Looking for the best things to do in Lorne, Victoria? This blog post is for you!
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Usually visited on a visit to Otway National Park while travelling down the Great Ocean Road, Lorne is a coastal town worth a visit on its own. With so many great Lorne attractions, this beachside town makes for a beautiful weekend away from Melbourne in its own right.
I visited for a long weekend to meet up with an old friend and ended up staying for almost a week. Everything on this list is within walking distance or a short drive of the main Lorne town unless noted otherwise. Just be prepared to walk down the steep slopes that lead down to the sea if your accommodation is up on the hill!
The best things to see in Lorne, Australia, include everything from fantastical mossy forest walks and tumbling waterfalls to stunning beaches and coastal lookouts. Read on to find out which you shouldn’t miss:
19 best things to do in Lorne, Victoria:
1. Teddy’s Lookout
I highly recommend this lookout! Such an easy and short walk through the bush rewards you with these views – two gorgeous Aussie landscapes right next to each other with a beautiful coast and lush green hinterland.
I went late in the day, and the light was just perfect, but you could also incorporate it with a longer walk if you wish. Grab a map from the tourist information (not far from the town centre) or use Google Maps.
Teddys Lookout is 113m above sea level, so expect amazing views over the Bass Strait and Great Ocean Road, which you can see snaking around the headland on the right.
Whatever time of day you visit Teddys Lookout, it’s sure to be one of the best things you do in Lorne!
Getting there: The walk is just 100m from a dirt car park at the end of George Street.
Address: Teddy’s Lookout, 53 George St, Lorne VIC 3232
2. Chill at Lorne Beach
Lorne Beach is the main beach in the town. It’s easily accessible, with plenty of nearby parking and good facilities. There are many food outlets just crossing the street from the beach, though you could also take a picnic. Picnic tables with amazing views are at the Yasin Hill picnic area or others are dotted around directly on the shorefront.
Personally, I enjoyed a book and simply strolled down the coast from the Lorne Pier to the Swing Bridge, which had beautiful views over Loutit Bay.
I’ve heard it gets incredibly busy over the Summer holidays, but it was lovely when I went in February, with stretches of the beach very quiet if you walk slightly further. This all makes Lorne an excellent choice for a long lazy weekend over a Victoria public holiday.
Other nearby beaches to enjoy are Apollo Bay and Bells Beach, which you’ll pass if you drive from Melbourne. Bells Beach is particularly popular with surfers, and the Rip Curl Pro surfing competition actually takes place here.
Lorne Beach facilities include BBQs and picnic tables, changing rooms with showers, and toilets. You’ll also find a playground, walking and bicycle tracks, and a skate park.
Address: Lorne Beach, 170 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne VIC 3232
3. Take a stroll down Lorne Pier.
Built 140 years ago, Lorne Pier is now lined with fishermen and families taking a look at the beautiful blues. There is a popular fish restaurant at the bottom, too, the blue-painted Lorne Pier Seafood Restaurant, alongside a local fish and chip shop.
Look out for sea life while you’re here, too. Humpback whales and orcas have been spotted along the shoreline between May and October.
4. Visit Erskine Falls
There are a few waterfalls nearby, but visiting Erskine Falls is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Lorne.
There’s a viewing platform just 5 minutes from the car park, but it’s worth going down the 222 steps to the lower Erskine Falls lookout to see the 30m-high waterfalls from the bottom.
Getting there: You can walk from Lorne along the Erskine Falls Bushwalking Track (15km return) or drive directly to the waterfalls.
Address: Erskine Falls Access Rd, Lorne VIC 3232
5. Sheoak Falls
A short walk along the stream at the bottom of the waterfall will also take you to Sheoak Falls (which isn’t as impressive in itself, but the walk through the forest was just magical). The falls are also home to some interesting cave formations, which you can check out along the hike at Swallow Cave.
