Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove are not just summer destinations.
Whilst the salty beach is certainly attractive in the sunny months, there is coastal charm in the salt-seasoned hospitality section that makes both corners of the surf coast cosy in the wintertime.
Here are some of our favourite spots along the coastline for a feed.
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Manor Suite and Mr Grubb @ Oakdene
Oakdene Estate is swimming with selection for food and drink at their Grubb Road farmland vineyard. Not only do they make some of the region’s finest wine but they also have two eateries on site to test the palette. Firstly Manor Suite is a niche wine bar offering quirky house-made cocktails, an extensive wine selection, craft beers and spirits alongside a South East Asian tapas dining menu. Secondly, Mr Grubb is an indoor/outdoor bistro with a blend of influences and cuisines that make up a modern Australian menu, all designed for sharing.
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The Dunes Ocean Grove
Architecture and panoramic views to make your jaw drop, The Dunes at Ocean Grove is a spectacular site. Perched above Ocean Grove’s rushing coastline, The Dunes provides both elevated and classic dining options including fresh seafood and wood-fired pizza.
Adding functionality to their space, their Takeaway Kiosk is designed for the sandy feet and salt hair folk feeling like a quick treat without having to get changed from their bathers. It is open daily from 6:30AM.
At The Heads
Where the sand beds try to meet in the middle sits Barwon Heads restaurant, At The Heads. At The Heads is stunningly situated on the water’s edge on the pier with unworldly panoramic views of The Bluff and beyond. With elevated lunch and dinner reflecting the water state including Seafood Platters, kingfish with cucumber and dill, and of course oysters, this iconic space is perfect for a special dining occasion. Even more so, At The Heads makes for a delightful wedding venue with in-house catering options.
The Driftwood Café
Transporting to The Terrace in Ocean Grove, The Driftwood Cafe is a local favourite thanks to their monstrous menu made from fresh, local, free range, seasonal and organic produce. Slinging breakfast and lunch daily, with the addition of dinner on Friday and Saturday for parmi night, Driftwood is a treasure of the Terrace.
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Annie’s Provedore
Posing as both a provedore and product store, Annie’s Provedore has a mouthwatering menu both on shelf and on plate. Set amongst an eclectic display of food offerings including the famous hanging San Danielle Prosciutto, Annie’s has an abundance of visual feasting for the eyes and the belly. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as pretty palatable pantry staples, Annie’s Provedore has been proudly serving Barwon Heads since 2004.
The Covenant Wine Bar
From Thursday through Sunday, The Covenant Wine Bar in Ocean Grove provides an intimate setting to enjoy a rich red or a crisp white. An array of antipasto arrangements including cheese and Charcuterie boards, The Covenant is all about the pairings. The addition of pizza on the menu makes this quaint space even more appealing. Don’t forget to top off the night with something sweet such as their famous sticky date pudding. With live music every Sunday, The Covenant Wine Bar has it all.
Coffetti Gelato
You can’t have a list of best eats in coastal towns without including ice cream – and where better than Coffetti Gelato. Bringing a taste of Italy to the coast, Cofetti Gelato is classic Italian gelato made on-site. With a cabinet full of fresh frozen cream options as well as a display full of homemade cafes, Coffetti has something for everyone. Not to mention they also have sling coffee from Industry Beans every day from 6am until 5pm. It’s a must if you’re down in the BH.
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Blackman’s Beer and Burger Bar
Blackman’s is a staple in the Greater Geelong and Surf Coast as a beer brewer but it’s their Burger Bar that will have you talking. Down in Ocean Grove, the Blackman crew have set up shop on the main street. With weekly burger specials and of course, their craft beer offering setting tongues alight, it’s a no brainer for a cheeky catch up. Make it a Thursday night to take full advantage of their $15 pot & cheeseburger special.
Ocean Grove Hotel
So you’re after a classic counter pub meal. Look no further than Ocean Grove Hotel. This family-friendly bistro and bar includes all of the pub mainstays including their famous scotch fillet and porterhouse steaks, the three P’s; parmis, pizza and pasta, seafood selections and seasonal specials. For something more lowkey, hang out in the beer garden, play pool and watch the game. This iconic pub is located only 150m from the beach so it’s ideal for the surf-side strollers.
The seaside sisters of Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove have so much deliciousness on offer, that it would be rude not to head down there for the day.
Head to the Tourism Geelong & The Bellarine website for more ideas on what to see and do in both coastal towns and surrounds.
This article was made in partnership with Tourism Greater Geelong & The Bellarine.
