Lorne

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. When in Lorne, you're on the lands of the Eastern Maar People.

Alive in the outdoors

Your first stop has to be the Lorne surf beach, the only patrolled beach in town. Cool off in the sparkling waters of Loutit Bay or take a stroll up to Shelley Beach to explore the rock pools.

The nearby Great Otway National Park is a nature lover's playground with misty waterfalls, giant ferns and ancient forest. Discover the Erskine Falls cascading into a beautiful fern gully, one of ten waterfalls within ten minutes of town.

Hit the Surf Coast Walk to see the rich ochre cliffs of Bells Beach and the leafy green eucalypts lining the coast of Bass Strait. For a test of mind and body, visit in May for the Great Ocean Road Marathon, one of the world's most visually spectacular runs.

At sea

For those keen on a bit of fishing during their holidays, the Lorne Pier is a great place to cast a line for trevally, barracuda and whiting. Keep an eye out for migrating whales between May and September. Lorne is one of the best spots along the Great Ocean Road to see these giants of the deep as they make their journey along the coast.

Happy wanderings

Whether you're staying overnight or just passing through, take time out to wander down Lorne's main shopping strip filled with boutique gift stores, cellars, eateries and galleries. Relax with a latte at a sidewalk cafe, picnic under the trees on the foreshore, or dine on freshly caught seafood at a local restaurant.

Cultural capital

Boasting a spirited arts community, Lorne is home to the Lorne Festival of The Performing Arts and the popular Falls Music and Arts Festival, which has hosted the likes of Iggy Pop, Courtney Barnett and Grandmaster Flash. Pop into Qdos Arts to check out changing exhibits and outdoor sculpture park, or visit in March for the Lorne Sculpture Biennale, when up to 40 works are exhibited along the foreshore.

Hear the story behind the building of the Great Ocean Road, the world's largest war memorial. Read about the diggers that worked on the road and browse the permanent exhibition at the new Great Ocean Road Heritage Centre, housed in the Lorne Visitor Centre.