Town by Town Snapshot: Lorne

THE size of Lorne is approximately 104.7sqkm. The population of Lorne in 2016 was 1,114 people. By 2021, the population was 1,327 showing a population growth of 19.1 per cent in the area during that time.

Set where the Otways meet the sea, Lorne occupies one of the most dramatic natural settings along the Great Ocean Road.

Framed by Louttit Bay and backed by steep forested hills, the township offers a rare combination of beachfront living and immediate access to rainforest and national park trails.

The town’s foreshore remains its social heart, anchored by the historic Lorne Pier and patrolled beaches that cater to swimmers, surfers and families alike.

Each January, the iconic Pier to Pub swim transforms the bay into a spectacle, reinforcing Lorne’s reputation as both a sporting and social destination.

Beyond the sand, landmarks such as Teddy’s Lookout deliver sweeping coastal views, while the Erskine Falls and Cumberland River walks provide cool retreats just minutes from Mountjoy Parade.

The surrounding Great Otway National Park continues to shape daily life, with locals moving easily between ocean swims, bushwalks and waterfall hikes.

Lorne’s cultural calendar adds further depth, with the Lorne Sculpture Biennale and Qdos Arts Gallery drawing artists and visitors from across the state.

Cafes, restaurants and long-standing institutions like Grand Pacific Hotel contribute to a lively streetscape that swells during holiday periods yet retains a close-knit community feel year-round.

Housing in Lorne reflects its topography, from original beach shacks and mid-century homes to contemporary builds perched high above the bay. With limited scope for expansion and enduring demand, the property market remains tightly held.

Distinctive, walkable and deeply connected to its landscape, Lorne continues to appeal to buyers seeking a coastal lifestyle shaped as much by nature as by community.

The predominant age group in Lorne is 60-69.

Households in Lorne are primarily childless couples and are likely to be repaying $1,800–$2,399 per month on mortgage repayments.

In general, people in Lorne work in a managerial occupation. In 2021, 70.1 per cent of the homes in Lorne were owner-occupied compared with 65 per cent in 2016.

Quick Stats

Lorne

Population: 1,327

Male: 52.4%

Female: 47.6%

Median age: 56

5 Year Population Change: 19.1%

Median House Value: $1,731,370

Change in Median House Price (5YRS): –10.5%

Median Asking Rent Per Week: $650

Average Length of Ownership: 17 years

Median House Price Over Time:

November 2025: $1,762,364

November 2024: $2,151,552

November 2023: $1,914,005

November 2022: $1,784,204

November 2021: $1,969,390

House Sales (12 Months): 45

Land Median Sale Price: NAlotn

Land Sales (12 Months): 5