Lorne is a recommended stop when travelling along the Great Ocean Road.
For those seeking activities in Lorne, Victoria, the town offers a variety of options for visitors.
Lorne is a well-known destination along the Great Ocean Road, famous for its lunch spots and accommodations, attracting visitors for generations.
Popular activities to do in Lorne.
Lorne is a popular stop along the Great Ocean Road Tour, offering visitors a variety of attractions such as stunning beaches, waterfalls, wildlife, and scenic views.
Lorne is just a two-hour drive from Melbourne, making it an easily accessible day trip destination. However, we recommend spending a couple of days there to experience all that the area has to offer fully the area provides.
Here are the top things to do in Lorne and the most effective ways to experience them.
Visit Lorne’s beaches for sun, sea, and sand
Lorne Main Beach
Lorne Main Beach is known for being a safe spot for swimming, boating, and other water sports in the area.
This 2-kilometre beach is protected by Point Grey, making it safer than many other beaches along the Great Ocean Road. It is suitable for both beginner surfers and swimmers.
Lorne Beach is a popular destination for locals, where many families can be seen enjoying their holidays.
The town of Lorne is conveniently located nearby, providing easy access to any necessities.
The Lorne Foreshore Reserve features amenities such as a children’s playground, BBQ area, and restrooms, serving as a buffer between the road, the town, and the beach.
Situated on the coast of Loutitt Bay, Lorne Beach is famous among families seeking a relaxing day of picnicking, sunbathing, and swimming in the ocean.
The North Lorne Beach
North Lorne Beach is dog-friendly and typically less crowded than the other beaches in Lorne.
A large area is suitable for barbecues, picnics, and letting your dog off the leash.
Swimming conditions in the water are generally safe, but it is essential to be mindful of the tides, as no patrols are present.
Shelly Beach
Shelly Beach is known for fishing and surfing and is located a bit farther from town than Main Beach, attracting a quieter crowd.
Certain areas may be difficult to access due to rocky terrain, so it is recommended to wear sturdy footwear if you plan on exploring.
Shelly Beach offers a peaceful experience away from the crowds, perfect for a quiet beach lunch or a romantic sunset stroll.
Lorne Scenic Beach
The Scenic Beach is a small beach located at the southern tip of Lorne. It is excellent for visiting at low tide and drawing pictures in the sand.
The mouth of the St Georges River is a well-liked area for kayaking and paddleboarding, leading out to the beach.
Go to Teddy’s Lookout for a nice view
Teddys Lookout is located at the mouth of the St George River near the southern end of town.
Teddy’s Lookout, at a height of 113 meters overlooking the Southern Ocean, offers spectacular views and is a popular attraction in Lorne.
Various hiking trails originate from this location, providing opportunities to observe indigenous wildlife such as kangaroos, koalas, and kookaburras.
However, the main attraction for most visitors is the scenic views overlooking the Saint George River mouth, the Southern Ocean, valleys, and deep gorges.
Lorne Scenic Beach, located directly below the lookout, is known for artists creating giant sand drawings. Visitors can see the artworks at low tide before the ocean washes them away.
Teddy’s Lookout is believed to have been named after a cattle ranger who discovered it by chance.
For whatever reason, this charming name has made it one of the most popular activities near Lorne.
Visitors can either walk from Lorne or drive directly to the car park, with the lookout located just 100 metres from the parking area.
Lorne Sea Baths is a family-friendly destination
Lorne Sea Baths is a family-friendly destination for a day of enjoyment.
Children can enjoy activities such as trampolines, mini-golf, aqua orbs, cannon ball blasters, bumper boats, swimming in the pools, while parents can relax on the beach.
The facility offers a gym, salt therapy sessions, hydrotherapy, and yoga, catering to individuals of all ages. There are various activities available to enjoy throughout the day.
There are a variety of refreshment options available.
Almyra Restaurant offers dinner with outdoor seating and beautiful views of Loutitt Bay and the Otways.
The Lorne Sea Baths Kiosk offers ice creams and beverages by the pool for a casual experience.
HAH (Health & Hire) is a convenient spot on the beach where visitors can rent surfboards and purchase healthy snacks for the day.
All food and drinks are prepared on-site using locally sourced ingredients.
Visitors can buy single or multiple activity entry passes or purchase an all-day pass for unrestricted access to all attractions.
Learn to surf in Lorne
Surfing is a popular activity on the Great Ocean Road in Australia, known for being the birthplace of the sport in the country.
Lorne surf lessons offer a safe and social environment to learn how to surf, in addition to renting a board and trying it on your own.
Ride A Wave is a surf school with multiple surf shops across Australia’s Surf Coast.
The business has been operating since 1987 and is conveniently situated on Lorne Main Beach.
