Originally an old logging town, Lorne is now best known as a popular holiday destination, especially when the summer holidays roll around. Located about 2 hours southwest of Melbourne, Lorne is a relaxed seaside town situated on Victoria's famous Great Ocean Road.
Thanks to its fresh sea air and a relaxed Mediterranean-style atmosphere, Lorne has been attracting eager holidaymakers for more than a century. The village is renowned for white-sand beaches, a buzzing arts community and easy access to the Otways.
Lorne is situated on a bay named after Captain Louttit, who sought shelter there in 1841 while supervising the retrieval of cargo from a nearby shipwreck. The coast was surveyed five years later in 1846. The first European settler was William Lindsay, a timber-cutter who began felling the area in 1849.
Lorne and it's surrounding area has many exciting activities to enjoy. From bushwalking through the Otways, sightseeing up at Teddy's Lookout. Fishing from the iconic Lorne pier or the many beaches, rivers and rock ledges along the Great Ocean Road. Surfing Lorne point or the many local ocean and beach breaks.
Mantra Lorne & Top 6 Things to do in Lorne Victoria Australia
Where to see koalas near Lorne?
Koalas Near Cape Otway and Lorne
You're most likely to spot them in the Cape Otway region, in the town of Lorne, or in the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. Look for a round, grey shape nestled in a eucalyptus fork. Always view from a safe location such as a walking trail or designated viewing area.
Dogs are permitted off-lead at all times along the beach north of Doble Street. Dogs are permitted off-lead during certain times of the year at other beaches - see the map below. Dogs are prohibited at all times from the beach in the centre of Lorne, between Grove Road and south of Bay Street.
This more strenuous route descends over 300 steps to the base of the falls, where the water plunges dramatically into the pool below. The 700-metre return walk takes roughly 30 minutes, and though the steps can be a challenge, the view from the base makes every step worth it.
Meaning:Fox. Lorne is a gender-neutral name of Scottish origin. It derives from the Scottish placename Lorne, which may mean “fox.” The name Lorna, invented by writer R.D. Blackmore for his novel Lorna Doone, also comes from this source.
Sydney pub baron Justin Hemmes has been in Lorne overseeing the first stage of his redevelopment of the Lorne Hotel which he bought for $38 million in 2021. Local gossip is that Hemmes thought he bought Lorne's Grand Pacific Hotel, however that was snapped up by rich lister Josh Rudd for $5.5 million.
Name. It is thought that the sausage is named after the region of Lorne in Argyll; advertisements for 'Lorne Sausage' have been found in newspapers as early as 1892. This was long before Scottish comedian Tommy Lorne, after whom the sausage has been said to be named, became well-known: he was born in 1890.
What is the history of the Erskine House in Lorne?
The Mountjoy family built the first dwelling in Lorne consisting of just two rooms. As interest in Lorne grew, the Mountjoys extended their premises to cater for visitors whose numbers continued to increase as the word spread about the beautiful scenery and abundance of fish and game.
The Lorne Pier to Pub is one of the largest ocean swims in the world, with over 5,000 participants swimming 1.2km from the Lorne Pier to the Lorne Surf Life Saving Club, just in front of the iconic Lorne Pub.
How many Twelve Apostles are left? The Twelve Apostles can be seen as seven limestone rock stacks. Six of them are visible in the classic view enjoyed by millions of people every the year, while the seventh is located several metres away from the corner of the main viewing platform.
Lorne is one of the first towns on the Great Ocean Road. Lorne is a popular destination for surfing, and when the population balloons in the summer season, it becomes a weekend getaway for the city dwellers in Melbourne. Popular activities include pier fishing, swimming, surfing, and camping.
Erskine Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Otway Ranges and is open all year round. The lush rainforest and 30-metre drop into a fern-filled gully is a must-see.
The 4 Waterfalls Walk, located in the Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog), Wales, is a scenic and moderately challenging hiking trail that typically takes between 3 to 4 hours to complete.
Dogs allowed off-lead throughout the year on Beer beach's eastern section. Year-round on-lead rule enforced on the walkway between Castle Hill and Trevelyan Road. On-lead requirements along the esplanades of all beaches in Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton.
The Highway Code states that dogs should not be let out on a road on their own. It also states that your dog should kept on a short lead when walking by a road (rule 56). Your local authority also has the power to ask you to keep your dog on a lead when walking along 'designated' roads.
Another timeshare zone in Torquay, Fishermans Beach is off-leash-friendly during certain times of the year. It's quieter than many of the other Torquay beaches, but still has parking and options for food & drink nearby.
