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WINTER HIGHLIGHTS
Top 5 Winter Highlights
Winter Whale Trail
Winter Whale Trail
Grey skies and rainy days can really blow, but that’s a good thing when you’re travelling alongside pods of playful whales, spectacular coastlines, remarkable limestone structures and spirited landscapes, all while the crowds of summer fade.
Winter brings the Great Ocean Road to life. The vibrant symphony of the rain forest adds to the powerful drama of the ocean-meets-cliff theatrics, while whales arrive to bask in the warmer waters of the Southern Ocean.
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Tom Ballard's Favourite Places in Warrnambool
Tom Ballard's Favourite Places in Warrnambool
Australian comedian and presenter Tom Ballard, grew up in Warrnambool. He's co-hosted the triple j breakfast show, has taken his live stand up across the globe, and is the host of 'Tonightly with Tom Ballard' on ABC Comedy. Join Tom as he guides you through his hometown favourites.
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WINTER WHALE TRAIL
The Whale Trail is a must do winter road-trip for whale sightings along the Great Ocean Road. This section of coastline is known as the ‘whale corridor’, because in the winter months Whales from the Antarctic make the journey to warmer waters along this coast. The Whale Trail is a collection of locally made itineraries and carefully selected seasonal experiences for you to enjoy this Winter.
I AM WHERE STORIES UNFOLD
Meet our local tour guide, Matty, who would love to show you around his backyard, Warrnambool.
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...
Family Fun
You are planning the summer 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 Maritime Village reopened to the public after a $2.95 million dollar upgrade in June 2017. During this period our amazing attraction underwent major upgrades and renovations throughout the venue, including the installation of a brand new light and sound show. With the welcome addition of further activation and so much more to explore, there has never been a better time to visit Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village.
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 Open 7 days 9.00am-5.00pm, closed Xmas Day.
Volunteer with us!
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Warrnambool Taste of the Coast
32 Pertobe Road, Warrnambool, VIC 3280
Warrnambool Taste of the Coast is a new festival by Warrnambool's coast to experience the taste and flavours of the Great Ocean Road.
06 Oct 2019 02:00pm - 06 Oct 2019 08:30pm
Warrnambool Show
Hyland Street, Warrnambool, VIC 3280
The Warrnambool Show is Victoria’s longest running Agricultural Show.
26 Oct 2019 09:00am - 26 Oct 2019 10:00pm
Warrnambool Running Festival
89 Merri Street, Warrnambool, VIC 3280
The annual Warrnambool Running Festival (previously the Koroit to Warrnambool Half Marathon) is organised by the Warrnambool Athletics Club.
15 Sep 2019 10:00am - 15 Sep 2019 02:00pm
Warrnambool May Racing Carnival
2-64 Grafton Road, Warrnambool, VIC 3280
It's Grand. It's May Racing. All roads lead to the 'bool for one of Australia’s hallmark country racing events, the May Racing Carnival.
05 May 2020 11:00am - 07 May 2020 05:00pm
Carols On The Green Warrnambool
48 Liebig Street, Warrnambool, VIC 3280
Community Carols by Candlelight will be held on the Civic Green, there will be a live band with community groups and choirs performing...
20 Dec 2019 06:30pm - 20 Dec 2019 09:30pm
Carols by the Merri
The Esplanade, Warrnambool, VIC 3280
Carols by the Merri is a community celebration where local schools, musicians and groups come together with the wider community to celebrate Christmas.
07 Dec 2019 05:00pm - 07 Dec 2019 10:00pm
Australia Day in the Gardens 2020
Botanic Road, Warrnambool, VIC 3280
Come and celebrate what’s great about Australia and the region at Warrnambool’s Australia Day celebrations in the Botanic Gardens.
26 Jan 2020 10:30am - 26 Jan 2020 04:00pm
Harrison Craig sings Elton John Love Songs
185 Timor Street, Warrnambool, VIC 3280
Australia’s Prince of crooning and love ballads, Harrison Craig, returns in 2019 to embark on a national tour honouring the emotional, intimate and...
16 Nov 2019 08:00pm - 16 Nov 2019 10:00pm
Terang Races
10 Keilambete Road, Terang, VIC 3264
Experience the Country Races the Terang Racing Club and gear up for a big day at the Country Races.
19 Nov 2019 11:00am - 19 Nov 2019 05:00pm
St James Annual Rose Show
Shaw Street, Mortlake, VIC 3272
Held this year at the Soldiers Memorial Hall Mortlake, the St James Annual Rose Show is this year celebrating its 122nd Anniversary.
09 Nov 2019 - 10 Nov 2019
Mortlake Cup
160 Connewarren Lane, Mortlake, VIC 3272
Established in 1869 and with a proud history, the Mortlake Racing Club continues to thrive on the Victorian country racing circuit.
02 Nov 2019
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 Maritime Village
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.
Explore Your Options
Search accommodation and tours here, call 1800 637 725 or email: vic@warrnambool.vic.gov.au
