Things to do in Warrnambool, Victoria
Between May and September, the best thing to do in Warrnambool is whale-watching from the Logans Beach whale-watching platform. For the rest of the year, the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village is top of the list of things to do in Warrnambool, Victoria.
For many visitors, Warrnambool (population 35,532) is the place they turn for home. It’s the end point for many a journey along the 243km-long Great Ocean Road. The tired travellers have checked out the surf at Bells Beach. They’ve seen kangaroos on Anglesea Golf Course. They’ve walked to Erskine Falls near Lorne, kayaked with seals at Apollo Bay and taken a scenic flight over the Twelve Apostles from Port Campbell. All that’s left is the slog back to Victorian capital Melbourne.
Few give the Victorian town of Warrnambool itself a second look, even though it’s the biggest town on the Great Ocean Road. Just over 35,000 people live there, and there are a few things to do in Warrnambool.
7 fantastic Great Ocean Road experiences
1. Crowd-beating reverse direction tour. 2. Surfing lessons in Anglesea. 3. Split Point Lighthouse climb. 4. Shockwave Zip-Coaster. 5. Guided wildlife walk. 6. Budj Bim National Park tour. 7. Great Ocean Road by motorbike.
Things to do in Warrnambool, Victoria: Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village
The best thing to do in Warrnambool depends on when you visit. Most will visit during the spring, summer or autumn, when the Warrnambool weather is better. And, for most of this time, Warrnambool’s top attraction is the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. This is one of those recreated historic towns, like Sovereign Hill in Ballarat or the Pioneer Village in Swan Hill, with heritage buildings clustered together.
More than 40 buildings have been rehomed around the cobblestoned streets, including a blacksmith’s forge, fire station and school. In-character volunteers wander around, bringing the fake village to life, and the lighthouse on Flagstaff Hill acts a centrepiece.
There’s also an on-site museum at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. This tells the tales of the region’s early settlement and many shipwrecks.
Pick the right Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne
- For wildlife and nature focus: One day tour with koalas and guided forest walk.
- To beat the crowds: Reverse direction Great Ocean Road day tour.
- For adventure: Two day camping and surfing trip.
- For backpackers: One day highlights tour aimed at younger travellers.
- For exclusivity and flexibility: Private tour where you can pick the sights you want to see.
- For an extended trip: Three day Melbourne to Adelaide tour.
Things to do in Warrnambool, Victoria: Logans Beach whale-watching platform
Visit between May and September, however, and the best thing to do in Warrnambool is whale-watching. Elsewhere, such as Albany in Western Australia or Mooloolaba in Queensland, this requires getting on board a boat. In Warrnambool, you can do it from the clifftop.
Southern right whales use Warrnambool Bay as a nursery. They come to bring up their calves before taking them back to Antarctica from the summer. Logans Beach has long been regarded as the best spot for land-based whale-watching. The Logans Beach whale-watching platform there is designed to give the best views. Simply rock up, and wait to see if something emerges from the water.
Top Warrnambool experiences to book before arriving
- Take a geologist-led tour of Budj Bim National Park – discover the Aboriginal cultural connections to the ancient volcano.
- Relax in the rockpools – at the geothermally-fed Deep Blue Hot Springs.
- Tandem skydive near the 12 Apostles – jump from a plane over the Shipwreck Coast.
Other great beaches near Warrnambool include Childers Cove.
If you prefer more variety in your wildlife, the Tower Hill Reserve is a 12 minute drive north-west of Warrnambool in Koroit. This extinct volcano crater teems with Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, echidnas and emus.
The best Warrnambool accommodation options
The top places to stay in Warrnambool are:
- For a family-friendly holiday park with a kids’ club: Discovery Parks Warrnambool.
- For luxury with a full service spa: Deep Blue Hotel and Hot Springs.
- For waterfront location: Lady Bay Resort.
- For high quality apartments with a pool: Gallery Apartments.
- For a good value motel: Mid City Motel.
Melbourne to Warrnambool drive & train
The direct drive from Melbourne to Warrnambool is 257km long. The Melbourne to Warrnambool drive takes just under three hours. Alternatively, there is a train service. The Melbourne to Warrnambool train takes three hours and 39 minutes, travelling via Geelong, Winchelsea and Colac.
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