Scenic views and surfing are the major highlights on the Great Ocean Road, but guess what? A lot of shopping can be done and shoppers can find a lot of souvenirs, organic goodies, and interesting hand made objects. This coastal road from Apollo Bay to Aireys Inlet is dotted with numerous specialty shops, boutique stores and family owned stores that complete the adventure. Wherever you turn, you will find something good on the Great Ocean Road, whether it is a posey of sweet smelling flowers, fresh fruits or beach wears.
Artisan Markets and Local Crafts
Looking for some exciting market experience while on a Great Ocean Road holiday? Lots of great places for kids crafts and toys, and also bigger items for the home such as decorative items. The Columbia at Apollo Bay community-market head is noted for great vegetables while the oligomer at Apollo bay farmers market has a selection of fine cheese, fruits, and other speciality items. Lovers of fresh and wholesome local food or farm crafts veiled in the antique designs will also enjoy the Timboon makers and farmers market.
For those into antiques and vintage, the Mortlake Market and Fletcher Jones Market will be perfect for you. There are also some bric-a-brac shops like Seasides Seconds Op Shop or Bric-a-Brac Op shop which you can find in smaller towns like Port Campbell which also has some lovely gift shops and fabulous op shops.
Surf and Beach Gear in Torquay
If you are a surf addict, a trip to Surf City Plaza in Torquay is a must to shop for everything surf. This shopping complex is the Rip Curl Australian flagship store and other surf brands such as Quiksilver and has a lot of surf gear including surfing accessories and clothing. Once fully kitted up, drop by Bells Beach where one can use the newly acquired items or simply lounge around the beach.
But if you are seeking more than surfboards then Torquay’s boutiques are full of stunning and fashionable boutique clothing along with surf wear thus ensuring shopping on beachwear and normal clothing is done in one sweep.
Boutique Shopping in Lorne
Cuisine Facts goes on to emphasise that Austalia is stunningly beautiful adding that so is Lorne. For the beach enthusiasts, there are the Erskine River Shopping Centre and Lorne Surf Shop that to say the least give a formidable shopping sweep. You will also find exquisite handmade products in boutique stores from which you can buy souvenir gifts for your trip. For coffee drinkers, Kafe Koala is a blend of such cafe and the beautiful and unique Koalas of the region.
Local Produce and Gourmet Goods in Apollo Bay
In case ones farming skills are on point, they would not mind trying out some farm produce from Apollo Bay; very few persons will escape the health benefits of doing so. Exploring the Apollo Bay Farmers Market and Apollo Bay Shopping Centre, one can find a range of local products such as cheeses and butter, which would be instrumental in preparing a nice dinner in the accommodation utilised. The Friendly Grocer is stocked with a wide range of items; shopping for few days over the weekend will not present a hard problem. You will be mindful of the foreshore market and the friendly market atmosphere with lots of food vans and food stalls of the market who are so called as foodies.
Op Shops and Unique Finds in Anglesea
If you’ve come up the coast and are driving through Anglesea this time out, you surely need to get to Anglesea Seasides as well as to the Anglesea Recycle Station, which have lots of unique collectibles as well fabulous op shops. The Anglesea Surf Centre also is good place for buying surf city as well as surf wear and accessories. There are also manufactured food and packaged food available from the Anglesea VIC as well as Anglesea IGA worth your time for such are convenient for you on the nights when you have to be in this town.
Port Campbell and Warrnambool: Souvenirs and Antiques
A little bit further on the road, Port Campbell Shopping is a mix of various boutique shops and the souvenir shops. The spot provides beautiful souvenirs shops or hand crafts to celebrate.y our visit to the 12 apostles. Be sure also to check in at the Flagstaff Hill Gift Shop and buy some of the gifts such as sea-themed delicacies that showcase the area’s history of Ship wrecks through the years.
When in Warrnambool, fletcher Jones market will blow your mind with multidimensional market and antique collectible center and endless hot frames, charming out of date pictures, and exotic object d’art. For any lover of history as well as fans of vintage decoration which is abused looking this inclusive of shopping will spoil.
Supporting Local Communities
Shopping along the Great Ocean Road is not only about hunting for trinkets for yourself, but also a way of reclaiming the native land of the Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara people. Most small businesses operate in conjunction with the Indigenous people, which bodes well for bridging gaps and promoting equality of outcomes is a telling example going by most of these local businesses.
The region’s shopping experiences are rooted in the community whether it is using that sense of local Australian culture in the marketplace or taking pride in displaying fine pieces of arts by local people. This kind of shopping is not mere shopping therapy. It is interaction with the culture and history of the place.
Shopping Tips for the Great Ocean Road
- Timing is Everything: Many weekends are set aside for most markets and artisan shops. Therefore, organize your shopping expedition to this effect.
- Always Inquire if the Produce or Handmade Item is Local: Whenever possible, ask if the item you’re purchasing is made or bought in the country or region where you are now.
- Pack Light: In case you want to do much shopping, think about including some free luggage space or sending the packages separately.
- Delight in the Process: In addition to its great attractions, the Great Ocean Road is girded by scenic shops capturing one’s imagination. Relax, enjoy the sound and scenery, spend time with the locals, and embrace the slowness of life by the ocean.
Conclusion
There is a picture-perfect view for all tourists along the Great Ocean Road, but not all visitors notice that its shops are filled with interesting things and gifts made by locals. If you are looking for gourmet cheese, fashionable clothes or surfboards, the wide coastal route would be perfect since it can satisfy all types of shoppers. While doing so do not forget to patron the local shops and relish the experience of shopping on one of Australia’s most renowned drive’s. If you want experience all of this, our Great Ocean Road Trip will be ideal decision for you.
FAQs
Which are the best market locations in the Great Ocean Road?
For fresh farm produce, hand-made items or collectibles, students and visitors can try the Apollo Bay Farmers Market, Timboon Makers and Farmers Market, and Fletcher Jones Market.
Where is the best place to buy surf gear?
You can find famous surf brands like Rip Curl and Quiksilver at Surf City Plaza in Torquay while Anglesea Surf Centre is another must stop for more beach items.
Are there any good op shops along the Great Ocean Road?
You won’t be disappointed! Seasides Seconds Op Shop Anglesea and Fletcher Jones Market Warrnambool will give you wonderful op shops and vintage treasures.
What shopping experiences does Apollo Bay offer?
For the necessities Apollo Bay Shopping Centre will suffice, but for fresh gourmet cheeses and fruits and much more the Apollo Bay Farmers Market and the foreshore market are even better.
Where can I find boutique and specialty shops?
If you are looking for boutique shops head to Lorne and if you want to bring home unique craft shops that specialize in coastal knit wear head to Anglesea.