Ten Reasons to Winter in The Otways

1.      Sample Otways Distillery’s New Winter Cocktail Menu.

Featuring Sal's small batch, organic, handcrafted spirits inspired by native botanicals and local Otways produce. Think silky sours, rich brandy cream and warming spices. 

Sink into a comfy leather sofa in the whimsical tasting room or gather your group around a table to share a local produce platter.

Brae guests are offered a complimentary Guided Flight of Otways Spirits. Just show your Brae booking when you visit.

2.      Catch a Live Music Gig

Come in from the elements, meet the friendly locals and dance off the winter chills.

Great tunes, warming fires, local food and cold beers can be found Thursday to Sunday at Martians Saloon, Dean’s Marsh, and every Sunday at The Royal Mail, in Birregurra’s Main Street. 

3.      Hit the road to get the best Otways produce direct from the source.

The Otway Harvest Trail’s Winter Guide is the essential road map for hearty local winter produce, warming fireplaces, open farm gates and top drinks. Use it to plan your perfect road trip, taking in the best makers, creators, food and drinks of our region. It’s a great way to experience the behind the scenes of the Otways, and grab some special treats to take home with you.

4.      Make the most of Brae’s Winter Guest Suite Deals

Our guest suites make the perfect luxe getaway. Winter makes them even more appealing, with 50% discounts on second night stays, and free gift hampers, valued at $180 on Sundays.

Here, you’ll be immersed in nature without exposure to the elements. Underfloor heating warms chilly toes, huge, double-glazed windows give unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape and natural timber, brass and wool finishes cocoon you in cosy comfort.

5.      Visit the iconic Twelve Apostles with Lorne Tours

Winter is a wild and wonderful time to experience the iconic Twelve Apostles with Lorne Tours, minus the summer crowds. With more than 50 years living on the Great Ocean Road, local tour operator, Jimmy Kamouris, shares our backyard through a bespoke tour of Lorne, Apollo Bay, the Twelve Apostles and his favourite hidden spots along the coast. This time of year, you might even see kangaroos, koalas, echidnas and migrating whales!

Choose from a half-day or full-day experience, tailored to your interests. Designed for Brae guests staying on overnight, Jimmy will collect you from your accommodation for a relaxed and personalised journey through the region.

6.      Try Our Winter Menu

We might be biased, but an Otways winter adventure isn't complete without lunch at Brae.

Rug up for a Guided Farm Tour, where you’ll meet head gardener, Jo Lawson, and see where the ingredients for your meal were grown.

Inside, warm yourself by the fireplace, cocktail in hand before beginning your meal. This winter expect to see a warming broth of Brae Farm apples and celeriac; Otways winter truffles, maybe warmed and folded into a hearty potato ‘stew’; bitter radicchio leaves; dry aged Great Ocean Road duck; or wild-harvested Otways venison.

7.      Shop, Eat and Drink your way down Birregurra’s Main Street

Find joyful homewares and gifts at Birre Home; retro, art deco, nouveau and weird at Ugly Stuff; handcrafted local gems at The Shop 79; and fashion and accessories at Little Birdie.

Stop for a quick bite, or a country-style feast. Choose an outdoor seat bathed in winter sunshine or shelter indoors by an open fire. Our top picks are Birregurra Grocer, Otways Distillery, Royal Mail Hotel and Otway Artisan Gluten Free Bakery.

8.      Do go Chasing Waterfalls!

Get the Otways Walks and Waterfalls Guide and start planning!

There are more than 40 accessible waterfalls in the Otways with beautiful hikes meandering through temperate rainforests, fern gullies, ancient beech trees and blackwoods, leading to some of the most spectacular natural sights in our surrounding forests, and right now is the best time to see them!

9.      Get Crafty at Tarndwarncoort Homestead

Tarndwarncoort is one of Victoria’s oldest homesteads. Visit the historic family wool farm and Farm Shop, 5 minutes’ drive from Birregurra.

Get crafty at a Tarndie workshop or join a social session to learn and share textile skills such as plying, spinning, knitting, crocheting, weaving, felting, natural dying and more.

10.   Get Your Besties Together for a Country Escape

Birregurra is the perfect destination for a group getaway. Imagine a winter weekend with old friends, a rambling farmhouse, an open fire, sitting on big, comfy leather sofas, glass of wine in hand.

Check out our top picks for local group stays:

Tarndie / Bootmakers Cottage / Yalloak House / Whoorel Station / Strachan Cottage / Montalban / Croft House / The Old Presbytery / Dalhousie / Birch Haven / John's House / Bluestone Fields / The Nook / Peaceful Pines / Birregurra Bliss