If you’re searching for enjoyable things to do in Lorne, a famed location on the Great Ocean Road, a host of attractions and activities in Lorne Victoria await your exploration.
Choosing to reside in Lorne and delving into the adjacent regions comes highly suggested. Furthermore, it is an apt gateway for touring the magnificent Otway National Park.
Discover the history of Lorne, Australia
Lorne is a coastal settlement roughly two and a half hours by car from Melbourne. Initially, it was named Louttit Bay in tribute to Captain Louttit. It subsequently took on the name Lorne, in honour of the Marquis of Lorne, who tied the knot with Queen Victoria’s daughter in 1870.
By the 1950s, Lorne had established itself as a favoured vacation spot, notably for summer camping and activities encompassing fishing, swimming and surfing.
Presently, Lorne shelters an estimated 1115 individuals and has evolved into an ascending tourist hub, presenting a range of attractions and pursuits, all while being positioned on the illustrious Great Ocean Road.
Top attractions in Lorne, Victoria
On a Great Ocean Road motoring journey, numerous individuals stop in Lorne, particularly during the bustling vacation period.
Lorne is a locale that provides chances for seaside leisure, angling, and trekking in Otway National Park, rendering it an ideal spot to allocate a few days.
Lorne extends many activities for people of every age group, encompassing residents, travellers with backpacks, and families with young kids to relish during their time in the region.
Here are some well-known attractions in Lorne Victoria that you should consider visiting.
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Teddy's Lookout
Prioritising a lookout may seem unexpected, but it is strongly advised to avoid bypassing this location.
Teddy’s Lookout offers a sweeping shoreline vista, encompassing the Southern Ocean and Saint George River, rendering it the premier sight along the Great Ocean Road.
The Lookout, above Lorne Scenic Beach, is a popular spot for observing sunrises and sunsets and is strongly suggested for any trip to Lorne. It is conveniently situated just a brief stroll from the parking area.
Should you wish to allocate some time, picnic tables and walking paths are accessible from the Lookout.
Try the seafood at Lorne Pier Seafood Restaurant
Situated at the terminus of the pier, the Lorne Pier Restaurant serves fresh seafood and is a must-try for individuals eager to savour the local culinary delights.
The menu presents a diverse range of options, including oysters and fish and chips made with locally sourced ingredients.
The restaurant affords breathtaking views of the pier and Surf Coast, establishing it as a favoured location for witnessing sunsets.
Spend your day by heading to the beach
Lorne is a sought-after destination for holidaymakers owing to its superb swimming, fishing, and surfing options.
The sandy beaches are ideal for relishing a day basking in the sun or picnicking with a magnificent view.
Lorne presents a range of safeguarded swimming locales and abundant opportunities for fishing, surfing, and aquatic pursuits. Moreover, the primary beach is teeming with beachgoers during sweltering summer days.
Lorne Main Beach is among the best beaches along the Great Ocean Road.
Lorne Main Beach is the optimal location for swimming and water-related activities near Lorne. It is a 2-kilometre beach that Point Grey somewhat shields. This renders it appropriate for wading through the waves and for novice surfers. Families frequently gather here for a beach day. Lorne Beach adjoins Lorne Foreshore Reserve, which has a playground, picnic and BBQ amenities and stores opposite the street. The beach is monitored on weekends from November to April and on weekdays until February annually.
Shelly Beach is a tranquil locale in a bay close to Lorne, making it a perfect place for fishing or strolls along the beach.
North Lorne Beach, also recognised as Lorne Dog Beach, permits dogs. Though not monitored, individuals still frequent it for swimming, and it features off-leash sections and picnic areas.
Lorne Scenic Beach, situated near Lorne, is favoured by photographers and enthusiasts of stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. It serves as a splendid location for a stroll during low tide.
Consider visiting Erskine Falls
Erskine Falls is a favoured spot near Lorne that should be part of any touring schedule.
The waterfall ranks among the highest in Victoria and presents a breathtaking view along the picturesque Great Ocean Road.
This swimming spot in Victoria is well-liked, providing an amazing view from the Lookout overhead and an even more impressive view at the base of the falls.
The descent to the foot of Erskine Falls is comparatively simple, though there are stairs to ascend on the return journey. If you’d instead bypass the stairs, a viewing deck is accessible just a one-minute stroll from the parking lot.
Lorne is renowned for its array of waterfalls, establishing it as a prime location for lovers of waterfalls. The Otways area possesses many concealed treasures ready to be unearthed.
Here are some additional Lorne waterfalls of significance that you might consider exploring if you possess extra time for outdoor activities in Lorne.
Won Wondah Falls entails a 3.6km walk that is appropriate for families.
