THE SWING BRIDGE CAFE - LORNE
At the mouth of the Erskine River, the Swing Bridge Café and Paddle Boat Hire has an ambience that is a world away from the excitement and bustle of Lorne’s main street. Its unequalled location by the historic swing bridge where the river meets the sea is one of Lorne’s best kept secrets.
From the Swing Bridge Café find easy access to the surf beach, the family friendly river and estuary beach with paddle boats for hire makes a beautiful location for a relaxing break.
I cannot be sure that we would have found this gem had it not been for my Godparents, who are locals, because it has the feel of a local favourite that is somewhat reluctantly shared with visitors to the area. The sort of place that people kind of want to keep to themselves as both its location and its atmosphere is wonderfully nostalgic and peaceful.
However find it we did and I would almost feel bad for those quiet couples that would have rather not had 5 children join their peaceful morning coffee, but I just loved it there too much to even consider giving it up for the sake of a stranger’s peace and quiet. Sorry not sorry!
The cafe fast became part of our daily routine and when I think of our time in Lorne, the memories that I have of snacks and smiles here are a large part of them.
Whether it be a sneaky juice after an afternoon run along the seafront or a team trip down for the first coffee and croissant of the day. Kids gulping down freshly pressed orange juice and pleading for just one more pain au chocolate or the favourite lemon curd pastry.
The cafe also offers delicious larger meals, hearty and healthy breakfast options and of course the appropriate selection of essential caffeine beverages.
Each coffee ordered was met with a great big smile and a welcome back. We were made to feel like one of the family and the quality was consistent each and every time we popped by.
The location is not to be matched. Alongside the small estuary, meeting the shallows of the ocean. It offered us some great opportunities to let the kids run free while we slowed down for a minute and took in the view, caffeine in hand!
We cannot wait to go back, I even purchased a SWING BRIDGE print in the local tourist centre, to remind us of our time spent in that magical spot.
40 Great Ocean Rd, Lorne VIC 3232, Australia
