Hamilton to Warrnambool drive: Distance, time & best stops

The best stop on the Hamilton to Warrnambool drive is Mount Rouse in Penshurst. By car along sealed roads, the distance from Hamilton to Warrnambool is 98km, with a driving time of 1h11m.

The Hamilton to Warrnambool drive connects two of the largest towns in South West Victoria. You might come this way if connecting the Grampians and the Great Ocean Road as part of a longer, looping road trip.

Hamilton is just to the south of the Grampians. To find accommodation in Hamilton, search here.

Warrnambool highlights include Budj Bim National Park tours, Deep Blue Hot Springs and land-based whale-watching from Logans Beach. For Warrnambool accommodation, look here.

This guide is aimed at travellers who are self-driving, and want to plot out the best stops on a Hamilton to Warrnambool road trip itinerary. Click through on the links for more detailed information on the towns and attractions.

Hamilton to Warrnambool distance and driving time

By car along sealed roads, the distance from Hamilton to Warrnambool is 98km. That makes for a driving time of around one hour and 11 minutes.

The quickest route from Hamilton to Warrnambool leaves Hamilton along the Hamilton Highway. It runs south of the Lake Kennedy Wildlife Reserve, which is set aside for hunting, before entering Penshurst.

The star attraction in Penshurst is Mount Rouse – an extinct volcano rising 100 metres above the surrounding lava fields. There’s a lookout and crater lake at the top, both of which are short walks from the car park.

The Volcanoes Discovery Centre in central Penshurst looks at how the vast lava plain was created.

You can also visit the Yatmerone Reserve, which has a walking trail running through it and decent birdwatching opportunities.

Hamilton to Warrnambool drive: Penshurst to Warrnambool

Then, you should join the Penshurst-Warrnambool Road. The only town of any significance on the way to Warrnambool is Hawkesdale, which has a golf course, campsite and – probably most of interest – a public swimming pool.

The quickest route into Warrnambool then zigzags via Woolsthorpe and Winslow, but you’re better off taking a slight detour via the magnificent Tower Hill Reserve in Koroit.

This ancient volcanic crater is a haven for wildlife. You’ve got an excellent chance of spotting emus, kangaroos, wallabies and echidnas here.

Top things to do in Warrnambool include land-based whale watching at Logans Beach and visiting the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum – which has a great sound and light show.

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.

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.