Ten south-west eateries and more than 20 accommodation providers have struck tourist season gold after gaining special mention in Lonely Planet’s new Australia edition.

Warrnambool Bowls Club, Port Fairy’s The Stag and Portland’s Deegan Seafood were all singled out, while Port Campbell was given plenty of coverage as a visitor hot spot.

Lonely Planet marketing manager Chris Zeiher said restaurants and accommodation providers were chosen through word-of-mouth, industry recommendations and feedback on the company’s website. He said businesses mentioned in the guide have been issued with stickers that notify customers of the company’s endorsement.

“Lonely Planet publishes a new Australia edition every two years so we ensure that our authors return to places like the Great Ocean Road to make sure previous references are still valid and include anything that has popped up since we last were there,” Mr Zeiher said.

Wyton Events and Catering owner Megan Myers said being included in the guide certainly helped ahead of the busy summer tourist season. 

Mrs Myers said the Kepler Street business, opposite Capitol Cinema in Kepler Street, had gained a spot in previous guides but she was happy to remain on the Lonely Planet list.

“We do get some tourists but its predominantly locals, people that work in and around the CBD,” Mrs Myers said.

“The history of Kepler Street may have been part of (the reason behind the inclusion). 

“All the historic facades have become a tourist attraction in themselves.”

Warrnambool is described as a “booming ... commercial and whale-watching centre” with Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, Logans Beach and the city art gallery as attractions worth visiting. 

The Great Ocean Road is described in detail, with Allansford’s Cheese World a “tacky but fun” attraction noted for its cheese platters and milkshakes.