15 of the best places to stay in Warrnambool

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From a bayside resort to an ultra-modern beach house and quaint pub accommodation, Warrnambool has plenty of incredible places to stay.

Travellers are often surprised by this city at the end of the Great Ocean Road. Home to a population of just over 35,000 people, Warrnambool has all the ingredients for a relaxing break by the sea, minus the hefty price tags that come with some of the hyped holiday hotspots on the coast. When it comes to accommodation, Warrnambool has options ranging from beachside caravan parks to comfy pub stays and beyond. Read our guide to Warrnambool’s best accommodation to find the perfect place to bed down next time you’re in town.

Hotels

1. Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs

Desperate for a truly relaxing break? The answer is booking into this hotel  that boasts a hot springs sanctuary, indoor bathhouse, swimming pool, day spa and infrared sauna.

a room with a balcony at Deep Blue Hotel and Hot Springs, Warrnambool
Retreat to your ocean-view room with a balcony.

Check in to an ocean view room to wake up each morning to sea vistas or splash out on a deluxe spa suite to slide into your own private spa bath each evening.

the pool at Deep Blue Hotel and Hot Springs, Warrnambool
This hotel boasts a hot springs sanctuary for a truly relaxing break.

A weekend soaking up some geothermal goodness is just what the doctor ordered!

an aerial view of Deep Blue Hotel and Hot Springs, Warrnambool
Sweeping coastal vistas abound.

Best for: Spa breaks and wellness weekends

Address: Worm Bay Rd, Warrnambool 

2. Best Western Olde Maritime

This welcoming, centrally located hotel  has rooms ranging from compact budget twin rooms to spacious split-level family rooms. With a restaurant, bar and gym, this hotel has everything you need on site if you prefer to stay close to your room.

a look inside one of the rooms at Best Western Olde Maritime, Warrnambool
Best Western Olde Maritime is a welcoming retreat in Warrnambool.

Alternatively, Warrnambool’s restaurants and attractions are just a stroll away, with the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village just across the road.

a bedroom with a window and a fireplace at Best Western Olde Maritime, Warrnambool
Each room is minimal and elegant.

Best for: A great all-rounder for families, groups, couples and business travellers.

Address: 110-116 Merri St, Warrnambool 

3. Quest Warrnambool

A great all-purpose accommodation  option located opposite the Warrnambool Art Gallery and around the corner from some cracking pubs and restaurants, Quest Warrnambool ticks the boxes for all types of travellers. These spacious, open-plan serviced apartments have kitchens or kitchenettes if you like preparing your own meals.

a room with a balcony at Quest Warrnambool
The apartments are modern and spacious.

There’s an outdoor pool to enjoy in warmer weather too. Corporate facilities like meeting rooms make this hotel a good choice for business travellers, while wheelchair-friendly rooms make travelling easy for people with accessibility requirements.

the living area at Quest Warrnambool
Quest Warrnambool is a prime destination for business travellers.

Best for: Solo travellers, business travellers, families and people who require accessible rooms.

Address: 15-19 Liebig St, Warrnambool 

4. Warrnambool Gallery Apartments

Stay at these boutique apartments  and you’ll be right in the heart of the action. Choose from a studio, one or two-bedroom apartment, or a deluxe spa suite to finish the day soaking in your own spa. You’re just a short walk from some great pubs, restaurants and cafes here. Prefer making your own meals? Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen so you can stock up on provisions and enjoy a self-catered break.

Best for: Couples and solo travellers

Address: 206 Lava St, Warrnambool

5. The Cally

Many people visit this Fairy Street stalwart for a pub meal and a beer, but you can book a basic room upstairs too. If you’re on a budget and want to stay somewhere in the middle of the city, these neat and simple rooms will do the trick. Bonus points for being able to wander downstairs for a meal and an ale.

Best for: Groups and families on a budget break

Phone number:  (03) 5561 3932

Address: 112-114 Fairy St, Warrnambool

Resorts

6. Lady Bay Resort

If want to experience a relaxing slice of cruisy resort life, this large property located just outside of the Warrnambool city centre is a top pick.

the exterior of Lady Bay Resort with water views
Lady Bay Resort treats guests to picturesque water views.

From spacious rooms to a swimming pool, spa and restaurant, lounge and bar, everything you need for a chilled-out break is here in one place.

the living space interior of Lady Bay Resort Warrnambool
The coastal resort offers plenty of areas to relax.

