For me the best part of the drive was just getting away from it all, being away from the big city. Being surrounded by the ocean, the forest and the mountains of the Great Ocean Road was just spectacular.

It was refreshing and eye opening – make sure you allow plenty of time on your road trip, you just want to stop and take photos at every turn.

First impressions on arrival – busy, local, bustling, young, fresh, coffee Must have dish – whatever is on the special board

What we ordered – roast winter veg on a bed of polenta (with heaps of herbs and seeds) Additional tips – try and get a spot outside in the sun (if it’s not too cold)

I think some of the most fun driving was when we took the Jeep Wrangler off the main road and turned into the mountains and forests.

There really is nothing quite like driving down a narrow, winding mountain road with the top down, where the trees form a canopy above you and you can’t even see the sky above.

First impressions on arrival – relaxed, causal with a sort of “corner shop”, milk bar vibe Must have dish – they have about 20 burgers on offer, and burgers are a pretty particular thing. If I went back I would give one of the spicy chicken burgers a go!

What we ordered – I ordered the biggest burger they had, which was double beef patty, double cheese and I added bacon, with a side of fries and a nice cold beer Additional tips – make sure you arrive with an empty stomach and serious thirst, these burgers are BIG, so maybe work up a sweat in the morning, or visit post-surf

One definite highlight was the roads and trails up to and around Erskine Falls.

Another highlight was the trip out to Otway Fly Treetop Adventures.

First impressions on arrival – Vibing! Lots of people, great soundtrack, friendly staff, smells and atmosphere. Feels just like you have found modern Greece on the Great Ocean Road. Must have dish – the lamb shoulder for two and the octopus (you can’t go to a Greek restaurant and not have the octopus!!!)

What you ordered – Basically everything! A hot tip is to grab a bottle of the house wine made by Nick Farr, a local Victorian winemaker who is mates with Dom the owner. Nick’s wines are some of my favourites in Australia and to have them so reasonably priced at Ipsos is a real win!

Additional tips – Make sure you book, i’s a busy and super popular place. There were a number of people hoping to walk in that couldn’t get a spot – so book ahead.