Located along Victoria’s famous Great Ocean Road, Lorne is a beautiful and charming coastal town in Australia. With its pristine natural beauty, long coastline and mild climate, Lorne has become an ideal destination for visitors who want to experience the perfect combination of blue sea, green forest and unique local culture.
About Lorne Town Australia
Lorne is a beautiful town located on the south coast of Victoria, Australia. With its wide, sandy beaches, Lorne is the perfect place to relax, sunbathe and enjoy water sports. Not only is it famous for its ocean views, the town is also surrounded by lush Otway Mountains, offering beautiful walking trails and waterfalls.
Lorne Town, Australia. Photo: @humbletrail
Lorne is also famous for the annual Lorne Arts Festival, which attracts artists and visitors from all over the world. This is an opportunity for you to enjoy diverse works of art and meet like-minded people. In addition, Lorne also has many restaurants and cafes with delicious dishes and local specialties, providing a rich and unique culinary experience.
This town is located on a beautiful coastline. Photo: @juanmilino
Another highlight of Lorne is the Great Ocean Road, one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world. From Lorne, you can drive or walk along the road to take in the spectacular coastal views and visit famous attractions such as the Twelve Apostles.
Photo: @arisse
How to get to Lorne town
To get to the town of Lorne , you have a variety of transport options depending on your starting location:
From Melbourne
By car: Lorne is about 140km south-west of Melbourne. You can drive along the Great Ocean Road, one of the most beautiful drives in the world. The journey will take about 2-3 hours, depending on traffic and stops along the way.
By bus: There are several bus services from Melbourne to Lorne such as V/Line, which offer daily trips. Travel time by bus is usually around 3-4 hours.
By train and bus: You can take a train from Melbourne to Geelong, then transfer to a bus to Lorne. The V/Line train from Melbourne to Geelong takes about 1 hour, then you continue your journey by bus for about 1.5-2 hours.
From Geelong
By car: From Geelong, you can drive to Lorne via the Great Ocean Road. The distance is approximately 65 km, and the travel time is approximately 1.5 hours.
By bus: Bus services from Geelong to Lorne are also available and take approximately 1.5-2 hours to travel.
From other locations
By plane: The nearest airports are Avalon Airport (about 90 km from Lorne) or Melbourne (Tullamarine) Airport, about 160 km from Lorne. From the airport, you can rent a car or take the bus services to Lorne.
By bike or on foot: If you are an active and adventurous person, you can bike or even walk along the coastal trails and byways to Lorne. However, this requires physical fitness and time and you should be well prepared.
Your choice of transport will depend on your personal preferences and means of transport. Whichever way you choose, the journey to Lorne is sure to be an enjoyable and memorable experience.
You can get here by different means of transport. Photo: @slivki82
What time of year is best to visit Lorne?
The best time to visit Lorne depends on the activities you want to do and your personal preferences for weather. Here are some suggestions for ideal times to visit Lorne:
Summer (December to February): This is the most popular time to visit Lorne as the weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities such as swimming, surfing and sunbathing. Lorne Beach is very lively and attracts many visitors. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so you should book accommodation and services in advance to avoid full rooms and high prices.
Autumn (March to May): The weather in Lorne in autumn is still quite warm and pleasant. This is a good time to enjoy the natural landscape without having to worry about the crowds of tourists. Activities such as hiking, visiting waterfalls, and visiting rainforests become more enjoyable with the cooler climate.
Winter (June to August): Winter in Lorne can be quite cold but it is a great time to enjoy the peace and quiet of the town. You can relax in cozy cafes or enjoy spa treatments. Winter is also the time to see migrating whales along the Great Ocean Road.
Spring (September to November): Spring brings warmer weather and nature awakening with blooming flowers. This is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities and explore the area’s stunning landscapes. Local festivals and events often take place in spring, offering a chance to enjoy Lorne’s rich arts and culture.
Each season in Lorne has its own unique features and attractions, so you can choose the time that best suits your interests and plans.
Photo: @kengg_za
Things not to miss when traveling to Lorne town
Relax at Lorne Beach
Lorne Beach is a beautiful stretch of beach, ideal for swimming, sunbathing and surfing. The golden sand and clear waters make it an ideal spot for families and beach lovers. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months, ensuring a safe environment for swimmers. For surfing enthusiasts, Lorne Beach has consistent waves, suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers.
The Lorne Surf Life Saving Club is located nearby, providing facilities such as showers, toilets and a cafe. The Lorne Foreshore Reserve, adjacent to the beach, provides a picturesque setting for picnics and barbecues. With its central location in Lorne, the beach is just a few minutes’ walk from shops, restaurants and accommodation, making it an essential stop on your visit to this charming seaside town.
Relaxing at Lorne Beach. Photo: @lorin_yannn
Marvel at one of the tallest waterfalls on the Great Ocean Road
After a swim, a great place to explore is Erskine Falls – one of the most beautiful Great Ocean Road Waterfalls. The falls are 30m high and although they are most beautiful after rain, they still have a great flow when visiting in the middle of the dry season! It is just 80m from the car park to the viewing platform at the top of the falls or you can walk 220m to the base of the falls.
There is a viewing platform at the base of the falls or you can walk along the rocks to the falls. If you want to explore further, you can walk another five minutes through the forest to another waterfall. These are mostly dry in the summer so are really only worth a visit after a rain. The trail is easy but involves going over rocks and roots and the first river crossing (which has plenty of stepping stones).
If you're really feeling energetic and have two cars to get around, you can walk back to Lorne from Erskine Falls, a distance of about eight kilometres.
Waterfalls on the Great Ocean Road. Photo: @martinaodierna
Visit a winery
If you're looking for the easiest option to visit a winery in Lorne , head to St Anne's, which has a cellar right in town with panoramic sea views!
The tasting is free and they have a wide range of red, white and port wines but for something a little different try the Shiraz sparkling wine! If you're feeling hungry you can also get a cheese plate.
For a vineyard experience, a good option if you are planning a visit to Bells Beach is Bellbrae Estate (just a ten minute drive away). The views are spectacular and as well as tastings you can order local cheese, grape platters and ice cream.
Winery tour. Photo: @visitgreatoceanroad.org.au
Marvel at one of Australia's most beautiful glowworm colonies
There is no more magical nighttime adventure than visiting the stunning Kennett River Glowworms. As you gaze up at the thousands of twinkling blue lights illuminating the cliffs, you will wonder where the glowworms stop and the stars begin. It is an extraordinary sight.
There are countless glowworm valleys all over Australia and this is definitely one of the best. It only takes a few minutes to get there and is suitable for everyone as it is basically right on the road! Please respect the glowworms (don’t touch them or shine your flashlight at them) and keep them safe for future generations to enjoy.
Fireflies in Kennett River. Photo: @walkmyworld
The town of Lorne is a great destination for those who want to enjoy the natural beauty, experience the local culture and participate in rich recreational activities. With a harmonious combination of sea, forest and friendly community, Lorne will definitely bring visitors unforgettable memories. If you have the opportunity to travel to Australia , do not forget to visit this beautiful little town to discover a beautiful coastal gem.
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