Warrnambool has a dramatic location on a plateau behind a steep bluff, defined by rivers to the east and west, overlooking sheltered Lady Bay. There are interesting historical buildings and attractive streetscapes, but perhaps the biggest surprise is the range of superb beaches right at the city's front door.
Warrnambool is located 256km from Melbourne and is easily accessible by car, train, bus or plane.
By Car By Train By Bus By Plane
Visitor Information Centre Essential Services
By Car
Warrnambool is 257 kilometers away from Melbourne CBD and will take approximately 3hrs to drive via the inland route or 5hrs and 30 mins via the Great Ocean Road.
The step by step directions below should take you there:
- Travel from Melbourne city onto the Westgate Freeway
- Continue onto Princes Freeway
- Continue onto Geelong Ring Road
- Take the exit toward Follow M1 and Great Ocean Rd/B100
- Continue onto Great Ocean Rd/B100
- Arrive Warrnambool take Lava St to Liebig St
To drive the scenic Great Ocean Road route, turn off the Princes Freeway at the Torquay Exit.
Car Hire
Arriving by bus, train or plane and require a car to get you around? South West Car Hire will assist you with all of your car hire requirements.
Website: www.swichrentals.com.au
By Train
Train services operated by V/Line are available from Melbourne to Warrnambool, stopping along the way in major towns like Geelong and Colac.
The Melbourne to Warrnambool train line departs from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne's CBD.
Train times vary and are not available 24/7.
For train stops and timetables, please visit
Website: ptv.vic.gov.au
Phone: 1800 800 007
By Bus
Buses operate regular services throughout Warrnambool and neighbouring villages including Port Fairy.
Bus times may vary and are not available 24/7.
For bus and coach information and timetables, visit local provider Transit South West or use the travel planner below.
Website: ptv.vic.gov.au
Phone: 1800 800 007
By Plane
Warrnambool Airport
Warrnambool Regional Airport is owned and operated by the Warrnambool City Council and is registered under Civil Aviation Safety Regulation (CASR) subpart 13.6.C Registered Airports.
Sharp airlines operate regular services between Warrnambool, Portland and Melbourne
The airport has 16 hangars on site accommodating both business and recreational aircraft. The airport is home to Ambulance Victoria, Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS 4). The airport averages about 40 aircraft movements daily with General Aviation Maintenance (Courier Service) and Ambulance Victoria fixed wing aircraft daily users. No landing or aircraft parking fees currently apply.
Website: Warrnambool Airport
Email: wbool_city@warrnambool.vic.gov.au
Melbourne Airport
Also known as Tullamarine Airport, is 265 kilometers away from Warrnambool. It is the second busiest airport in Australia. The Melbourne Airport is the nearest Airport to Warrnambool that has both local and International flights. Jetstar, Qantas, Strategic Airlines and Virgin Australia are some of the carriers that the airport accommodates for International flights. They have several local destinations that are provided by carriers such as Rex, Jetstar, Qantas, Skywest Airlines, Tiger Airways and Virgin Australia.
Website: www.melbourneairport.com.au
Phone: +61 3 9297 1600
Avalon Airport
Located just outside of Geelong and only 45 minutes from Melbourne CBD, Avalon Airport is the closest airport to the start of the Great Ocean Road, being only a 35 minute drive from Torquay. It offers easy transport options to Geelong and Torquay as well as plenty of car hire options.
Avalon Airport currently supports budget Jetstar flights to and from Sydney, the Gold Coast, Adelaide and Hobart.
Website: www.avalonairport.com.au
Phone: +61 3 5227 9100
Toll Free: 1800 AVALON (1800 282 566)
Essendon Airport
Essendon Airport is a General Aviation and Corporate Jet Airport situated at the intersection of the Tullamarine and Calder Freeways, just 10 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD.
Essendon Airport provides facilities and services for International and Domestic corporate aircraft, aircraft maintenance, airfreight, aircraft charter and emergency air service providers. Combined, these operators undertake more than 50,000 annual aircraft movements.
Website: www.essendonairport.com.au
Phone: +61 3 9948 9400
Our visitor information centre
The yellow and blue 'i' sign is your passport to quality information and friendly service along the entire Great Ocean Road. Let our Warrnambool Visitor Information Centre staff help you make the most of your next visit!
Open daily from 9am -5.00pm closed Xmas Day
Address: 89 Merri Street, Warrnambool (near the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum)
Essential services
Post Office
Australia Post - Warrnambool
169 Koroit Street, Warrnambool
Phone: 13 13 18
Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm
Saturday: 9am - 12:30pm
Sunday: closed
Hospital
South West Health Care
Ryot Street, Warrnambool
Phone: 03 5563 1666
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
St John of God Warrnambool Hospital
136 Botanic Road, Warrnambool
Phone: +61 3 5564 0600
(No emergency services)
Emergency Services
Police Station - Warrnambool
214 Koroit Street, Warrnambool
Phone: +61 3 5560 1333
For police, ambulance or fire, call 000
