Visit these top Lorne cafes on your trip to the Great Ocean Road

The next time you’re visiting the Great Ocean Road, be sure to put these Lorne cafes on your hit list.

A quintessential Victorian beach town, Lorne is one of those places you need to visit at least once in your lifetime. Whether you’re chasing an endless summer with a long break by the sea or just making a pitstop while on a Great Ocean Road drive, put these Lorne cafes on your radar.

1. Riverbank Cafe

Open seven days a week, you’ll find this reliable local favourite on the banks of the Erskine River. In winter, cosy up inside and order the soup of the day with sourdough toast.

the exterior of Riverbank Café, Lorne — Cosy up inside the Riverbank Cafe with a warm brew.

During summer, nab one of the outdoor tables to soak up the fresh air and sunshine in this peaceful spot away from the crowds on the main street.

pastry and coffee on the table at Riverbank Café, Lorne — Snag an outdoor table to enjoy your brekkie.

Offering coffee from Melbourne’s Axil Coffee Roasters and a Devonshire tea that would make the Country Women’s Association proud, this cafe nails the classics.

outdoor dining at Riverbank Café, Lorne — Find Riverbank Cafe on the banks of the Erskine River.

Address: 6 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne.

2. The Bottle of Milk

Expect to see everyone from holidaymakers to tradies stopping by this popular Lorne stalwart. Located on the main drag right opposite the beach, this licensed cafe is almost always busy.

a close-up shot of a burger at The Bottle of Milk, Lorne — Hit up The Bottle of Milk for your burger fix.

From a bacon and egg roll and coffee in the morning, to a burger and pint for lunch, or a malty milkshake on a hot summer’s afternoon, this cafe always hits the spot.

a couple dining at The Bottle of Milk, Lorne — Stop by this popular Lorne stalwart for a tasty brunch. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Phone number: (03) 5289 2005

Address: 52 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne.

3. HAH Lorne Beach

Enjoying prime position right on the beach, HAH (Health and Hire) Lorne Beach makes refuelling after a swim, surf or beach run easy. This casual, cruisy spot is where to get your fill of healthy, nutritious foods with million-dollar views to match.

the cafe exterior of HAH Lorne Beach — Refuel at HAH Lorne Beach after a swim.

Taste the rainbow by ordering a superfood smoothie, acai bowl or matcha latte, then pull up a chair out the front to enjoy in the sunshine. This place is also a wholefoods eco-store stocking a range of organic and sustainable products, so you can pick up everything from local honey to hemp seeds and reusable water bottles here too.

a superfood smoothie bowl at HAH Lorne Beach — Order a superfood smoothie or an acai bowl.

Need to rent a bike, surfboard or stand-up paddleboard? Yep, you can also do that here. Is there anything HAH Lorne Beach can’t do?

the beachfront view on HAH Lorne Beach — HAH Lorne Beach offers direct access to the beach.

Phone number: 0406 453 131

Address: 89 Cypress Ave, Lorne.

4. Lorne Central

Just across the road from the beach, Lorne Central is a popular breakfast and lunch spot with a broad, kid and vegetarian-friendly menu.

a man holding two red cups of coffee at Lorne Central — Linger over coffee at Lorne Central. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Whether you stroll over after a morning swim to enjoy some berry waffles and a freshly squeezed juice or settle in for a steak sandwich or salmon bagel for lunch, Lorne Central is the type of place you can easily return to again and again.

Phone number: (03) 5289 1907

Address: 54-56 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne.

5. Moons Espresso Bar

Take your coffee seriously? Make Moons Espresso Bar your go-to on your next trip to Lorne. Open for breakfast and lunch, this busy spot with indoor and outdoor seating has all your hot and cold caffeine needs covered.

outside of the Moons Espresso Bar in Lorne — Make Moons Espresso Bar your go-to on your next trip to Lorne.

Apart from seriously good coffee made with beans from Coffee Supreme, there are also classic cafe menu items on offer here like eggs benedict, a BLT and a nourishing granola bowl packed with creamy yoghurt and fresh fruit.

toat on a plate at Moons Espresso Bar, Lorne — Moons Espresso Bar makes seriously good coffee and BLTs.

Phone number: (03) 5289 1149

Address: 108 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne.

