Teddy's Lookout

Teddy's Lookout is a hilltop viewpoint about 2 km from central Lorne, looking down on the Great Ocean Road as it curves past the St George River mouth and out to the Southern Ocean. It's a quick, worthwhile stop if you want to see how the road fits into the coast. The drive up George Street is steep; from the parking area, a short walk through bush brings you to the views.

There are upper and lower places to look out from, so take the extra few minutes to see both. The road, inlet and open ocean line up differently from each spot. A few picnic benches are reported nearby, but no food, water or toilets are confirmed here; sort those out in Lorne. The surface and grade of the paths aren't established, so don't assume the lookout is wheelchair-accessible.

The approach is steep, and visitors say the parking and turning area can feel tight for caravans or larger vehicles when busy. That's a practical caution rather than a posted vehicle restriction.

For the classic view, keep the Great Ocean Road in the frame with the river mouth and ocean beyond it. The road gives the coast its scale; crop it out and you lose the part that makes this lookout different from a generic sea view.

Look for the stone compass dial on a large rock. It was dedicated in 1989 and points toward 21 towns and landmarks. The viewing platform came later, in 1995.

During the Second World War, people watched for enemy vessels from the coast here. A local family account says lookouts signalled one another with dry gum leaves at night and green leaves by day.

The name Teddy's Lookout was in use by 1878, but its origin isn't settled. A later story links it to timber supplier Ted Babington; that explanation doesn't fit the earlier record, so the namesake remains unclear.