Lorne and Apollo Bay are two gorgeous coastal towns on the Great Ocean Road, showcasing Australia’s rugged coastline and natural beauty. Whether you want to see the ocean, rainforest or a glimpse into local life, these towns have it all. This review outlines the towns so you have all the info you need for places, transport, and accommodation. You have no issues, and the trip is fun for everyone.
Coastal Towns on the Great Ocean Road
Great Ocean Road is great because it’s 240km long, starts at Torquay, and goes all the way to Allansford. This is probably the most popular and most photographed part of the Great Ocean Road. Of all the beach towns, Lorne and Apollo Bay stand out in terms of their people and location. Their stories are similar: Lorne is the cosmopolitan city and seaport, and Apollo Bay is the beach town with a warm and casual feel. The road that connects the two has stunning views of the Southern Ocean, limestone cliffs and rainforest, so the car trip is part of the adventure.
Lorne to Apollo Bay
The distance is big but the views are easy to get to by driving. The scenic area is well signposted with beautiful beaches, gorgeous rainforest and a few hills and takes about an hour or so to drive.
Getting There: The Great Ocean Road Journey
By Car
Driving the Great Ocean Road is best in the off-season when there is no traffic. The trip from Lorne to Apollo Bay is about an hour but you can do it with ease with all the attractions you’ll see along the way. Make sure you have your car ready for the turns of the road and the views of the beaches and the crystal waters of Bells Beach and the rough landscape of the area near Cape Otway.
By Public Transport
If you don’t want to drive there are public transport options. And there are also buses from Lorne to Apollo Bay so you can enjoy the ride without the hassle of driving. It’s also a good idea to plan your route in advance as there may be time restrictions.
About the Town of Lorne
Lorne is loved for its energetic vibe and its beautiful coast. As one of the most popular towns on the Great Ocean Road it has community events, food, and classy beaches. Lorne Beach is the hub of the town and has clear beautiful beaches and stunning views of the southern ocean. From high end resorts to budget accommodation Lorne has it all as a base to explore the area.
Lorne activities
For sports fans Lorne is a Mecca. The Otway national park just near by has many branches of walking tracks from easy to very hard. Many different ecosystems within the park; rainforests, waterfalls and rugged coastal scenery. The most famous are the Maits Rest Garden trail which has magnificent and rare myrtle beech trees and lots of wildlife and the Great Ocean Walk which is over 100km long and covers the whole coastline of the area.
Besides hiking there are white water kayaking, mountain biking and bird watching. If you want to take a walk around the natural environment the waters and forests here are very picturesque. The Lorne Golf Club is situated in a beautiful spot and golfers get to see the views while they play.
Stops between Lorne and Apollo Bay
Within this distance the coastline doesn’t just go past, there are a few places of interest to stop for. Each stop has something to see, whether it be little beaches or great views.
Lorne Beach
Go to Lorne Beach and have a great time swimming, sunbathing or beachcombing as it’s a lovely sandy beach. Lorne Beach is very clean and well-equipped for families and visitors in general.
Erskine Falls
Just outside Lorne in the car is one of the most beautiful natural sights, Erskine Falls. The waterfalls cascade down a green gully, creating a magical and peaceful atmosphere. There are several walking tracks around the falls to see and photograph.
Teddy’s Lookout
Just a few minutes walk from the town centre is Teddy’s lookout with great views of the ocean and coastline. It’s not far from the main road and is great for photo opportunities.
Wye River Beach and Hotel
Wye River Beach is not as crowded as the other popular beaches. It’s the perfect place to get away from the noise and chaos as there’s not many people and it’s very peaceful. The Wye River Hotel just nearby is a good spot to grab a bite and a drink while you sit back and relax.
Kennett River Koala Walk
If you want to see a koala in the wild then the Kennett River Koala Walk is the place to go. The walk is easy and short and suitable for children so you can get up close to these beautiful animals.
Skenes Creek
Skenes Creek is a small area but a good one with Beach and Sea Coast. A lovely spot to go for a walk and relax.
Marriners Lookout
As you approach Marriners Lookout one of the best views in the area is visible. Good views of Apollo Bay and surrounding area so it’s a popular spot for walking and those who want to get back to nature.
Dooley’s Premium Ice Cream
At Dooley’s Premium Ice Cream in Apollo Bay don’t forget to order for dessert. People love the local ice cream because it’s made here and there’s many options to choose from.
Table: Key Stops and Attractions on the Great Ocean Road
| Stop | Description | Distance from Lorne (approx.) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lorne Beach | Popular sandy beach with surf opportunities | – | Relaxation, swimming |
| Teddy’s Lookout | Scenic lookout with spectacular ocean views | 5 km | Panoramic views |
| Erskine Falls | Majestic waterfall in lush rainforest | 15 km | Tranquil, scenic |
| Wye River Beach | Quiet beach with ocean views | 35 km | Peaceful spot |
| Kennett River Koala Walk | Walking trail with opportunities to see koalas | 40 km | Wildlife spotting |
| Skenes Creek | Coastal village with stunning views | 45 km | Relaxed atmosphere |
| Marriners Lookout | Lookout with panoramic views of the coastline | 50 km | 360-degree views |
| Dooley’s Premium Ice Cream | Local ice cream shop with homemade flavours | 55 km | Ice cream, local treats |
Where to Stay
New offerings in Apollo Bay and Lorne to exceed customer expectations. Castles, heavenly lodges, little hotels, cute B&Bs or campsites. In Lorne, one of the options is Cumberland River Holiday Park for a chill-out or Lorne Hotel if you want to be in the thick of it. There’s Apollo Bay Holiday Park and local B&Bs.
How Long Do You Need
To see the Lorne to Apollo Bay drive and main sights, it’s best to leave early in the morning and allow a whole day. This allows for photo stops, beach time, sunbathing and other things. If you don’t feel like rushing, you might want to stay one of the towns overnight and get more of the coastline and local sights and activities.
Summary
Lorne and Apollo Bay are two of the most stunning coastal towns on the Great Ocean Road of Australia, where nature meets lifestyle. From the scenic views at Teddy’s Lookout to the peaceful Erskine Falls and great local restaurants, these towns are the perfect base from which to explore the rugged Victorian coastline. Whether you’re on a day trip or a long holiday in Melbourne, Lorne and Apollo Bay won’t disappoint. Discover the charm of Lorne and Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road day trip. This guide highlights must-see attractions and tips for your adventure!
FAQ
When exactly is the best time to visit Lorne and Apollo Bay?
The prime visiting months are the spring and summer periods (September to February) because the sun shines and gives plenty of opportunity for the beach, sightseeing and exploration.
How far is the drive from Lorne to Apollo Bay?
The driving duration is roughly 1 hour for the final destination, but you will take longer in actual driving due to a number of breaks at some view and attraction sites in the route.
Are there any public transport facilities between Lorne and Apollo Bay?
Yes, there are also public buses running between Lorne and Apollo Bay. Although it is wise to check the timetable, there is often only one service per day.
What are some must-see spots between Lorne and Apollo Bay?
Among the notable attractions are the Erskine Falls, Wye River Beach, Kennett River Koala Walk and Marriners Lookout.
Where can I find places to stay in Lorne and Apollo Bay?
Both towns have numerous types of lodgings available from hotels & motels to bed & breakfast and campgrounds. Popular ones are Cumberland River Holiday Park in Lorne, Apollo Bay Holiday Park in Apollo Bay.
