History takes center stage in Warrnambool, Australia. You can explore an old maritime village and see what life was like in the 1800s at the Flagstaff Hill historical site. After learning about the area’s history, you can go for a round of mini-golf or a relaxing day at the spa. Check out our list of the best things to do in Warrnambool, Australia.
1. Botanical Gardens
Take a stroll in the curved walkways of Warrnambool’s Botanical Garden and enjoy amazing views of lush greenery and colorful flora. The current site of the garden was selected in 1866 as a replacement for its former site near the Hopkins River estuary. It was designed by William Robert Guilfoyle, former Melbourne Botanic Gardens director, under the commission of the city council. His vision of a tranquil garden with panoramic vistas of well-manicured landscapes decorated with various plant species, ponds, bridges, gazebos, and wildlife are currently being enjoyed by locals and tourists. It’s the perfect venue for a day trip with the kids and family or as a romantic backdrop for special events like a wedding reception.
Botanical Gardens
Address: 24 Bromfield St, Warrnambool VIC 3280, Australia
Website: Botanical Gardens
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
2. Logans Beach Whale Watching Platform
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Logans Beach Whale Nursery on Saturday, June 27, 2015
Logans Beach Whale Watching Platform is the closest you can get to witness whales in their natural habitat. It is a specially made wooden platform that stretches on the sand dunes and coast of Logans Beach. It also features a ramp for easy access to people with all kinds of abilities. The platform is as picturesque as its views. From its vantage point, you can see the female Southern right whales giving birth during the months of June to September. They usually swim as close as 100 meters offshore so that spectators can have a clear view of their activities.
Logans Beach Whale Watching Platform
Address: 11-13 Logans Beach Rd, Warrnambool VIC 3280, Australia
Website: Logans Beach Whale Watching Platform
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
3. Simon's Waterfront
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Yay it’s Saturday and the sun’s out Taking bookings for the beer garden now 55 62 1234
Posted by Simon's Waterfront Warrnambool on Friday, October 9, 2020
Australia is known for its mouthwatering steaks and beautiful beaches. So why not have the best of both worlds while you’re here? Drop by Simon’s Waterfront restaurant where you can indulge in the best steaks, seafood, and breakfast meals with awesome beach views. The lovely restaurant is on top of Warrnambool Surf Life Club along Great Ocean Road. Enjoy panoramic views of Lady Bay and the Southern Ocean while having a gourmet burger meal and handcrafted beer in their open-air dining area. They also have indoor dining in a casual but stylish space with a resort-like feel which is great for hosting events.
Simon's Waterfront
Address: 1/80 Pertobe Rd, Warrnambool VIC 3280, Australia
Website: Simon’s Waterfront
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 9am - 11am, 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
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4. Thunder Point Coastal Reserve
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Thunder Point Coastal Reserve is one of Warrnambool’s best places to catch the sunset. It offers panoramic vistas on its dramatic coast. The reserve is a little past MacDonald Street and provides guests with ample space for their vehicles so they can enjoy coastal views while in the car. It also has a long wooden walkway curving along the coast where you can take a lot of pictures. A kilometer away from the car park is a trail going to Levys and Shelly Beach. You will pass through some hilly and rough terrain which is not recommended for those with restricted mobility. These beautiful beaches are underrated and attract far fewer visitors than it deserves.
Thunder Point Coastal Reserve
Address: Off MacDonald Street, Warrnambool, Victoria Australia
Website: Thunder Point Coastal Reserve
5. The Warrnambool Art Gallery
Warrnambool Art Gallery was established by Joseph Archibald in 1886, making it the 5th-oldest museum in Australia and the 3rd in Victoria. The retired police enforcer opened the gallery on Leibig Street with its initial exhibit of museum curios and diverse artwork selection. With support from grants and loans, the gallery expanded its collection with artworks made by lesser-known European artists. In 1910, the city council took over the gallery until 1963 when the building was converted into municipal offices. The permanent and current location of the gallery was built in 1986 beside Civic Green. The fascinating collection of 5,000 artworks that spans over 130 years of history is enjoyed by visitors through its various events and exhibitions.
