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

Credit: Visit Victoria

Jade Raykovski Jade Raykovski
From bush to beach, explore the best things to do in Lorne.

There is an abundance of great things to do in Lorne, for nature lovers to water babies and everyone in between. Just two hours from Melbourne, nestled between the beach and beautiful forests of the Great Otway National Park, the cosmopolitan town is a favourite destination for those travelling the Great Ocean Road. Make it your home base, and start exploring.

In short

If you only do one thing in Lorne, visit Lorne Beach. It’s one of the safest and most sheltered beaches along the Surf Coast; whether you want to swim, surf or simply relax, nothing beats the pristine sand and blue waters of Loutit Bay.

Visit Qdos Fine Arts

Best for: Art lovers

This arts venue is set amongst the serene natural beauty of the Great Otway National Park. Explore the latest exhibition, wander the garden with its outdoor sculptures, and enjoy lunch with a view of the trees at the on-site cafe, where they use some of their own organic produce and eggs from their chooks. If you like what you see, you can even stay in one of the five treehouses on the property.

Opening hours: 9am–5pm, Thursday to Sunday from September to April

See glow worms at Sheoak Picnic Ground Nature Walk

Best for: Families and wildlife enthusiasts

As night falls, keep an eye out for twinkling glow worms along the Sheoak Picnic Ground Nature Walk. This easy 30-minute loop through the forest starts at the picturesque picnic ground, equipped with toilets, a picnic shelter and gas barbecues. If you’re a keen hiker, come earlier to explore one of the several trails leading to waterfalls in the area.

Relax at Lorne Beach

Best for: Everyone

the view from Lorne Beach
Lorne Beach offers an idyllic surfing spot. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Sheltered by Point Grey and one of the only beaches patrolled during the summer months, Lorne Beach is the ideal place to take a dip on a hot day. The sandy two-kilometre stretch is backed by grassy picnic areas, BBQ facilities and Lorne’s main strip of cafes and restaurants, so there’s no reason not to spend the day (fish and chips on the beach, anyone?). There are also accessibility features that can be booked in advance. Just don’t forget some insect repellent – the last time I was there, my partner fell victim to some sand flies.

Explore the waterfalls of the Otways

Best for: Nature lovers

Erskine Falls, Lorne from above
Erskine Falls plunges 30 meters into a lush tree-fern gully. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Lorne is a gateway to the stunning waterfalls of the Great Otway National Park. Your first stop, and the most popular, should be Erskine Falls, a 30-metre cascade just 15 minutes from town; other worthwhile stops include Upper and Lower Kalimna Falls, Sheoak Falls and Phantom Falls. Check conditions before you go and note that the seasons and rainfall can affect water flow.

Taste local drops at St Anne’s Winery

Best for: Oenophiles

a range of spirits at St Anne’s Winery
Sip premium Australian wines. (Credit: St Anne’s Winery)

With multiple vineyards in Victoria and New South Wales, St. Anne’s Winery is a family-run business offering a diverse range of premium Australian wines. The cellar door is in the heart of Lorne, right amongst the shops and restaurants and across from the beach; pop in after a dip to sample some wines and pick up a bottle for dinner (the flagship riesling is a favourite).

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Take the kids to Lorne Sea Baths

Best for: Families

If you’re looking for a bunch of family-friendly activities in one place, Lorne Sea Baths ticks all the boxes. There’s a solar-heated pool, beachfront mini golf, cafe and restaurant, plus paddleboard and kayak hire for the more adventurous. No kids? Relax in the hydrotherapy spas and sauna.

Opening hours: Check the website as hours vary for different areas.

Enjoy the views from Teddy’s Lookout

Best for: Everyone

Teddy’s Lookout, Lorne
The view doesn’t get any more scenic than from Teddy’s Lookout. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Head to Teddy’s Lookout for a breathtaking vantage point of St George’s River and the blue expanse of Bass Strait. Explore the surrounding bush trails, watch the sunset, and from May to September keep an eye out for whales migrating north to warmer waters.

Go ziplining at Live Wire Park

Best for: Adventure enthusiasts

a hanging bridge at Live Wire Park
Live Wire Park has a range of electrifying experiences for all of the family. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

For outdoor adventures amongst the treetops, look no further than the completely off-grid Live Wire Park. Experiences range from the accessible Canopy Circuit to an exhilarating 525-metre zipline and challenging Super Circuit, consisting of mid-air trails, suspended bridges and Tarzan swing. Kids will love the Short Circuit; it’s an hour-long experience with a minimum height of 110 centimetres.

