Major city · Australia
Lorne
Stay 1–2 nights mid-week between November and April; in January the town fills and prices double, so book or skip it.
Lorne is a small beach town on the Great Ocean Road, about two hours by road from Melbourne, with a 3 km beach, a pier and the Otways behind it. It works as one or two nights on a road trip, or a long day trip from Melbourne. Summer school holidays (late December to late January) fill every bed and car park; outside them it is a quiet stop with surf, bushwalks and seafood at the pier.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Nov–Apr (warm, beach weather); Mar–Apr and Oct–Nov are quieter with good conditions
- avoid Late Dec–late Jan (school holidays, peak crowds and prices); check for total fire ban days in summer
- Airports
- MEL · AVV
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Lorne000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Lorne, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyLorne is a safe small town; the real risks are surf rips, summer bushfire days and the winding coastal road.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From a mobile · 000 Lifesaving emergency (surf rescue)
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMEL Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) (About 2 h 15 min by road to Lorne via the M1 and B100; no direct public transport to Lorne…
- Getting aroundLorne is small enough to walk: the beach runs about 3 km (1.9 mi) end to end and the main street is a few minutes from the sand.Lorne is small enough to walk: the beach runs about 1.9 mi (3 km) end to end and the main street is a few minutes from the sand.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$4.50–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- BeerSchooner of beerA$8–12 (≈ US$6–8)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekA$15–35 (≈ US$10–25)
- Budget bedHostel or shared-room bed, a night, per personA$45 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel or pub double room, a night, per roomA$220 (≈ US$150)
- High-end bedMotel or pub double room, a night, per roomA$380 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$170 (≈ US$120) · High A$300 (≈ US$200)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MEL Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) (About 2 h 15 min by road to Lorne via the M1 and B100; no direct public transport to Lorne, so hire a car or take a coach to Geelong then connect) · AVV Avalon Airport (About 1 h 45 min by road; fewer flights, mostly domestic)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Care*
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Feb
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Mar
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Apr
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
May
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jun
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Jul
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Aug
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Sep
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Oct
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Nov
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Dec
Care*
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Best: Feb–Apr, Oct–Nov. Mixed: Dec–Jan. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)), coolest Jul (6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C) low), wettest Jul (15 rain days), driest Feb (7). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Lorne: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8 rd
Feb
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7 rd
Mar
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
9 rd
Apr
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
11 rd
May
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
13 rd
Jun
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
14 rd
Jul
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
15 rd
Aug
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
15 rd
Sep
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Oct
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
12 rd
Nov
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
10 rd
Dec
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Lorne is small enough to walk: the beach runs about 3 km end to end and the main street is a few minutes from the sand. A car is useful for Teddy's Lookout, the Otways and the next stops on the Great Ocean Road. There is no local bus network of note; regional coaches stop on the highway above town, not at the beach.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 45 min
Drive the B100 west, about 45 min
Good lunch stop and a base for Otways walks; continue to Cape Otway if you have time.
Door to door: About 1 h
Drive the B100 east, about 1 h
Surf history and the start of the Great Ocean Road; easy on the way to or from Melbourne.
Great Otway National Park
goDoor to door: 20 min–1 h to trailheads
Drive inland from Lorne or Apollo Bay; several walking trailheads
Rainforest walks and waterfalls; check fire conditions in summer and wear grippy shoes.
Port Campbell and the Twelve Apostles
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
Drive the B100 west, about 2 h
Too far for a comfortable return day from Lorne; sleep in Port Campbell or Apollo Bay instead.
Colac
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Drive inland via the C151/C155, about 1 h
Practical stop for supplies and fuel; not a sightseeing draw on its own.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Mountjoy Parade (main street)
Walk to beach, shops and restaurants; the busiest and priciest strip in summer.
Around the pier and west end
Quieter, closer to the fishing club and pier restaurants; still a short walk to the main beach.
Hills behind town (William St, Bay St, George St)
Houses and apartments with views; steep roads, so a car helps.
Apollo Bay or Aireys Inlet
Cheaper or quieter alternatives 30–45 min along the road if Lorne is full.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$90–150 (≈ US$60–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$150–260 (≈ US$100–180) excl. bed
- High
- A$260 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or pub double room1 × 2 nights × A$220 | A$440 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × A$170 | A$680 |
| Fuel, Melbourne return (about 300 km)1 × A$55 | A$55 |
| Great Ocean Road coach, Melbourne to Lorne one way2 × A$30 | A$60 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$20 | A$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$128 |
| Trip total≈ A$351 per person per day, bed included | A$1,403≈ US$950 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$4.50–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Pub meal (main) | A$25–35 (≈ US$17–25) |
| Schooner of beer | A$8–12 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Fish and chips | A$18–28 (≈ US$12–19) |
| Petrol, per litre | A$1.80–2.10 (≈ US$2) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | A$15–35 (≈ US$10–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer school holidays and long weekends fill accommodation and car parks; book months ahead or travel mid-week.
- The Great Ocean Road is a two-lane coastal road with cyclists and slow sightseeing traffic; allow more time than the map suggests.
- Summer can bring total fire ban days and bushfire risk in the Otways; check conditions before bushwalks.
- Surf and rips on the open beach: swim between the flags where lifeguards patrol.
- Steep, narrow streets behind town; drive slowly and watch for pedestrians.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
- Lifesaving emergency (surf rescue)
- 000
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
LorneLorne
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
—
Can you take me to this address, please?To this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
Embassy
No embassies in Lorne; consulates and embassies are in Melbourne (check the official list for your country).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Coach Melbourne → Lorne, one way: about A$30 (≈ US$20), roughly 2 h 30 min
- Fuel, Melbourne return: about A$55 (≈ US$40)
- Pub meal and a drink: A$35–50 (≈ US$25–35)
Say or show
- Thanks — Thank you
- Excuse me — Excuse me
- How much is that? — How much is it?
- Card okay? — Can I pay by card?
- Which way to the beach? — Where is the beach?
- Are the flags up today? — Is it safe to swim here?
Lorne is a small town: mobile coverage is patchy in parts of the Otways, so download maps before you drive inland.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Lorne. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr (warm, beach weather); Mar–Apr and Oct–Nov are quieter with good conditions · avoid Late Dec–late Jan (school holidays, peak crowds and prices); check for total fire ban days in summer · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for MEL: drive times, coach connections via Geelong, and a late-arrival plan if you land after dark.
- Walking clusters with anchors: main street and beach, pier and west end, Teddy's Lookout and the hill streets.
- Place pages with verified opening hours and last orders for the pier restaurants and main-street cafés.
- Summer peak and fire-ban fixtures so the page can flag crowded or closed days.