This beach on the Great Ocean Road is safe and sheltered, ideal for beginner surfers.
The beach is long and gently sloping with mostly small surf, making it ideal for beginner surfers and young children to learn.
The “Surf Experience” is a two-hour introductory surfing lesson priced at $79 for adults and $69 for children. It is suitable for beginners and enjoyable for all family members.
The “Surf Course” provides a comprehensive introduction to surfing with three two-hour lessons priced at $215 for adults and $185 for kids. Group and private sessions can be arranged upon request.
All surf lessons provide safety information and necessary “learn to surf” equipment, including a beginner board, leg-rope, wetsuit or rashy, and an experienced surf instructor tailored to your skill level.
Ride A Wave Lorne operates daily during the December/January school holidays, except Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Public group lessons are offered on weekends until Easter.
Explore Lorne Pier
Visitors can observe marine life, such as stingrays and seals, while strolling along Lorne Pier, which spans 1 kilometre.
This landmark was necessary for the local fishing industry and is now a popular spot for fishermen, but its significance goes beyond that.
The Lorne Pier, built in 1879, was used by boats from Geelong to collect timber from nearby sawmills for the logging industry.
Evidence of its history can be found in the horse-drawn tram track near a portion of the old pier.
The curved shape of the pier is a consequence of its reconstruction in 2007, which was prompted by a public campaign.
The flared end of this location is ideal for observing surfers, with the added possibility of spotting whales from May to September.
Lorne Pier is well-known for hosting the annual Pier to Pub Race, a 1.2-kilometre swim from the pier to the beach.
The competition draws participants globally and has operated for more than four decades.
Visit the Great Ocean Road Heritage Centre
The Great Ocean Road Heritage Centre is a popular option for indoor activities in Lorne during rainy weather.
The permanent exhibition “Great Ocean Road Story” is located inside the Lorne Information Centre and showcases the history of the road and its origins.
The Great Ocean Road was constructed by returning soldiers between 1919 and 1932 as a dedication to soldiers who lost their lives in World War I.
Explore the history and struggles of this group in the informative museum presentation.
Additional information is available if you have visited the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch, 15 15-minute drive northeast of Lorne.
Across the street is the Lorne Historical Society, Lorne Tours, and a public toilet nearby.
The Great Ocean Road Heritage Centre is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission is free; the visit typically takes about an hour.
Experience ziplining at Live Wire Park in Lorne
One of the popular activities for families in Lorne is a visit to Live Wire Park, which is conveniently located just a 5-minute drive from town.
Experience a day of ziplining in Australia’s first off-the-grid, elevated adventure park.
The admission price includes access to 120 meters of treetop-suspended pathway and a five-zone elevated trampolining park for kids and adults.
The Live Wire Park features the Shockwave Zip Coaster, Australia’s most extreme zipline, measuring 525 meters long.
For adventurous visitors, there is the Super Circuit with 53 mid-air trails, suspended bridges, tree scaling activities, and a Tarzan swing.
The admission fees for Live Wire Park Lorne are $20.00 for adults and $16.00 for children and concession.
The prices for the Shockwave Zip Coaster are $55.00 for adults and $50.00 for children.
The ticket prices for the Super Circuit are $82.00 for adults and $76.00 for children.
Explore The Lorne Waterfalls
Lorne Victoria is known for its proximity to 10 waterfalls, each with unique characteristics.
Lorne is known for its wildlife-spotting opportunities. Hiking the trails at the right time may lead to sightings of kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, echidnas, and various bird species.
Lorne, known for its dense forests, features some of the best waterfalls along the Great Ocean Road. Visitors can escape the summer heat by exploring the shaded trails leading to these beautiful Lorne waterfalls.
Erskine Falls
Erskine Falls, located in Lorne, is a famous waterfall that can be reached by following the footpath along the Erskine River.
The entry point can be crowded during peak season, typically from January to March.
Sheoak Falls
The hike to Sheoak Falls typically takes about an hour but is considered worthwhile by many.
The walk is suitable for children and not too tricky, and as a reward, it leads to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Lorne.
Because of the remote location, the place is often deserted, providing visitors with a quiet and peaceful experience.
Lorne has several other waterfalls, including Phantom Falls, Cumberland Falls, Cora Lynn Cascades, Won Wondah Falls, Henderson Falls, Upper & Lower Kalimna Falls, Swallow Cave, and Straw Falls.
Swim in Jebbs Pool
Jebbs Pool is a famous water hole for wild swimming located a short drive south of Lorne.
A brief walk can reach a peaceful pool surrounded by nature through shaded trees.
The cascades at Jebbs Pool create a natural waterslide with flat rocks nearby, perfect for a picnic.