6. Go hiking (and spot some Aussie animals)
There are loads of options for hiking in Lorne! Grab a map from the Lorne Visitor Centre and take your pick! There are countless walks and hikes to choose from, depending on the time and energy you have to spare. The staff will be more than happy to provide maps and give you some information about the surrounding area.
The trails are pretty well-marked, so the majority of shorter walks don’t require much prior planning besides good footwear and a refilled water bottle. On my first day in Lorne, I walked along the Saint George River, where I saw wallabies, wild horses, and koalas along the way. The entire loop is 5.1km and took around 90 minutes to complete.
More hikes in Lorne:
7. The Cumberland Falls Track
For a more remote walk, the Cumberland Falls Walk is a perfect choice. Winding through clifftop scenery to forested streams, nature is unparalleled here. This 5.6km walk is more challenging than others, including river crossings, and should take around 2 hours to finish.
Highlights of the Cumberland Falls Walk include wild swimming in the natural pools along the way, including Jebbs Pool and the beautiful Cumberland Falls themselves.
8. The Lorne Waterfall Circuit
This difficult, 8-hour hike is not for the faint-hearted! The walk begins and ends at Sheoak Falls Car park before winding through the native forest and, as the name suggests, many waterfalls.
The highlights of this walk will be irresistible for waterfall enthusiasts. The track passes eight waterfalls, including Sheoak Falls, Phantom Falls, Henderson Falls, Lower Kalimna Falls, and Cumberland Falls.
9. Kennett River Nature Trail & Glow Worm Dell
The 1.6-mile Kennett River Nature Trail is another beautiful option for hikers looking for the best things to do in Lorne.
While visiting Kennett River, don’t miss the glow worms Dell! The best way to spot them is in complete darkness, so switch off your lights to watch them sparkle. To find them, follow directions to the Grey River picnic area.
Kennett River is also famous for seeing koalas in Victoria, so make sure you look out for them while you’re there!
10. Phantom Falls
At around 15-m tall, Phantom Falls is magnificent after rainfall. Just be warned that it can dry up in the Summer months! This tranquil spot is simply another beautiful waterfall in The Otways. The Phantom Falls Track is considered more challenging than other trails on this list, so bear that in mind.
Getting there: Phantom Falls is just an 11-minute drive or a one-hour walk from Lorne. You can park at the car park on Allenvale Road before taking on the 3.4km hike.
Address: Phantom Falls Waterfall, St Ives NSW
Explore the forest from above:
11. Zoom along the treetops at Live Wire Park
If you prefer an adrenaline rush to relaxing bush walks, take on the 525m-long zipline at Live Wire Park. The lively adventure park also includes treetop trails, a series of mid-air boardwalks and suspension bridges – not for the faint-hearted – or a smaller trail for families to enjoy.
If you’re up for travelling up to 40km ph along the Shockwave Zip Coaster and swinging across a rope course, you can book tickets in advance here.
Or if you’re brave enough to test yourself and take on the full course, then book the Super Circuit, which includes 53 mid-air trails plus suspended bridges and scaling trees. Book 2 hour Live Wire Park Super Circuit Ticket.
Live Wire Park address: 180 Erskine Falls Rd, Lorne VIC 3232 – please note that parking is limited on site.
Opening Times: 9:45 am – 5:00 pm
Entrance costs: From $50 for the zipline to $80 for the treetop circuits. You can also save money by getting a combined ticket.
12. Take on new heights at Otway Fly Treetop Adventures
You can also visit the Rainforest and Treetop Walk at the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures.
Running every hour, this 600m-long elevated walkway provides fantastic views over the rainforest from its 30m-high platforms. The full walk is 1.9km and usually takes around an hour These fun activities are definitely among the best things to do in Lorne with kids.
And again, there is a zipline here too! The zipline experience is 2.5 hours long and includes admission to the Treetop Walk.
Getting there: The Otway Fly Treetops Adventures is marked on Google Maps at the address below.