If you fancy waking up to magnificent coastal views, followed by a leisurely wander along the beach promenade, then spending the afternoon by the pool, this resort delivers all you need for a slow-paced getaway by the sea.

the blue-painted Lady Bay Resort Warrnambool
The blue painted exterior echos the coastal surrounds.

Best for: Couples and groups longing for a quiet break with water views

Phone number: (03) 5562 1662

Address: 2 Pertobe Rd, Warrnambool

Airbnbs and holiday homes

7. Warrnambool Retreat

These stylish, self-contained retreats  named Henna and Merri are like walking right into a designer home magazine spread. A sympathetic renovation has enhanced the beauty of these units without betraying its heritage, with many original features retained.

a room with a bathtub at Warrnambool Retreat
These design-led units have modern furnishings.

Luxuriate in the freestanding bathtub, curl up by the fireplace with a glass of wine and kick back in the courtyard with a good book – Warrnambool Retreat truly is a home away from home.

the fireplace at Warrnambool Retreat
Keep warm by the fireplace.

Best for: Couples and groups keen for a private getaway.

Address: 1 Henna Street, Warrnambool, VIC

8. 1 Beach House

If you want to spoil yourself with a luxurious beach break, go no further than this blockbuster beach house.  A chic, four-bedroom smart home with all the bells and whistles (chef-grade kitchen, European appliances, ultra-wide smart televisions) you’ll be all set up for a memorable getaway here.

garden views from the window at 1 Beach House, Warrnambool
This deluxe abode is all about recharging.

If you can tear yourself away from this deluxe abode, wander (or use the complimentary bikes) to the Logans Beach Whale Viewing Platform to try and spot migrating whales that visit the area between May and September each year. Driving an electric car? A free Tesla destination charger is available here too.

the outdoor seating area at 1 Beach House, Warrnambool
The landscaped garden is the perfect spot to relax.

Best for: A very special break to remember with friends and loved ones.

Address: Logans Beach Coastal Village, Warrnambool.

Caravan Parks & Campgrounds

9. NRMA Warrnambool Riverside Holiday Park

This peaceful holiday park  right on the Hopkins River has facilities and amenities galore, making it a top spot for families and people who love staying active while on holiday. Have fun in the lagoon-style outdoor pool, swim some laps in the heated indoor pool, putt your way around the mini-golf course or visit the book exchange to borrow a page-turner to read at the beach. There are campsites, powered caravan sites, cabins and villas at different price points here. If you’re travelling with your pooch, you’ll be pleased to know this park welcomes four-legged guests too.

the NRMA Warrnambool Riverside Holiday Park
Kids can run around the outdoor playground.

Best for: Families and people travelling with pets.

Address: 125 Jubilee Park Rd, Warrnambool

10. Surfside Holiday Park

As the name suggests, this large, council-run holiday park  is just a short stroll from the beach. The location is so convenient, that you could easily forget about your car for days and get around on foot or bike instead. Choose from basic cottages, brand-new beach chalets and powered or unpowered sites if you’re a camper or have embraced van life.

the Surfside Holiday Park, Warrnambool
Surfside Holiday Park boasts a convenient beachside location.

Best for: Beach lovers

Address: 120 Pertobe Rd, Warrnambool

11. Shipwreck Bay Holiday Park

This beach-facing holiday park  is also run by the local council and mostly operates during peak holiday periods. A top location to pitch a tent or set up your caravan, this holiday park’s coveted beachside location makes it a popular place during summer – book your spot early.

Best for: Campers and caravanners who love to surf and swim

Address: 42 Pertobe Rd, Warrnambool 

12. Warrnambool Holiday Park and Motel

This holiday park  that’s just off the Princes Highway has everything from basic studio apartments suited to solo travellers or couples, to premium apartments for groups and families. Travelling with your boat in tow? This holiday park is the ideal place to stay since there’s free boat storage and bait and ice available for sale at reception.

Best for: Anglers and people travelling with boats

Address: 83 Simpson St, Warrnambool

13. Discovery Parks – Warrnambool

This dog-friendly park  has stacks of amenities to keep everyone happy. There’s a pool, playground, movie room, pedal karts and fun activities like scavenger hunts and art workshops for the little ones. Choose from cosy cabins, powered sites for your van or unpowered sites for your tent or swag – there’s accommodation to suit different preferences and price points here.