The Warrnambool Art Gallery
Address: 26 Liebig St, Warrnambool VIC 3280, Australia
Website: The Warrnambool Art Gallery
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 3pm; Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm
6. Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs (from USD 185)
Experience a different level of rest and relaxation. Enjoy the luxuries of a five-star hotel located near the breakwater, Warrnambool reserves, and Stingray Bay and Lady Bay Beach. The hotel offers elegant rooms with modern conveniences such as air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and a private balcony. The property is also a sanctuary for hot spring pools. The open-air area features various hot spring therapies such as hydrotherapy, sensory caves, foot spas, aromatherapy pools, and geothermal rock pools. Nurture your body in the “Nourish Dome” where your body’s hydration and replenishment come in the form of delicious café food and salt therapy sessions. The in-house restaurant offers a seasonal menu made from fresh produce. This calming place is around a three-hour drive if you’re coming from Melbourne.
Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs
Address: Worm Bay Road
4.23 km (2.7 mi) from Logans Beach Whale Watching Platform
7. Lake Pertobe Motor Boats
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This family-owned company, which was established in 1976, has been providing locals and visitors of Warrnambool with the exciting experience of riding and driving your own boat. They are open every day of the year, except on Christmas, so you don’t miss this life-changing experience. Kids have to be at least 12 years old and riding with an adult so they can drive the tiny 2-seater boat themselves. Feel the excitement of steering the boat around the scenic waters of Children’s Lake while exotic birds fly around. The boats are well maintained, easy to navigate, and you will be provided with life-jackets to ensure a smooth and safe ride.
Lake Pertobe Motor Boats
Address: Pertobe Rd, Warrnambool VIC 3280, Australia
Website: Lake Pertobe Motor Boats
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: From 25 USD
8. Fletcher Jones Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Antique collectors will have an exciting weekend searching for treasure troves at Fletcher Jones Market. It is situated in a heritage garden that you can explore after shopping. The building has two floors where you can shop to your heart’s delight as you rummage through a huge collection of antiques, vintage books, retro clothing, and many more. There is new merchandise arriving daily so each day is a fresh start for bargain-hunting. A trip to this famous market in Warrnambool is going to be a unique shopping experience.
Fletcher Jones Market
Address: 61/77 Flaxman St, Warrnambool VIC 3280, Australia
Website: Fletcher Jones Market
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
9. Go Surf School
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Learn how to surf and paddleboard the Australian way! Enroll at Go Surf School and learn how to ride the waves. The school operates from three different locations in Victoria. In Warrnambool, you will be taught how to surf on Lady Bay and take your lessons in the parking lot of McGennan’s Beach. For more seasoned surfers, the lessons are held at Southern Ocean to make it more challenging. You will be trained by professional surfers, and it doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or an experienced one trying to sharpen your skills. After your lessons, you are ready to dominate the waves.
Go Surf School
Address: Beach St, Port Fairy VIC 3284, Australia
Website: Go Surf School
10. Lighthouse Theatre Warrnambool
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Lighthouse Theater is the latest improvement made by William Ross Architects to the main theater of Warrnambool Town Hall. From its original design and concept in 1891, the theater has undergone several changes and delays earning a significant spot in the town’s history of arts and culture. Originally, the hall used to house municipal offices as well as serve as a venue for community events. Eight years later, it opened as Warrnambool Regional Performing Arts Centre (a modern civic center) that changed its name to Warrnambool Entertainment Centre. Today, it is a mecca for the performing arts and theater aficionados. It features contemporary plays staged in the 21st-century theater and offers various training programs to help individuals excel in the modern performing arts.
Lighthouse Theatre Warrnambool
Address: Deakin University, Warrnambool City Centre, 185 Timor St, Warrnambool VIC 3280, Australia
Website: Lighthouse Theatre Warrnambool
11. Shipwrecked Sound and Laser Show
Step back in time at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, constructed surrounding the 1858 UNESCO heritage listed Warrnambool Lighthouse. The museum houses Victoria’s largest collection of maritime and shipwreck items. The prize of the museum is the 4 million dollar Loch Ard Peacock relic. During the day, visitors can wander through the area and the museum, learning about old maritime life in the peak of Australia’s maritime heritage. You may even spot guardian dogs for the local penguin colony. There is a lot to see, which is why tickets are valid for two days. At night, visitors can be dazzled by a multi media outdoor extravaganza. The show tells the tale of the Loch Ard disaster. For those wishing to spend the night, you can book a room in the original harbourmaster’s home at the Lighthouse Lodge.