Address: 360 Phillips Track Beech Forest, Weeaproinah VIC 3237
Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily. The last admission is 3:30 pm.
Entrance costs: Zipline and Treetop Walk from $108. Treetop Walk tickets from $26 or $75 for a family ticket (2 adults and two children). Advance booking is essential.
13. Take a surf lesson.
Why not try this top-rated 2-hour surf lesson in Lorne if you’re keen to learn to surf on the Great Ocean Road? Your patient, expert instructor will teach you all the basics so you’re feeling confident when you take on the waves and get your iconic Australian surf experience.
With lessons for beginners or surfboard rentals for those who are more experienced, surfing is undoubtedly one of the top Lorne activities.
14. Unwind at Lorne Sea Baths
Offering a mix of wellness and recreation activities, the historic Lorne Sea Baths is a great location to visit for both adults and kids!
For the grown-ups, the wellness options are ideal, from hydrotherapy and salt therapy to poolside yoga and massage. Or get the whole family involved with a round on the 18-hole beachside mini golf course.
Meanwhile, the kids can enjoy the pool while floating on bumper boats and walking on water in an aqua orb. Though the outdoor pool isn’t just for little ones, this 33-metre freshwater pool is also ideal for lap swimming.
Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm
Address: 81 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne VIC 3232
15. Road Trip up the Great Ocean Road
Lorne is just a 1.5-hour drive from Cape Otway, the Southern tip of Victoria’s West Coast, or around two hours to what is perhaps Victoria’s most famous attraction – the 12 Apostles. There are many things to do once you arrive; explore the beautiful Port Campbell area and Loch Ard Gorge.
The most popular way to explore the Great Ocean Road is by car though it’s possible to do a multi-day hike along the Otways if you’ve time to spare (and can’t get enough of the scent of Eucalyptus trees). Or go all out on an adventure with this Perth to Melbourne drive.
Things to do in Lorne when raining?
16. Support local artists at the Qdos Arts space
With a carefully curated selection of fine artworks and oil painting workshops, Qdos Arts Space is already known as one of the top places to visit in Lorne for art lovers.
However, the open-air sculptures dotted throughout the woods are worth seeing for anyone. The sculpture park is a beautiful mesh of human design with the natural beauty of the Aussie bush. (Although I’m sure the artists could put it much better than me!)
While the trees will keep you primarily undercover, the indoor gallery will also keep you dry on a rainy day. And the onsite restaurant is legit; their wood-fired pizzas and homemade cakes are delicious, and you can still enjoy the peaceful outdoor setting in comfort next to the floor-to-ceiling windows. (I’m a sucker for natural light, anyone else?)
If you fancy staying in this aesthetic and tranquil setting overnight, you can book a stay in a Japanese-inspired treehouse.
PS. Are any vegan travellers reading this? Their wine and cheese platters come with a vegan option! Served up with a side fabulous bush views from the deck.
Opening hours vary. Check in advance.
Address: 81 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne VIC 3232
17. Lorne Visitor Centre
Visitor centres aren’t always my cup of tea, but this is definitely one of the best Lorne things to do on a rainy day.
Aside from the basics like handy brochures, souvenirs, tour info, and maps of Lorne and the surrounding area, the Lorne Visitor Centre also has an exhibit about the unique history of the Great Ocean Road. It’s well worth a visit if you’d like to get a more well-rounded view of the area.
Many of the stories and photographs on display were contributed by local families with the assistance of the Lorne Historical Society, and the lovely staff are available if you have any questions. The exhibition is really clearly displayed with an interesting selection of photos and artefacts – well worth a short visit.
The Lorne Visitor Centre has a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance. Toilets are available onsite if needed.
Address: 15 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne VIC 3232, Australia
Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily.
