the famous Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Bells Beach are on most itineraries, but the Great Ocean Road is more than just a list of postcard stops. There is a road trip full of hidden gems beyond those famous landmarks. These include boutique wineries, sustainable seafood farms, quiet beachside getaways, and new cultural experiences that most tourists never find.

What’s the best part? You don’t have to spend weeks looking for these treasures or risk missing out on them if you book a well-planned Great Ocean Road tour package. There are new things to see in 2025 that will make your trip even better, whether you like the freedom of private tours on the Great Ocean Road or the ease of a one-day adventure.

I’ve driven this part of the coast many times, and each time it feels like a new story. One trip could be about the sound of waves crashing against tall cliffs, another about drinking cool-climate wine in a small cellar door, and yet another about eating freshly grilled abalone by the sea. The Great Ocean Road is magical because it always surprises you.

Here are some new and hidden experiences that you should add to your itinerary this year if you’re ready to go beyond the usual stops.

Why Look Beyond the Classics?

Let’s be clear: there is a reason why the icons are famous. The Twelve Apostles at sunset, the cliffs of Loch Ard Gorge, and the surfers at Bells Beach are all sights you’ll never forget. But if you only look at these famous places, you might miss the real, personal side of this famous drive.

People who travel these days want experiences that are less like being a tourist and more like something real. That’s where curated tours really shine. A customised Great Ocean Road tour package can include the most important sights as well as less well-known wineries, seafood stops, or boutique hotels, which will give you a much better sense of the area. Melbourne Elite Tours let you set your own pace and see things that aren’t in the guidebooks. They are great for people who want privacy and freedom. 

Hidden Stop #1: Ocean Road Abalone Farm Tours

Seafood doesn’t get fresher than this. The Ocean Road Abalone farm lets visitors step behind the scenes of one of Victoria’s most prized industries. Here, you can tour the facilities, learn how abalone are sustainably raised, and even taste them freshly prepared.

What makes it so special? People all over the world think abalone is a delicacy, and eating it just a few metres from where it is farmed makes you feel like you’re really on the coast. Imagine standing by the ocean and tasting something that was picked that morning. It’s a memory that will last.

The abalone farm can be a custom stop for travellers booking a private tour of the Great Ocean Road. This adds a unique culinary twist to the trip. It’s also a great addition to a multi-day Great Ocean Road tour package, especially for groups who love seafood.

Hidden Stop #2: Suffoir Winery & Distillery, Macarthur

While the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula get plenty of attention, few realise the Great Ocean Road has its own boutique wine and spirits scene. At Suffoir Winery & Distillery in Macarthur, you’ll find a family-owned gem producing small-batch wines, whisky, and craft beer.

The closeness is what makes Suffoir different. You won’t have to deal with crowded tasting rooms; instead, you’ll be personally welcomed and have plenty of time to learn about their craft. It feels like a real, local experience that is also relaxing.

This stop is great for people who want to take Great Ocean Road day tours that focus on food and wine. A private group could combine it with a scenic drive and a stop for seafood, or a two-day package could include it in a gourmet itinerary.

Hidden Stop #3: Babche Wines, Timboon

Timboon has long been a favourite because of its ice cream shop and whisky distillery, but now wine lovers have a reason to go there too. Babche Wines just opened its cellar door, which adds to the region’s growing gourmet scene.

Here, you can taste beautiful cool-climate wines and talk to passionate winemakers who love to tell their stories. If you stop by the Timboon Railway Shed Distillery or get some local ice cream, you can have a tasty detour that most people who visit the Great Ocean Road miss.

Babche Wines is a great addition to any tour package for people who want something different. It’s especially appealing for couples who want a slower, more luxurious pace when they book private tours of the Great Ocean Road.

Hidden Stop #4: Fishermen’s Co-op Seafood Bar in Apollo Bay

You will probably be hungry by the time you get to Apollo Bay. Don’t go to the usual cafés; instead, go straight to the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op Seafood Bar, where the fish comes straight from the local fleet.

There’s nothing quite like eating fish and chips, calamari, or scallops that were landed just hours before. With the ocean views, sea breeze, and calm atmosphere, it becomes a trip highlight.

This stop is very popular with people who take private tours of the Great Ocean Road because they can have a long lunch by the water. For food-focused groups, including this seafood bar in a Great Ocean Road day tour adds authenticity and flavour that chains simply can’t match.

Hidden Stop #5: Luxe Beach Tents at Big 4 Pisces Holiday Park, Apollo Bay

Not every trip along the Great Ocean Road has to end in a hotel. The luxe beach tents at Big 4 Pisces Holiday Park offer a glamping experience right by the sand. Imagine going to sleep to the sound of waves, waking up to a view of the ocean, and having coffee on your own deck before getting back on the road.

It combines comfort and nature, turning a road trip into a mini coastal retreat.

This option is perfect for tour packages that last more than one day on the Great Ocean Road. Couples or small groups who want to make their trip more special can add a night under the stars without giving up comfort.

Beyond the New Stops: Blending Classics with Fresh Finds

The beauty of the Great Ocean Road is in the balance. The Twelve Apostles will always deserve a place on your itinerary, but pairing it with hidden stops like an abalone farm or boutique winery creates an experience that feels richer and more personal.

• One-day private tour: Great for those short on time—hit the Apostles, enjoy a seafood stop, and return to Melbourne in a single day.
• Two-day package: Put together the icons with small wineries, seafood from Apollo Bay, and a night of glamping.
• Luxury multi-day tour: Enjoy top-notch accommodations and personalised service while learning about culture, food, wine, and hidden gems.

Each choice shows how you can customise a Great Ocean Road tour package to fit your interests, budget, and time.

Who Benefits Most from Hidden Gems?

• Families: Kids love stops where they can do things, like the abalone farm, and parents like fresh seafood and wine tastings.
• Couples: For two people, romantic cellar doors, fancy beach tents, and slow drives along the coast are perfect.
• Groups of friends: A private tour means everyone can relax while discovering food, wine, and hidden beaches together.

International travellers: Going beyond the guidebook provides a deeper story to take home—one that isn’t just about photos of the Apostles.

Why Book Through a Melbourne Tour Company?

Planning your own road trip can be fun, but it can also be hard to find safe parking, navigate winding coastal roads, and figure out where the best places to stop are. All of that is taken care of when you book through a local company like Melbourne Elite Tours.

• Insider knowledge: Access to hidden wineries, seafood stops, and glamping options.
• Stress-free travel: No driving, no planning-just relax and have fun.
• Customisation: With Great Ocean Road day tours, the day is built around your pace and preferences.
• Value: A curated Great Ocean Road tour package ensures you get the most out of your time without missing a thing.

Conclusion

The Great Ocean Road is more than just its famous postcards. Your trip becomes something you’ll never forget when you add new and hidden stops like the Ocean Road Abalone Farm, Suffoir Winery, Babche Wines, Apollo Bay’s Fishermen’s Co-op, and luxurious beach tents.

The trip is as unique as you are, whether you book a quick day tour of the Great Ocean Road, plan a custom itinerary with private tours, or go all out with a luxury package.

So why not take a different route than everyone else? Don’t just stick to the usual tourist spots. Let Melbourne Elite Tours show you the hidden side of the Great Ocean Road, where every stop tells a new story.