Best Things To Do In Warrnambool | Australian Traveller

If steering your own mini motorboat around a lake, pedalling along a beach promenade or blissing out in geothermal hot springs sounds like heaven, then read on to learn about the top things to do in Warrnambool.

While it may not get as much attention as some of the more touristy stops along the way, this coastal city at the end of the Great Ocean Road is well worth checking out. No matter if you’re into nature, sports, arts, history, food and wine—or all of the above—you won’t run out of things to do in Warrnambool. Here are ten of the best to add to your trip list.

1. Slip into some hot springs

The westernmost stop on the Great Victorian Bathing Trail, Deep Blue Hot Springs is the ideal spot to wind down after a long drive along the Great Ocean Road.

an old lady dipping in Deep Blue Hot Springs, Warrnambool — Wind down after a long drive at Deep Blue Hot Springs. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Slip into a mineral bath and let the geothermal waters relieve your tired muscles, chill out in a sensory cave enhanced with trippy colour therapy lights and find bliss under the waterfall in the rainforest pool – this place warrants a repeat visit!

a couple in a sensory cave at Deep Blue Hot Springs, Warrnambool — Chill out in a sensory cave. (Image: Visit Victoria)

2. Pick up a paintbrush at the Warrnambool School of Art

Unleash your inner Frida Kahlo by booking in to attend a workshop at the Warrnambool School of Art. From contemporary watercolour painting to hard-edge acrylics and mosaics, there are classes and workshops covering a wide range of artistic styles here, all taught by passionate, experienced artists with plenty of insights to share.

3. Kick back in the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens

On a warm summer’s day, the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens is a peaceful spot to beat the heat. Set up a picnic rug under one of the massive Moreton Bay Figs to enjoy a shady, alfresco lunch or sit by the peaceful pond to watch the ducks. Designed by renowned landscape architect William Guilfoyle (designer of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens) this lovely spot has been a fixture in Warrnambool since the 1800s and still delights people of all ages, centuries later.

an aerial view of the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens — Warrnambool Botanic Gardens is a peaceful spot to beat the heat.

4. Get on your bike

If you love getting out and about on two wheels, then you’ll be pleased to know that Warrnambool has some ripper cycling trails to explore. Hire a bike from Café Cycles Company, then ride your day away on some of the city’s trails. If you’ve got plenty of time and energy to burn, then complete a return journey on the scenic Warrnambool to Port Fairy Rail Trail (it will take you most of the day, so start early).

a little girl biking on the scenic Warrnambool — Explore the scenic trails on a bike from Café Cycles Company.

Prefer an easier, quicker ride? The 7.5km Foreshore Promenade stretching from Breakwater to Logans Beach has showstopping ocean views, which you’ll have to share with walkers, joggers and other cyclists on this popular route.

a woman soaking up the ocean breeze at Logan's Beach, Warrnambool — Stop by Logan’s Beach for a quick rest. (Image: Visit Victoria)

5. Hunt for antiques at Fletcher Jones Market

If you love nothing more than digging through crates of vinyl records and coveting Australian pottery from the 70s, be sure to visit Fletcher Jones Market when you’re in town. Home to thousands of vintage and retro items, this huge indoor antiques and collectables market covers 3,000 square metres of floor space so be prepared to spend some time fossicking through many stalls jam-packed with memorabilia from years gone by. The gardens here are impressive too.

6. Step back in time at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village

If you have ever wanted to learn more about the history of the Shipwreck Coast, this is the place for you. A maritime museum and village which arguably holds Australia’s most significant shipwreck artefact collection, Flagstaff Hill is a sprawling outdoor monument to the hardy people who made a living here more than a century ago.

boats docked at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village — Learn more about the history of the Shipwreck Coast at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Visit the Blacksmith’s forge, climb the spiral staircase of the lighthouse, check out the 80-pound cannon and marvel at a super rare, highly valued Minton peacock statue salvaged from a shipwreck many years ago.

two people standing outside the the lighthouse at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village lighthouse — Climb the lighthouse’s spiral staircase. (Image: Tourism Australia)

7. Let loose on the Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground

Fun for all the family can be found at this large, council-run outdoor adventure park . The ideal spot to spend a fun day in the outdoors without breaking the bank, there are plenty of things for kids to get stuck into here including a huge slide, flying fox and a maze. You can even hire mini motorboats to take out on the lake. Plenty of picnic tables, shady areas and barbecues means you can bring your own lunch and snacks to enjoy throughout the day too.

