Getway from it all in Lorne the first stop along the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is heralded as one of the world's most spectacular roads. Stretching for a distance of 150 miles (243 kilometers) from Torquay, slightly outside of Melbourne to Allansford, your first stop along the way will be a long one. No one can get past Lorne, just 28 miles (46km) southwest of Torquay, without staying at least for a long lunch, if not overnight or longer. In reality, many tourists on the Great Ocean Road to and from Melbourne make Lorne their first and last stop. What is the attraction?

Lorne is no secret to Melbournians. It has been one of their preferred holiday spots for quite a long time. Some visitors to Lorne became so enchanted by the magnificent place, they basically never left. Instead, they put down roots in the city and opened the many great al fresco cafes, restaurants, galleries and shops that you find throughout the town. Those alone will make you want to prolong your stay. Then you may just have to take a while to get your feet wet at the sheltered beach at Loutit Bay. After that, you may realize you don't want to leave.

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast in a sidewalk cafe, you might be ready to get back on the road. Secure in the knowledge that you could stay in Lorne one more night on your return trip, you will then set out on what many consider to be the most magnificent and diverse leg of a Great Ocean Road vacation. Your next stop after taking in the sights in Apollo Bay will be Great Otway National Park. There you will stand beneath towering Giant Southern Beach trees, a lot of them hundreds of years old. You will learn that this very species has existed here almost since the dawn of time.

Every winding turn in the road between Lorne and Cape Otway takes you past another stunning land or seascape. One minute you may be driving past a windswept coastal cliffside; the next you will be deep in a primeval rain forest. About halfway between Lorne and Cape Otway, you will stop in at Wye River for a break and take a look at the sights in this lovely riverside town.

There is no question about it: on your trip back to Melbourne, you'll want to spend another night in Lorne. This time, head inland and pay a visit to the spectacular waterfalls that flow all year 'round. If you like hiking, Kalimna, Phantom and Sheoak Falls are fairly easy to reach. For a greater challenge, hike in to Cora Lynn Cascades. Then again, you are able to easily drive to Erskine Falls - it's only about 5 miles (8 1/2 kilometers) outside of town.

When you are finished with your day's adventures, check into your Lorne accommodation for a well earned rest. Be warned, though: Lorne is such a popular destination that you're advised to book your room well ahead of time, particularly over the peak vacation seasons. There are plenty to select from. You might take an apartment overlooking the ocean, a cottage in the bush or anything in between. Make Lorne your base camp while explore the Great Ocean Road. You'll love it.


Take a few days off, find lorne accommodation, things to do and other travel related information about the area on bookitnow.com.au. Or visit our Australia blog for more Australian holiday ideas.