18 Best Things to Do in Lorne with Kids

Lorne is one of the main towns along the Great Ocean Road and it's a favourite getaway for Melbourne families, especially in summer. There is the beach of course, plus great cafes and restaurants, play spaces and the Great Otway National Park on your doorstep.

If you're visiting this popular coastal town, here are my tips for things to do, places to eat and where to stay in Lorne with kids. It's doable in a day trip (140km from Melbourne, approx 2 hours drive) but to make the most of your visit I recommend staying overnight.

Things to do in Lorne with kids

1. Lorne Beach

Naturally, the beach is a big drawcard at Lorne. Frolic in the (icy) water, build sandcastles and take a walk or bike ride along the foreshore until you get to the pier, the starting line of the famous Pier to Pub swim race.

There is also a large foreshore playground with a maritime theme.

Lorne Foreshore Park, Mountjoy Parade, Lorne

2. Lorne Sea Baths

Jumping on the trampolines by the Lorne Sea Baths is one of Lorne’s great traditions. However at $7 for 10 minutes it's pretty steep compared to some of the trampoline parks in Melbourne where you get to stay for an hour (or more).

So instead I spend $10 for two kids to run for 10 minutes around and around the floating Aqua Orb!

General pool entry includes access to the 33m pool, splash pad, heated hydro baths, showers and sun lounges. There are also bumper boats and a fairly easy mini golf course, both of which cost extra.

Lorne Sea Baths, 81 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne (03) 5289 2077

3. Qdos Arts

Visit the sculpture garden at Qdos Arts, a contemporary gallery hidden in the bushland.  Lots of room for kids to run around and the cafe here does excellent cake and babychinos.

Qdos Arts, 35 Allenvale Road, Lorne (03) 5289 1989

4. Bushwalk

Lorne is surrounded by beautiful bush. There’s a great short bush walk from Sheoak falls which even small kids can manage.  A visit to nearby Erskine Falls is also worthwhile although be aware there are lots of steps for little legs.

Related: Best waterfalls in Victoria for kids

5. Rockpools

At either end of Lorne’s main beach are plenty of rock pools which are great for exploring with kids. See how many sea creatures you can spot!

Find Hotels and Airbnbs near Lorne

6. Live Wire Park

At Live Wire Park you can glide, zip and climb through the Otway treetops on each of the park’s circuits.

It's a great outdoor adventure for adrenaline junkies age 7+ years! Read my review.

Live Wire Park, 180 Erskine Falls Road, Lorne 1300 548 394

7. Glow Worms

There are other glow-worm spotting locations around the Great Ocean Road. Grab an Otways Trails Glow Worm leaflet from the Lorne Visitor Information, 15 Mountjoy Pde, 1300 891 152.

Grey River Picnic Area, Grey River Rd, Wongarra

Where to eat in Lorne with Kids

8. Ipsos

Ipsos offers a simple and contemporary take on Greek food from the family behind A La Grecque in Airey’s Inlet.  Great for a special occasion or date night dinner.

Ipsos, 48 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne

9. Swing Bridge Cafe & Boathouse

Swing Bridge Cafe is right at the entrance of Lorne when you're coming from Melbourne and its stunning outlook can't be beaten.

By day this is a great South American inspired cafe with good coffee and an interesting menu of breakfast and lunch dishes. In the evening during Summer there are South American influenced barbecues and paella.

Swing Bridge Cafe & Boathouse, 30 Great Ocean Rd, Lorne 0423 814 770

10. Mexican Republic

The cheap and casual Mexican cantina is perfect for holiday eating. Note they don't take reservations.

Mexican Republic, 1A Grove Road, Lorne 03 52 891686

11. Gelato Gelato

Gelato Gelato is a little walk away from the beachfront but it's worth the walk to try their Italian style gelato made fresh on the premises.

Gelato Gelato, 8 Mountjoy Pde Lorne 

12. Pizza Pizza

The best pizzas in Lorne are found at the tiny Pizza Pizza, which serves Italian-style wood fired pizzas.  It’s takeaway only but there is one outdoor table.

Pizza Pizza, 2 Mountjoy Pde Lorne 0352891007

13. HAH Lorne Beach

Healthy food right on the beachfront, what's not to like?

HAH Lorne Beach is relaxed, vegetarian and vegan-friendly health food cafe offers pram access, high chairs, a few games and amazing views. You can also hire surfboards, stand up paddle boards and bikes there.

HAH Lorne Beach, 81 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne 0406453131

14. The Bottle of Milk

The burgers at Bottle of Milk are sensational but more importantly, so is the coffee. They also have an outpost in Torquay.

The Bottle of Milk, 52 Mountjoy Pde Lorne

 15. Lorne Hotel

For a hearty meal or drink with the best views in town, the Lorne Hotel is the place to be. This is a large venue with indoor and outdoor dining, regular live music gigs on the deck, a favourable kids menu and kids play area.

Currently there is a temporary kids play space while the kids zone is planned to undergo a full refurbishment, completion due sometime in 2023.

Lorne Hotel, 176 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne, (02) 9114 7398

Where to stay in Lorne with Kids

Whenever I'm looking for family-friendly accommodation my first place to research is always AirBnB. Here are my particularly recommended places to stay in Lorne. 

16. Mantra

Right on the beachfront, the Mantra offers apartment style accommodation with cooking facilities which work well for families.  There are tennis courts, an indoor swimming pool and activities like movie nights over Summer.

Mantra Mountjoy Parade, Lorne. From $200 a night for two people.

17. La Tienda

We stay at La Tienda (disclaimer – it’s owned by a friend's family member) which has four bedrooms, ocean views and its own tennis court with basketball ring which is great for kids to play in.  From $220 a night for up to nine people.

18. Great Ocean Road Cottages and Backpackers

Great Ocean Road Cottages and Backpackers is one of the cheapest places to stay in Lorne. Great views over Loutit Bay and you can walk down the hill to the beach and shops.

Great Ocean Road Cottages and Backpackers, 10 Erskine Avenue, Lorne

Check out more accommodations at https://www.lornevictoria.com.au/

You can also stay in nearby towns such as Wye River and Anglesea, both of which are 30 minutes drive.

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