Incredible Things To Do In Lorne | Australian Traveller

From zip-lining among gum trees to swimming laps at the historic sea baths, there are plenty of things to do in Lorne on your next trip to the Great Ocean Road.

Looking for things to do in Lorne? This seaside holiday hot spot offers slow-paced pursuits like perfecting your swing on a bush-fringed golfing green, yoga classes at beach baths or catching a flick at a cute, vintage cinema.

Prefer to get your heart rate up? Try a group surf lesson at Lorne Beach or go on a zip-lining adventure that’s guaranteed to get your blood pumping. However you choose to enjoy Lorne, be sure to start (or finish) your day with a wander along the scenic Lorne Pier – it’s the ideal activity to bookend your day.

1. Feel the rush at Live Wire Park

Home to what has been called ‘Australia’s most extreme zip line’, Lorne’s Live Wire Park has a range of electrifying experiences for all the family, including a wheelchair-accessible circuit. There are plenty of options to try here depending on your skill level and confidence.

the Live Wire Park signage — Live Wire Park has a range of electrifying experiences for all the family. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Choose to glide high among the blue gums on the 120-metre Canopy Circuit or challenge yourself on the 525-metre high-intensity, Shockwave Zip Coaster for a fast and furious experience.

wall climbing at Live Wire Park, Lorne — Conquer your fear of heights at the Live Wire Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Want to tire the kids out? Book in to traverse the Super Circuit where you’ll spend two hours scaling trees, crossing suspended bridges, flying through the air on Tarzan swings and other agile, aerial treetop adventures.

Brush up on local history at the Great Ocean Road Heritage Centre

Much more than a piece of soulless infrastructure designed to get drivers from A to B, the Great Ocean Road has a fascinating history behind it. Located at the Lorne Visitor Centre, the Great Ocean Road Heritage Centre shares the story of Australia’s most famous road. Constructed as a memorial to the Australian soldiers who lost their lives in World War One, this iconic road was built by returned soldiers from 1919 onwards and officially opened in 1932. The road is both a feat of engineering and a poignant monument to the many who made the ultimate sacrifice. Spend some time and you’ll view the Great Ocean Road in a whole new light.

Take a stroll along Lorne Pier

Lorne’s first pier was built back in 1879 to serve the logging industry. Over time that pier slowly degraded, but this new pier retains a small section of the old pier as a historical reminder of Lorne’s industrial past. Take a wander along the pier which quite a few people still use to fish for whiting, bream, flathead and mullet. By night, the pier is lit up so take a stroll after dinner to enjoy balmy breezes and a spot of stargazing.

walking at sunrise in Lorne Pier — Take in balmy breezes as you wander along the Lorne Pier. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Learn to surf at Lorne Beach

Since Lorne is one of the more sheltered beaches along the Great Ocean Road, it’s the ideal spot for beginners and kids to learn the basics without being wiped out by the big swells you see at places like Bells Beach.

a scenic landscape of the Lorne Beach — Lorne Beach offers an idyllic surfing spot. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Whether you’re a casual surfer looking to brush on your technique or a total newbie hoping to stand up on a board for the very first time, Go Ride A Wave has a lesson to suit you.

surfers at Lorne Beach — Newbies are welcome to book a private lesson. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Join a group class or book a private lesson for some one-on-one tuition; either way, you’ll have a classic Surf Coast experience that will put you in good stead for years to come.

Take a dip at Lorne Sea Baths

Want a break from the beach? Open seven days a week, these historic sea baths offer so much more than lap swimming. Here you can also stretch yourself in a seasonal poolside yoga class, revive your tired muscles with hydrotherapy or play a round of mini golf with your kids. Hungry? Head to the kiosk for an ice cream or enjoy a special lunch with water views at the onsite restaurant, Almyra.

Walk the Swing Bridge Circuit

This gentle, pram-friendly 1-kilometre loop is the perfect way to start the day. Starting at the visitor centre, stroll through the Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park towards the Swing Bridge. Grab a takeaway coffee from the Swing Bridge Café , then wander along the boardwalk, through the caravan park, over the Erskine River Bridge back to where you started at the visitor centre.

the Swing Bridge Cafe in Lorne — Stroll through the Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park towards the Swing Bridge.

Get in the swing of things at Lorne Country Club

Fancy a game of social tennis? Or perhaps you want to refine your golf swing on the green? With a 9-hole golf course and several synthetic grass and clay tennis courts, the Lorne Country Club is a great spot to spend an afternoon in the sun.

an aerial view of the Lorne Country Club — Come for golf or tennis at Lorne Country Club. (Image: Visit Victoria)

High up on a hill, this bush-fringed spot has incredible ocean views too. Come for tennis or golf, stay for a beer and meal at The Peak bistro.

a man playing golf at Lorne Country Club — Refine your golf swing on the green.

Catch a show at Lorne Theatre

This Art Deco picture palace has entertained Lorne locals and visitors to the Great Ocean Road since 1937. During summer, this charming theatre shows a select range of Hollywood and arthouse films. If you love live music, be sure to check the website before you head to Lorne – you might be able to catch a live set here too since the theatre hosts international and local acts.

Need coffee? Here are 9 Lorne cafes to get your caffeine fix.

More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.

Perhaps best known as a road trip stop between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury Wodonga offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene that make it well worth its own journey.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River and surrounded by famed wine and gold rush regions, this riverside town packs a broad punch. Discover how best to spend your days on the border.

Exploring the Murray River

1. The Crossing Place Trail

woman looking at sculpture along Crossing Place Trail loop — Admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists.

