The Fives Bellbrae Review: Great Ocean Road Cafe and Nursery
The Fives in Bellbrae is the kind of Great Ocean Road cafe that makes a simple coffee stop feel like part of the day out. Set at 555 Great Ocean Road, the bright rural cafe serves breakfast and lunch seven days a week, with local pastries, comfort food, outdoor seating and a nursery adding plenty of relaxed Surf Coast character.
Why The Fives Is Worth a Bellbrae Pit Stop
The Fives works because it feels useful and destination-worthy at the same time. Cyclists can stop for an early coffee, families have space to settle in, travellers can refuel before heading farther along the coast, and plant lovers now have a nursery to browse as well. It is casual, friendly and easy to fit into a Torquay, Bells Beach or Anglesea day trip.
There is quite the vibe going on at The Fives. Given it's location you can tell the customers are all just feeling happy and relaxed and it does rub off on you. As you start sipping your coffee you really do feel like you are on holiday.
We loved the outdoor fireplace as we all know it can get a bit chilly out here but more importantly that spiritual connection with the warmth and wood fire smell that gets the heart going. Fireplaces just somehow bring out that feel good factor.
Coffee, Breakfast and Comfort Food
The Fives is a proper cafe rather than a novelty stop. It opens early, which is perfect for anyone keen to get moving along the Great Ocean Road before the crowds build. The menu leans into approachable cafe food, with the chicken focaccia and bacon and egg roll among the dishes the venue is known for. Local pastries, coffee, vegetarian choices, vegan choices and gluten free options help make it a flexible stop for groups where everyone seems to want something different.
While The Fives is a proper cafe I wouldn't say the menu isn't super extensive. It's kinda hip yet simplified. If you are looking for a classic big breakfast, The Fives isn't quite that kind of spot food wise. Despite what feels like a bit of a limited menu don't let that put you off - just enjoy the great environment and positive feeling that this spt emanates.
The Nursery Gives The Fives Its Own Personality
The nursery is what pushes The Fives beyond being another roadside cafe. Plants are arranged through the property with seating around the greenery, so you can have a coffee and browse at the same time. I am a gardener, and after finally putting in the effort to regularly water my mandarin tree I went from a year of dry fruit to fantastic juicy mandarins every day.
That little lesson made me appreciate the nursery angle here even more. Sometimes putting a bit of love into plants really does pay you back, and wandering through greenery with coffee in hand is a pretty nice reminder.
A Relaxed Stop for Families and Dogs
The Fives has a bright, casual feel that suits families, and the outdoor areas make it easier when you have children who are not interested in sitting perfectly still for an hour. There is a children's sandpit and plenty of outdoor character, while the cafe is also listed as pet friendly.
As someone with a Labrador called Tommy, dog friendly venues always score a few bonus points with me. Add onsite parking and alfresco dining and the practical side of a family road trip is well covered.
A Handy Great Ocean Road Location
Bellbrae is a clever place for a cafe like this. The Fives sits close to Torquay, Jan Juc and Bells Beach, while Anglesea is farther along the road, so it can be breakfast before the sightseeing starts or a late lunch after a morning near the coast.
The Fives can be a nice break on your road trip especially if travelling from the east and if you are closer say Geelong, you can skip your breakfast and come straight here to save some time and get your weekend underway.
Local Suppliers and a Community Feel
The cafe has made a point of working with suppliers and businesses from the Geelong region, which suits its local Surf Coast identity. The Fives has also been designed as a place for regulars, cyclists and travellers rather than feeling like it exists only for passing tourists. That is important on a famous touring route. A venue feels more genuine when locals actually want to use it too, and The Fives has the relaxed atmosphere to make that happen.
What I Like Most About The Fives
For me, the gamechanger is the combination of cafe and nursery. You can grab a straightforward breakfast, enjoy a coffee, let the children have a little breathing room and then wander among the plants before continuing the day. It is not trying to be overly formal or complicated. The appeal is convenience, greenery, local character and good cafe basics in a location that makes sense for a Surf Coast road trip.
Final Verdict
I rate The Fives in Bellbrae 4 out of 5.
Yes, I would go again and yes, I would recommend it to a friend. It is an easy cafe to build into a Great Ocean Road itinerary, especially if you are travelling with children, cycling the Surf Coast, love plants or simply want coffee and comfort food without making the stop feel like a major production. The nursery gives it extra personality and makes The Fives more memorable than your average roadside cafe.