Opening hours: 9.45am–5pm daily

Hike the Canyon (Lorne Waterfalls Circuit)

This moderate hike includes three waterfalls – Won Wondah, Henderson and Phantom Falls – along with a narrow canyon featuring sheer rock faces and moss-covered boulders. Admire the lush rainforest setting along the way, from tall eucalypts to fern-lined creeks; just make sure you wear sturdy footwear.

Best for: Hikers and nature lovers

Enjoy a cuppa by a historic bridge

Best for: Everyone

coffee at the Lorne Grocer
Get your caffeine fix by the river. (Credit: Lorne Grocer)

The charming Lorne Grocer sits at the mouth of the Erskine River, next to the historic swing bridge, a tranquil setting away from the hustle and bustle of Mountjoy Parade. Whether you come for coffee or brunch, you’ll want to linger for the friendly atmosphere and beautiful views.

Opening hours: From 7am daily

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Learn to surf at Lorne Beach

Best for: Active holiday goers

New to surfing? Where better to learn than along Lorne’s stunning coastline. It’s one of the most sheltered beaches along the Surf Coast, which makes it ideal for first-timers. Go Ride a Wave offers daily 2-hour sessions for both beginners and intermediates, and there’s also the option to book in private one-on-ones if you want to master the waves faster.

See a show at the Lorne Theatre

Best for: Cinephiles

the Lorne Theatre exterior view
Catch the latest film at the Lorne Theatre. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

The heritage-listed Art Deco Lorne Theatre has been open since 1937 and underwent a refurbishment in 2024. Perfect for a rainy day or evening activity, it’s where locals and visitors go to catch the latest films or attend live shows, from music concerts to stand-up comedians.

Browse the boutiques of Mountjoy Parade

Best for: Window shoppers

The Sage & Clare Leilani tote bag and matching pouches
The Sage & Clare Leilani tote bag and matching pouches. (Credit: Sage & Clare)

Support local by shopping at the variety of stores and boutiques that line Mountjoy Parade. Browse Australian and New Zealand labels at Wolf Whistle, pick up a timeless piece for the wardrobe at Vic and Bert, or explore homewares and textiles at Sage x Clare. One of my personal favourite things to do when I arrive in town is to grab a beach read from Lorne Books.

Enjoy dinner and drinks at the Grand Pacific Hotel

Best for: Foodies

alfresco dining at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Lorne
Dine with a view. (Credit: Grand Pacific Hotel)

The Grand Pacific Hotel is the ultimate pub with a view. Established in 1879 and recently refurbished, the iconic venue is perched up high, right by the Lorne Pier and overlooking Bass Strait. Grab a cocktail at the Fisherman’s Bar or head to the dining room for Italian-inspired dishes and classic pub fare.

Opening hours: Noon–late, Tuesday to Sunday

Take a dip in a swimming hole

Best for: Water and nature lovers

Jebb’s Pool is a picturesque swimming hole with several cascades, set amongst a tranquil bush setting. It can be reached by the track starting at Cumberland River Holiday Park. Take a picnic, go for a swim and laze about on the rocks on a warm summer’s day. If you’re feeling adventurous, the track continues on to Cumberland Falls.

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Jade Raykovski
Jade Raykovski is a freelance travel writer from Melbourne, Australia whose wanderlust began from immersing herself in the fantasy worlds of her favourite books as a kid. She started off her career as a graphic designer, before making the switch to copywriter, and now – in what you could say is the role she was always destined for – travel writer. Along with Australian Traveller, her bylines include National Geographic, BBC Travel, Escape and NZ Herald. And while she loves writing about home, she'll never pass up the chance to sip a spritz in Italy.
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8 experiences to get the most out of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road

    Louis Costello Louis Costello
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    Beyond the winding bitumen and coastal views lies another side to Victoria’s most famous route.

    There’s something hypnotic about this stretch of Victoria’s coast. Maybe it’s the way the road hugs the ocean so tightly, or how the cliffs catch the sun in colours you can’t name. Or, for local Victorians who drove this route as kids, maybe it’s the memories of winding through the impossibly tall trees as they seemingly guide you on your journey like wooden guardian angels. Most travellers know it for the 12 Apostles, but there are plenty of alternate experiences on the Great Ocean Road equally as worthy of your time.

    So, next time you’re in that neck of the woods, park that car, stretch those legs and try these experiences.

    1. Discover living culture at Budj Bim

    Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism
    Walk across the world’s oldest known aquaculture system. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Breakaway Creek’s Budj Bim Cultural Landscape is a masterclass in educational storytelling. Join a guided tour with Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism to walk across the world’s oldest known aquaculture system, where the Gunditjmara people built sophisticated eel traps and stone channels more than 6,000 years ago.

    Budj Bim’s aquaculture system predates Egypt’s pyramids by roughly 2,000 years, making it one of the oldest examples of human engineering on Earth. If that’s not enough to get your history-loving family members involved in this road trip, we’re out of ideas.