Shipwrecked Sound and Laser Show
Address: 89 Merri Street, Warrnambool, Victoria 3280, Australia
Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm for the maritime village. Show times for the sound and laser show depend on the season and availability, so call the company to inquire about times.
Duration: around 2 hours required.
Contact: +61 1800 556 111
Website: Shipwrecked Sound and Laser Show
12. Deep Water Spa and Hot Springs
Vacationing can be tiring! Between walking so much throughout the day to feeling overwhelmed by all the new sights and cultural differences, it is easy to get drained while on vacation. Take a time out at a spa to relax and recharge your energy for more sightseeing. The Deep Water Spa and Hot Springs offers several packages to meet your needs. It offers a geothermal mineral pool, a heated indoor swimming pool, treatment rooms, and more. Enjoy the natural therapeutic advantages of water full of minerals, salts, and heat that restore your body as it soaks. After visiting the natural bathhouse, you can visit the day spa for a massage, manicure, and more.
Deep Water Spa and Hot Springs
Address: Worm Bay Road, Warrnambool, VIC 3280
Opening Hours: 9 am to 6 pm. Closed on public holidays.
Duration: at least an hour
Contact: +03 55 592 020
Website: Deep Water Spa and Hot Springs
13. Mini Golf by the Sea
Mini golf is a fun activity for individuals of any athletic and skill level. A round of mini golf can take as long as you want, either a competitive fast paced game or a leisurely stroll through the course. At Mini Golf by the Sea, you can enjoy all the fun of mini golf while taking in spectacular views of the shore. After a spirited round of mini golf, you can enjoy the Jumping Pillow.
Mini Golf by the Sea
Address: 47 Pertobe Road, Warrnambool, VIC 3280
Opening Hours: Seven days a week. The times change depending on the season, so contact the company to find out what time it is open.
Duration: at least an hour
Contact: +03 5562 0644
Website: Mini Golf by the Sea
14. Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
Immerse yourself in nature at the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. There are so many activities to enjoy, you could easily spend days exploring this treasure. There are five self-guided walks. Each walk offers a theme: orientation and geology, wetlands, revegetation, Aboriginal foods, and geology. The walks range in time from 30 minutes to an hour and range in ability level from easy to steep. Whatever your walking interests, you will be able to find a walk that matches. If you would like a guided tour, there are several choices to choose from: bushwalking, bus tours, birdwatching, coastal walking, night walks, four-wheel drive tours, heritage tours, boat tours, and seal and dolphin watching tours. Explore Tower Hill, which was formed several thousand years ago with a large explosion creating a lake crater and islands. Tower Hill was Victoria’s first national park, created in 1892, and was declared a state game reserve in 1961. Because of the status of a state game reserve, you may be able to spot koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, emus, and other animals in their natural habitat.
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
Address: Princes Highway, Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia
Price: free
Opening Hours: open all day
Duration: as long as you want
Contact: +61 13 19 63
Website: Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
15. Merri View Gallery
Be dazzled at the work of local Australian artists when you visit the Merri View Gallery. There are regular exhibits all year, with a special January summer show and a June Annual Awards show. The exhibits are changed every two months, which includes a featured artist exhibit. The gallery is run by local artists who can discuss with visitors the meaning and significance of different works. Get a glimpse into how Australians view their country and culture through the lens of local art.
Merri View Gallery
Address: 4 Coramba Court, Warrnambool, VIC 3280
Price: free
Opening Hours: Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm
Duration: at least an hour
Contact: wadasociety@yahoo.com.au
Website: Merri View Gallery
Experience Australia's maritime history in Warrnambool
Warrnambool, Australia offers visitors an exciting glimpse into the country’s maritime history with interactive shows and villages. Beyond history, visitors can enjoy art, relaxation, and sport for a wonderful visit to this charming area.
History
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