Are you looking for a winter weekend getaway from Melbourne? Or somewhere to stay along the Great Ocean Road? Why not consider Wye River. Wye River is just a 2.5 hours’ drive south of Melbourne. In the town, there is a café, general store, pub, caravan park, plus splendid views and wildlife.
We arrived in Wye River late on Friday evening in darkness. The night-time outside temperature was 3 degrees! What were we letting ourselves in for? Finding our Airbnb house rental, BillyBobs Beachhouse, we had one of the answers, the wood fire.
With the fire all lit up our home for the long weekend was warm and toasty. Sitting down by the fire with a glass of red and some snacks was bliss — the other answer as to why awaited us in the morning.
Wye River in the daytime
I must have been the first one awake. I remember coming out to the lounge area and looking out the window. The view was just incredible. The property is up on a hill behind the small coastal township of Wye River and commands perfect views.
The sun was almost up, birds were chirping merrily away, and the sky was a beautiful orange colour. Grabbing my phone, I braved the extreme cold and happily began snapping away. We had our second answer.
About the Great Ocean Road
With the second part of our party joining us later that day, the rest of us opted for a drive to Apollo Bay. Apollo Bay is about a 45 minutes’ drive south of Wye River. Along the way, there are several spots to stop and take in the spectacular views of the iconic Great Ocean Road.
You’ll pass through a couple of small towns along the way, Grey River, Skenes Creek, and Kennett River.
Considered one of the most magnificent scenic drives in the world, the Great Ocean Road is a 243-kilometre road (151 miles) that begins in Torquay and ends in Allansford.
It was built by returned soldiers from the First World War. They made the road (1919-1932) as a dedication to soldiers killed during the war. Today, it is the world’s largest recognised war memorial.
Exploring Apollo Bay
Along the Great Ocean Road beyond Apollo Bay, there are some spectacular landmarks to see. To see are the limestone stack formations otherwise known as the Twelve Apostles, the Otway Ranges, and Cape Otway lighthouse.
Apollo Bay is a lovely seaside town. We visited Apollo Bay on a Saturday morning. Recommended for coffee is Bay Leaf Café. Stocking up on supplies, we made our return to Wye River.
Saturday back at Wye River
Now with all our party here it was time to start partying. The fire was loaded up with logs; there was wine, beer, and cider plus my questionable 80s playlist.
As the afternoon progressed the local native bird population arrived to welcome us all.
At first, it was just a couple of birds, but once there was bird feed and bread, we had several native birds. We had white cockatoos, crimson rosellas, king parrots, kookaburras, and crows all competing for food and the kid’s attention.
I had to feel sorry for the crows as no matter how hard they tried, none of the birds would include them. It was amazing to watch as different kinds of species all banded together against the crows.
Our plan for Saturday evening was to cook up a storm. For dinner, we cooked up a chilli con carne based on a recipe with an interesting twist. As well as beef mince and lots of chillies, there was also pork shoulder in the recipe. After a couple of hours simmering away, we had a tasty and spicy chilli feast.
After dinner, there was more wine and cheese time, plus relaxing and chilling by the fire.
Sunday in Forrest
Our only plan for the Sunday was to drive to a town up in the Otway Ranges called Forrest. The road begins at Skenes Creek. The drive up to Forrest is spectacular. The landscape is a mix of rainforest and farmland. We were there to visit the Forrest Brewery Company. One of our friends (Bec) who is sadly not with us anymore wanted to go there with us.
We finally made it there and could cross it off her bucket list for her.
Lunch at the Forrest Brewery Company
Being a Sunday on a long weekend, the brewery was busy. Somehow, they found a table for our party of eight. The brewery serves excellent food. I had an open sandwich with corned beef in a mustard sauce with home-made sauerkraut accompanied by salad and beer battered chips. Everyone else had the Beer Fed Beef Burger or the Terrine. The staff there are fantastic. We found them to be very attentive and friendly. Beside the restaurant, there is also a bar as well as a beer tasting area.
About Forrest
Forrest itself is well worth a visit, beside the brewery there is a general store selling locally made foods, a bike café (bike rentals) and a restaurant. The town is building a reputation as a food hub. When we visited, there was the annual Soup Fest. Also, that weekend there was a challenging bike race happening. No wonder the brewery was so busy!
Last night in Wye River
Driving back to Wye River was beautiful, being late afternoon, the sky was changing colour in preparation for sunset. Cue to visit the Wye Beach Hotel Bistro. It has a great selection of local ciders, ales, and an extensive wine list with a focus on local and boutique varietals.
Returning to the beach house for our last night, it was time for board games and eating our way through as much food and leftovers as we could. A challenge after our big feed in Forrest. Outside, during the evening and throughout the night, the forecasted heavy rain finally arrived. We weren’t worried, we had the fire.
Leaving Wye River
Reluctantly, we had to depart the next day. After feeding the birds, one last time, vacuuming and sweeping the house, it was time to leave Billybobs Beachhouse.
For some of us, we could not go without having one last coffee at Wye River General. We drank it sitting by the beach. Bliss.
On the way back, we stopped at Lorne, a famous seaside resort town on the Great Ocean Road, for some quick retail therapy. For lunch, we stopped at Winchelsea. We had some tasty meat pies and sausage rolls from Kentys Bakery and Café. Winchelsea. What a great way to end the weekend.
