Looking for things to do in Warrnambool? Explore this list of recommendations for fun and memorable adventures in this charming Australian destination. Warrnambool provides a range of attractions and events all year round. Guests can delve into the city’s naval heritage at Flagstaff Hill, watch whales, explore the Tower Hill crater and its native creatures, and embark on delightful day excursions to nearby spots such as gastronomic trails, the Great Ocean Road, and Port Fairy for some leisure.
Discover the enchanting beauty of Lake Pertobe
E Johnson Reserve and Lake Pertobe are across the road from the town’s caravan park precinct. It is ideal for families, offering plenty of activities for all ages. There is an adventure playground with various amenities such as swings, climbing frames, a flying fox and a maze. The reserve also features tennis courts, mini golf and a skate park.
At the park, you can rent Lake Pertobe Motorboats. These small motorboats allow you to cruise around the lake. It’s a fun activity for both kids and adults. You can go around the lake and pass under the bridges. Kids 12 and older can drive the boats, while younger children can still steer.
The reserve is a scenic place for walking and exercising your dog. A variety of bird species inhabit the lake and parklands.
Explore the Shipwreck Coast's captivating tales
At Flagstaff Hill in the evening, visitors can enjoy a high-tech sound and light show that brings the history of early Warrnambool to life. Admission fees and packages are available for the different Flagstaff Hill experiences.
Visit Flagstaff Hill for beauty and adventure
Flagstaff Hill is often suggested as an initial destination for those touring Warrnambool. It amalgamates a maritime museum, a colonial settlement, and the town’s Information Centre. Positioned close to Canon Hill Lookout, it offers a prime chance to get acquainted with the surroundings and orchestrate your exploration.
Flagstaff Hill stands as a prominent site in Warrnambool. It showcases a settlement replete with cobblestone pathways and era-specific structures. Delve into the mesmerising maritime museum that commemorates the remarkable tales of vessels doomed along the enchanting shores of Warrnambool. It provides a perspective on the region dubbed the Shipwreck Coast.
Observing whales in their natural habitat
Southern Right whales calve in Warrnambool Bay from June to September. The Logans Beach Whale Nursery is where you can go to see them. A platform has been built for this purpose. It is a few minutes from town, across the Hopkins River. There is ample car parking available.
Whales can come within 100m of shore, but it’s recommended to bring binoculars and be patient. There are no guarantees when it comes to wildlife! You may have luck on your first visit or need to visit multiple times. You can get whale sighting updates from the Visitor Centre.
Explore the beauty of Warrnambool Botanic Gardens
The peaceful and beautiful gardens offer a nice place to walk around. Although they are small, they have many features. The mastermind behind these stunning gardens was William Guilfoyle, the brilliant mind who once commanded the Melbourne Botanic Gardens. Some of the features include a rotunda, bridges, and a fernery.
Carrying your phone is beneficial. The Warrnambool Botanic Gardens website offers comprehensive information about the various plants and trees in the garden. An interactive map provides information on numerous trees in the garden. Even if you are not interested in gardens, it is a pleasant spot for a walk and picnic. The gardens are located on Botanic Road.
Maremmas exist
We loved visiting the Middle Island in Warrnambool. It’s just 100 meters from the mainland and houses a small penguin colony. Foxes nearly wiped out the colony, but locals decided to try using maremmas to protect the penguins. The story of the program was portrayed in the film Oddball.
The program has been successful. On the tour, you learn about penguins and how the dogs are trained. You also have the opportunity to meet and pet the dogs. Attention all animal enthusiasts in Warrnambool! Brace yourselves for an extraordinary adventure with the awe-inspiring Penguin Protector group.
Visit Thunder Point Lookout for stunning views
The Warrnambool Botanic Gardens offer a formal, manicured layout, while the coast offers a rough and rugged beauty. Visitors can drive to Thunder Point Lookout to enjoy the views, including stunning sunsets. Alternatively, they can embark on a 1.8-kilometre round-trip walk at Stingray Bay near the breakwater.
