From zip-lining among gum trees to swimming laps at the historic sea baths, there are plenty of things to do in Lorne on your next trip to the Great Ocean Road.

Looking for things to do in Lorne? This seaside holiday hot spot offers slow-paced pursuits like perfecting your swing on a bush-fringed golfing green, yoga classes at beach baths or catching a flick at a cute, vintage cinema.

Prefer to get your heart rate up? Try a group surf lesson at Lorne Beach or go on a zip-lining adventure that’s guaranteed to get your blood pumping. However you choose to enjoy Lorne, be sure to start (or finish) your day with a wander along the scenic Lorne Pier – it’s the ideal activity to bookend your day.

1. Feel the rush at Live Wire Park

Home to what has been called ‘Australia’s most extreme zip line’, Lorne’s Live Wire Park  has a range of electrifying experiences for all the family, including a wheelchair-accessible circuit. There are plenty of options to try here depending on your skill level and confidence.

Choose to glide high among the blue gums on the 120-metre Canopy Circuit or challenge yourself on the 525-metre high-intensity, Shockwave Zip Coaster for a fast and furious experience.

Want to tire the kids out? Book in to traverse the Super Circuit where you’ll spend two hours scaling trees, crossing suspended bridges, flying through the air on Tarzan swings and other agile, aerial treetop adventures.

Brush up on local history at the Great Ocean Road Heritage Centre

Much more than a piece of soulless infrastructure designed to get drivers from A to B, the Great Ocean Road has a fascinating history behind it. Located at the Lorne Visitor Centre, the Great Ocean Road Heritage Centre shares the story of Australia’s most famous road. Constructed as a memorial to the Australian soldiers who lost their lives in World War One, this iconic road was built by returned soldiers from 1919 onwards and officially opened in 1932. The road is both a feat of engineering and a poignant monument to the many who made the ultimate sacrifice. Spend some time and you’ll view the Great Ocean Road in a whole new light.

Take a stroll along Lorne Pier

Lorne’s first pier was built back in 1879 to serve the logging industry. Over time that pier slowly degraded, but this new pier retains a small section of the old pier as a historical reminder of Lorne’s industrial past. Take a wander along the pier which quite a few people still use to fish for whiting, bream, flathead and mullet. By night, the pier is lit up so take a stroll after dinner to enjoy balmy breezes and a spot of stargazing.

Learn to surf at Lorne Beach

Since Lorne is one of the more sheltered beaches along the Great Ocean Road, it’s the ideal spot for beginners and kids to learn the basics without being wiped out by the big swells you see at places like Bells Beach.

Whether you’re a casual surfer looking to brush on your technique or a total newbie hoping to stand up on a board for the very first time, Go Ride A Wave has a lesson to suit you.

Join a group class or book a private lesson for some one-on-one tuition; either way, you’ll have a classic Surf Coast experience that will put you in good stead for years to come.

Take a dip at Lorne Sea Baths

Want a break from the beach? Open seven days a week, these historic sea baths  offer so much more than lap swimming. Here you can also stretch yourself in a seasonal poolside yoga class, revive your tired muscles with hydrotherapy or play a round of mini golf with your kids. Hungry? Head to the kiosk for an ice cream or enjoy a special lunch with water views at the onsite restaurant, Almyra.

Walk the Swing Bridge Circuit

This gentle, pram-friendly 1-kilometre loop is the perfect way to start the day. Starting at the visitor centre, stroll through the Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park towards the Swing Bridge. Grab a takeaway coffee from the Swing Bridge Café , then wander along the boardwalk, through the caravan park, over the Erskine River Bridge back to where you started at the visitor centre.

Get in the swing of things at Lorne Country Club

Fancy a game of social tennis? Or perhaps you want to refine your golf swing on the green? With a 9-hole golf course and several synthetic grass and clay tennis courts, the Lorne Country Club  is a great spot to spend an afternoon in the sun.

High up on a hill, this bush-fringed spot has incredible ocean views too. Come for tennis or golf, stay for a beer and meal at The Peak bistro.

Catch a show at Lorne Theatre

This Art Deco picture palace  has entertained Lorne locals and visitors to the Great Ocean Road since 1937. During summer, this charming theatre shows a select range of Hollywood and arthouse films. If you love live music, be sure to check the website before you head to Lorne – you might be able to catch a live set here too since the theatre hosts international and local acts.

Need coffee? Here are 9 Lorne cafes to get your caffeine fix.