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

Jo Stewart Jo Stewart
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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.

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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

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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

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Jo Stewart
Jo Stewart is a freelance features writer who pens stories about nature, pop culture, music, art, design and more from her home in the Macedon Ranges of Victoria. When not writing, you can find her trawling through vinyl records and vintage fashion at op shops, antique stores and garage sales.
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How to spend a tasty long weekend in Geelong and the Bellarine

    Lucy Cousins Lucy Cousins
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    From rust-coloured foliage and foodie experiences to stunning sunsets, this part of Victoria is best explored as the mild days of winter arrive.

    As the heat of the summer sun subsides and the milder days roll in, the stunning landscapes of Geelong and the Bellarine add pops of colour. The slight chill in the air will stir your taste buds and invite you to explore the peninsula’s foodie hotspots, while the vivid sunsets and cooler evenings will draw you to cosy fireside chats and evening adventures to watch the stars appear one at a time.

    Just over an hour from busy Flinders Street, or a short 25-minute drive from Avalon Airport, Geelong is Melbourne’s cooler, more laid-back cousin with a sparkling marina, stunning surf beaches, impressive museums and a lively foodie scene.

    federal mill geelong in autumn
    Winter is the perfect time to see local sights.

    It’s also the perfect starting point from which to explore the Bellarine Peninsula. Packed full of jaw-dropping scenery, inviting townships and over 40 cellar doors serving up local cool-weather wines, winter here is distinctly beautiful with its change of colours, temperatures and produce.

    Whether you drive or catch the short but incredibly scenic ferry from the Mornington Peninsula, it’s no surprise this region offers up one of Australia’s best long weekend destinations. Here’s how to soak it all up.

    Day 1: Explore Geelong with the locals

    Morning

    Start the day by grabbing breakfast and strong coffee from Pavilion Geelong (try the braised mushrooms on toast) while watching the gentle waves lapping the edge of Corio Bay. After brekkie, join the locals walking along the scenic Art Deco waterfront to explore the historic piers, beautiful beaches and gleaming white yachts in the marina.

    Pavilion Geelong in winter
    Start the day at Pavilion Geelong.

    Afternoon

    After a morning in the sun, venture to the recently refurbished Federal Mill precinct, a grand old woollen mill built in 1915. Explore the industrial history of this area, as well as the gourmet produce on offer, before pulling up a table at the popular Paddock Bakery. Famous for their wood-fired sourdough and tasty pastries, this cafe serves up tasty dishes like their Crème Brûlée doughnuts. Chase your lunch down with an afternoon of gin tasting at Anther Distillery.

    Paddock Bakery Crème Brûlée doughnut
    Try the Paddock Bakery Crème Brûlée doughnuts.

    Night

    For an evening of frivolity and decadence, head back to Geelong for dinner and a show at the newly reopened Geelong Arts Centre. Later, enjoy a mini Negroni with a scoop of Black Pearl Oscietra Gold caviar at the sleek Non Disclosure Bar.

    Day 2: A foodie-centric day in Moorabool Valley

    Morning

    Wake up with the soft winter sun and cooler temperatures, then travel to the lush farmlands and stunning landscapes of Moorabool Valley, the home of Meredith Farm Store. Choose a seat outside in the leafy courtyard and enjoy a tasting platter of fresh produce among the flowers.

    Afternoon

    To explore the area, visit the cellar door at the Moorabool Valley Wine Collective, which encompasses three award-winning winemakers, before stopping by Austin’s Wines for lunch. Not only can you taste over 10 local wines at the dedicated tastings bar, but you can also curate your own cheese platter to eat outside on their shaded deck.

    two people trying the wine at Austin's wines
    Stop by Austin’s Wines for lunch.

    Night

    Continue on your foodie quest with dinner in Newtown at the Asian fusion Two Noble restaurant, or, inside the same venue at Sawyers Arms Tavern, dive into the European flavours of Eileen’s Charcoal Grill on your way back to Geelong.

    table spread at two noble restaurant
    The chef’s hatted Two Noble restaurant is waiting.

    Day 3: Adventures in The Bellarine

    Morning

    For a light breakfast, head 20 minutes out of town to the rustic Ket Baker, an artisan bakery known for their 100% sourdough croissants. Grab a hot cuppa under the gum trees and enjoy the morning chill in the air. Then spend the morning on the foodie-focused Bellarine Taste Trail, visiting local producers like  Bellarine Smokehouse, Flying Brick Cider House and FarmDog Brewing.

    croissants at ket baker
    Enjoy a light breakfast at Ket Baker.

    Lunch

    There’s no better way to enjoy lunch than to make it from scratch. With Harvest Experience’s Pasta & Pinot cooking class, you’ll have a genuine farm-to-plate experience as you learn to make fettuccini and filled ravioli from scratch. Once cooked, sit down, relax and enjoy your hard work with a glass of Bellarine Peninsula pinot noir.

    Afternoon and night

    Burn off your lunch with an afternoon trip to the bayside town of Portarlington, where Australian blue mussels are harvested offshore. Stop by the quirky Ducks Nuts and peruse the trinkets and treasures before making your way to the restored Portarlington Grand Hotel. Built in 1888, this beautiful building now houses four distinct dining experiences, including the new open-air spaces of The Atrium and Lawn, where you can enjoy a local gin as the sun sets over the bay.

    waiter holding mussels at Portarlington Grand Hotel
    Be sure to try Portarlington mussels.

    Start planning your ultimate Geelong & The Bellarine adventure at visitgeelongbellarine.com.au.

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