The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Lorne - Queenscliff Coastal Reserve

Yellow Bluff gets its name from the yellow sandstone cliffs that have been eroded by the surf and wind along The Esplanade in Torquay. If you walk the cliffs and look closely, you may be able to find some "dogtooth" calcite crystal. Up the cliffs atop the bluff sits the Elephant Walk Park, with a children's playground, green lawns, public BBQs, and public toilets.

This stone pillar stands before a beautiful backdrop of Point Danger Marine Sanctuary. The plaques on the pillar commemorate those who died in the Korean, Malayan Emergency, and Vietnam Wars. There are a few benches here with great, unobstructed views out to sea, along with lots of parking and toilets on the west side of the parking area.

This lookout sits above Little Rock, a smaller surf break just south of Bells Beach. From here, you get a clear view along the cliffs and down onto the break, with waves wrapping into the narrower section of coastline below. The viewpoint is set along the clifftop track, with open sightlines along the Surf Coast and little separation from the edge.

This lookout sits above Bells Beach, looking down over the main surf breaks along this section of the coast. The elevated position gives a clear view of the curved bay, with waves rolling in toward the beach and cliffs framing the coastline. Access is via a short path and stairs, with the viewpoint set just back from the edge.

This section of the Surf Coast Walk connects Jan Juc Beach to Bells Beach along the clifftops, following the historic Bells Track used by early surfers. The trail is well-formed with a mix of compacted gravel and dirt, with some gentle hills and exposed sections along the coastline. The route runs through low coastal vegetation with continuous ocean views, passing lookouts over the surf breaks along this stretch.

Barwon Heads Bluff is a prominent coastal headland overlooking the confluence of the Barwon River and Bass Strait, offering beautiful sweeping views of the ocean, river, and surrounding coastline. This area is part of the Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary, where rock platforms and reefs support diverse marine life that are exposed at low tide for exploration. The walking tracks around the bluff offer fantastic panoramic views, and if you’re here during the right time of year (May to July and September to November), you’ll have a chance to spot migrating whales offshore.

Barwon River flows through Victoria to meet the sea at Barwon Heads, forming a wide estuary that separates Ocean Grove from its neighbouring town. It’s calm, tidal waters are ideal for canoeing, boating, fishing, and paddleboarding, with plenty of shady spots along the foreshore. The river connects inland wetlands and Lake Connewarre to the coast, creating an important ecological waterway and a popular local recreation spot.

Ocean Grove Beach is a long and wide stretch of sandy coastline that extends roughly two kilometres along the Bellarine Peninsula, backed by rolling dunes. This beach is a popular destination for surfers due to its moderate waves and seasonal lifeguard patrols, with ample parking access and plenty of picnic areas. With less wave energy than the surrounding exposed coasts, this beach is ideal for swimming, surfing, and walking, making it a fantastic family-friendly choice, especially in the summer.