This coastal town along the Great Ocean Road has sandy beaches, waterfalls in the Otway rainforest, and a laid-back surf culture dating to the 1930s.
Lorne sits along Victoria's Great Ocean Road, where the Eastern Maar People have lived for thousands of years. The small town of 1,000 residents transforms into an active beach destination during summer, with up to 13,000 visitors during the Falls Festival. Walk through ancient ferns to Erskine Falls, swim at the lifeguard-patrolled beach, or watch migrating whales breach from the Lorne Pier between May and September.
Swimming and Beaches
The main Lorne surf beach has lifeguard patrols and calm waters in Loutit Bay. Walk 15 minutes north to reach Shelley Beach, where you'll find rock pools filled with starfish, anemones, and small crabs. The Lorne Sea Baths complex next to the beach includes salt therapy rooms, a gym, and family activities like mini-golf and trampolines.
Waterfalls and Walking Trails
Ten waterfalls sit within a 10-minute drive from town. Erskine Falls drops 30 meters into a fern-lined gully, with two viewing platforms to see the cascade. Walk through tall eucalyptus forest on the Kalimna Falls Trail to reach both Lower and Upper Kalimna Falls. At Teddy's Lookout, at the end of George Street, you'll see the coastline curve along Bass Strait and the Great Ocean Road winding below.
Arts and Events
Several festivals bring the town to life throughout the year. The Falls Music Festival fills the town with international musicians over New Year's Eve. During March, you'll find 40 artworks placed along the beach during the Lorne Sculpture Biennale. Visit Qdos Arts any time to explore changing exhibitions and walk through their sculpture garden.
Wildlife and Nature
Walk the trails in Great Otway National Park to spot koalas sleeping in eucalyptus trees or kangaroos grazing at dawn and dusk. Southern right whales and humpbacks swim close to the shore during their migration from May to September. Fish for trevally, barracuda, and whiting from the deep-water Lorne Pier.
Getting to Lorne
Drive two hours from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road to reach Lorne. Take the V/Line coach service, which runs daily from Melbourne's Southern Cross Station via Geelong, if you prefer public transport. The bus route follows the Bass Strait coastline most of the way.
Food and Shopping
Mountjoy Parade, the main street, runs parallel to the beach with cafes, bakeries, and two historic pubs - the Grand Pacific Hotel and Lorne Hotel. Browse small boutiques selling local art, clothing, and beach gear. Many restaurants serve fish caught that day, and cafes along the street serve morning coffee with views of the water.
