Lorne is an Australian coastal city located in Victoria. It is two hours from Melbourne, only 140 kilometers, and is located on the Great Ocean Road. The climate there is generally mild.
Like most tourist places, the city offers a wide variety of accommodation. There are high-quality resorts, such as the Mantra Erskine Beach Resort. The Cumberland Lorne Resort is even equipped with a day spa. The Grand Pacific Hotel is a restored building with beautiful views of the sea.
Other accommodations include cabins, such as Lemonade Creek Cottages, which are surrounded by temperate rainforest. There are many motels and villas, as well as some bed and breakfast options. Some of the houses for rent are minutes from the beach and shopping centers.
Lorne is on the Great Ocean Road tourist route. This 243-kilometre road stretches from Torquay to Warrnambool, and is actually a war memorial for the victims of the First World War. Its favorable access to the Highway allows its visitors to enjoy the highway for its own sake and to reach other coastal towns and their attractions. At Red Paws of Lorne, visitors can even have pets.
The city is generally quiet, with a resident population of less than 1,000. The low population helps make this destination an escape from the urban hustle and bustle. Added to this atmosphere is the abundance of natural options for a tourist itinerary. Picnics are welcome at many of these beautiful locations. Visit Erskine Falls, Otways National Park, or local parks for a peaceful and beautiful wilderness experience.
Lorne is first and foremost a seaside town. The cafes are popular, along with the beaches. For those seeking relaxation, there is also a spa. The art gallery and shops are a bonus. For the lucky traveler with access to cuisine, it’s worth considering the fish market, which offers local catches for sale.
Once a year, the city becomes part of the Great Ocean Road Marathon. Started in 2005, this event closes part of the way for a 45-kilometer race. Other fitness-friendly events include the Pier to Pub Swim and the Mountain to Surf Run. Casual athletes can enjoy golf and other games at the country club. Surfing is available, with lessons offered a couple of hours away.
The Falls Festival is a huge music festival that the city hosts every year. It is celebrated on New Year’s Eve and lasts four days. It started in 1993 and evolved from a small annual concert to a giant festival with more than fifty artists at each festival since 2007. Most of the festival goers camp out, either nearby or outside the venue. Tickets range from about $30 for a day pass to the Funk n Soul Revue to more than $300 for a three-day camping space and admission.
It has many historical buildings that are interesting to visit. The Pacific Hotel At Mountjoy Parade is a brick marvel dating back to 1879. Visit the Erskine House and St. Cuthbert Presbyterian Church, which also date from that period. Erskine House has extensive gardens and a lodging centre. The Lorne Historical Society Museum is a must-see for the history guru and the curious alike.
