Camping near Lorne

One of Australia’s finest beach destinations, Lorne is nestled around a bay and backed by dense bushland. Popular with surfers and holiday makers, the area has a sheltered beach, eateries for all budgets, and superb bushwalking trails (not to forget its many resident kookaburras). The town is 46 kilometres from Torquay, the official start of the Great Ocean Road, making it a perfect mid-way base to camp when taking your time along this winding coastal road. Choose a foreshore campsite with facilities, or opt for a wilderness experience in the Otway Ranges.

Lorne has a scattering of campgrounds and private parks, many set on the Erskine River and conveniently located in town. Those who prefer to escape town can find tranquility and bush walks to waterfalls just outside of Lorne, while grassy campsites can also be found south of Lorne along the Great Ocean Road. Great coastal walks and birds are a boon here.

While you can camp year-round at some (but not all) campsites in and around Lorne, it’s packed from 26 December to the end of January, during the Australian summer holiday season, and on Victorian school holidays. The rainiest and coldest months are June through August. Be aware of bushfire threats, especially from January to March.

• While it’s only 142 kilometres from Melbourne to Lorne, allow at least three hours. The road is good but winding and strict speed limits apply.
• Use the slow vehicle pull-ins on the road between Eastern View at Lorne. This enables other cars to pass so that you can enjoy the drive.
• If you don’t have your own wheels, V-Line offers daily bus services from Melbourne to Apollo Bay that stop at points along the Great Ocean Road.
• Campfires are generally prohibited, especially in summer. (Heed the bushfire warnings.)