6. Qdos Café

After checking out the indoor art space and outdoor sculpture garden of this artsy hideaway, make a beeline for the gallery cafe where you’ll find a small menu of house-made cakes and light meals made with organic produce grown in the owner’s hothouse.

the exterior of Qdos Café in Lorne — Qdos Café is a lush and artsy hideaway in Lorne.

The floor-to-ceiling windows invite plenty of natural light in and offer lovely views of the surrounding eucalypts too.

woodfired pizza outside the oven at Qdos Café — Grab a slice of woodfired pizza.

Phone number: (03) 5289 1989

Address: 35 Allenvale Rd, Lorne

7. Almyra

Located beachside at the Lorne Sea Baths, this multipurpose venue has some of the best ocean views in town. While the deck, dining room and bar are popular spots for sunset drinks and dinner, Almyra also does a cafe-style breakfast that is a cut above the rest.

empty tables and chairs inside Almyra cafe in Lorne — Almyra is a sophisticated cafe located at the Lorne Sea Baths.

Treat yourself to some granola with seasonal fruit, a freshly baked Danish or veggie breakfast with a Middle Eastern twist. For the perfect start to the day, wash it down with a cheeky Breakfast Bellini or some Woolshed Coffee roasted just down the road in Geelong.

a pineapple drink with ocean views in the background at Almyra, Lorne — Sip a fruity cocktail while admiring the ocean views.

Phone number: (03) 5216 7716

Address: 81 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne.

8. Pit Stop Lorne

Got a hankering for some American dude food? Make a pitstop at, well, Pit Stop in Lorne. This fun, 60s-style retro cafe operating from a silver Airstream on Lorne’s main street is a top spot to get your fill of salty, carby, cheesy goodness. From a mac & cheese burger to crinkle-cut fries and deep-fried onion rings, the menu has ‘hangover cure’ written all over it.

burgers and fries at Pit Stop Lorne — Pop by Pit Stop Lorne for salty and carby American snacks.

Phone number: 0435 569 996

Address: 90-92 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne.

9. Swing Bridge Café and Boathouse

Start your morning at this easy-going, dog-friendly cafe located right by the swing bridge, as its name suggests.

the exterior of Swing Bridge Café and Boathouse, Lorne — Swing by this dog-friendly cafe for a lazy al fresco brunch.

With serene views of the estuary and ocean further afield, this quiet spot is the perfect place for a long, lazy al fresco brunch of eggs, sourdough toast and all the trimmings. This area is popular with dog walkers so is a top place for pooch-spotting too!

brunch at Swing Bridge Café and Boathouse, Lorne — Treat yourself to a satisfying meal at Swing Bridge Café and Boathouse.

Phone number: 0432 208 281

Address: 40 Great Ocean Road, Lorne.

Follow our guide to how to spend the perfect day in Lorne

More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.

Perhaps best known as a road trip stop between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury Wodonga offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene that make it well worth its own journey.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River and surrounded by famed wine and gold rush regions, this riverside town packs a broad punch. Discover how best to spend your days on the border.

Exploring the Murray River

1. The Crossing Place Trail

woman looking at sculpture along Crossing Place Trail loop — Admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists.

Head to the original crossing places of the Murray River since 1848 – at the junctions of Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek. Today, these crossings are still used by cars and cattle, but the five-kilometre Crossing Place Trail loop connects the two bridges for bike riders and walkers.

Wander through gum trees, and maybe even spot local platypus and birdlife. Stop along the way to admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists, see evidence of a scar tree and learn about the importance of this billabong environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2. Canoe The Murray

two people kayaking along the murray river at Noreuil Park — Hire canoes or kayaks and get out on the river.

What better way to get a feel for the Murray River than by getting out on its waters? Hire canoes or kayaks from Canoe the Murray , then explore solo or join one of the offered tours. Get up early for a Sunrise and coffee tour, watch the sun dip below the water on a sunset tour or choose one of several daytime trips.

Stand-up paddleboard hire and other water sports, fishing and swimming are also available to river explorers.

3. Noreuil Park Foreshore

aerial of Noreuil Park albury wodonga — Cool off at Noreuil Park Foreshore. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Just outside Albury’s CBD, the riverside Noreuil Park becomes a hub of activity as the weather heats up. Set up on picnic tables under shady trees, use the public barbecues (or pop into the nearby cafe) and cool off with a float down the river.

4. Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works

Mungabareena Reserve albury wodonga — Spend time at Mungabareena Reserve. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

Delve into nature and culture at the beautiful Mungabareena Reserve . Recognised by state law as a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’, it was once a historical meeting point for trade and journeys to Mount Bogong for the local Wiradjuri people and still holds deep significance.

It’s another popular spot for fishing, swimming and picnics, while the nearby Water Works area is a great place for spotting wildlife. Try your luck seeing platypuses, wood ducks or rainbow bee-eaters.

Adventuring on Lake Hume

1. Walk the dam wall

parent and child look at the view from the damn wall walk at lake hume — Enjoy the view from the dam wall. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

The majestic Lake Hume – a massive man-made reservoir on the Murray River – was once the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.

A great way to get acquainted is by walking along the dam wall, taking in views of outflows, electricity turbines and the transmission plant from above. Not to mention vistas of the lake and the Murray. It’s a particularly gorgeous spot for sunsets and sunrises.

A wide sealed walkway gives easy access to the wall, and informative signs and displays along the way educate on the dam’s construction.

2. The High Country Rail Trail

This 44-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline. Stop along the way at the historic town of Tallangatta, relocated to its current position in the 1950s after its original location was flooded. Cross the lake over the bright red Sandy Creek Bridge. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or go for a swim at Ebden, Ludlow’s or Huon Reserve.

3. Water sports

two people watching SUP boarders and a boat our on the water at lake hume — Dive into water sports on Lake Hume.

Lake Hume is a popular local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Drop a line or dive right into the clear waters.

Sip and Savour

1. Dux Albury

two people sitting at counter drinking wine inside Dux Albury — Sit down to delicious meals and wine at Dux.

Those looking for a high-end dining experience need to book a table at Dux Albury in the heart of Albury Wodonga. Sit down for curated wine lists, cocktails and share plates. Think starters like burrata with beetroot, chervil, caper berry and sherry, mains like Wagyu sirloin with Café De Paris, red wine and caramelised onions and all manner of fresh seafood.

2. Murray Towns Brewing Co.

people being served lunch at Murray Brewing Co. — Recharge at Murray Brewing Co.

Perched on the banks of the river, Murray Towns Brewing Co . has come a long way since two mates started experimenting in their backyard chook shed. With all beer brewed onsite and a sun-drenched beer garden to drink them in, it’s a perfect stop along a bike ride or walk.

3. Temperance and General

Step into Albury’s original laneway bar, Temperance and General . Set inside a historic building, but offering a modern vibe, the bar is locally famous for its cocktail list. Stop in before or after dinner for a creative tipple.

4. BeanStation Cafe

two people drinking coffee at Bean Station albury wodonga — Dine on a modern Australian menu.

Dine on a modern Australian menu , inside the historic Wodonga train station building, dating back to 1873. Pop over in the morning and line up with the locals for great coffee and all-day brekkie, or head over after midday to swap the beans for local wines and Aussie boutique beers.

5. River Deck Cafe

waiter holding two dishes at Riverdeck Cafe albury wodonga — Soak in views and good food at Riverdeck Cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another dining destination next to the Murray, the award-winning River Deck Cafe provides a large deck covered in dappled sunlight that makes for the ideal long lunch spot. Here, menus focus on natural, native and local ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers across Albury Wodonga and surrounds.

Museums, murals and more

1. Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail

Gain a sense of Albury Wodonga’s vibrant arts community while wandering the Public Art Trail. Works range from sculptures and murals to wrapped infrastructure. Be sure to check the council map before you head out, so you don’t miss a thing.

2. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)

couple admiring the art at Murray Art Gallery — Stop into one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

MAMA forms the heart of art and culture in Albury Wodonga, some may say the entire Murray region. In fact, it’s one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. What makes it so lauded? The museum has earned a reputation for curating innovative, original exhibitions from some of the best contemporary Australian and international artists.

3. HotHouse Theatre

Originally built in 1928 as the Butter Factory Theatre, HotHouse Theatre has been a home of performance since 1997. Stop by to see the best of new Australian theatre. Continue to explore unique architecture on the Historic Building Walking Tour of Albury, the perfect way to round out your stay.

Start planning your Albury Wodonga getaway at visitalburywodonga.com.

9 Lorne cafes to visit on your next trip to the Great Ocean Road