The boardwalk is accessible and has a few steps. Dogs on leads are allowed on the walk. You can see views of the Middle and Merri Islands and learn about the area’s natural history from the signage. You can explore the rock pools if the weather and the tides are correct. There is also a lot of birdlife to observe.
Walking becomes more enjoyable when there is some weather around. The coastline is most stunning when the wind is strong. The sea spray hitting your face and the sound of the waves exemplify the area’s name. Keep your camera ready, as there are great photo opportunities in any weather.
Discover the enchantment of the Warrnambool Art Gallery
If the weather in Warrnambool becomes unfavourable, you can visit the Warrnambool Art Gallery, also known as The WAG. The gallery is open from 10-5 on weekdays and 10-3 on weekends, showcasing permanent and travelling exhibitions. They have a diverse collection that frequently changes, so you can visit to see what’s happening or check their website for current displays.
Explore Breakwater and Stingray Bay
Stingray Bay, the breakwater, and the mouth of the Merri River offer enjoyable exploration opportunities. The sandy banks of the river provide a family-friendly spot for water activities. With Middle Island and the connecting sandbar serving as a picturesque backdrop, it is an attractive location to spend some leisure time.
The area around the breakwater has various moods. It offers beautiful sunrise and sunset views. It can also be a dramatic place during rough weather. The waves hitting the breakwater can be huge. It’s a fun place to explore or enjoy the views with a coffee in the café, regardless of the time of day or the weather.
Explore the Warrnambool Heritage Trail
Visitors can explore the 3km self-guided CBD Heritage Trail in Warrnambool, which includes over 20 historic buildings such as churches, shops, cottages, and factories. The Visitor Information Centre provides a map to ensure you get all the sites, including those in Swan Reserve and Fairy Street.
Witness the stunning beauty of Hopkins Falls
Hopkins Falls is a short 15-minute drive away, charming in winter or after rain. The falls are impressive for their width, spanning 90 meters across. Seeing water cascading over the 12-meter-high, dark volcanic rocks is fantastic. Viewing platforms and a picnic area are perfect for lunch or to let the kids play. For those who want to extend their visit, Cheese World and Museum is just 10 minutes away.
Various day trips are available from Warrnambool
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve is a nature reserve
The Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve is situated 15 minutes away from Warrnambool in the direction of Port Fairy. The park is located inside the crater of an extinct volcano and is considered Victoria’s first national park. It has undergone extensive rehabilitation efforts to restore its original natural state.
Tower Hill is an area that is home to native birds and animals. There is a Visitor Centre to get information about the area’s history and walks. Kangaroos and koalas can often be seen near the picnic ground near the visitor centre.
Visitors can participate in a daily guided park tour and four self-guided walks of varying lengths. The longest walk takes approximately one hour and allows you to explore the crater. All walks begin near the visitor centre.
Port Fairy and Killarney Beach
Just a hop, skip, and a jump away, you’ll find Killarney a mere 5 minutes from Tower Hill, while Port Fairy is a breezy 10 minutes down the road. Port Fairy is a larger town with a charming harbour, a beautiful beach, and numerous cafes and restaurants. The town also hosts the Moyneyana, jazz, and folk festivals between December and March. Look out for these events if you’re in the area at the right time.
Killarney Beach is a beautiful spot. The weather was glorious, and the water was Pacific Island blue. It is an excellent spot for walking, exploring the rock pools or swimming. We stayed in the caravan park at the town oval next to the beach. It’s an easy and cheap place to spend a few days.
Great Ocean Road
Warrnambool is conveniently located less than an hour from popular attractions such as the 12 Apostles, London Bridge, and the Grotto. If you have yet to experience the Great Ocean Road Drive, Warrnambool is an ideal starting point for exploring these iconic sites.
The stretch of road between the 12 Apostles and London Bridge in Port Campbell can be busy, so it’s recommended to allow yourself enough time to enjoy the sights. Port Campbell is also a good spot for lunch, with ample parking and various food options. Additionally, there are beautiful views of the bay.
