Long before the Great Ocean Road became one of Australia’s most famous road trips, Lorne was already drawing holidaymakers to its picturesque stretch of coastline. Today the seaside town remains a favourite warm-weather escape, with turquoise water, a sweeping sandy beach and a lively main strip of cafes, boutiques and galleries. And there’s plenty to do beyond the beach too. The surrounding Great Otway National Park puts rainforest trails and waterfalls within easy reach of town, while elevated lookouts offer spectacular views across the coast. Visit at the beginning of spring and you might spot migrating whales offshore, with the season extending into September. Here are some of the best things to do in Lorne this spring.
Things to do in Lorne in spring
With the ocean on one side and the Otways on the other, Lorne offers something to both lovers of the coast and the forest. Start along Lorne Beach, the town’s main swimming spot, which curves around the sheltered, glittering waters of Loutit Bay. From here, you can wander along the foreshore towards Lorne Pier, a popular fishing spot that also offers expansive views back towards the town and surrounding coastline. To get away from the crowds during peak season, make your way to Shelly Beach, with crystal clear blue waters and an abundance of shells.
Some of Lorne’s most incredible natural wonders can be found in the Great Otway National Park, home to lush rainforest, towering ferns and waterfalls perfect in warmer weather. Triplet Falls is particularly impressive, with three distinct cascades tumbling through ancient rainforest. A 2km loop walk winds past towering mountain ash and dense fern gullies to viewing platforms overlooking the falls, making it the perfect addition to a day exploring the Otways.
If you’d rather explore the region on foot, Lorne has plenty of walking trails weaving through the surrounding forest and along the coast, ranging from short strolls to longer hikes through the Otways. Teddy’s Lookout is particularly worth a visit, with sweeping views over the Great Ocean Road as it winds along the coast and the forested hills meet the sea.
Early spring also offers a particularly memorable seasonal highlight. Lorne Pier and the town’s coastal lookouts are reliable places to keep watch for migrating whales as they travel along the Great Ocean Road coastline through September. Even if none appear, the combination of ocean views, rainforest and waterfalls makes this one of the most rewarding times to explore Lorne outdoors.
Other ways to enjoy the town
Lorne punches above its weight when it comes to places to eat and drink, with much of the action found around Mountjoy Parade. Start the morning with coffee and breakfast at Moons Licensed Espresso Bar, or head to The Bottle of Milk, a longstanding local favourite for burgers and casual bites. For a sweet treat, Louttit Bay Bakery is another handy stop for coffee, pastries and takeaway treats.
Later in the day, IPSOS Restaurant & Bar serves Greek-inspired dishes designed for sharing, while Totti’s Lorne, inside the Lorne Hotel, brings its popular Italian menu to the coast, complete with wood-fired bread, pasta and antipasti. Seafood is naturally easy to find too, with Almyra Restaurant & Bar Lorne occupying a particularly scenic spot overlooking the water.
Shopping lovers can wander the scenic main street to browse the town’s boutiques, surf shops and galleries, including Vic and Bert for clothing and accessories, Deluxe Lorne for fashion, or Lorne Books for books and gifts. The community-run Lorne Market also pops up on selected weekends throughout the year, bringing over 100 stalls selling locally made goods, crafts, food and other finds to the foreshore.
Getting there
Lorne is just a 2-hour drive from Melbourne, with the most scenic route taking you through Geelong and along the Great Ocean Road via Torquay, Anglesea and Aireys Inlet. If you’re travelling without a car, take a V/Line train from Southern Cross Station to Geelong, then connect with a coach to Lorne. Plan your travels on Public Transport Victoria.
