The Otway Harvest Trail is just a short drive inland from the Great Ocean Road and celebrates exceptional food, wine, culture and outdoor experiences. The region has a rich farming presence and is renowned for growing quality produce. Here are four suggested stops to make along the Otway Harvest Trail on your way to or from your stay at Heytesbury House Bed and Breakfast.
1. The Vault Ostrich Farm and Gift Shop
The Vault is the farm shop located at Hastings Ostrich Farms in Winchelsea. They have a unique selection of gifts and souvenirs. Buy ostrich products direct from the farmer or book a farm tour to learn more about these amazing big birds. Check their Facebook page or website for more details and to book a tour. 30 Main St, Winchelsea.
2. Otway Artisan Gluten Free
Otway Artisan Gluten Free is a small gluten free bakehouse dedicated to making the finest handmade gluten free bread products, prepared onsite in the beautiful little town of Birregurra. From the initial sourcing of the ingredients to fermentation, shaping and the eventual baking, the team at Otway Artisan Gluten Free strives to create some the best gluten free products on the market. They use a special blend of premium quality gluten free flours which help give their breads that soft fluffy texture on the inside and golden crust on the outside. 77 Main St, Birregurra.
3. Tarndwarncoort ‘Tarndie’ Woolshop
Tarndie is recognised by the National Trust as one of Victoria’s oldest surviving homesteads and has been owned and operated by the Dennis family since 1840. Tarndwarncoort or Tarndie for short, is the home of Australia’s first breed of sheep, the Polwarth sheep. The farm shop offers a selection of wool products for craft, bespoke yarn and one-off dye lots using the Polwarth wool grown on the farm. Wool craft events & classes also available. 5459 Princes Highway, Warncoort.
4. Birregurra Wildflowers
Birregurra Wildflowers grow and arrange unique wildflower blooms. They are passionate about providing beautiful local, pesticide free flowers. Call past and pick yourself up a bunch of gorgeous wildflowers from their weekend flower cart on your way home. 4755 Princes Highway, Birregurra.
Heytesbury House Bed and Breakfast is a multi award-winning boutique place to stay near the Great Ocean Road. A property with historical significance, Heytesbury House was once a doctor’s residence and later a local bush hospital c. 1904. The property has been lovingly restored and converted into luxury accommodation for up to ten guests, whilst all care has been taken to ensure the integrity of the early 1900s era and style. Heytesbury House is located in the small Victorian town of Cobden, only 30 minutes inland from the 12 Apostles and the Great Ocean Road. A comfortable 2.5 hour drive West along the Princes Highway (M1) from Melbourne CBD or 35 minutes from Colac, Cobden is centrally positioned between the Princes Highway and the coast. Cobden is a quiet unassuming town away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist traffic but still within easy reach of all of the iconic Great Ocean Road sights.
