Lorne Accommodation & Holiday Houses

An excellent surfing spot, with various annual events, dining options to suit every palate, a soothing Mediterranean vibe and more – there are several reasons why Lorne is so favoured among travellers in Australia. And yet, the beautiful beachside town retains an intimate charm that sets it apart from the usual crowded holiday destinations.

Located on iconic Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Lorne is just two hours southwest of Melbourne and is as ideal for a relaxed vacation as it is for a quick weekend trip. While here, admire the magnificent Erskine Falls, go for a bush walk, discover rock pools at Shelley Beach, sign up for surf lessons, and stroll along the Lorne Pier.

May to September is whale watching season in Lorne, so you can join a tour. When it comes to holiday accommodation in the region, beach houses are popular, thanks to the town's coastal location and spectacular views. Renting your own holiday house in Lorne will helps you experience this Aussie town in true local style.

Getting to Your Lorne Accommodation

The easiest way to reach your Lorne accommodation from Melbourne is by car. It's only a two hour drive following the Princess Highway out of the city to Geelong, then along the beautiful Great Ocean Road through Torquay all the way to Lorne. Alternatively, cut inland from Geelong to Winchelsea and follow the C51 to Lorne via Deans Marsh. This gives you a look at some gorgeous interior forests and farmland on the way to the coast.

If you're arriving into Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, rent a car and take the Western Ring Road south to connect with the Princess Highway, then follow the instructions above. It's handy to have a car to find your holiday house in Lorne. But it's a small town, and very walkable. You can also reach Lorne by public transport. There are a number of V/Line rail and coach services leaving throughout the day from Melbourne's Southern Cross Station to Lorne via Geelong.

What and where to eat in Lorne

As any other seaside destination, Lorne loves its fresh catch from the sea. While local produce and fresh seafood is the highlight of dining in Lorne, there are plenty of other options, too. The family-friendly Kafe Kaos welcomes guests with a relaxed, retro vibe and a scenic seaside location. Enjoy a yummy vegetarian brekky or head here for lunch and order the pork belly roll. There are fresh juices, coffee, cakes, and a fun menu for kids available, as well.

The Bottle of Milk is a popular name in Lorne, known mainly for their burgers. The coffee here is made in a Synesso machine using beans from Seven Seeds, a well-regarded artisan roaster in Melbourne. You can also grab takeaway and enjoy your meal near the beach.

Attractions for art and culture enthusiasts

Lorne has a bustling arts scene, and the Qdos Arts Gallery stands at the epicentre of it. With a theme centred around light, the structure sports plenty of glass and high ceilings. While sculptural works dot the tree-filled grounds, the inside of this contemporary gallery is where performing and visual art is celebrated.

The Great Ocean Road Heritage Centre, which is located inside the Lorne Visitor Centre, has a permanent exhibition that educates visitors on the interesting of the Great Ocean Road. Open every day except Christmas, the centre's interactive exhibits make its educational goals fun.

Holidays with kids in Lorne

A park with around 15 trampolines, a beachfront location, spray jets, mini golf course, bumper boats, and pools for toddlers as well as bigger children – there is really no reason to miss a visit to the Lorne Sea Baths. Let the kid inside you come out and join the little ones for a fun session of jumping on trampolines and be part of a Lorne tradition.

The Otway National Park offers an exciting time amid nature for the entire family. One of the best places for bird watching in Australia, ‘The Otways,’ as its called by locals, are home to ancient forests, beaches, and marvellous waterfalls. Admire the flora and fauna while on horseback or mountain bike, plan a picnic,or enjoy a camping trip in the park.

If your family is the type to enjoy adventure parks, Live Wire Park is just the destination for you. Feel the adrenaline rush as you zip line through forests and go for the more relaxing canopy walk afterward. Keep an eye out for koalas in the trees. The more adventurous members of your group can go for the 525m. Shockwave Zip Coaster, while children will enjoy the Short Circuit.

Events to check out on your Lorne holiday

The Lorne Sculpture Biennale is the biggest public outdoor sculpture event in Victoria and takes place every two years between March and April. Celebrating Australian as well as international sculptures, this free event transforms the Lorne foreshore into a stunning display of art.

Come August end, the town celebrates all things cultural with the Festival of Performing Arts, which showcases creatives across music, poetry, magic, theatre, comedy, and more. To attract people of all ages, this festival also hosts some interesting activities for children.

Staged for almost 25 years, the Falls Festival has people travelling to Lorne every December 30th to January 1st, to take part in this multicultural event. Music across genres, dance, theatre, circus, and other art forms are celebrated, and camping facilities are offered.

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