Warrnambool

Warrnambool Key Information

Location

South west Victoria

Distance from Melbourne

260 kilometres

Population

29,500

Average temperature

22°C in summer

14°C in winter

How to get there:

Princes Highway

Great Ocean Rd (or the recommended scenic drive)

General Warrnambool Information

Warrnambool is an aborigine word that means “plenty of water”.    This is an apt word for this bustling, relaxed coastal city that is situated on Lady Bay on the Great Ocean Road.  It is flanked by two rivers.  The Hopkins river is on the east and the Merri is on the west.  Both rivers end at the ocean on different sides of the city.

The coastal town is rich in Australian history. 

In 1802, the first known European to visit Lady Bay was Nicolas Baudin, a French navigator. 

In the 1830s, it became a popular location for whalers and sealers.  While in the 1840s, the town site began to emerge.  The first land sales were in 1846.

With the establishment of the first jetty in 1850, Warrnambool became an important port for the shipping of wheat, wool, potatoes, dairy products and onions.

Despite lighthouses being constructed on both Middle Island and Lady Bay Beach in 1859, numerous shipwrecks occurred.

Many ships and lives were lost in the beautiful, but treacherous waters.  The area is now referred to as The Shipwreck Coast, where the remains of many ships still lie strewn along the ocean floor.

Despite its sad past, the Shipwreck Coast, is a beautiful place to visit.

In the present day, local industries include dairy production and milk processing.  The area is situated on rich, basalt volcanic plains and has a high annual rainfall of 70-80 centimetres.  These conditions provide lush, nutritious grass that is ideal for rearing dairy herds and providing high quality milk.

Australia’s oldest dairy farm, Warrnambool Cheese and Butter, was established in 1888.  It still exists today on the Great Ocean Road and has a tourist attraction called Cheese World, which is well worth a visit.

Other industries include wool processing, which dates back to 1874 and the Fletcher Jones company which began trading in Warrnambool in 1948.

Activities in Warrnambool 

 

Warrnambool is a great place to visit some of nature’s finest attractions – such as safe, sheltered beaches, spectacular stretches of coastline, lush rainforests and waterfalls, wildlife reserves, parks, whale watching volcanic lakes and rural landscapes.

We have put together a list of family friendly activities below, many of which are free.  But if you want some adrenalin pumping activities, click here.

Lake Pertobe

Kid friendly

If you want to give your kids some free fun, give the Lake Pertobe (pronounced Per-to) Adventure Playground a whirl.

It’s an award winning 35 hectare playground that he been built on reclaimed swampland.

As well as a picturesque lake that has fascinating birds to watch, there are paddleboats, suspension bridges leading to islets, a timber maze, flying fox, giant slids, mini-golf and walking tracks.

How to get there: It is located on Pertobe Rd down towards the ocean.


Lady Bay

Kid friendly

For some fun in the summer sun, you can’t beat Lady Bay Beach which is Warrnambool’s main beach.  It has safe swimming, yachting and windsurfing.

For those who don’t like to get their feet wet, the 3.4-km Lady Bay Promenade is an easy walk with great views.

How to get there:

Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum

Kid friendly

For an interactive journey through Warrnambool’s rich shipping history, Flagstaff Hill provides a fascinating learning experience.

It is a recreation of a late 19th century coastal port including buildings, lakes and streetscapes.

During the day, you can experience the danger of early sea travel.  While at night, you can see the multi-million dollar sound and laser show, which magically brings to life the story of the tragic Loch Ard disaster.

How to get there:  Located at the roundabout on the corner of Merri and Banyan St.

Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm daily except xmas day.  Last admissions 4pm.

Whale Watching

Kid friendly

For some winter fun, whale watching has become a popular past time for Warrnambool visitors.

For hundreds of years, whales give birth within 100 metres of the shoreline every year between June and October. 

How to get there: Turn left off Blue Hold Rd into Logans Beach Rd.  This will take you to the whale viewing platform at Logans Beach

It can be difficult to see the whales, as they are not always visible.  This may involve repeat visits.  Call the information centre first, to see if whales are in the area.

Cheeseworld, Allansford

Kid friendly


Australia’s oldest dairy production company, Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Operate cheeseword features features a cheese and wine cellar and restaurant. There is also an historical display and souvenir sales.

How to get there: From Warrnambool, head east along the highway for 12 km, then turn right into the Great Ocean Rd.

Opening hours: Open seven days per week

8.30am to 5.00pm Monday through Friday

8.30am to 4.00pm on Saturdays

10.00am to 4.00pm on Sundays

Telephone: (03) 5563-2130

Cudgee Creek Wildlife Park

Kid friendly


Cudgee Creek Wildlife park is a seven-acre property that house wallabies, deer, kangaroos, emus, monkeys and crocodiles.

The park features animal feeding and free gas bbqs.

How to get there:  Travel along the Princes Highway (back to Melbourne).  Follow the signs to Cudgee which is 16 km east of Warrnambool.

Opening Hours: Open daily 10:00am – 5.00pm December – January and from Tuesday to Sunday for the rest of the year.

Telephone:  (03) 5567 6260

 

Hopkins Falls

Kid friendly

For an outdoor experience, the Hopkins Falls is a must.  Particularly, after some good rain.

The site includes barbeques, toilets and walking tracks.

How to get there: Head off the Princes Highway into Jamieson St which heads north-east out of twon.  Turn right into Wangoom Rd and follow until you see signs for Hopkins Falls Rd.  It is 13 kilometres out of Warrnambool.

It’s also close to the Cudgee Creek Wildlife Park.

Want to stay in WarrnambollDiscount Hotel Reservation.