3 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
2 hours from Melbourne by car
When to go
All year round, though it's more pleasant in summer
Minimum stay
One day
Lorne (Australia)
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Alicia Munoz
Practical information on Lorne
Reviews of Lorne
Situated on the very picturesque Great Ocean Road, Lorne is a nice small seaside town.
My suggestion:
Summer is well known as being the best season to go there to make the most of the sea. However, pay attention to the groundswell waves which can be quite dangerous and unexpected.
My review
Like the majority of coastal towns, along the magnificent Great Ocean Road, which goes along 250km of the southern coast of Australia, Lorne is a very pleasant little town, which has a wonderful beach, perfect for beginner or experienced surfers. The town can therefore make a nice stop en route between Adelaide and Melbourne.
However, as French people who are used to charming little coastal towns with their old centres and fishing ports, it's sometimes surprising and disconcerting to discover Australian coastal towns, with huge homes, large avenues and obligatory cars. So, I found that Lorne lacked a little bit of charm, just like it lacked a bit of life when evening came.
All the same, I not only really appreciated the coast but also the inland areas which offer wonderful walks through the eucalyptus forests which are home to numerous koalas.
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Christian Haugen
Lorne is a popular seaside resort, situated on the picturesque Great Ocean Road, between Aireys Inlet and Wye River.
My suggestion:
In summer, book well in advance, the Great Ocean Road is a popular destination for lovers of road trips and beautiful scenery.
My review
Lorne is not just a beautiful beach. The town has plenty of souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants in the spirit of surfing. The "Otway Ranges" chain offers a magnificent backdrop and numerous possibilities for walking. My favourite was the beautiful walk to the Erskine Falls (Be aware, do not expect to see Niagara Falls).
In January, Lorne comes alive with the longest swimming event in open water in the world (1.2 km),the "Lorne Pier to Pub". Nearly 4000 people participate each year. Another flagship event around 31 January: lone of themost popular festivals in Australia, is the "Falls Festival" which is spread over 3 days. Tickets are sold out within in hours so think about booking early in September.
The journey between Lorne and Apollo Bay represents for me the most beautiful section of the Great Ocean Road. The highway was carved into the side of the cliffs with incredible views overlooking the Southern Ocean.
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Alicia Munoz
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rggoldie
257 travelers' photos
