From the day's fresh catch to the impossibly rich jamon of Lara to the noble custacea of Apollo Bay, this region is dotted with people who are growing things, smoking things, cooking things, preserving things, fermenting things and selling things to eat. A wide variety of unique local produce, highly acclaimed restaurants and superb wines have given Geelong and the surrounding region a reputation for quality and character.

Irrewarra Sourdough Bakery is situated in the beautiful countryside of Irrewarra. Irrewarra Sourdough uses traditional bread-making techniques and the purest of ingredients to create bread with real flavour and texture. Included in the range of sourdough products are white sourdough, sandwich loaf, spicy fruit and nut loaf, bread stick, sourdough rolls, and pastries. (For your nearest stockist call (03) 5233 6219)

Screaming Seeds, one of the most successful small food producers in the region is based in a small converted bungalow on the outskirts of Bellbrae. A few of the pungent, aromatic spice mixes produced by Albie Cahia on site include garam masala, the evocative Virgin Island Mix, the sweet warmth of Southern Cajun, and the earthy, toasted, smoky notes of the dukkah. Today, eighty kilos of spices go out to outlets across Australia each week as well as to New Zealand and the UK. (30 School Rd, Bellbrae (03) 5261 6856)

The King of Ham, Angel Cardoso, produces incredibly good hams, chorizos, sausages, salamis and jamon from his home in Lara. The quality of Angel's produce is a source of great pride to him. Angel's sweet smelling paper-thin jamon and other delecacies can be found at Cafe Botticelli, Geelong and Sunnybrae Restaurant, Birregurra, among other places. (For your nearest stockist (03) 5282 1709)

Sticky Fingers Fine Food and Cafe produces tantalisingly scrumptious honey. From the delicate wildflower honey to the heady perfume of rich blue gum-honey to the joy of real, white creamed honey. You can't miss the opportunity to taste this wonderful produce or the delicacies Charlene Angus makes and sells in the Airey's Inlet Cafe. (2/4 Gilbert St, Airey's Inlet)
At Tuckerberry Hill you can pick your own delicious blueberries and enjoy magnificent views. Open 7 days a week, 9am - 5pm from Boxing Day 26th December until the end of February. Group tours are available by appointment and picnic facilities are available.

The Wallington Strawberry Fair held annually in November is a feast of strawberries. Chocolate dipped, between pancakes, with cream, on pavlovas, in punnets, hot in donuts. Over 160 stalls offering a wide range of fresh produce and hand crafted goods. (03) 5250 1841)

The International Seafood Festival and Trade Fair celebrates the quality and style of Australian seafood and includes a stunning exhibition of seafood produce and demonstrations of Australia's diverse seafood cooking.

The World's Longest Lunch is part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. Geelong hosted its first lunch in Johnstone's Park in March 2001. This regional festival celebrates fine food and wine. (03) 9412 4220)

Other Produce nearby:
Tuckerberry Hill
Phone: (03) 5251 3468

Gentle Annie Berry Gardens
Phone: (03) 5236 3391

Pennyroyal Raspberry Farm
Phone: (03) 5236 3238

Irrewarra Icecream
Farm made bio-dynamic ice cream & historic homestead. 
Phone: (03) 5233 6335

Phill's ice creams and sorbets, Barwon Heads
Phone: (03) 5254 1477

Otway Herbs
Nursery and cottage garden. Open daily and mail order available.
Phone: (03) 5237 6318