From live music to surfing: Lorne's Long Hot Summer has it all.
Everybody needs good neighbours is not restricted to Ramsay Street.
From the turbulent Simpsons/Flanders union and the dysfunctional family dynamic of Everybody Loves Raymond, to the more wholesome Wilsons of the world from Home Improvement, time and time again the importance of good border buddies has been shown.
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It’s a next-door friendship that the renowned David Moyle of Lorne seaside bohemian tavern, The Clam, and the recently refreshed historic Lorne Theatre have embraced with open arms collaborating on the month-long live music, DJ and food experience series, Long Hot Summer.
The two adjoining venues combine across February and March to present the likes of Arizonian indie rockers, Calexico, Japanese kraut-rockers, Minami Deutsch, and Leah Senior on the stage front, András on The Clam decks, and a big screen showing of Talking Heads definitive concert film Stop Making Sense, which is undergoing cover revision in tribute album form from industry powerhouses including Paramore, Lorde and Miley Cyrus.
Lorne transforms into our cultural capital with four huge weekends of food, film and live music
The Long Hot Summer series is all about integrating experience so whilst The Clam and Lorne Theatre are bringing you down the winding Great Ocean Road, here are some other ways to enjoy your time in Lorne.
Shop
Mountjoy Parade is a hub of cultural activity but the retail action is next level with surf stores and luxury boutiques littering the main street front.
Vic and Bert are the ultimate capsule closet curators, offering timeless high quality garments with the perfect hardware to match and Wolf Whistle Boutique focuses on high quality threads made from natural fibres like airy linens, soft silks, organic cotton, warm wool and durable leather, perfect for the dynamic weather conditions of a coastal front. Along the strip you will also find Deluxe Lorne stocking favourite labels PE Nation, Anine Bing and Lee Matthews for that high end experience and MIDI Boutique representing the bohemian coastal looks of Rollas and Spell and the Gypsy.
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Swim
It’s sacrilege to travel all the way to the sunny coastal haven of Lorne without having a dip. Lorne Main Beach is not only a great spot to relax on the sand and get your feet wet during the summer months but you can also learn how to hang ten with Go Ride A Wave.
For those growing up on Blue Crush and Point Break, Go Ride A Wave will have you on your way to being the next Mick Fanning or Steph Gilmore. On one of Australia’s safest and most sheltered beaches, Go Ride A Wave holds 2-hour daily group sessions to take surfers from sand practice to wave paddling. Sessions are available for all ages and levels to get you tube riding or simply rolling into the shore on the back of a wave.
If you’re like Anakin Skywalker and don’t like sand, the Lorne Sea Baths have you covered. This recreational centre boasts an outdoor pool, relaxation areas and a wellness centre. They also have mini golf running on weekends between 10AM and 4PM.
Additionally, Lorne Pier is the ideal spot for a seaside walk and a spot to catch fish like trevally, barracuda and whiting.
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Explore
If you’re after a more picturesque sight of the ocean meets horizon view of Lorne, Teddy’s Lookout is your spot. A short drive up George Street, Teddy’s Lookout has two platforms to capture the best views of the Great Ocean Road.
Lorne is full of natural wonders and you would be remiss not to wander through the stunning rainforest and bushlands, leading to some of the most majestic waterfalls in the region. A small hike along the Rainforest Trail brings you to the beautiful Phantom Falls, and tucked into the Great Otway National Park is the towering Erskine Waterfall with stairs cascading down 30 metres allowing you to view it from the top and the crushing bottom. For those more adventurous, trek through the bushland to find a trio of falls, Cumberland Falls, Sheoak Falls and Kalimna Falls.
Entertain
Aside from Lorne Theatre having a popping program of showings and The Clam bringing the live music front, Lorne has even more to offer on the entertainment front.
The Lorne Visitor Information Centre is a great place to drop in whilst in the area to discover more about the town precinct, finding out about local events and community gatherings. You can also take a step back in history thanks to the permanent exhibition showing how the Great Ocean Road was built as curated by the Great Ocean Road Historical Society.
If adrenaline is more on your level, pop across to Live Wire Park. This off-grid amusement park and winner of the 2019 Best New Tourism Business in Victoria Award allows you to embody tarzan, ziplining through the treetops on multiple circuits.
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Dine
Aside from the 60’s style seafood tavern of The Clam serving up local beef, Apollo Bay seafood and fresh Surf Coast produce, Lorne has a smorgasbord of culinary options.
Sydney restaurant chain from mega-group Merivale, Totti’s has just opened their doors along the foreshore, serving elevated Italian dishes including their signature lobster pasta. Chopstix Noodle Bar, Umisango, Ipsos Restaurant and Raas Leela are all solid picks for food in the town centre.
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Neighbours
Speaking of neighbours, Lorne is one of the many glorious coastal towns along the Great Ocean Road. Otways, Aireys Inlet, Fairhaven, Separation Creek, Wye River and Kennett River all have natural sites to visit, paths to wander and attractions to see and only a short drive along the winding natural heritage listed road.
With so much on offer on the Great Ocean Road, why not make a holiday of it as you plan your Long Hot Summer.
Tickets to all Long Hot Summer programming can be found here.
