Just one hour from Ashbury - Lorne

There are plenty of fantastic places you can visit within an hour from Ashbury. This month, we’re heading to Lorne.

Lorne is one of the most popular stops along the Great Ocean Road, thanks to its fresh sea air and a relaxed Mediterranean-style atmosphere, and the town has been attracting eager holidaymakers for more than a century.  

Renowned for white-sand beaches, a buzzing arts community and easy access to the Otway’s, there are also so many other incredible things to see nearby, from beautiful waterfalls, rare wildlife and views that will simply blow you away. 

Here’s our top things to do when visiting Lorne and the best ways to do them. 

• Hit the Lorne surf beach, the only patrolled beach in town. Cool off in the sparkling waters of Loutit Bay or take a stroll up to Shelley Beach to explore the rock pools.

• Discover stunning Erskine Falls cascading into a beautiful fern gully, one of ten waterfalls within ten minutes of town. 

• Hit the Surf Coast Walk to see the rich ochre cliffs of Bells Beach and the leafy green eucalypts lining the coast of Bass Strait.  

• For those keen on a bit of fishing during their holidays, the Lorne Pier is a great place to cast a line for trevally, barracuda and whiting. 

• Take time out to wander down Lorne's main shopping strip filled with boutique gift stores, cellars, eateries and galleries.  

• Relax with a latte at a sidewalk cafe, picnic under the trees on the foreshore, or dine on freshly caught seafood at a local restaurant. 

• Take a dip in a spectacular wild swimming hole. Head to Jebbs Pool, a gorgeous oasis in the bush, with clear water and stunning cascades. It's the perfect place to cool off on a hot day.  

• Marvel at one of Australia's best glow worm colonies at Kennett River. As you look up at thousands of twinkling blue lights illuminating the cliff walls, you'll wonder where the glow worms stop, and the stars begin.  

• Visit Lorne institution, the Swing Bridge Café. The setting is spectacular, right on the beach, accessed by the swing bridge over the inlet.