Timboon, Victoria: What are the best things to do?

If you’re driving along the Great Ocean Road, Timboon is a pleasant inland diversion for food and drink lovers. Things to do in Timboon, Victoria, include the Railway Shed Distillery, Berry World and Timboon Ice Cream. But it is by no means an essential visit.

One perhaps unexpected aspect of Australia is the number of small towns that have thrown themselves into food and drink. Around the country are cute little spots full of independent cafés and produce-makers that turn local ingredients into something tasty.

These hubs of chocolatiers, gin distillers, cheese-makers and honey wranglers are often found around wine regions such as the Swan Valley in Western Australia.

Where is Timboon, Victoria?

Sometimes, though, they crop up without the help of wine tourism. One such example is Timboon in Victoria.

Timboon is 217km west of Melbourne – just over two-and-a-half hour’s drive. But realistically, you’re only going to go there if you’re driving along the Great Ocean Road.

Timboon is 18km inland from Port Campbell, or 29km from the Great Ocean Road’s major tourist attraction, the Twelve Apostles. With a population of under 1,000, it shouldn’t really be on anyone’s radar, but this moderately pretty dairy and forestry town has added unusual strings to its bow.

7 fantastic Great Ocean Road experiences
1. Crowd-beating reverse direction tour. 2. Surfing lessons in Anglesea. 3. Split Point Lighthouse climb. 4. Shockwave Zip-Coaster. 5. Guided wildlife walk. 6. Budj Bim National Park tour. 7. Great Ocean Road by motorbike.

Things to do in Timboon, Victoria: Fat Cow and Timboon Cheesery

There are a few enjoyable places to eat while visiting Timboon. These include cafes such as the Fat Cow Food Co and Margaret’s Home Baking. But the star attractions are where local produce is being grown and tarted up.

Berry World does the pick-your-own strawberries thing, but dairy is king here. The Timboon Cheesery offers takes on Havarti, brie and feta amongst other options, with most of the cheese coming from cows in surrounding pastures. Tastings and light lunches are available.

Pick the right Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne

For wildlife and nature focus: One day tour with koalas and guided forest walk.
To beat the crowds: Reverse direction Great Ocean Road day tour.
For adventure: Two day camping and surfing trip.
For backpackers: One day highlights tour aimed at younger travellers.
For exclusivity and flexibility: Private tour where you can pick the sights you want to see.
For an extended trip: Three day Melbourne to Adelaide tour.

Things to do in Timboon, Victoria: Timboon Ice Cream

Said light lunch can be followed up at Timboon Fine Ice Cream, which uses Great Ocean Road hinterland milk for a variety of flavours.

These include classics such as strawberry, chocolate and vanilla, but also edgier choices like poppy seed or passionfruit meringue.

Timboon attractions: Timboon Railway Shed Distillery

The third prong of the Timboon food and drink trident is the Timboon Railway Shed Distillery. Housed in an old railway goods shed, it makes single malt whiskies, barrel-aged gins and premium vodkas on site.

The Timboon Railway Shed Distillery also produces intriguing liqueurs, such as the strawberry schnapps and limoncello.

Signs tell of the area’s illicit distilling history, a solid food menu is offered up, and lot of local produce is sold. Come for whisky, end up with jams and chutneys. The Railway Shed Distillery is arguably the best attraction in Timboon.

Visiting Timboon is undeniably pleasant. But it’s never going to be an essential fixture on any Australian travel bucket list. If you’re driving along, the Great Ocean Road, however, it’s only a small detour. Unless you’re in an unseemly rush, diverting inland to Timboon for cheese, ice cream and schnapps is an enjoyable way of spending a couple of hours.