Warrnambool is an absolute gem on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, with sweeping views, beautiful parks, grand old pubs, and cosy cafes. This well-known tourist hotspot is the perfect weekend getaway, with many natural attractions, inviting venues, and sights to explore.
Shopping and Cafes
Rough Diamond Coffee serve delicious breakfasts, croissants, and toasties. The cafe is located at 203 Koroit Street Warrnambool, and they are open from 7am to 2pm on weekdays (and from 8am to 1pm on Saturdays) - call (03) 5560 5707 or send an email from this
link.
The inviting Rough Diamond Coffee in Warrnambool
sell second-hand furniture, homewares, electrical goods, hardware, sporting equipment, books, jewellery and accessories. The shed is located at 11 Albert Street Warrnambool and is open from 8.30am to 3.30pm on weekdays, and from 9am to 2pm on Saturdays. Call (03) 5564 5200 or email
[email protected] to find out more.
The Big R's Shed in Warrnambool is heaven for bargain hunters, Credits: Big R's Shed facebook page
offers an extensive range of antiques, collectables, rare books, records, vintage clothing and gifts, across 60 stalls over two floors. The Market is at 61/77 Flaxman Street Warrnambool (next to the Fletcher Jones Gardens) and is open from 10am to 5pm daily. Call (03) 5562 9936 or email
[email protected] for further information.
Fletcher Jones Market in Warrnambool is full of surprises
houses a range of European and Colonial treasures from the 1800s, fascinating Indigenous artefacts, Modernist paintings from the 1940s, and a growing range of contemporary works. The gallery is at 25 Liebig Street Warrnambool and they are open from 10am to 5pm on weekdays, and to 3pm on weekends. The link to the current exhibition guide is
here.
Warrnambool Art Gallery presents and engaging range of Colonial, Indigenous, Modernist and Contemporary Art
were designed by William Guilfoyle in 1877 and include sweeping lawns, long curving paths, and an extensive variety of plants and trees. Many structures such as bridges, sculptures, and shelters are positioned throughout the gardens. Call (03) 5559 4800 if you have enquiries before visiting.
The Warrnambool Botanic Gardens designed by William Guilfoyle
were established outside a factory in Warrnambool in 1948. These scenic and established gardens lay in an industrial setting, and include a series of delightful walking paths, well-maintained floral presentations, and decorative structures (including a giant silver ball). The gardens are open daily and are free to enter.
The FJ Gardens in Warrnambool are an excellent example of mid-twentieth century gardens in an industrial setting
is at the top of Liebig Street in Warrnambool and provides an expansive view over the hills, lakes, and buildings of Warrnambool. The area includes several monuments, paths, and seating areas for visitors.
Stunning views from the historic Cannon Hill in Warrnambool
is in an expansive parkland area between Cannon Hill and the beach in Warrnambool. There are car parks to the East on Merri Street, and in Pertrobe Road to the South. This scenic area is filled with walking trails, recreation reserves, picnic areas, and a huge playground.
The 20 acre Lake Petrobe area is filled with trails, sporting facilities, and an adventure playground
is at 61 Viaduct Road where the Merri River meets the coast. This is also the site of several cafes by the beach, walking trails, and the old aquarium domes. A walk to the end of the pier provides a beautiful view of the surrounding coast and bay.
The old Aquarium near the Breakwater Rock Pier in Warrnambool
is a classic pub in Warrnambool that serves lunch and dinner, regular live music events, and a range of
rooms for overnight stays. The pub is at 112-114 Fairy Street, with bookings and reservations on (03) 5561 3932, or email
[email protected]
The delightful Cally Hotel in Warrnambool
serve lunch and dinner in the bar area from Sunday to Tuesday, and also in the restaurant from Wednesday to Saturday. The pub has live music on Sunday afternoons, and offers eight rooms with ensuites, and four with a shared bathroom facility. Hotel Warrnambool is at 185 Koroit Street - enquiries via email to
[email protected] or call (03) 5562 2377.
The stylish and expansive Hotel Warrnambool
have rooms and suites for visitors and families, that include on-site parking. The motel is located at 179 Kepler Street Warrnambool - contact
[email protected] to make a reservation.
Waves Motel and Apartments provide a range of accommodation options from a single room to three-bedroom apartments. The motel is at 519 Raglan Parade in Warrnambool, and enquiries can be sent to
[email protected] or reserve a room by calling (03) 5562 8877. Waves Motel and Apartments are also next door to the
Sri Agri Kitchen that serves traditional Sri Lankan cuisine (call 0469 184 031 to make a booking).
Transport
Warrnambool is about 250 kilometres south-west of Melbourne and takes about three and a half hours to drive.
Trains run between Melbourne and Warrnambool several times per day on V/Line, providing an easy option for a
day trip or weekend away. You can book tickets
here.
