DINING OPTIONS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY IN LORNE

Looking for family-friendly dining options in Lorne? I’ve rounded up our favourite places to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

1. The Swing Bridge Cafe and Boathouse

You’ll see The Swing Bridge Cafe on your way into Lorne sitting right on the sandy beach of the Erskine River mouth at the foot of the iconic suspension ‘swing bridge’.

Access is thought the caravan park (entrance via the Tourist Information center car park), and it’s the perfect spot to chill out with a coffee or juice while you watch the kids play in the sand or paddle in the shallow water of the river inlet.

We  enjoyed a couple of tasty brioche rolls with pulled pork as well as the best poached eggs and bacon I’ve ever had. EVER!

Recommended for:

• Coffee
• Breakfast
• Casual Lunch
• Gorgeous Location

2. Kafe Kaos

Kafe Kaos has a laid back retro vibe that is super family friendly. The kids meals are very generous and Emma was thrilled with her pancakes (probably due to the lashings of ice-cream and syrup). I opted for a healthier vegetarian breakfast option and thoroughly enjoyed the poached eggs on roasted cauliflower and chick peas.

Recommended for:

• Breakfast/Brunch

3. HAH Lorne Beach

If you are on a health kick, or just want to grab a quick tasty bite right on the beach, HAH Lornebeach is a must visit.

HAH Lornebeach offers super foods and smoothies that taste great and are great for you as well.

Menu highlights included a range of smoothie bowls and some out of this world jaffles! I always appreciate a good range of teas to choose from and if you are feeling a little ‘hip’ try out their selection of rainbow lattes which are brewed with tumeric (golden), matcha (green) or beets (violet).

Recommended for:

• Healthy breakfast
• Quick bites
• Tea and smoothies
• Beach view

4. Chopstix Asian Noodle Bar

Probably the best Asian food offering along the Great Ocean Road and if you are craving something spicy you’ll be well catered for as Chopstix has it’s own ‘Chilli Station’ where you can spice your meals up as hot as you like.

The decor and menu are a bit of a pastiche of lots of asian styles, and the food flavours are ‘westernised’ to suit a local palette, but if you are eating with a family, you’ll easily find lots on the menu to suit everyone’s tastes.

There are big communal eating tables, but most customers grabbed their food to go.

Emma enjoyed some steamed Chinese dumplings and rice, I had a Malaysian style seafood Laksa and the Mr enjoyed a whole Thai style baby snapper.

I must say the Snapper was on point, and the accompanying Nam Jin sauce was so good.

They also had drinks with little umbrellas, I couldn’t resist. And if you want to treat the kids, order the deep fried ice cream.

Recommended for:

• Asian food
• Take away
• Chilli station

Grand Pacific Hotel

Built in 1875 with superb ocean views in one of the most unique settings on the coast, opposite surf beaches and the Lorne Pier, this historic hotel pre-dates the Great Ocean Road.

Serving modern Australian bistro fare, we enjoyed a nice relaxing Sunday lunch with great views of the ocean. Kids were well catered for with colouring pages and pencils provided, and the kid’s menu had lots of good options. Emma enjoyed her mega size chicken schnitzel and salad.

Recommended for:

• Sunday lunch
• Sea views
• Kids meals

Find other places to eat and drink in the Great Ocean Road region here.