Head to the original crossing places of the Murray River since 1848 – at the junctions of Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek. Today, these crossings are still used by cars and cattle, but the five-kilometre Crossing Place Trail loop connects the two bridges for bike riders and walkers.

Wander through gum trees, and maybe even spot local platypus and birdlife. Stop along the way to admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists, see evidence of a scar tree and learn about the importance of this billabong environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2. Canoe The Murray

two people kayaking along the murray river at Noreuil Park — Hire canoes or kayaks and get out on the river.

What better way to get a feel for the Murray River than by getting out on its waters? Hire canoes or kayaks from Canoe the Murray , then explore solo or join one of the offered tours. Get up early for a Sunrise and coffee tour, watch the sun dip below the water on a sunset tour or choose one of several daytime trips.

Stand-up paddleboard hire and other water sports, fishing and swimming are also available to river explorers.

3. Noreuil Park Foreshore

aerial of Noreuil Park albury wodonga — Cool off at Noreuil Park Foreshore. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Just outside Albury’s CBD, the riverside Noreuil Park becomes a hub of activity as the weather heats up. Set up on picnic tables under shady trees, use the public barbecues (or pop into the nearby cafe) and cool off with a float down the river.

4. Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works

Mungabareena Reserve albury wodonga — Spend time at Mungabareena Reserve. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

Delve into nature and culture at the beautiful Mungabareena Reserve . Recognised by state law as a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’, it was once a historical meeting point for trade and journeys to Mount Bogong for the local Wiradjuri people and still holds deep significance.

It’s another popular spot for fishing, swimming and picnics, while the nearby Water Works area is a great place for spotting wildlife. Try your luck seeing platypuses, wood ducks or rainbow bee-eaters.

Adventuring on Lake Hume

1. Walk the dam wall

parent and child look at the view from the damn wall walk at lake hume — Enjoy the view from the dam wall. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

The majestic Lake Hume – a massive man-made reservoir on the Murray River – was once the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.

A great way to get acquainted is by walking along the dam wall, taking in views of outflows, electricity turbines and the transmission plant from above. Not to mention vistas of the lake and the Murray. It’s a particularly gorgeous spot for sunsets and sunrises.

A wide sealed walkway gives easy access to the wall, and informative signs and displays along the way educate on the dam’s construction.

2. The High Country Rail Trail

This 44-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline. Stop along the way at the historic town of Tallangatta, relocated to its current position in the 1950s after its original location was flooded. Cross the lake over the bright red Sandy Creek Bridge. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or go for a swim at Ebden, Ludlow’s or Huon Reserve.

3. Water sports

two people watching SUP boarders and a boat our on the water at lake hume — Dive into water sports on Lake Hume.

Lake Hume is a popular local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Drop a line or dive right into the clear waters.

Sip and Savour

1. Dux Albury

two people sitting at counter drinking wine inside Dux Albury — Sit down to delicious meals and wine at Dux.

Those looking for a high-end dining experience need to book a table at Dux Albury in the heart of Albury Wodonga. Sit down for curated wine lists, cocktails and share plates. Think starters like burrata with beetroot, chervil, caper berry and sherry, mains like Wagyu sirloin with Café De Paris, red wine and caramelised onions and all manner of fresh seafood.

2. Murray Towns Brewing Co.

people being served lunch at Murray Brewing Co. — Recharge at Murray Brewing Co.

Perched on the banks of the river, Murray Towns Brewing Co . has come a long way since two mates started experimenting in their backyard chook shed. With all beer brewed onsite and a sun-drenched beer garden to drink them in, it’s a perfect stop along a bike ride or walk.

3. Temperance and General

Step into Albury’s original laneway bar, Temperance and General . Set inside a historic building, but offering a modern vibe, the bar is locally famous for its cocktail list. Stop in before or after dinner for a creative tipple.

4. BeanStation Cafe

two people drinking coffee at Bean Station albury wodonga — Dine on a modern Australian menu.

Dine on a modern Australian menu , inside the historic Wodonga train station building, dating back to 1873. Pop over in the morning and line up with the locals for great coffee and all-day brekkie, or head over after midday to swap the beans for local wines and Aussie boutique beers.

5. River Deck Cafe

waiter holding two dishes at Riverdeck Cafe albury wodonga — Soak in views and good food at Riverdeck Cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another dining destination next to the Murray, the award-winning River Deck Cafe provides a large deck covered in dappled sunlight that makes for the ideal long lunch spot. Here, menus focus on natural, native and local ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers across Albury Wodonga and surrounds.

Museums, murals and more

1. Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail

Gain a sense of Albury Wodonga’s vibrant arts community while wandering the Public Art Trail. Works range from sculptures and murals to wrapped infrastructure. Be sure to check the council map before you head out, so you don’t miss a thing.

2. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)

couple admiring the art at Murray Art Gallery — Stop into one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

MAMA forms the heart of art and culture in Albury Wodonga, some may say the entire Murray region. In fact, it’s one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. What makes it so lauded? The museum has earned a reputation for curating innovative, original exhibitions from some of the best contemporary Australian and international artists.

3. HotHouse Theatre

Originally built in 1928 as the Butter Factory Theatre, HotHouse Theatre has been a home of performance since 1997. Stop by to see the best of new Australian theatre. Continue to explore unique architecture on the Historic Building Walking Tour of Albury, the perfect way to round out your stay.

Start planning your Albury Wodonga getaway at visitalburywodonga.com.

The best things to do in Lorne on your next seaside trip