As we celebrate a decade since his historic Tour de France victory, here are 10 places Cadel and his family love to visit when at home in Barwon Heads.
The Great Ocean Road and Bellarine Peninsula is his favourite place in the world to ride. With stunning ocean vistas, winding climbs and a world-class culinary scene, there’s no doubt Cadel’s top spots in the region are a must-see for locals and visitors alike.
“There is a lot to do, a lot of buzz and exciting new ventures in the region,” says Cadel. “You’re always only 15 minutes or less away from the solitude and beauty of the coast or the country. You can’t beat that.”
- Teddy’s Lookout, Lorne
You honestly feel like you are on top of the world looking along the most magnificent stretch of coast from here. It’s a very special and serene location and it never fails to make me feel alive – which is something a bike rider needs after the steep climb up to Teddy’s Lookout.
- Anglesea
I think Anglesea has something for everyone. I love riding through Anglesea and some of the mountain biking and gravel riding there is excellent. The beach is a favourite, the Anglesea Hotel is one of the coast’s best and if you want to guarantee the kids a kangaroo sighting then you can do so via a guided tour in a golf buggy at the Anglesea Golf Club.
- Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
Think Willy Wonka. You don’t need to have a golden ticket or even kids in tow to like this place, but if you do you are onto a big winner. You can watch the chocolate being made and, if you have one of their hot chocolates, I guarantee you will return again. Plus they sell ‘Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race’ chocolate.
- Barwon Heads
Well what can I say? I live here when I’m in Australia. It’s such a great and relaxed place with an array of cafés and restaurants as good as any small coastal town in Australia. Thirteenth Beach is one of the region’s great surf spots and riding Thirteenth never, ever gets boring. The river is fantastic and I expect to be cooling off under the bridge over summer quite a bit with our young sons Aidan and Blake when we’re home next.
- The Great Ocean Road
The sheer beauty of the sea as you are riding along the Great Ocean Road never ceases to amaze me. There’s something different every day: from the water colour to the tidal swells, to the vast beachscapes when the tides are out, not to mention the dolphins and whales that are regular visitors.
- Coffee
OK, I’m going to put it out there but I think the coffee in the region is Australia’s best. There will be some Melbourne cafés that beg to differ and maybe it’s the taste of coffee after a long ride, but you’re rarely disappointed by a Geelong or Surf Coast café. Torquay has some beauties along the Esplanade where the race goes past like The Salty Dog Café , Café Moby, Bomboras and Frontbeach Taphouse & Restaurant .
- Torquay
Torquay is the surfing capital of Australia. Bells Beach and Jan Juc are renowned for big swell, or you can splash about with the family at the more protected Torquay front beach. Fishermans Beach is also a favourite for boating, sailing and windsurfing. Plus, in 2020, the famous surf coast town was host to the inaugural TAC Race Torquay – our elite men’s and women circuit races.
- Challambra Cres
When it comes to pushing your limits on the bike, Challambra Crescent in Geelong delivers the ultimate high – physically and mentally. It’s a punchy 830-metre ascent which features in our Elite Men’s and Women’s Races and the longer People’s Ride Course. Trust me, it is sure to leave you committing yourself to more training. My best time up it is 2 minutes, 24 seconds!
- Wineries
There are 40-odd regional cellar doors that are open for tastings of a diverse range of wines. Many wineries also have amazing cafes and restaurants. We love Mt Duneed Estate in the Barrabool Hills and you can’t go past Jack Rabbit Vineyard with is views across the bay to Geelong, the You Yangs and Melbourne.
- Annie’s Provedore & Produce Store
It’s no secret that this is one of my favourite places to get a coffee and food before, during or after a ride when I’m home in Barwon Heads. The café, deli and food store has everything you need and always supports local suppliers.
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