subject: Put Lorne at the top of your list when touring the Great Ocean Road [print this page] Put Lorne at the top of your list when touring the Great Ocean Road
Victoria's Great Ocean Road is known as one of the world's most beautiful roads. Throughout its 150 mile (243km) length from Torquay, just outside of Melbourne through to Allansford, it presents the tourist with ever changing coastal and rain forest panoramas. When you travel on the Great Ocean Road from Torquay, it won't be long till you reach Lorne. Lorne is only 28 miles (46 kilometers) from Torquay. Even though you will not be tired, you will certainly want to stay in Lorne for at least a day.
Lorne is near enough to Melbourne that it is among Victoria's favorite holiday spots. Mesmerized by its beauty, a lot of Melournians found themselves unable to leave and established wonderful restaurants, sidewalk cafes, boutiques, gift shops and galleries that will keep you busy for hours, even if you merely planned to stay for a quick lunch. Then you'll want to take a stroll along the lovely beach at Loutit Bay. By the time you have finished that, you will decide that the rest of your journey can wait for one more day.
You'll wake up refreshed and ready for the next leg of your trip. If you are able to tear yourself away from Lorne, you will be treated to what many say is the most magnificent part of the Great Ocean Road as you make your way further south towards Apollo Bay and Great Otway National Park. This massive National Park is one of the most unique in Australia, a country famous for its unique parks and wildlife. Throughout the park, you will be amazed at the abundance of nature. You will observe Giant Southern Beech trees which have grown here since prehistoric times. Some of the still standing trees are hundreds of years old already and showing no signs of age or decay.
Every winding turn in the road between Lorne and Cape Otway takes you past more beautiful land or seascape. One minute you will be driving past a windswept coastal cliffside; the next you may be immersed in a primeval rain forest. Roughly halfway between Lorne and Cape Otway, you will stop in at Wye River for a break and have a look at the sights in this beautiful riverside town.
On your return trip to Melbourne, you will do as everyone else does and stop over at Lorne for one more look around. This time you may decide to explore Lorne's inland natural wonders. Lorne was the first place in Victoria to be officially called a "place of special significance and Natural Beauty" over 100 years ago and it still retains that title. Take one or more scenic walks to the spectacular Kalimna, Sheoak or Phantom Falls or take on the more challenging walk to Cora Lynn Cascades. If you prefer driving, you can take the short 5 mile (8.5km) drive to Erskine Falls.
When you are finished with your day's adventures, check into your Lorne accommodation to get a well earned rest. Be warned, though: Lorne is such a popular spot that you're advised to book your room well ahead of time, especially over the peak holiday seasons. There are plenty to select from. You might take an apartment overlooking the ocean, a cottage within the bush or anything in between. Make Lorne your base camp while explore the Great Ocean Road. You'll love it.
