Teddy’s Lookout in Lorne, Victoria, is one of the best photo stops on the Great Ocean Road. It’s easy to access, and gives great views of the curving, forested coastline.
Teddy’s Lookout is just to the south of central Lorne. The tricky part is getting there, as you can’t access it from the Great Ocean Road itself. To get there, you need to drive down George Street in Lorne. From there, there’s a short walkway to the viewing platform.
What can you see from Teddy’s Lookout?
This Great Ocean Road lookout is part of the Lorne-Queenscliff Coastal Reserve. The best views come to the west, as the St George River spills out into the Southern Ocean after cutting across Lorne Scenic Beach.
On the other side, the coast diverts south again, with a big forested bulge.
The key factor that makes for a classic Great Ocean Road photo is the Great Ocean Road itself. It very clearly cuts around the edge of the coastline. Teddy’s Lookout is a great place to take a photo and show where you’ve been.
Teddy’s Lookout walks
If driving up to Teddy’s Lookout and taking a photo seems strangely unsatisfying, Teddy’s Lookout does connect to some walking trails. The Queens Park Lookout Loop – sometimes referred to as the Teddy’s Lookout Circuit – heads through the bush for 1.6km. It should take about 45 minutes.
You might prefer to walk down to the St George River and Lorne Scenic Beach, however. This involves a steep descent, then walking along the Tramway Track. Getting back up to the car on George Street is going to be significantly harder on the thighs, however.
There are better walks in the rainforest around Lorne, however. These Great Otway National Park walks include the Erskine Falls walk, Kalimna Falls walk and Erskine River Track.
Teddy’s Lookout: key visitor information
| Question | Information |
|---|---|
| What are the opening hours of Teddy’s Lookout? | The lookout is always open, with no set opening or closing times. |
| How much does it cost to visit Teddy’s Lookout? | Entry is free. |
| Where is the Teddy’s Lookout car park? | At the rotunda at the end of George Street, on the corner of George Street and Francis Street, Lorne. |
| How far is Teddy’s Lookout from central Lorne? | Approximately 2km, around a five-minute drive. |
| Is Teddy’s Lookout wheelchair accessible? | A small car park is located right next to the viewing platform, making it easily accessible by car, with only a short walk required to reach the lookout itself. |
| How long is the Queens Park Lookout Loop from Teddy’s Lookout? | 1.6km, taking approximately 45 minutes, passing three lookouts through the bush of Queens Park. |
| Can you see whales from Teddy’s Lookout? | Yes. The elevated platform is a popular spot for whale watching, as well as viewing summer sunsets. |
| How high is Teddy’s Lookout? | Approximately 146 metres (480 feet) above sea level. |
| Why is it called Teddy’s Lookout? | The exact origin is uncertain, though the name dates back to at least 1878. Theories include a drover named Teddy who searched for stray cattle from the lookout, and a local donkey of the same name. |
Things to do near Teddy’s Lookout
Erskine Falls – A short drive inland from Lorne, this is one of the most visited waterfalls in the Otways, with both an easy upper viewing platform and a more strenuous walk to the base.
Lorne foreshore and pier – Back down in town, Lorne’s foreshore offers a sweeping beach, a historic pier, and easy access to cafés, restaurants and shops along the main street.
Qdos Art Gallery – A short drive from Teddy’s Lookout, this gallery and sculpture park showcases contemporary Australian art set among the trees, with rotating exhibitions throughout the year.
Sheoak Falls and Sheoak Picnic Area – A short drive from Lorne, this is the trailhead for several waterfall walks through the Otways, including Sheoak Falls itself, Phantom Falls and Henderson Falls.
Split Point Lighthouse, Aireys Inlet – A short drive north along the Great Ocean Road, this historic lighthouse offers tours and coastal views, with the popular Aireys Pub nearby for refreshments.
More Victoria travel
Other Victoria travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- A series of wildlife encounters on the Great Ocean Road.
- What to expect at Deep Blue Hot Springs in Warrnambool.
- Why the Great Ocean Road is Australia’s classic road trip.
- What it’s like to visit the Phillip Island Penguin Parade.
- The best places to see penguins in Victoria.
