Some people dub Lorne, in Victoria, the ‘Noosa of the south’ but we say – at least for one weekend every year – that it’s the Adventure Capital of the south with the Anaconda Adventure Race Series grand finale taking place in and around its stunning ocean and hinterland wilderness areas.

Entrants swim and trail run and race their kayaks and mountain bikes tackling a one of the most challenging off road courses the series has to offer. First up competitors face a swim around the iconic Lorne Pier and across crystal clear Loutit Bay to the cheers of thousands of spectators. Then it’s a paddle along the cliffs and golden beaches flanking the iconic Great Ocean Road while surfing friendly southern ocean swells. Back on land, you dash across the giant rock-dressed foreshore before disappearing inland through rainforests, under massive tree ferns, and past mighty waterfalls. Finally, it’s time to saddle up on the mountain bike to the top of the Otway Ranges before enjoying a screaming (always figuratively, sometimes literally) descent to the beach-set transition and a short, sandy run to the finishline with a grin from ear to ear.

With adventures this genuine it’s no great surprise that doing ‘the Anaconda’ has become a genuine institution across Australia and with upwards of 1200 competitors heading to Lorne for the first weekend in December, this is one of the biggest.

And of course as always there’s an adventure expo with kids entertainment, live commentary, food, drinks, displays and free stuff! Swimming Mountain Biking - part of the Rapid Ascent series Entry Fee( AUD )

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