8. Catch a show at the Lighthouse Theatre

If you’re looking for something to do at night, check out the Lighthouse Theatre’s program. Throughout the year you’ll find everything from plays to musicals, stand-up comedy performances, tribute acts and more at this heritage theatre that has been revamped in recent years but has lost none of its charm.

the Lighthouse Theatre in Warrnambool — Pop by the Lighthouse Theatre to catch a musical.

9. Get to know the local art scene

There’s much more to Warrnambool than beaches and maritime history; there’s a thriving arts scene too. If you love art, then be sure to hit the galleries while you’re visiting.

a couple standing outside Warrnambool Art Gallery — Step into Warrnambool Art Gallery to immerse in its thriving art scene. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Warrnambool Art Gallery (or ‘the WAG’) is open seven days a week and houses an impressive collection of paintings and works on paper by influential Australian artists like Cressida Campbell, Clarice Beckett and Joy Hester.

Meanwhile, the F Project is a volunteer-run arts organisation that runs exhibitions throughout the year and does great work fostering local creative talent to flourish. Staffed by volunteers, the gallery and shop are open to visitors Wednesday to Sunday.

a couple at the entrance of Warrnambool Art Gallery — Warrnambool Art Gallery houses an impressive collection of paintings. (Image: Visit Victoria)

10. Explore the Shipwreck Coast aboard a boat

Keen to get out on the water? Book a tour with Mako Ocean Adventures to explore the local marine parks along the coast. Many parts of the Shipwreck Coast are only visible by boat, so a trip with Mako Ocean Adventures will enable you to see some of the spectacular rock formations and caves you can’t see from land. Time your visit right and you might spot some dolphins or migrating humpback whales too!

11. Spend the morning at the markets

Held on the first and third Sunday of the month, the Fresh Market is a lovely spot to grab a morning coffee. Wandering around the stalls you’ll find everything from just-baked sourdough to locally-made jams and preserves for sale, as well as candles, flowers, paintings, seafood and more. Local markets like these really support regional artisans, producers and makers to stay in business, so why not grab some treats to gift to friends or enjoy once you’re home?

Discover the best things to do on the Great Ocean Road.

From cycling and comedy to boating and begonia appreciation, there’s an event in regional Victoria that’s sure to have you circling dates on your calendar.

1. Festival of Sails

the Melbourne to Geelong passage race, Festival of Sails 2025 — The Melbourne to Geelong passage race will be held for its 183rd year. (Image: Salty Dingo)

When: 24–26 January
Where: Melbourne and Geelong

This five-day regatta of sailing and onshore entertainment at Geelong’s waterfront includes Australia’s oldest sporting event, the Melbourne to Geelong passage race which, in 2026, will be held for its 183rd year. But you don’t have to be a yachtie, sailor or boat-enthusiast to enjoy the nautical excitement; there’s also a three-day line-up of entertainment, food and live music, including the anchoring of tall ships – ever a firm family favourite.

2. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

cyclists during the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race — Catch the best cyclists as they wind through Victoria’s coastal towns. (Image: Visit Victoria)

When: 31 January – 1 February
Where: The Bellarine Peninsula

Meandering (at pace) along the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast is this annual cycling event that welcomes everyone from families to serious athletes. Since its beginnings in 2015, the race has become a huge hit with spectators flocking along to cheer on Lycra-clad competitors. Starting and finishing in Geelong’s Velo Village, this is the hub of the non-race activity with food and drink, roaming performers, lawn games and face painting.

3. Riverboats Music Festival

the performers at Riverboats Music Festival, Murray River — The annual music festival is staged under majestic red gums by the Murray River.

When: 13–15 February
Where: Echuca–Moama

Get along to bop and sway under the canopy of red gums at this annual music festival . Hosted by the twin towns of Echuca–Moama, the stage is set for Murray River-adjacent revelling as historic paddlesteamers peacefully chug alongside the event. As well as music, there’s dancing, food trucks and plenty of atmosphere to absorb.