The path to Phantom Falls spans 3.4km and presents moderate difficulty.
The Upper and Lower Kalimna Falls are accessible via a 6.5km return journey, tracing the old path of the timber tramway formerly utilised to convey lumber to the Lorne Pier. The Upper Falls can be accessed via an 8.5km return trek for further exploration.
Sheoak Falls is a prominent site along the Great Ocean Road. It can be reached with a 10-minute stroll from the parking space to the initial viewing spot and a 2.2km return walk to the waterfall.
The trail to Cumberland Falls is a 6km return expedition and is advised for seasoned hikers due to its river crossings and rocky terrains.
The Cora Lynn Cascades involves a 4.2km round journey that guides you through a splendid eucalyptus forest to observe the cascading falls.
Discover the wonders of Great Otway National Park
Lorne is situated within the Great Otway National Park, celebrated for its woodland and rugged promontories, presenting numerous chances for discovery. The national park stretches from Torquay to Princetown, with Lorne as a handy starting point to delve into this natural splendour.
The national park is home to various fascinating wildlife, rendering it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
The park features several kilometres of paths suitable for walking and cycling, granting abundant opportunities for exploration.
Here are some of the renowned attractions housed within the Otways National Park:
Otway Fly Treetop Adventures provides a 600-meter elevated canopy walk amid the rainforest and offers the chance to experience the Otway Fly Zipline adventure.
The Maits Rest Rainforest Walk encompasses an 800-meter boardwalk that leads you through a jungle abundant with ferns and age-old rainforest trees.
The Cape Otway Lighthouse is the oldest intact lighthouse in Australia, positioned along the Shipwreck coast.
The Redwood Forest is famed for its towering Californian redwoods, which can soar to 100 feet.
In Melba Gully, glow worms light up the nocturnal sky, crafting a unique and magical spectacle.
During the walk, there’s an opportunity to observe a reticent platypus navigating the waters of Lake Elizabeth.
Most of these attractions can be found within a 40 to 90-minute drive from Lorne, making a day-long excursion into the Otways an ideal approach to witness them. They offer a valuable detour from your Great Ocean Road attractions.
You can take a stroll along Lorne Pier
The Lorne Pier delivers spectacular views of the Australian shoreline, displaying aquatic life and naturally carved rocky cliffs formed by the impact of waves.
This spot presents optimal chances to behold the splendour of sunsets and sunrises, watch fishing boats navigating in and out of the port, or casually stroll and savour the landscape.
The pier in Victoria is recognised for its extensive length and appeal to visitors. Constructed in 1879, it was later substituted with a more extended pier in 2007. Nonetheless, a minor portion of the original Lorne pier remains intact.
The Lorne Pier spans approximately 1km, creating a comfortable length for a relaxed walk. It is also a popular location for angling in Lorne and spotting whales during the season from May to September.
Lorne Sea Baths offers a relaxing seaside experience
The Lorne Sea Baths is a favoured destination for families in Lorne. It comprises a swimming pool and an entertainment complex on the seafront, providing a range of activities.
A swimming pool is accessible where you can reserve a time slot for bumper boats and aqua roller orbs at an extra cost.
Adjacent to the Lorne Sea Baths swimming pool, there is a trampoline park, mini golf, and other engaging activities suitable for families. Furthermore, they provide a beachfront equipment rental service, which includes surfboards.
Various pass options are available for the pool, encompassing single-entry, multi-activity, and all-day passes, granting unrestricted access to all activities. This can be a delightful alternative for the entire family if you desire something distinct from a beach day.
In addition, several wellness alternatives are offered, comprising a gym, salt therapy, yoga, and hydrotherapy.
You can dine at Swing Bridge Cafe
The Lorne Swing Bridge Cafe is a favoured location for guests to savour coffee, mid-morning tea, or lunch before heading to the beach.
Swing Bridge Cafe is located alongside the Erskine River and has an al fresco seating area to take in the stunning views of the bridge and the river.
The establishment is open daily during the busy holiday period, though it often shuts during the more tranquil winter months.
Explore the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch
The renowned Great Ocean Road tour sign is situated between Lorne and Aireys Inlet.
This site is frequently mistaken as the formal beginning of the Great Ocean Road. Nonetheless, it is a memorial commemorating World War veterans and the work done on the road by the returning soldiers in the 1920s.
The Arch is a significant spot for family photographs and is essential in Australian history. It includes a sign and plaque that share details about the region’s history.
Learn how to surf
Lorne is a perfect spot for wave riding if you are skilled in surfing. Nonetheless, consider a surfing lesson during your stay, which might be beneficial if you’re a novice.
