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GET EXCITED FOR THESE MAJOR EVENTS
Warrnambool May Racing Carnival
It's Grand. It's May Racing. Experience the country in Warrnambool and gear up for a big day at the races.
Annual-
04 May 2021
11:00 - 17:00
Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic
The Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic is an iconic Victorian sporting event which is the second oldest one day cycling event in the...
Annual-
01 May 202114:00 - 16:00
Covid-safe activities
[NEW] Middle Island AR Experience
[NEW] Middle Island AR Experience
For the first time since the island's closure to the public in 2006, you can now experience the hidden world of wonder that is Middle Island - using augmented reality.
The Middle Island experience uses new photogrammetry technology that pieces together hundreds of high-resolution drone photographs.
This means that smartphone users can now place Middle Island in their own homes (in a virtual sense) and explore the many caves, find penguin huts and hangout spots of the guardian maremma dogs, with an incredible clarity and zoom capacity to spot details they may not otherwise notice from a simple picture.
As users physically move around the island with their device, more of the island will be revealed and more details will be uncovered.
Read more
![[NEW] Middle Island AR Experience](/assets-warrnambool/highlights/_resampled/FillWyI5NjAiLCI1NzUiXQ-middle-island-warrnambool-virtual-experience2.PNG)
In-between the old normal and the new
Back to Nature
Looking for wide open spaces and breathtaking views, while still adhering to social distancing measures? These nature based attractions are waiting for you to return:
Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground
Hopkins Falls
Botanical Gardens
Fletcher Jones Gardens
Enjoy city lifestyle experiences wrapped up in the spectacular beauty and wild nature of the raw Southern Ocean. Warrnambool offers opportunities for relaxation, refined refreshments and a new sense of playfulness, adventure and rejuvenation...
What our visitors are saying
"Warrnambool is the best place in Australia" - Dave Hughes on Sunrise 7. To see the full Warrnambool feature click here.
Family Fun
You are planning the spring holiday around the dinner table – the 9yr old says he wants to do all the activities, surfing, mini golf, fishing. The 6yr old says she wants to make a sand castle, go swimming and catch a movie. Your other half wants to stay somewhere close to the centre of town so there isn’t too much driving and can relax with a local drop and spend a few hours at a museum or gallery – and you?
Well you just want everyone to have a great holiday and read your new book and enjoy a crayfish dinner. Lucky you don’t have to think too hard about where to go as you know Warrnambool can tick all the boxes for everyone!
Natures Drama
Walk in the footsteps of the indigenous Gunditjmara Nation of people at Tower Hill National Park, watch Southern Right Whales return home to give birth and raise their calves, meet the Maremma dogs commissioned to protect the Little Penguins on Middle Island or discover by bike or foot the many parks and reserves protecting native flora and fauna.
Active Adventure
Walking, running, playgrounds, fishing and so much more. Discover your next outdoor adventure today.
Creative Inspiration
The extraordinary environment around Warrnambool has inspired a creative response from generations of artists, writers, musicians, craftspeople and artisans. With numerous galleries, markets and retail stores offering handmade items and art pieces for visitors to take home and treasure. Download our gallery and market guide today.
History & Heritage
Warrnambool is located along the infamous Shipwreck Coast with many shipwrecks occurring within the vicinity of our Lady Bay. Admire the beauty of Proudfoots historic boathouse, our state heritage listed lighthouse precinct or pay a visit to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and make a day of it. Alternatively, follow our cbd heritage trail and take in our historic buildings, gardens, and landmarks.
Eat & Drink
High quality local produce is celebrated in many of Warrnambool’s best restaurants, cafes and bistros. The resulting food matches the best you can find in Melbourne, with a wide array of Australian and multicultural options. And the prices will make you smile.
There are also plenty of interesting shops where you can can stock up on tasty delights. The local bakeries, butchers, delicatessens and fruiterers are exceptional.
The Great South West Food & Wine Group promotes the diversity and quality of the food and wine produced in the region - from the Otway Ranges in the east, to the South Australian border in the west, and the Grampians in the north
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village
Flagstaff Hill is a state heritage listed site overlooking the beautiful Lady Bay. Today you can explore the site and gain a glimpse into our regions maritime heritage.
Visitor Information
Call into the Visitor information Centre and discover the best kept secrets from the locals. A: 89 Merri St, Warrnambool P:1800 637 725 E: vic@warrnambool.vic.gov.au
Open 7 days 10.00am-5.00pm, closed Xmas Day.
Conferences & Functions & Events Planning
Warrnambool is the event capital of the Great Ocean Road. The city by the sea offers delegates everything you would expect from a bustling city but without the enormous cost.
Plan your visit
Itineraries
Take the worry out of planning your trip, look over the suggested itineraries that cover the local coffee spots, beaches and lookouts.
Holiday Blog
Discover the hidden secrets of Warrnambool from holiday makers. Tips on trips with kids, the best spot to eat or things to do on a rainy day.
What's On
Don't miss a minute of the action! View major events, free things to do, tours, school holiday activities, food, music, markets, theater, exhibitions, what's on today, tomorrow and more.
Must Do's...
Meet the Maremmas
The Meet the Maremma Experience is fun, educational and interactive. You will learn about Little Penguins and the importance of conserving them. You will also learn how this world first project uses Maremma dogs to look after the penguin colony on Middle Island.
Flagstaff Hill
Book your ticket to the Sound and Light Show ‘Tale of the Shipwreck Coast’. Tales of the Shipwreck Coast is told through light projections onto a massive wall of water from the Village lake and the village buildings themselves. It weaves three true stories of the past, from local Aboriginal dreamtime, to the tales of whalers and the infamous wreck of the Loch Ard. It runs on dusk every night and it’s best to book to avoid disappointment.
Whale Watching
Almost every year between June and September, female Southern Right Whales return to the waters of Warrnambool's Logans Beach to calve. The whales often swim within a hundred meters of the shore. They can be viewed from a specially constructed platform in the sand dunes or from the beach.
