Having earned a reputation as one of Victoria’s quintessential beach towns, Lorne’s residents could easily rest on their laurels and capitalise on the steady stream of visitors that will undoubtedly make their way through while riding the Great Ocean Road. And yet, the list of drawcards for this small coastal town only seems to get longer as it continues to grow with new boutique hotels, Melbourne restaurant outposts, and plenty of coffee shops.
But Lorne is not only a great place to wind down and mosey around; it’s also a great launch pad for adventurous exploits. Journey inland and you’ll wind up in the greenery-soaked bush of the Great Otway National Park. The so-called ‘waterfall capital of Australia’ also has an abundance of cascades right on its doorstep, not to mention scenic clifftop lookouts to visit. Discover everything to know before your next seaside trip.
Top things to do in Lorne
Lorne is rich in natural beauty and cultural experiences. Whether you want to relax or go on an adventure, there are plenty of things to do in this beachy town, which we’ve highlighted in our guide. And an absolute must-do when visiting the region is to visit the waterfalls. Within just a 10-minute drive of Lorne, there are more than 10 different cascades to explore, set among the eucalyptus trees and rocky gorges of the Great Otway National Park.
Lorne accommodation
Lorne is a great place to base yourself on the Great Ocean Road. Whether you’re travelling with family or solo, there are options aplenty from tiny homes in the forest, scenic camping spots, beachside luxury holiday homes or an amenities-packed resort. And the good news is, accommodation is fairly affordable considering you’re surrounded by beauty wherever you stay. Read our guide to the best places for you to bed down on your next beach break,
Lorne restaurants & cafes
The choice of Lorne restaurants has ballooned in recent years, and visitors to this seaside resort town no longer need to accept overpriced and underwhelming food just because of the scenic location.
A handful of big-name Melbourne restaurants have launched outposts here, and you can’t move for coffee shops. Find the best places to eat in our Lorne restaurant guide and get your caffeine fix at one of these amazing cafes.
Getting to Lorne
Lorne is located approximately 140 kilometres west of Melbourne (roughly a two-hour drive away). Public transport options are extremely limited, so driving is your best option. Melbourne’s Avalon Airport is the closest to the coastal town, at just 90 kilometres away. But rather than rushing straight there, take it slow and take in the Great Ocean Road on your way.
Best time to visit Lorne
Each season offers visitors something a little different, so plotting when to visit depends a little on your hobbies and tastes. Come spring, the local waterfalls are in full flow, green foliage is at its most abundant, and wildflowers are in bloom. Come summer, the beaches are licked with sunshine and eateries spill onto the streets. And come autumn/winter (May to September), it’s whale watching season.