Visitors can park at the Cumberland River Holiday Park to reach Jebb’s Pool and follow the well-marked 1-kilometer track to the northeast.
Visitors can retrace their steps or continue to Cumberland Falls for a more challenging walk.
Have tea at Lorne Swing Bridge Cafe
The Lorne Swing Bridge Cafe can be found at the mouth of the Erskine River at the end of Lorne Beach.
This cafe is located near the swing bridge over the river and is an excellent spot to begin your day.
Enjoy a Chai Tea or coffee and a Bacon roll by the river, then go to the beach.
The Swing Bridge Cafe in Lorne is open in holidays and closed in winter.
Visit wineries near Lorne for great wine
Lorne offers a variety of wineries to visit and enjoy. Visitors can choose from reds and whites to purchase and take home.
St Annes Winery
One of the well-known wineries in Lorne is St. Anne’s Winery, conveniently located on Lorne Beach.
The cellar door is open daily and offers complimentary tastings of award-winning wines crafted by Chief Winemaker Richard McLean.
St Anne’s Vineyards is known for hosting festivals, expos, markets, and pop-up restaurants. They also offer a variety of chocolate products, decor, and giftware.
Otway Estate Winery
The Otway Estate Vineyards offer high-quality wines along the Great Ocean Road.
The vineyard, located on the outskirts of Colac, specializes in producing “ultra premium” wines.
Guests are encouraged to visit the tasting room and speak with the staff to discover their preferred drink.
The Otway Winery’s hours of operation are Friday through Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.
Find the Great Ocean Road Sign
Driving along the Great Ocean Road while visiting Lorne, Victoria, is recommended.
A notable stop along the Great Ocean Road is the Memorial Arch at Eastern View, also recognized as the Great Ocean Road sign.
The structure was constructed on the location of the original toll gates, representing the strenuous work of the 3,000 soldiers who built the road.
It is one of the prominent attractions along the Great Ocean Road, easily noticeable while driving by.
The location is situated between Lorne and Aireys Inlet near Anglesea.
Visit Split Point Lighthouse
Split Point Lighthouse is a popular attraction near Aireys Inlet and Lorne.
The Aireys Inlet Lighthouse, known as the “Round The Twist” lighthouse from a late 90s television series, is a well-known local landmark.
Split Point Lighthouse tours are available daily and provide insight into the maritime history of the “Shipwreck Coast.”
The Great Ocean Road lighthouse offers picturesque walks and a small beach below it.
Explore top walking trails in Lorne
Lorne offers a variety of free activities, including scenic walks to explore the area on foot.
Lorne offers a variety of hiking trails that cater to different preferences and fitness levels, making it suitable for a wide range of visitors.
Discover a variety of natural landscapes, including heathland, forests, rivers, waterfalls, and coastlines, on top walks in Lorne.
The Lorne Waterfall Walk
The Lorne Waterfall Circuit is a manageable overnight hiking trail.
This hike lets you see waterfalls and ocean views in Lorne and the Great Otway National Park.
Visitors can discover fern gullies, boulder canyons, dams, and numerous waterfalls.
The Shipwreck Plaques Walk
The Shipwreck Plaques Walk, which is 1.5 kilometres long, is conveniently located near town and provides a scenic route along the foreshore.
On the family-friendly route, plaques commemorate the numerous shipwrecks in Louttit Bay.
The walk starting at the Lorne Visitor Information Centre is flat and suitable for young children and strollers.
The Queens Park Lookout Loop
The Queens Park Lookout Loop is a 1.6-kilometre walk with moderate difficulty, passing three lookouts offering stunning panoramic views.
Visitors can explore the bushland of Queens Park and hike along the coast of the Otways ranges.
The St. Georges River Walk
The St Georges River Walk is a moderate 2.7-kilometer walk that starts at the St George River and ends at the Allenvale Mill Car Park, typically taking around an hour to complete.
The walk features eucalyptus trees, rocky pools, and fern-lined gullies, providing relief from the summer heat.
The Stony Creek Walk and Lilypond Reserve
This trail is suitable for families and strollers, passing through an eucalyptus forest before opening up to a grassy picnic area.
The walk offers the Lily Pond Bushland Reserve views, ending at a cascading river and pool.
The Kennett River Koala Walk
Koalas are becoming harder to spot in the wild in Australia. While most zoos have them, observing them in their natural habitat is a unique experience.
The Kennett River Koala Walk, located 30 minutes south of Lorne, allows observing koalas at close range.
Kennett River is located in a eucalyptus forest known for its significant population of wild koalas.
The Kennett River Nature Walk begins near the Kafe Koala & General Store, offering a one-hour round trip on a flat, easy pathway.
