There may be days in our busy lives when we wish to just ride away to a peaceful and serene place, wander like a lost kid, and simply be one with nature. If there is a place that can make this wishful thinking a reality it is Lorne, a small beach town in Australia. This hilly hinterland with its beautiful rain forest on one side and the wide sandy beaches on the other is one of the best places to experience true Australian culture and countryside cuisine. It is just a couple of hours’ drive from the city of Melbourne which makes it a perfect place for a weekend getaway. For comfy accommodation, you will find plenty of Airbnb vacation rentals that are fully furnished with modern amenities, which include the cozy cabin rentals as well. In the meantime, scroll below for the best things to do in Lorne, Australia.
1. Stroll the beaches and surf the sea (from USD 52.0)
One of the biggest annual events during early January is the “Pier to Pub” swimming competition which attracts nearly 20,000 spectators from across the globe. This outdoor activity in Lorne, Australia, also holds the Guinness record for being the largest organized swimming competition. Surf through the sea during the summer under the watchful protection of the coastal lifeguards and get a tan spending a day at the beach. At the end of the beach don’t forget to check out the Lorne Beach Pavillion, a beautiful swing bridge spanning the Erskine River mouth. A simple stroll along the beach with the tides hitting the feet along with a cup of coffee or a tasty snack at the Weatherboard Cafe can be one of the best ways to spend the sunrise and sunset at Lorne.
Learn to Surf at Lorne on the Great Ocean Road
Duration: 2 hours
2. Revel at the majestic Erskine Falls
The beautiful beaches in Lorne, Australia, are easily one of the best things about this place. Tourists get to enjoy the breezy sandy beaches as well as the lush green rainforest and the mountains at the Great Otway National Park. Anyone visiting Lorne must definitely go for a nice scenic walk through the forests. Hiking up the mountain, you’ll be able to witness the cascading beauty of the Cora Lynn waterfalls surrounded by giant ferns and ancient flora. Just about 10 minutes from the town along the Great Ocean Road one can witness, the mystical wonders of the tall Erskine Falls, the Phantom Falls, and the majestic natural amphitheater of the Sheoak Falls. Apart from this, there are over seven other waterfalls at a 10 km (6.2 miles) radius that ornate the town with its alpine ash trees and ferns. So, if you are looking for a steamy hike followed by a misty dip into the natural showers, you are at the right place.
Erskine Falls
Address: Erskine Falls Access Rd, Lorne VIC 3232, Australia
Website: Erskine Falls
3. Sample the selection at St. Anne's Winery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
St. Anne’s Winery is one of the best things to do when it’s raining in Lorne. This place is a haven for wine enthusiasts and those seeking a memorable culinary experience. Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of the Otway Ranges, this acclaimed winery offers a diverse selection of premium wines crafted from the finest regional grapes. Visitors can embark on a delightful wine-tasting journey, exploring a range of reds, whites, and sparkling wines, each carefully crafted to perfection.
The winery’s picturesque vineyards provide a scenic backdrop for leisurely walks and guided tours, where guests can learn about the winemaking process and the history of the estate.
St. Anne's Winery
Address: 150 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne VIC 3232, Australia
Website: St. Anne’s Winery
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
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4. Take a dip at Jebbs Pool
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Wondering about what to do in Lorne? Start by visiting Jebbs Pool, which is a hidden gem nestled amidst the rugged coastline of the Great Ocean Road. This picturesque natural rock pool offers a tranquil and refreshing escape for both locals and visitors alike.
Surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean, Jebbs Pool provides a perfect spot for relaxation and rejuvenation. The crystal-clear waters invite swimmers to take a refreshing dip while the surrounding rocky cliffs offer an ideal perch to soak in breathtaking views of the ocean.
Jebbs Pool
Address: Great Ocean Road, Lorne
5. Experience authentic Australian art and culture
Posted by Lorne Sculpture Biennale on Thursday, 11 April 2013
Every place that we visit and every person we meet give us something to take away and that is the magic of travel. In that sense, the greatest take away from Lorne is its well-preserved Australian culture and art. To anyone who enjoys art, the Lorne Festival of Performing Arts is a must go. Also, Lorne is popular for its Falls Music and Arts Festival during the New Year’s Eve and the Lorne Sculpture Biennale that happens once in two years. Lorne also houses a beautiful art gallery at Qdos Arts set inside the Great Otway National Park which promotes sculptures and other arts. Apart from its rich art, Lorne is also a storehouse of authentic countryside culinary expertise. Explore the exquisite flavors of the land, go guilt-free shopping at the boutiques and pick your favorite books at the stores along the Mountjoy Parade.
Festival of Performing Arts Lorne
Address: 176-178 Mountjoy Pde, Lorne, Victoria 3232
Website: Festival of Performing Arts Lorne
6. Admire the views at Teddy's Lookout (from USD 98.0)
As mentioned earlier, Lorne is guarded by mountains and rain forests on one side and soft sandy beaches on the other. Teddy’s Lookout in Lorne is where one gets to experience both these scenic beauties at the same time. Standing on the hilltop you will be able to enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean and the Great Ocean Road. From Teddy’s Lookout, you will also be able to see the St. George River entrance which is yet another mesmerizing view. The Lookout is a great place for morning walks or jogs. Also, if you would like to eat there are seating arrangements available to serve the purpose.
Great Ocean Road Small Group Tour
Duration: 13 hours
7. Learn about the town at Lorne Visitor Center and the Great Ocean Road Story Museum (from USD 116.0)
Did you know that although the population of Lorne is just over a 1,000 people, the town hosts nearly 15,000 to 20,000 tourists every year? From pro surfers to working tourists the town is flooded with visitors from across the globe every year. This is one of the main reasons why the Lorne Visitor Center is a buzzing place and a must-go spot. The Lorne Visitor Center houses the Great Ocean Road Story Museum that illustrates the stories of the retained soldiers who worked hard to build the largest war memorial in the world- The Great Ocean Road (1919-32). A town so full of rich heritage and culture, that it welcomes its tourists with the grandiose sight of the Great Ocean War Memorial Arch.
Great Ocean Road Full-Day Tour from Melbourne
Duration: 12 hours
Satisfy your wanderlust at Lorne, Australia
Be it a lone traveler or a love-struck couple or a beautiful family, everyone who visits Lorne has a lot of places to visit and scenic beauty to witness that suit their taste. Lorne is a complete package of adventure, fun, peace, and serenity. So these are some of the interesting things one cannot miss when visiting Lorne. A place full of art and what not!
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Lorne
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