RURAL IDYLL

It’s off-track in the Otway hinterlands but Brae is close enough and spectacular enough to warrant a Great Ocean Road detour for (very) special occasions. In tiny Birregurra, chef Dan Hunter has created an impressive ecosystem of crops and orchards, chickens, bees, breads and more to fuel the kitchens of one of Australia’s finest dining rooms. Brae’s that rare sort of restaurant where you can see, feel and taste the seasons all at once. Magic. braerestaurant.com