Surf 'n' Turf

Story by Chloe

Adventure in Deans Marsh, Great Ocean Road, VIC, AU

After months in lockdown in regional Victoria, we were keen to get down to the beach and enjoy some salty air. We set off with a simple bucket list - to have a relaxing few days away with the doggo and enjoy some of the sights of the Great Ocean Road. Lalwinya Cottage in Deans Marsh provided us with a great home base to get down to Lorne, but was also located on a beautiful working farm that we were free to roam and explore.

When we arrived at Lalwinya, we headed down to the jetty on the dam to enjoy an afternoon drink while Dusty the dog had a swim. As the sunset and the weather cooled right down, the fire pit was lit along with the bbq, and we spent the rest of the evening relaxing out on the deck, watching the stars as they appeared.

The next day we drove through the Otways to get down to Lorne and get our hands on a good burger! With our bellies full, we headed down the Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay, making a pit stop at St George river to run and play with the doggo. Finishing the day back in Lorne with the best fish and chips was a must before we headed back into Deans Marsh for our last night on the farm.

After our last brekky of eggs and bacon on the bbq, accompanied by delicious fresh sourdough bread left by Talya (host), we were feeling pretty refreshed and happy. It was a gorgeous couple day of exploring, good food and getting the best of both worlds - the country and the coast....

Things We Did

Lake
Starry sky
Walk
Scenic Drive
River
Cafe
Takeaway

Jetty on the dam

We walked down to the jetty to enjoy our first afternoon here. It was such a beautiful dam - if the weather was warmer, most definitely bring your bathers! Dusty had a good swim, and we had a great time relaxing in the sunshine overlooking the water....

Star Gazing

The open sky at Lalwinya Cottage gave us the best view of the stars on our first night. Sitting out on the deck, we were able to even see Mars! We also had a little play with spotlighting on the property....

Farm Walks

Lalwinya Cottage is 300 acres of working farm, and you are allowed to explore all parts of it (as long as gates are closed behind you!). There were so many amazing views through the hills, and being spring - so many beautiful flowers!...

Great Ocean Road

The iconic Great Ocean Road was a must for us as a cold-weather activity! Amazing views, a stunning road, and an all-round fun drive! We explored some beaches on the way from Lorne to Apollo Bay....

St George River

We made a stop at St George River as it looked like a fantastic place to run the dog - and boy was it! We spent a bit of time here, running around and laughing at Dusty in the water. Would definitely recommend this spot as a great place to escape the crowds where you can still enjoy the beach....

Bottle Of Milk

As big burger fans, there was no going past The Bottle of Milk in Lorne to get our hands on some good food! One of the best burgers we've ever had....

Lorne Fish and Chips

It can't be a beach trip without having fish and chips on the beach!...

Our Adventure Map

Where we stayed

Things we did

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