Lorne Comes Alive: 20,000 to Hit the Surf Coast for Pier to Pub Weekend

The tradition is back this summer taking swimmers from beach to beverage!

Every January, the Great Ocean Road does what it does best—sunshine, saltwater and that unmistakable Surf Coast buzz. But on one special weekend, Lorne shifts into an entirely different gear. The cars slow, the shoreline fills, and suddenly more than 20,000 people descend on the coast for one of Australia’s most iconic traditions: the Powercor Lorne Pier to Pub and Mountain to Surf.

Returning for its 46th year on 9–10 January 2026, the beloved weekend is set to once again transform the seaside town into a carnival of athletic grit, community pride and pure summer joy. For locals, long-timers and first-timers alike, this is the annual reset—a sweaty, sandy, salt-crusted reminder of everything that makes Lorne special.

Powercor Lorne Pier to Pub and Mountain to Surf – Great Ocean Road

• What: Powercor Lorne Pier to Pub and Mountain to Surf
• When: Friday 9 January (Mountain to Surf, 8:30am) and Saturday 10 January 2026 (Pier to Pub, 11am)
• Where: Lorne, Great Ocean Road

Keep up to date with what is happening in and around regional Victoria here.

 

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Held on the second weekend of January every year, the Mountain to Surf and Pier to Pub are more than just races. They are decades of community tradition rolled into one massive fundraiser for the Lorne Surf Life Saving Club—championing beach safety, supporting volunteers and keeping Surf Coast waters protected.

Race Director Peter Williamson says it best: these events are “the heartbeat of Lorne”, uniting families, athletes and casual coast-lovers across generations. And he’s right. You’ll find elite competitors warming up next to kids in zinc stripes, parents jogging with prams, and retirees who have done the event more years than they can count. It’s chaos, camaraderie and coastal charm in equal measure.

The festivities kick off early on Friday 9 January with the Powercor Mountain to Surf. Don’t be fooled by the scenery—this 8km run moves from forested trails to the edge of the Great Ocean Road, giving runners one of the most picturesque (and deceptively challenging) courses in the country.

Last year was a record-breaker, with 19-year-old Edward Marks smashing a long-standing time to beat Steve Moneghetti’s 2006 record. Sarah Klein dominated the women’s field for the second year straight, proving the course is the perfect cocktail of endurance and pure coastal magic. With more than 2,100 participants, it’s a fast-moving, feel-good way to kick off the weekend.

Then comes Saturday 10 January—the holy day. The 45th Powercor Lorne Pier to Pub sends more than 4,900 swimmers down the pier and out into the iconic 1.2km open-water course.

It’s organised chaos in the best possible way. The helicopter hums overhead, crowds line the sand, and competitors—some seasoned, some slightly terrified—charge into the water in colourful waves.

Olympic royalty ruled the day last year. Lani Pallister took her sixth consecutive women’s title in a blistering 11:25, and Nick Sloman powered home first in the men’s with 10:13, edging out World Championships silver medallist Sam Short. But the moment locals are still talking about? Lorne SLSC’s own Harry Hay storming out of the surf for a third-place Superfish finish behind two Olympians. Classic hometown hero energy.

For all the elite performances, the heart of Pier to Pub weekend lies with the volunteers, the fundraising and the long-term effort to keep the Surf Coast safe. Every entry fee helps Lorne SLSC maintain essential equipment, train lifesavers and protect millions of beachgoers each year.

The events simply couldn’t run without hundreds of locals donating their time—setting up fencing, guiding swimmers, manning drink stations and cheering until their voices go hoarse.

Whether you’re aiming for a PB or just want to doggie-paddle your way to glory, those braving the beach will be rewarded! Whilst the registration to participate is now sold out, there are plenty of spots to be involved as a spectator! Getting there is easy as well at just a 90 minute trip down the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne, or a simple train-to-Geelong, bus-to-Lorne route for the car-free crew.

With the Surf Coast community out in force, elite athletes mixing with newcomers, and postcard-perfect views at every turn, the Pier to Pub weekend remains one of Victoria’s most treasured summer traditions. If you’re looking for a reason to hit the coast, soak up the atmosphere and maybe push yourself a little—this is the weekend to do it.

Mark the dates, pack the sunscreen and join the 20,000-strong celebration. Lorne is ready.

For more information, head here.