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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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The road trips and trails you need to experience in Victoria now

    Kellie Floyd Kellie Floyd
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    Wind through fern tunnels, stop for a wine in a tram bar, or chase giant murals across the wheatbelt. These drives and rides prove Victoria’s best stories are found off the straight and narrow. 

    There’s something unmistakably Australian about a road trip: car packed, playlist on, landscapes shifting. Travelling down the highway toward Healesville, in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, the mountains rise, flanking me on both sides. I feel its embrace, a silent invitation to explore what lies beyond.  

    Moss-covered embankments rise on either side, and towering mountain ash trees form a green tunnel overhead. Road signs warn of wombats and cyclists but with giant ferns lining the roadside, the landscape feels prehistoric, as if a dinosaur might suddenly emerge. This, the Black Spur, is one of my favourite road trips. 

    The Black Spur 

    The Black Spur drive
    Through the forested canopy of The Black Spur drive that winds from Healesville to Narbethong. (Image: Neisha Breen)

    Location: Yarra Ranges
    Duration: 30 kilometres / 30 minutes 

    The Black Spur is short compared to other Victorian road trips, just 30 kilometres, stretching from Healesville to Narbethong. But what it lacks in distance, it makes up for in scenery. Just outside Healesville, Maroondah Dam offers bushwalks and scenic views. However, if pressed for time, Selover’s Lookout is an easy roadside stop offering uninterrupted views of the dam.  

    In Narbethong, close to the Marysville’s snowfield, is the Black Spur Inn, a charming double-storey brick hotel that’s been welcoming travellers since 1863. Here, diners cosy up by the roaring fire or gaze through the floor-to-ceiling windows, imagining horse-drawn coaches carrying hopeful gold seekers to the eastern goldfields.   

    Victoria’s Silo Art Trail 

    Silo Art Trail
    The Silo Art Trail in the Wimmera Mallee region. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Location: Various towns across the Wimmera Mallee region
    Duration: More than 200 kilometres / 4–5 hours but best over a minimum of three days  

    What began as a way to draw travellers back into town bypassed by highways – places such as Nullawil, Sea Lake and Patchewollock – has grown into a celebrated outdoor art movement. The Silo Art Trail now includes 23 silos, each transformed with large-scale mural portraits sharing local stories, celebrating community heroes, Indigenous history, farming life, or regional identity.  

    The Nullawil silo, for example, is a portrait of a local farmer in a chequered flannelette shirt alongside his loyal kelpie, painted by artist Sam Bates (AKA Smug). And the silos at Albacutya in the Grampians, painted by artist Kitt Bennett, depict her joyful memories of growing up in the countryside. Many of the murals sit right in the heart of small towns, such as Rochester and St Arnaud, making them perfect spots to pause for a country pub meal or something sweet from a local bakery.   

    Metung to Mallacoota  

    Gippsland lakes
    Gippsland Lakes. (Image: Visit Victoria/Josie Withers)

    Location: Gippsland
    Duration: Approximately 220 kilometres / 4 hours  

    The Gippsland Lakes are a much-loved holiday spot in Victoria, but road-tripping further east reveals much more. Begin in Metung and time your visit with the monthly farmers’ market, or simply linger over lunch on the lawn of the Metung Hotel. Twenty minutes away is Lakes Entrance, where you can watch the fishing boats return with their catch. 

    Lakes Entrance
    Lakes Entrance. (Image: Visit Victoria/Iluminaire Pictures)

    Continue to Marlo, where the Snowy River spills into the sea, and Cape Conran for its many beaches and walks. If needing to stretch your legs, Croajingolong National Park is home to the historic Point Hicks Lighthouse and the Wilderness Coast Walk. Birdwatching and rainforest trails near Bemm River are worth a pit stop before arriving in Mallacoota, where the forest meets the sea. 

    Great Ocean Road 

    12 Apostles on the Great Ocean Road
    The 12 Apostles on the Great Ocean Road. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

    Location: South-west Victoria, from Torquay to Allansford
    Duration: Approximately 250 kilometres / 4–5 hours but best over a minimum of three days  

    Victoria’s most famous road trip delivers it all: world-class surf breaks, rainforest walks, clifftop lookouts and wildlife encounters. The journey begins in Torquay, the state’s surf capital, then hugs the coast past Anglesea and Lorne to Apollo Bay, before curving inland through the lush rainforest of the Otways. Stop at Cape Otway Lightstation or take to the treetops at Otway Fly.  

    Between Cape Otway and Port Campbell lies the most photographed stretch – seven of the Twelve Apostles still standing, alongside the golden cliffs of Loch Ard Gorge. Further west, Warrnambool is a winter whale-watching hotspot, before the road winds to Port Fairy, a charming fishing village of whalers’ cottages, walking trails and offshore seal colonies further along the coast. 

    Bellarine Taste Trail 

    Terindah Estate
    Terindah Estate. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Godfrey)

    Location: Bellarine Peninsula
    Duration: Approximately 80 kilometres / 2–3 hours  

    The Bellarine Taste Trail is a feast for the senses, winding through coastal towns, past boutique wineries and artisan producers. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure style trail – simply grab a map and build your own delicious journey.  

    You might wander historic, seafront Queenscliff, sip wine in a converted tram bar at Terindah Estate, sample a locally distilled whisky at The Whiskery in Drydale or pick up a jar of honey at Wattle Grove in Wallington. Seafood lovers can head to Portarlington, famous for its mussels. Eat them fresh at local restaurants or head out on the water with Portarlington Mussel Tours. 

    O’Keefe Rail Trail – Bendigo to Heathcote 

    Pink Cliffs Reserve
    Pink Cliffs Reserve in Heathcote can be seen on the O’Keefe Rail Trail. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Godfrey)

    Location: Central Victoria
    Duration: Approximately 50 kilometres / 4 hours cycling 

    Travellers first journeyed between Heathcote and Bendigo in 1888, when the railway line was built to link the towns. Trains stopped running in 1956, but today the route has a new life as the O’Keefe Rail Trail. The path is mostly level for easy riding, and along the way you’ll cycle past bushland, waterways and reserves. There are plenty of places to picnic, birdwatch, and if you’re lucky, spot a platypus.  

    The trail is well supported with water stations, bike repair points, shelters, and signage. Axedale makes a great halfway stop, with the pretty Campaspe River Reserve for a rest and local cafes for refuelling. Begin in Heathcote, known for its wineries and cafes, or in Bendigo, which is easily reached by train from Melbourne/Naarm. Shorter sections, such as Heathcote to Axedale, are also popular. 

    Goldfields Track – Ballarat to Bendigo 

    Location: Central Victoria
    Duration: Approximately 210 kilometres / 2–3 days cycling  

    The Goldfields Track traces a route once so rich in gold it made Melbourne one of the wealthiest cities in the world. Starting at Mt Buninyong, south of Ballarat, the trail leads mountain cyclists and walkers north through Creswick, Daylesford and Castlemaine before finishing in Bendigo. Along the way, you’ll encounter granite outcrops, eucalypt forests, rolling farmland and remnants of the region’s mining past.  

    As it passes through the lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung and Wadawurrung people, the track shares gold rush history and Indigenous stories brought to life by interpretive signs. Walk or ride the full trail or choose from one of its three distinct sections. With cosy stays, cafes and pubs, it’s easy to mix wilderness with comfort.