Along the nature walk, informal signs provide details about the local wildlife, landscape, and water features, including facts about the Great Ocean Road Koalas.
Visitors should be cautious and observant while exploring the area, as koalas are often difficult to spot among the trees due to their camouflage. Kangaroos can also be seen in the vicinity.
Great Otway National Park
The Great Otway National Park is a large park with various visitor activities.
The park extends from Torquay to Princetown, making Lorne an ideal location for exploring as it is centrally located in the Otways.
The Otways National Park offers an excellent opportunity to experience the area’s natural beauty.
Visitors can explore the Otway Fly Tree Top Walk, observe glow worms at Melba Gully, or stroll along the Lake Elizabeth Walk.
Lorne is not the only place with stunning waterfalls. Visitors should also explore the waterfalls in the Otways while in the area.
Carisbrook, Hopetoun, and Beauchamp Falls are among the well-known waterfalls.
There are numerous Otway’s walks to choose from. You can download a helpful guide to Otway’s walks and waterfalls here.
There are accommodations available in the Otways for those looking to extend their stay, such as cottages and campsites.
Otway Fly Treetop Adventures
Otway Fly is about an hour and a half drive from Lorne, making it a suitable destination for a family day trip.
The Otway Fly Treetop Walk is a 600-meter elevated platform that offers a unique perspective of the local flora and fauna.
The structure is 30 meters high, providing a view at the same level as the treetop inhabitants.
The Otways Fly Course allows visitors to zip through the leafy treetops of the Otway Ranges by travelling from one ‘Cloud Station’ to another.
The Enchanted Forest experience offers a variety of tiny homes inhabited by magical creatures like fairies, pixies, and dragons, providing a fun adventure for children.
The operating hours for Otway Fly Treetop Adventures are Thursday to Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm, with the last entry at 3:30 pm.
See the glow worms in Otways National Park
Victoria is known for its abundance of glow worms, making it a great place to see them if you have never had them.
For the best viewing, observe these bioluminescent creatures just before nightfall.
These plants thrive in wet conditions and are commonly found along the banks of trails in the Otways.
Here are some locations where you can see them in large quantities.
Melba Gully Glow Worms
Located near the Great Ocean Road, Melba Gully offers the Madsen’s Track Nature Walk, a 1.5-kilometer rainforest trail that is particularly vibrant at night.
The soil banks alongside the track are illuminated by small creatures, creating a natural spectacle.
Maits Rest Glow Worms
The Maits Rest Glow Worm Trail is a short 800-meter walking track with a boardwalk to protect the rainforest floor ecosystem. It is worth a visit.
Please be aware that no facilities are available at this location, so you will need to bring your torch.
Glow worms can be seen at Lake Elizabeth and the Grey River Picnic Area in Kennett River.
Look out for platypuses on the Lake Elizabeth Walk
The Lake Elizabeth Walk is known for its glow worm sightings, among other attractions.
The lake is known for the presence of several platypi that can be seen swimming around at dusk.
The Lake Elizabeth platypus is known for being elusive, so joining a tour with a company like Otway Eco Tours can increase your chances of spotting one.
The trail from the car park to Lake Elizabeth in Victoria is a relatively steep 1-kilometer walk.
It takes around 40 minutes to drive west of Lorne to get there.
Join the Lorne Pier To Pub & Mountain To Surf Races
Visitors can watch racers participate in Powercor events if they happen to be in town at the right time of year.
The Lorne Pier to Pub ocean water swim and Lorne Mountain to Surf Run are annual events organized by the Lorne Surf Life Saving Club in January.
The Lorne Pier to Pub is a 1.2-kilometre open water swimming race that starts at the Lorne Pier and is considered the most significant ocean swim in the world.
The tradition began in 1981 when club member Paul Lacey proposed swimming from the pier to the beach in front of the Surf Life Saving Club.
The Mountain to Surf Race is an 8-kilometre fun run in Lorne the day before the Pier to Pub event.
The route passes through the forest, continues along the Great Ocean Road, and ends at the Lorne Surf Life Saving Club.
Some famous athletes have previously won the race so that you may see an Olympian.
The proceeds from the races are used to support the Lorne Surf Life Saving Club.
The Lorne Country Club offers
The Lorne Country Club, located just 2 kilometres from Lorne centre, offers a challenging 9-hole golf course and six en-tout-cas tennis courts for visitors to enjoy.
The country club is on a hill, providing stunning views of Louttit Bay and Lorne Pier in all directions.
The Peak Bistro offers a great dining experience for a leisurely lunch in Lorne.
Visitors can enjoy the views over the town here without participating in any sports.
The Lorne Country Club is open year-round from 6 am to 7 pm, with the Bistro available for lunch, dinner, and drinks.