Best for: Families and people travelling with pets

Address: 25 Pertobe Rd, Warrnambool

14. BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks – Warrnambool

This pet-friendly holiday park  is just a 10-minute walk to the city centre. Book a cabin, unit or suite, set your tent up on a grassy site or roll into a powered site if you’re in a van or motorhome.

the outdoor deck with barbecue grill at BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks Warrnambool
Whip up a delicious barbecue feast on the spacious outdoor deck.

While there is plenty to do in Warrnambool, you’d be mad not to make use of the swimming pool, infrared sauna, tennis court, basketball court, games room and playground here.

the indoor pool at BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks Warrnambool
Make a splash in the indoor pool.

Best for: Families with kids of all ages and people travelling with pets.

Address: 33 Lava St, Warrnambool

15. Warrnambool Holiday Village

This village’s location right near several supermarkets makes it a top location for people who enjoy self-catered, budget breaks. Each cabin has a kitchen, so you’ll be set to whip up your own breakfast, lunch and dinner here. There’s also air conditioning, free wi-fi and a barbecue area for preparing al fresco feasts.

Best for: Travellers who value a convenient, central location

Address: 81 Henna St, Warrnambool

Discover the best things to do in Warrnambool.

Jo Stewart
Jo Stewart is a freelance features writer who pens stories about nature, pop culture, music, art, design and more from her home in the Macedon Ranges of Victoria. When not writing, you can find her trawling through vinyl records and vintage fashion at op shops, antique stores and garage sales.
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Discover the Yarra Valley town made for slow weekends

Once a service town for gold miners, Healesville has evolved into a destination brimming with character.

If you trace your finger to the heart of the Yarra Valley on a map, you’ll land on Healesville – a charming little town framed by towering gums and rolling hills. Its main street is lined with cosy cafes, a bookshop, silversmiths, boutiques and a providore stacked with artisan breads and cured meats. In other words, all the essentials for a leisurely weekend. Just beyond the shops, parklands invite picnics, bush trails suggest a wander, along with an old tourist railway, distilleries and award-winning vineyards. Originally a service centre for the goldfields, the railway soon brought visitors seeking fresh mountain air. Today, it’s the kind of place that rewards a slow stroll.

Staying in Healesville

the lounge in one of the cosy villas at Healesvillas
Inside one of the cosy villas.

If sweeping mountain views are part of your accommodation prerequisite, Healesvillas are two architecturally designed villas sleeping six guests, complete with landscaped al fresco areas and a fire pit. Wander into town to visit Cheesemonger Sophie to help craft the perfect platter, and Barrique Wine Store for a local red, before returning to soak up the views.

Dining out in Healesville

small plates at No. 7 Healesville
No.7 offers small plates and tasting menus centred on seasonal produce. (Image: Ben Frazer)

For breakfast, head to My Little Kitchen Cafe , a cheerful spot on the main street known for its strong coffee and warm hospitality. Herd is a low-lit spot with serious style, serving up modern comfort food, or to sit beside wine barrels and underneath chandeliers head to No. 7 Healesville , a wine bar and restaurant in a converted warehouse.

Drinking in Healesville

a cocktail at Four Pillars Gin Distillery
Enjoy a cocktail at renowned Four Pillars Gin Distillery. (Image: LVDI)

Take a tour or sip your way through a tasting paddle at one of Australia’s most famous gin distilleries, Four Pillars Gin . If visiting a boutique winery is on the list, Boat O’Craigo wines has sweeping views over the vineyards to the hills beyond. The newest addition to the local drinking scene, Zoncello Yarra Valley serves a must-try Limoncello Spritz.

the Boat O’Craigo winery
Boutique winery Boat O’Craigo. (Image: Rob Blackburn)

Healesville highlights

If you’re after a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery, Silvermist Studio designs beautifully unique pieces. Lifestyle store Morris et al is filled with women’s fashion and homewares, and because everyone deserves a good book, Verso Books is a cosy independent bookshop with carefully chosen titles.

Head to Healesville Sanctuary to get up close to some of Australia’s wildlife. If the weather is on your side, pack a picnic and head to Maroondah Reservoir Park to climb the steep dam wall, where kids and adults alike can’t resist testing out the booming echo. And if you feel like stepping back in time, board a vintage train at the Yarra Valley Railway .

the Puffing Billy Railway
Step back in time at the Puffing Billy Railway. (Image: Visit Victoria)