    2. Unwind in the hot springs at Warnambool

    woman relaxing at Deep Blue Hot Springs
    Let mineral-rich water heal you.

    If your legs need a break after a long drive, Deep Blue Hot Springs is your remedy. The geothermal pools sit just metres from the coastline, filled with mineral-rich water that bubbles up from deep underground. Move between open-air baths, waterfall pools and quiet zones made for meditation.

    The water in Deep Blue’s geothermal pools comes from an ancient aquifer nearly 850 metres below the Earth’s surface, which, in non-scientific terms, means it’s far more likely to have healing properties than the mineral water you’d find at the supermarket.

    3. Take to the air at Princetown

    12 Apostles Helicopters flight alternate experiences on the Great Ocean Road
    See an icon from a different view.

    You may have seen the Twelve Apostles from the trusty viewing platform, but a helicopter flight with 12 Apostles Helicopters shows you just how sprawling and rugged this coastline really is.

    The trip covers everything from Port Campbell to London Bridge (not to be confused with the UK’s own), giving you a rare chance to watch waves carving the limestone cliffs from above. It’s worth noting that the limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles are said to erode by roughly two centimetres each year, so the longer you leave it, the less of the Apostles you’ll see.

    4. Step into the past at Flagstaff Hill

    Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and Museum
    Visit a time of yore.

    Continue the tour through Warnambool at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and Museum, a recreated 19th-century port town. Hear stories from the days when shipwrecks were as common as seagulls, with an astounding 180 ships believed to have sunk along the Shipwreck Coast in less than five years.

    The night show, complete with lights, sound, and sea spray, brings the coastline’s most dramatic stories to life.

    If you’re staying the night, Simon’s Waterfront offers relaxed dining with fresh local seafood and oceanfront views. Order the catch of the day and toast to the sailors who never made it ashore.

    5. Learn to surf in Torquay, Lorne, or Anglesea

    kid having a lesson with Go Ride A Wave
    Learn how to hang 10. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Whether you’ve surfed before or can barely stand on a board, Go Ride A Wave will have you upright in no time. Torquay’s calm beaches are ideal for first-timers, while Lorne and Anglesea bring a bit more energy for those unafraid to get dunked.

    Bells Beach, just down the road from Torquay, has even hosted the world’s longest-running professional surfing competition since 1962. So, for those eager to have a gander at pros using surfboards like they’re an additional appendage, the competition usually runs sometime in autumn.

    6. Tackle the trails in Forrest

    Barwon Flow Trails Otways Flow MTB
    Hire a bike and explore MTB trails through the Otways.

    Forrest is a haven for mountain bikers thanks to an expansive network of trails through stunning natural scenery. The Forrest trail network has almost 100 kilometres of singletrack across 36 trails, so there’s something for every level of rider. That’s including more than 60 kilometres of purpose-built mountain bike trails winding through the Otways’ dense forest. Cycle through ancient myrtle beech trees and towering tree ferns, with smaller ferns and soft mosses forming a carpet at your feet.

    Hire a bike from Forrest MTB Hire and take your pick from easy, scenic rides to more challenging singletracks, such as Red Carpet or Rollercoaster.

    7. See wildlife up close in Apollo Bay

    bush rat on Wildlife Wonders tour
    Get help spotting the locals. (Image: Doug Gimsey)

    If spotting koalas and kangaroos in the wild feels like winning the lottery, Wildlife Wonders gives you guaranteed sightings without cages or crowds. Every visit to the sanctuary helps fund the Conservation Ecology Centre which supports endangered species across the Otways, so your business is appreciated by humans and animals alike.

    The guided walk takes you through protected Otways habitat where you might spot potoroos (or joey lookalikes for those unfamiliar with a potoroo), wallabies, and sleepy koalas lounging in the trees.

    8. Visit the Cape Otway Lightstation

    Cape Otway Lightstation
    Delve into the tales of Cape Otway Lightstation.

    Towering over the sea on a cliff above the Southern Ocean, Cape Otway Lightstation has been guiding ships since 1848. Before the lighthouse was built, Cape Otway was one of the most treacherous points on the Victorian coast, with dozens of shipwrecks occurring in its surrounding waters. Pick the right day, and you may bump into a local willing to tell you about the wreck of Eric the Red.

    While at the Cape Otway Lightstation, explore the keeper’s quarters, walk the coastal trails, and take in views that only stop short at the horizon.

    And no, contrary to popular belief, the Round the Twist lighthouse is actually located in Split Point, just shy of two hours in the direction of Melbourne. Nothing’s stopping you from embarking on a lighthouse crawl, though.

    Plan your next no-stone-unturned journey along this iconic Aussie road at visitgreatoceanroad.org.au.