The Best Warrnambool Accommodation | Australian Traveller

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.

A change is as good as a holiday, but never more so than in the Bendigo region when it’s the seasons putting in the transformative work.

With its gold rush history, opulent architecture and booming food and wine industry, there’s no denying that the Bendigo region is beautiful to visit at any time of year. Visit between March and May, however, and you’ll find the Bendigo in autumn really comes alive. Foliage erupts in a canvas of golden colours and the cooling air makes immersing yourself in nature all the more enticing.

Need a few ideas to get you started? We’re so glad you asked.

1. Tackle the bike trails

Pink Cliffs Reserve in Heathcote can be seen on the O’Keefe Rail Trail. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Godfrey)

Welcome to a region that punches well above its weight when it comes to cycling. This is where hammies are tested on multi-day rides, and first-timers fall in love with the sport on short (and ridiculously pretty) trails.

The 49-kilometre O’Keefe Rail Trail is the headline act, following the old railway line between Bendigo and Heathcote. Cross the Campaspe River at Axedale Recreation Reserve and pause at the Platypus Compass Sculpture and the First Nations mural marking the connection between Djaara and Taungurung Country, with Axedale acting as the perfect halfway stop to refuel at a pub or cafe.

Pedal a little further Heathcote’s Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve to be rewarded with views of sculpted pink clay cliffs and narrow gorges that are perfect for a photo stop. Searching for a different type of reward? The Heatchote Wine Region is full of inviting cellar doors.

There are plenty of other options in the Bendigo region, from the 210-kilometre Goldfields Track , to the Bendigo Creek Trail and Back Creek Trail – both ideal for riders of all abilities. The 3.7 kilometre Little Lake Boort loop is a great family-friendly option.

Prefer something more adventurous? Spring Gully Mountain Bike Park has been keeping BMX Bandits’ dreams alive for years.

2. Enjoy the crunch of autumn leaves

two people having a picnic at Valley of Liquidambers heathcote — Pack a picnic and head to the Valley of Liquidambers.

Blinding clusters of crimson, burnt orange and brilliant yellow; here, autumn leaves are crisp confetti of fire and gold. See the magic up close with a slew of parks seemingly dedicated to showcasing Mother Nature’s colour wheel, especially from mid April to early June.

Pack a picnic for an afternoon at Valley of Liquidambers in Heathcote, where Liquidamber trees transform into a wonderworld of magical foliage. Don’t miss taking a leisurely stroll across the swinging bridge back towards the main street.

Rosalind Park might be celebrated for its annual tulip display come springtime, but it’s hard to compete with the theatre of autumn. Here, many trees date back to the 1800s, and there’s no better place for a romantic stroll than along the elms, oak and Queensland Kauri that dominate this park.

Head straight to Lake Weeroona, where an ornamental lake begs for a leisurely lap around its edges, either on foot, or with pedal power.

3. Immerse yourself in First Nations culture

woman exploring Kooyoora State Park with guides — Explore Kooyoora State Park on a cultural tour.

Its ‘Mountain of Light’ (Guyura in the Dja Dja Wurrung language) title is impressive, but so too is Kooyoora State Park’s rugged landscape of granite outcrops, rocky ridgelines and wide-open skies.

While there’s nothing to suggest you couldn’t explore Kooyoora’s walking tracks on your own, the best way to understand the 40,000 years of history behind its natural wonders is to book a 2.5-hour Kooyoora Cultural Tour with Dumawul Tours .

Led by Djaara cultural guides, expect a traditional Welcome to Country smoking ceremony, before engaging storytelling rewinds the clock to reveal the deep cultural significance of the land, its flora, fauna and its continuing connection to Country.

Keen to stay a little longer? Consider staying overnight at the campground and committing to the park’s wealth of walking trails, such as the 5.3-kilometre hike from the camping ground to the lookout on the Long Rock Walking Track.

4. Splash in the region’s waterways

Paddle through Serpentine Creek Canoe Trail. (Image: Visit Vic)

Water babies rejoice: the Bendigo region offers a wealth of waterways to explore.

Flowing 392-kilometres from the Great Dividing Range to the Murray River, the best way to enjoy Loddon River is with a stop at Bridgewater. Here you can swim in the natural infinity pool or tackle the all-abilities, five-kilometre Serpentine Creek Canoe Trail before browsing the cute stores in town. Hungry? Grab a bite at Bridgewater Hotel .

Lake Eppalock is popular for water activities, but don’t miss a visit to Little Lake Boort and Big Lake Boort. Birders, in particular, will love the former, thanks to the large variety of bird species that nest in the boardwalk area surrounding the lake.

Meanwhile, Big Lake Boort is celebrated for its significant Indigenous history and over 400 scarred trees, and offers an opportunity to spot birds and go canoing.

Meanwhile, watersports and recreational activities at Crusoe Reservoir, located on the outskirts of Bendigo, are the order of the day. Take a walk to the picnic spots of No. 7 Park nearby, and maybe even camp there for the night.

5. View epic lookouts

customers at Peregrine Ridge — Spend time at Peregrine Ridge.

Sometimes a holiday requires a phenomenal spot on which to perch as you survey your temporary kingdom below. The Bendigo region, happily, doesn’t do anything by halves.

Located in Heathcote-Graytown National Park, Viewing Rock Lookout – a rocky outcrop offering spectacular views over Heathcote and surrounds – remains a popular choice. Take the hour-long Viewing Rock Circuit Walk and try your hand at gold prospecting nearby.

Prefer the romance of sunrise or sunset? Pyramid Hill, a stunning granite hill rising 187-metres above sea level, is the place to be (preferably with a coffee and a bagel)

Over in Terrick Terrick National Park, a walk to the summit delivers a full 360-degree panorama of woodlands, farms and open-sky plains. Pack lunch – and perhaps a tent – as picnic tables and camping are available.

Carve out time for Peregrine Ridge , a vineyard situated at the eastern side of Mt Camel Range with an elevation ranging from 250-290 metres. Be rewarded with delicious wine and a cellar door which offers floor-to-ceiling views.

6. Enjoy the Bendigo region’s parks and gardens

Rosalind Park in bendigo — Stroll through Bendigo’s best gardens. (Image: Visit Vic)

Rosalind Park, located right in the centre of town, is considered Bendigo’s backyard and rightly so. Home to the Bendigo Easter Festival , it’s just as popular year-round for its sixty acres of rolling lawns, towering elms, fernery and winding paths – not to mention the playground which has plenty of little fans of its own. A short drive away, Bendigo Botanic Gardens – established in 1857 – offers a more tranquil space for deep-level nature immersion.

Those who favour something a little more formal, cottage-style Canterbury Park Gardens – famous for its dahlias in autumn – delivers. Stroll through its meticulously maintained ornamental gardens before checking out Lake Tom Thumb and Lake Neangar nearby.

Time to start planning your adventure to the Bendigo Region, visit bendigoregion.com.au.

15 of the best places to stay in Warrnambool