Bowside Cafe

Bowside Cafe is a much-loved stop on the Great Ocean Road for its excellent coffee, with several reviewers also praising the chai and hot chocolate. The menu favourites pop up often, including the vanilla slice, gourmet and homemade sausage rolls, a bacon roll, toasted veg sandwich, orange and almond cake, and fresh salads like spinach, pumpkin and feta. Visitors also appreciate lactose-free cows milk options and say the food and drinks are consistently tasty and served hot.

What really charms people is the setting. The cafe sits within a gorgeous garden nursery with an art gallery and gift shop next door, creating a calm, leafy spot that feels like a hidden gem. Reviewers mention friendly, efficient service, easy parking, and plenty of seating, making it a perfect place to relax after a hike at Point Addis or as a peaceful break on the drive.