Lorne Things to Do

Look out for the distinctine "i" logo of the Visitor Information Centre whenever you visit a town in Victoria. It's full of information on the place, free maps, event list, accommodation brochures etc. Have a chat with the friendly and helpful staff and they'll give you plenty of tips.

Nestled in a valley between the highway and Bass Strait, Jan Juc is sheltered from the prevailing south westerly winds, but is still next door to spectacular coastal scenery. Wooden staircases descend to the beach at regular intervals. Atop the cliffs, platforms and walking tracks help display the grandeur of Bass Strait. At Jan Juc, the mighty, ochre cliffs of south western Victoria first begin to rise over the sea. Rugged points, reef breaks, rock pools, and secluded white sandy beaches lay at the foot of the cliffs.

Not quite in Lorne, but on the way along the Great Ocean Road lies the village of Jan Juc. The name was thought to be of Aboriginal origin to which several meanings have been ascribed: milk, goose, or ironbark.

Our friend Jurek, an avid surfer, brought us here because Jan Juc beach is one of the best surfing beaches along the coast of Great Ocean Road, and the view is simply spectacular.

The pic shows the Bird Rock, didn't see any birds on it though, perhaps once upon a time.

Only about 10 minutes walk from the entrance of Queens Park take you to Teddy's Lookout. Although many interesting but unsubstantiated theories have been advanced, the identity of this legendary "Teddy" is still undocumented, having been named before 1888, eventhough some said it was named after a ranger who went there to round out stray cattle.

This reserve land was gazetted in 1882 and named Queens Park in honour of Queen Victoria. The Park is rich in native flora and fauna, and a good place for bird watching. Kookaburras, king parrots, sulphur-crested cuckatoos are just a few examples. Teddy's Lookout, the scenic viewpoint above the St. George River and Great Ocean Road is also part of the park.

Saw this on the information board:

Take time and take care of the environment,
Be aware of the beauty of Lorne,
Help preserve its wild flowers, trees and native animals.
The areas you visit, the sceneries you enjoy,
The friendship you have established,
Will be sustained by the memory of the ocean and country landscapes.

The Great Ocean Road represents alot of things to Australians... determination, hard work, and memories. In particular, the road was built to memorialize the heroic actions of Anzacs in World War I. As the work became completed, a toll was implemented on the road, and at the beginning of the toll portion was a memorial arch, "Returned Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Great Ocean Road".

Throughout the changes of the road and the years, it was determined that this arch was actually too small because of vehicle advancements, and there was a dispute over whether the memorial should be removed or replaced. After months of discussion, a truck actually lost control, smashed into it, and brought it down. Although it was rebuilt to more acceptable specifications, a fire burned the second one down! Yet again, it was rebuilt and stands still today around the "Eastern View" portion of the road, very close to Lorne.

Enjoy your drive, and at some point, please do remember those who lost their lives in World War I, as well as the dedicated soldiers that returned and built this wonderful memorial!

If you are in Lorne, one of its portions of natural beauty is the beach park that is located at its focal point. On the shore of Louttit Bay, with the Lorne Surf Lifesavers club just seconds away, a nice safe swim is possible for people of all ages.

As a reminder, always swim within the flags!

During its busiest months, it is also a dog-free beach, which means you will not have to run back into the surf to clean off your feet after stepping on a landmine.

Angahook-Lorne State Forest...

Containing some of the finest coastal and timbered hill country in Victoria, the park extends from Aireys Inlet to Kennett River and includes steep ridges, deep gullies, coastal cliffs, small coves and sandy beaches.