Various age groups can find surfing lessons in Lorne, with Go Ride A Wave being a notable surf school. Their sessions include all essential gear and a knowledgeable instructor.
Alternatively, if you’d like to attempt surfing independently, board rental is an option. This beach is apt for beginners to familiarise themselves with surfing fundamentals before tackling more challenging locations like Bells Beach in Torquay.
Experience the local wineries in Lorne
The Otway Ranges is a scenic area just a short distance from the centre of Lorne.
This region in Victoria boasts some of the finest vineyards along the Great Ocean Road.
Otway Estate Winery is positioned near Colac, a short drive from Lorne, and is recognised as a prominent winemaker.
Blake’s Estate is in Dean Marsh, under 30 minutes from Lorne. The tasting room is accessible on weekends throughout the year and daily in January.
St Anne’s Winery has a cellar door advantageously located on the beachfront in Lorne, enabling guests to partake in wine sampling every day from their spot with sea views.
The Great Ocean Road Wineries Trail is a favoured choice for those wishing to explore several vineyards daily.
See koalas on the Kennett River Koala Walk
The Great Ocean Road tour in Australia presents outstanding chances for observing wildlife, especially if you are interested in spotting koalas. The Kennett River Koala Walk on Grey River Road is strongly suggested for an almost certain encounter with koalas.
The journey from Lorne to this location is about a 30-minute car ride and comes highly recommended. The walk is accessible 24 hours daily, though daytime visits enhance the likelihood of seeing koalas.
A café named Kafe Koala operates from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, offering a place to purchase refreshments and access public restrooms.
This stroll is an uncomplicated circuit alongside the Kennett River’s banks. Please pay attention to the trees for koalas, as they can be tricky to spot.
This site is typically crowded, so an early arrival is suggested to bypass large groups, and it is advised to avoid contacting any wildlife.
Go to Lorne Visitor Information Centre and Great Ocean Road Heritage Centre
A visit to the Lorne Visitor Information Centre is recommended to discover the top activities in Lorne or gather details about the town.
The personnel are ready to help you identify activities and offer suggestions for enjoyable pursuits.
Within the premises of the information centre, guests can also explore the Great Ocean Road Heritage Centre, overseen by the Lorne Historical Society. It proves to be an insightful destination for those eager to grasp the entire narrative of the Great Ocean Road.
The Lorne Visitor Centre, located adjacent to Mantra Erskine Beach Resort, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no admission fee.
The town also provides an assortment of souvenirs and gift choices for those searching for distinctive mementos to take home.
Visiting Lorne with children
Lorne is a sought-after spot for family vacations, especially during summer, allowing full enjoyment of the beaches and open-air attractions.
The Lorne Children’s Playground, also referred to as Lorne Beach Playground, is a delightful and favoured play area for kids. Persuading them to depart can prove to be a challenge.
Explore Lorne's walking trails for an active adventure
Lorne provides an array of complimentary outdoor pursuits and hiking paths for those searching for activities.
The region is celebrated for its stunning natural landscapes and vistas, encompassing the Lorne waterfalls and coastal pathways.
The Erskine Falls Walk and other waterfall walks in Lorne come highly recommended.
Below are some other trekking paths in Lorne and its vicinity that are worth exploring.
The St George River Loop measures 5.1km.
The Teddy’s Lookout & Otway Ranges Lookout Loop is a trail spanning 3.5km.
The Lorne Foreshore & Pier covers a stretch of 2.6 kilometres.
The Lorne Historic Tramway Track extends for 3.2km.
You can swim at Jebbs Pool
If you desire a different backdrop from the beaches, Jebbs Pool is a swimming spot located just 10 minutes south of Lorne.
The swimming spot in the rainforest is readily reachable on foot and showcases water tumbling over rocks. The cascading water can be fun to slide down, potentially making it a hit with kids.
The suggested approach to get to Jebbs Pool is to leave your car at the nearby Cumberland River Holiday Park and adhere to the signs on the path. There is a footpath that goes straight to Cumberland Falls for those keen on discovering the surroundings without necessarily taking a swim.
Possible day trips from Lorne
Various activities and day trips near Lorne along the Great Ocean Road.
Wye River, Apollo Bay, and Cape Otway Light Station are favourites for visitors.
Visiting the Great Otway National Park is also an alternative, where one can experience rainforest strolls and waterfalls.
The Split Point Lighthouse, situated in Aireys Inlet, is a significant tourist attraction, affording guests stunning vistas and the opportunity to observe whales.
A well-liked day excursion from Lorne involves heading to Port Campbell National Park, where one can witness famed landmarks such as the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, Gibson Steps, and the Grotto.
Embarking on a day journey to Melbourne from Lorne is another possibility for those yet to discover the Victorian capital.
