Labelled the nation’s most liveable city, vibrant Warrnambool has a glorious position along the Great Ocean Road where the sea meets the Hopkins River.
Warrnambool is 255km southwest of Melbourne (3hr 10min drive) or 345km in the same direction if taking the scenic route along the Great Ocean Road (5hr 15min drive).
To relax or explore; for a couples’ escape or a family adventure; for its scenery or history. The city and its surrounds are bursting with exciting and diverse experiences.
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Arguably Warrnambool's best attraction. Indoors, the museum retraces the area’s rich maritime past with much focus on fascinating tales of shipwrecks. A highlight is the famous Loch Ard Peacock statue, valued at $4 million and complete with its own interesting backstory. Outside, the maritime village recreates life from a time gone. Then, in the evening, a dramatic sound and light show recounts the past in stunning fashion.
Logans Beach
Warrnambool is a whale-watching hotspot from June-September, and the best place to gaze at these giants of the ocean is from the excellent designated viewing platform at Logans Beach. Outside of this period, the lookout is a great spot to witness the ocean’s power at play and watch boarders at this renowned surf beach.
For calmers waters, try Lady Bay, which suits the likes of swimming and is patrolled during summer. Hopkins River Mouth – known as the Blue Hole to locals – features craggy formations and rock pools and is popular with pet lovers. In addition, roughly 25km southeast of Warrnambool are two stunning, crowd-dodging strips of sand: Childers Cove and Murnanes Beach.
Warrnambool Foreshore Promenade
This picturesque path extends for roughly 5km and is perfectly suited to walking, running, or cycling. It links Logans Beach with a spot known as the Breakwater. Near here is one of Warrnambool’s best cafés, Pavilion, which is a great option for brunch or an arvo cocktail after working up a sweat. For a bigger challenge, tackle the 37km-long Warrnambool to Port Fairy Rail Trail.
Meet the Maremma Experience
Just offshore from Warrnambool is Middle Island. It's home to a little penguin colony, vulnerable to threats from predators, such as foxes. To combat this problem, Maremma guardian dogs were placed on the island. Seasonal tours introduce you to these cute dogs and detail the world-first project, with funds going towards the venture. Note: There is no public access to Middle Island; the tours are held on the beach adjacent to it.
Warrnambool Botanic Gardens
A great Warrnambool budget tip is to pack a picnic and head to these gorgeous gardens. Among its features are a lake and rotunda, and budding botanists should spy the gardens’ beautiful Dutch elm as well as the rare Wollemi pine.
Lake Pertobe Playground
Looking for things to do in Warrnambool with kids? They’ll likely burn energy at this popular attraction. The outdoor playground is packed with amusements and has BBQs on site for longer stays. There’s mini-golf nearby, too.
Warrnambool lookouts
These two spots should be on your list:
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
The reserve is rich with Aboriginal heritage and home to a massive volcanic crater, various geological features, a lake, wetlands, wildlife, and native birds. Various walking trails reveal its ample treasure.
Distance: 15km west of Warrnambool.
Hopkins Falls
A must for photographers, the 90m-wide falls create a spectacular sight. Dedicated viewing platforms provide various perspectives of this natural attraction, which doubles as an inviting picnic spot complete with BBQs.
Distance: 15km northeast of Warrnambool.
Port Fairy
The fishing village pours on the charm and features striking streetscapes, a lively port, boutique shops, galleries, and plenty more.
Distance: 30km west of Warrnambool.
Twelve Apostles
This collection of offshore limestone stacks is a star of any Great Ocean Road drive. Elevated platforms easily reached via the car park allow for excellent viewing ops and photos. Nearby Loch Ard Gorge is not to be missed, either.
Distance: 70km east of Warrnambool.
A Life in Australia study by global market research firm, Ipsos, ranked ‘Warrnambool and the South West’ as the nation’s most liveable region. The results, released in September 2019, placed the city and its surrounds on top for such factors as sense of community, feeling safe, and access to the natural environment.
If you’re searching for somewhere to stay in Warrnambool, look no further. There are two BIG4 parks in the city, both offering a wide range of cabin accommodation and caravan and camping sites as well as pet-friendly options.
Tasman Holiday Parks - Warrnambool
Figtree belies a location that’s within walking distance to the CBD thanks to its peaceful vibe and tranquil surrounds. Leading facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool, tennis court, games room, BBQ area, and indoor camp kitchen.
NRMA Warrnambool Riverside Holiday Park
Positioned on the banks of the Hopkins River, as its name suggests, this pretty park has ample facilities that include both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, mini-golf, recreation room, tennis court, and bouncing pillow. There’s easy access to a jetty for fishing, too.
Plan your Warrnambool getaway with BIG4 now. Choose a park below.
