6 Ways to love Lorne like a local

However, in summer, the days are long, the nights are balmy and the town vibe is even more relaxed.

If you’re looking for a slow-paced mix of beach, nature, food and culture, then Lorne is the perfect destination for your summer holiday.

Here are six reasons why we love Lorne in summer:

1. The early mornings are peaceful

We like to get up early and go to the main beach of Lorne to watch the sunrise over Loutitt Bay, make the first foot prints on the sand, or take a refreshing dip in the ocean. The air is crisp and the sound of the waves is soothing; setting you up for a great day ahead.

2. We embrace the soul food

At HAH Lornebeach, seasonal produce is our thing and there’s nothing better than sipping on a home-made delicious smoothie on the beachfront whilst you contemplate your day ahead. Try the dairy free Banana Cacao with 24-hour slow drip coffee and RAW protein smoothie, or a raw prebiotic greens drink. Make sure you try a bliss ball made from one of our secret recipes; all gluten free and vegan and giving you plenty of energy for the day.

3. You can be as one with the ocean

You don’t have to have any surf experience to get out in the water. Just grab a board, paddle out from the main beach and simply ‘be’ with the ocean. Absorb the calm waters and take in the views of the beautiful landscape where the bush meets the sea.

Tip: You can hire a surfboard or SUP board from HAH Lornebeach, 10 metres from the waters edge, or from Lorne Surf Shop on the Mountjoy Parade

4. Feel the cooling spray of a waterfall

Some visitors to Lorne don’t realise that the Otways is home to 10 amazing waterfalls, all of different widths, sizes and volumes. You can easily walk to some of them, whereas others require a bit of a hike. In summer, these waterfalls still tend to have a healthy flow after the late autumn rains; blowing off a delightful, cooling water mist. Check out:

• Phantom Falls and the Canyon
• Cumberland Falls and the valley into it
• Henderson Falls
• Lower and Upper Kalimna

Tip: before embarking on your walk, call in to the Lorne Visitor Information Centre to check the weather conditions and collect a map.

5. Retreat with art and history

Need to retreat from the heat? Pop into Qdos Arts; the epicenter of the vibrant arts centre in Lorne. The gallery/cafe/sculpture park set in the Australian bush (you might hear the cackle of a kookaburra!) is owned by local artist Graeme Wilkie.

And, if you’re interested to learn more about the history of the Great Ocean Road, there is a permanent display at the Great Ocean Road Heritage Centre.

6. Enjoy a sunset dinner

Wander along Mountjoy Parade to select somewhere for dinner. As Lorne is a foodie destination, you will be spoilt for choice, there’s almost too many to choose from! Order a cold beer or fun cocktail and reflect on your day as the sky illuminates over Loutitt Bay.

Finally, as you lay your head down to sleep for the night, take a moment to listen to the birds settling in for the night and the nocturnal animals emerging. You might hear the waves crashing and the trees rustling. Then, tomorrow, you can do it all again.