Things to do in Lorne when raining & in Winter
Ideas for things to do in Lorne when raining or in winter, regardless of if you like to embrace the winter weather or stay warm indoors.
Also Read: Things to do in other areas of the Great Ocean Road when its raining
1. Great Ocean Road Heritage Centre
Located inside in the warmth of the Lorne Visitor Centre, the Great Ocean Road Heritage Centre has some interesting information about the building of the Great Ocean Road. It’s where I learnt that the Lorne Point Hotel actually predates the Great Ocean Road; people watched the grand road opening from the balconies above!
2. Qdos Fine Art Gallary & Cafe
Just out the back of Lorne amongst the gum trees, you can wander the indoor Qdos Fine Art Gallary to escape the cold and the rain.
And even if art isn’t particularly your thing you can instead visit the cafe which has floor to ceiling windows with views over their gardens and the gum trees beyond.
3. Teddys Lookout
Just a short walk from the car (less than 20 metres in the closest car parks) Teddys Lookout is an easy wet weather stop where you can just quickly check out the view in rain jackets or easily get back to the car if your a bit cold in winter.
4. Erskine Falls top lookout
If it’s a bit wet or wintery you can always just pop out of the car for a quick look at Erskine Falls from the top lookout which is just a short walk from the car (if you going to the base its several hundred steps to the bottom so you would want to wear proper bushwalking boots in inclement weather).
Just keep in mind it’s a winding gravel road to the falls so if the rain is torrential you may not wish to do the drive.
If you are happy to bushwalk in the colder or wetter weather there a plenty of walks to do around Lorne such as the Canyon Circuit or the pretty St Georges River Walk.
5. Lorne Theatre (Great Ocean Road Cinema)
A small local cinema playing the latest movies, the Lorne Theatre is a particularly good option for really wet days or to keep kids entertained on rainy days in the school holidays. Located on the main street in the centre of town it’s easy to get to from nearby accommodation and campgrounds.
6. Enjoy some wine tasting
St Anne’s Vinyard has a little cellar door on the main street of Lorne – what better place to escape the rain or the cold than somewhere you can try some local Victorian wines.
7. Drinks with a beach view
But if staying warm is more your style enjoy drinks with an absolute beachfront water view at Almyra (previously The Beach Pavilion) in their enclosed deck area (indoor dining only at night), look down on the beach from above the bistro at the Lorne Hotel or take a drive to enjoy a beer and meal with a view at the Wye River Hotel.
8. Enjoy the Beach
If you are happy to rug up or throw on the rainjacket why not enjoy Lorne for what it’s famous for – its beautiful beach front location on the Great Ocean Road and go for a long beach walk, wander along the river and visit the swing bridge.