4. Neerim ArtsFest

the Neerim ArtsFest south sculptures — Admire stunning works at Neerim ArtsFest. (Image: Nicky Cawood)

When: 28 February – 15 March
Where: Gippsland

This biennial Gippsland festival celebrates sculptural artists with an esteemed award in two categories, large outdoor and small indoor. The public is invited to enjoy the works over the exhibition period as they’re placed throughout Neerim South and surrounding venues. For 2026, the theme ‘The Spirit Soars’ leads artists to create stunning pieces that explore the expression of freedom in a thrilling visual capacity.

5. ChillOut Festival

a street parade during the LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival — Think colourful street parades and burlesque performances.

When: 5–9 March
Where: Daylesford

Pride in the country has been cheered on every March in Daylesford since 1997 with the riotous annual LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival . This colourful regional spectacle is an inclusive celebration of diversity that plays out across a vibrant parade, burlesque performances, a bush dance and a carnival. Get bedazzled, find a wig and stick on the false eyelashes for this fun party.

6. Port Fairy Folk Festival

Missy Higgins at the Port Fairy Folk Festival — Celebrate folk music at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. (Image: Lucinda Goodwin)

When: 6–9 March
Where: Port Fairy

In 2026, this beloved festival will be one year shy of its 50th anniversary. From folk fans to festival-lovers, this long-running event brings plenty of good vibes to guarantee an incredible experience. While music is at the heart of the festival, there’s also a range of workshops, exhibitions and family entertainment across dance, film and folk art. For its 49th year, the line-up so far includes Blair Dunlop, Elephant Sessions, and the musical duo Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham.

7. The Ballarat Begonia Festival

a woman admiring flowers at The Ballarat Begonia Festival — Gasp at delicate blooms at The Ballarat Begonia Festival.

When: 7–9 March
Where: Ballarat

In bloom since 1953, this horticultural event places a collection of rare begonias at the centre of festivities, honouring the flower’s presence in Ballarat since the 1800s. During its history, the event has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and, in 2015, it featured the launch of the largest outdoor Lego flower. Apart from a display of around 500 species of the flower of the moment, there’s also a begonia parade, entertainment, live music, food and presentations.

8. The Bendigo Easter Festival

Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance at The Bendigo Easter Festival — The majestic Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance is an annual tradition at The Bendigo Easter Festival.

When: 3–6 April
Where: Bendigo

Held in the city’s Rosalind Park, the annual Easter Festival has been a highlight of Bendigo’s calendar of events since 1871. A carnival of colourful activity, the festival welcomes everyone and rolls out the good times with everything from a Good Friday Easter egg hunt to live music and performances, a Rotary market and Gala Parade. Don’t miss the world’s longest imperial dragon rhythmically roaming the historic streets as part of the Easter Sunday festivities.

9. Grape Escape

a glass of wine at the Grampians Grape Escape — Enjoy a wine tasting experience. (Image: Anthony Evans Photography)

When: 1–3 May
Where: The Grampians

Backdropped by gorgeous Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, this much-loved bacchanalian-inspired festival of food, wine and music is a high-priority for gourmands. Held at Halls Gap Reserve, a Tasting Ticket includes a tumbler that unlocks free wine, beer and cider tastings and, if you are partaking, there’s a shuttle bus to get you back to your digs afterwards. Be sure to book your accommodation early for this one – its popularity is undisputed.

10. Comedy in the Vines

Comedy in the Vines at Cherryhill Orchards — Get the good times rolling at Cherryhill Orchards. (Image: Saige Prime)

When: 24–26 October
Where: Yarra Valley

The premise of Yarra Valley’s Comedy in the Vines , held at Cherryhill Orchards, is that wine and laughs pair well. Few arguments can be made, so get along this month (or next year), to have a giggle and a gamay. This year, taking the stage is the likes of Merrick Watts, Tommy Little, Ray O’Leary and Takashi Wakasugi. There are also masterclasses, a riesling and oyster shot bar, and plenty of food and music between gigs.

10 of the best things to do in Warrnambool