Trivia: The Fives occupies a site with a long connection to plants and gardening. A nursery returned to the property in June 2026, reviving the plant-filled character many Surf Coast locals associated with the former Bellbrae Nursery site.
Getting there
The Fives is located at 555 Great Ocean Road, Bellbrae VIC 3228. From Melbourne, follow the M1 toward Geelong, continue toward Torquay and the Surf Coast, then follow the Great Ocean Road toward Bellbrae. The cafe is a convenient stop between the Torquay area and Anglesea.
- Drive times (approx.): Allow around 1 hour 25 minutes by car from Flinders Street Station, Melbourne, depending on traffic.
- Torquay: Around 10 minutes away and an excellent base for beaches, surfing attractions and the start of the Great Ocean Road.
- Anglesea: Around 15 minutes away, with beaches, coastal walks and easy access to more of the Great Ocean Road.
When
Open seven days a week from 6am to 4pm. Check the official website for public holiday or seasonal changes.
Cost
Pricing can be regarded as fair. It's neither expensive nor cheap.
Rating: 4
Would I go again: Yes
Would I recommend to a friend: Yes
Cuisine Type: Cafe
Address: 555 Great Ocean Road, Bellbrae VIC 3228
Telephone: (03) 5261 8844
Reviewed by: West Melbourne And Beyond
The Fives Bellbrae FAQ
Where is The Fives in Bellbrae?
The Fives is at 555 Great Ocean Road, Bellbrae VIC 3228.
What are The Fives opening hours?
Current listings show the cafe open seven days a week from 6am to 4pm. Check the official website before making a special trip because trading hours can change.
Does The Fives have a nursery?
Yes. The on-site nursery opened in June 2026 and adds a plant-filled retail and seating area to the cafe experience.
Is The Fives family friendly?
Yes. The cafe is promoted as family friendly and has outdoor space plus a children's sandpit.
Is The Fives dog friendly?
The venue is listed as pet friendly, making the outdoor areas useful for visitors travelling with a dog.
Does The Fives serve breakfast and lunch?
Yes. The cafe serves breakfast and lunch, with coffee, local pastries and casual comfort food. The chicken focaccia and bacon and egg roll are among its noted menu items.
Does The Fives have vegetarian or gluten free choices?
Current dining listings indicate vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are available. Check the current menu or ask staff about dietary requirements.
Tourist Destinations close to The Fives Cafe
While you are here why not visit these other great locations:
- Anglesea Beach: A relaxed Surf Coast beach and township stop farther along the Great Ocean Road.
- Australian National Surfing Museum: Torquay museum celebrating Australian surfing history, surfboards, champions and coastal culture.
- Bellbrae Estate: A nearby Surf Coast winery for visitors wanting to add local wine tasting to their Bellbrae day trip.
- Bells Beach: One of Australia's most famous surf beaches, known for dramatic cliffs, ocean views and major surfing history.
- Currawong Falls: A longer bushwalk near Aireys Inlet with forest, ridges and waterfall scenery. Check out more information on Currawong Falls.
- Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch: One of the best known landmarks on the Great Ocean Road, located near Eastern View.
- Lorne: A major coastal town with beaches, cafes, galleries and access to waterfalls and Otways walks. Enjoy Lower Kalimna Waterfall and Phantom Falls in Lorne.
- Ocean View Circuit Walk: is definitely the highlight walk from Moggs Picnic Area. Check the complete information on the Ocean View Circuit Walk.
- Point Addis Marine National Park: A scenic coastal area with ocean views, beaches and walking opportunities between Bells Beach and Anglesea.
- Surf Coast Walk: A long coastal trail with sections around Torquay, Jan Juc, Bells Beach, Point Addis and Anglesea.
- The Chocolateries Great Ocean Road: A Bellbrae chocolate, ice cream and cafe destination with landscaped grounds and family activities. The kids will love being surrounded by chocolates, sweets and ice-creams while you can grab a coffee and chill for a bit ath The Chocolateries Great Ocean Road.
- Torquay Foreshore: Beaches, walking paths and picnic areas close to Torquay's shops and cafe scene.
The Fives Official Website
Check the current menu, opening hours and venue updates here: The Fives.
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