Where to eat in Lorne
18. Mountjoy Parade
Head to Mountjoy Parade for a wide range of cafe and restaurant choices, from Aussie classics and seafood to tacos at the Mexican Republic and bento boxes at Umisango.
If you’re after vegan and vegetarian food, I loved HAH Lornebeach – they had some yummy healthy options like Buddha bowls, acai bowls and smoothies, but their jaffles were my fav! (Jaffles means toasties for any non-Aussies in the room!)
Swing Bridge Cafe is an awesome dog-friendly cafe in Lorne! The food is excellent quality, with plenty of options to suit the whole family… it’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Lorne to get your coffee fix!
Alternatively, Pizza Pizza is a cosy spot with an open fire and delicious freshly made (you guessed it) pizzas.
Since the street runs alongside the beach, you won’t have to go far if you want to take your food to eat out and eat along the shore. (Just be sure to take any rubbish away with you!)
19. Lorne Country Club
With excellent views of Louttit Bay, the beach, and the pier, Lorne Country Club offers more than just golf.
The bistro (named ‘The Peak’) is an excellent place to soak up the excellent views over Lorne while also enjoying a delicious meal. Look out for kangaroos lazing the lawn as you eat, too.
The menu includes classics like brisket, seafood, and a wine list, alongside some good-looking vegan choices and Asian options.
During the Summer, bookings for the 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, or restaurant are essential.
How to get to Lorne
Thankfully Lorne is very easy to get to by car or public transport. It will take around two hours by car or 3.5 hours by train or bus.
If you’re planning on taking public transport, simply take a train from Melbourne Southern Cross to Geelong, and then a bus will take you to Lorne. This will cost just over $20 each way, and you can purchase an all-in-one ticket on the Vline website, where transport itineraries are worked out to ensure you don’t miss the connection.
You can also book a Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne, which includes not only Great Otway National Park and Lorne but also wildlife spotting, the Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell, amazing coastal viewpoints, Apollo Bay, and Loch Ard Gorge Beach.
FAQ: Lorne things to do
Things to do in Lorne at night?
Lorne isn’t the most action-packed place after dark, but here are a few things to do during an evening in Lorne:
- Watch a sunset from the bistro at Lorne Country Club or Teddy’s Lookout (two of the best views in Lorne).
- Enjoy a delicious meal from one of the eateries on Mountjoy Parade.
- Get away from the city lights and go stargazing near the beach on a clear night.
Things to do in Lorne for free?
Most of the best Lorne things to do are free! These include:
- Chasing waterfalls like Erskine Falls, Sheoak Falls, and Phantom Falls
- Chilling out on Lorne Beach
- Hiking along the Saint George River or along the Lorne Waterfall Circuit
- Looking out for glow worms and koalas along the Kennett River Trail
- Zooming through the treetops on a Treetop Walk or zipline
How many days to spend in Lorne?
Many travellers only spend an hour or so in Lorne while travelling up the Great Ocean Road, but I spent a whole week here and didn’t run out of things to do. I recommend spending at least two days in Lorne to make the most of the stunning coastline, waterfall and forest scenery, and all the wildlife in between.
Is Lorne worth visiting?
Yes, Lorne is absolutely worth visiting! Whether it’s a stop on your Great Ocean Road itinerary or a weekend break from Melbourne, this tranquil setting is the perfect destination for relaxed yet stunning outdoor adventures.
With wonderful hikes with views, wildlife, and waterfalls to spot along the way, and superb beaches alongside a few unique Lorne attractions, you’ll not regret visiting this sweet seaside town.
More Day Trips from Melbourne
Full list of Day Trips from Melbourne
Things to do in the Mornington Peninsula
I’ve never heard of this area! You’ve inspired me to go now!
Looks like a fun filled itinerary! I would be keen to do Teddys Lookout and do some waterfall chasing as well as walks along the beach and pier.
I have always gone to ocean grove or angle sea I can’t believe I have missed this gem for so long! Next trip south will be to Lorne.