While Warrnambool may be considered the last stop on the Great Ocean Road, the adventure is just beginning.

Leave some energy (and petrol) in the tank, because there are plenty of things to do and see in Warrnambool. Immerse yourself in its maritime history, explore its spectacular natural beauty, or dip into its lively arts and culture. There’s something here for every traveller, so pick your favourites from our list and start planning. And if you’re looking for somewhere to stay, we’ve rounded up the best accommodations options in the area.

In Short

If you only do one thing in Warrnambool, make it visiting the Thunder Point lookout. You’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the ocean and rugged coastline, and it’s a prime spot to watch the sun go down.

Spend the afternoon at Lake Pertobe

There’s honestly something for everyone at the picturesque Lake Pertobe. Whether you’re here for the epic adventure playground (complete with maze, flying fox and water play area), a paddle on the lake or a BBQ picnic, you can easily while away an entire day. Our suggestion? Hiring one of the charmingly colourful motor boats from the family-owned business on the lake’s edge (check their Facebook for opening times). On-site facilities include toilets, seating areas, BBQs and free parking.

Best for: Everyone

Relax at the hot springs

Set amongst a lush, natural environment with the scent of jasmine in the air, Deep Blue Hot Springs is home to a network of natural geothermal springs. Leave your worries behind as you pool-hop your way through sensory caves and rockpools, where the mineral-rich waters soothe both the mind and tight muscles, then break for lunch at the on-site Tides Café, Bar and Restaurant. You do need to pay extra for a locker, towel and robe, so consider bringing your own towel if you want to save a little cash.

Best for: Wellness lovers
Opening hours: 7am–9.30pm daily

Cycle the Warrnambool Foreshore Promenade

The Warrnambool Foreshore Promenade runs from the Breakwater to Point Ritchie, following the curve of Lady Bay. If you’re not much of a cyclist, that’s perfectly fine – you can walk, run, or even rollerblade along the sealed path while taking in the sweeping coastal views.

Best for: Cyclists and active holiday goers  

Enjoy stunning views from Thunder Point

Named for the sound of waves crashing against the rocks, Thunder Point offers an incredible vantage point to admire the forces of nature and watch the sun set over the Southern Ocean. It’s a short, easy walk to the lookouts from the car park, but it can get very windy; if you’re coming here for sunset, make sure to bring an extra layer.

Best for: Photographers and nature lovers

Explore the Shipwreck Coast by boat

Join a tour with Mako Ocean Adventures to explore the Shipwreck Coast, named for the hundreds of vessels wrecked along the dangerous stretch of coastline over the centuries. Tours range from the family-friendly 45min Discovery Tour, to the popular Antares, Bay of Islands tour, where over 2.5 hours you’ll traverse 45 kilometres of coastline, including the Bay of Islands coastal reserve, Gauls Caves, and Bertrams Bay Magic Rock. With parts of the coast only accessible by boat, this is worth booking in.

Best for: History buffs

Go to the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village

Step back in time to the 19th-century as you explore the cobbled streets of this historic maritime village, climb an original lighthouse and get a taste of life as it was for the first European settlers in the area. There’s a museum on site too, home to Australia’s most significant shipwreck artefact collection; stop by at 11.30am for a tour with a guide in full period costume.

Purchase a combined day and night ticket so you can return for the evening sound and light show, which covers Indigenous, whaling and shipwreck stories. Note that only the museum is wheelchair accessible; contact staff if you need mobility assistance for the evening show.

Best for: Families and history buffs
Opening hours: 9.30am–4.30pm daily (maritime village); evening show nightly at dusk

Visit the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens

Pack a picnic for a lazy afternoon at the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens. These peaceful, classic-style gardens are over 150 years old; designed by William Guilfoyle in 1879, who also completed the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, they’re home to beautiful mature trees (including a 1934 lone pine), a lily pond, lush lawns, a rotunda and nature play area. Keep an eye out for bats in the treetops, and if you’re lucky you might spot a turtle in the pond.

Best for: Families and garden enthusiasts

See a show at the Lighthouse Theatre

With a diverse, year-round lineup of live theatre, concerts, comedy and community events, it’s worth checking out the program at the Lighthouse Theatre when you’re in town. It’s located in Warrnambool’s centre, close to restaurants and pubs: perfect for a dinner and show. Enjoy a drink in the glass-fronted foyer (which contrasts against the original town hall façade), before finding your spot in the 584-seat auditorium. Visit the event pages on their website for specific accessibility options.

Best for: Culture enthusiasts
Opening hours: Check website for shows and times

Visit Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve

Less than a 20-minute drive from Warrnambool, Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve sits inside a large – and thankfully dormant – volcano. Choose from an assortment of walking trails for all levels, and look out for koalas, emus, kangaroos, swans and other birdlife as you explore this incredible geological formation.

Best for: Hikers and nature lovers

Shop for fresh food and treasures at the markets

What says “holiday" more than a market? And Warrnambool has several to choose from. Don’t miss the Summer Night Markets during the warmer months, bustling with food trucks, local artisan and produce stalls, and live entertainment. The daily Fletcher Jones Market is perfect for those who like to hunt for unique or vintage treasures, while the twice-monthly Fresh Market at Lake Pertobe is a hub of local growers, artisans, creators and designers (and it’s on every Sunday in January).

Best for: Foodies and shoppers

Spot whales from Logans Beach

If you’re visiting Warrnambool between June and October, you might be lucky enough to spot a whale from the viewing platform at Logans Beach. Southern Right Whales travel from Antarctic waters to this sheltered stretch of coastline every year to give birth. The accessible viewing platform is open at all times; just be patient and prepared to make multiple visits for the best chances of a sighting. Our tip? Pack binoculars and a thermos of hot coffee.

Best for: Wildlife lovers

Visit local art galleries

Warrnambool has a robust arts scene anchored by the Warrnambool Art Gallery, which houses a significant Australian art collection including Indigenous artefacts, colonial paintings and contemporary works, alongside temporary exhibitions (entry is free but some exhibitions may need a ticket).

The volunteer-run F Project Precinct is also worth a visit; pop into the art gallery (they have rotating exhibitions throughout the year) and browse the gift shop with original works from local creatives.

Best for: Art lovers
Opening hours: Warrnambool Art Gallery 10am–5pm Monday to Friday, 10am–3pm weekends / The F Project 10am–4pm Wednesday to Sunday

Explore the coastline’s beautiful beaches

Lady Bay is Warrnambool’s most popular beach, and as it’s sheltered and patrolled in summer, it’s a no-brainer for both swimmers and families. For those who want a quieter spot, Stingray Bay is a hidden gem with shallow pools located near the mouth of the Merri River; and while Logans Beach is known for whale watching in winter, experienced surfers also flock there year-round for its consistent waves.

Best for: Surfers, water and nature lovers

Hike the Mahogany Trail

This 22-kilometre return beach walk – for those who are up for it – is said to pass the last known resting place of the Mahogany Ship, a Portuguese ship wrecked in the 1500s (later disappearing under the sand in the late 19th century). The trail starts at Thunder Point car park and finishes at Griffiths Island car park in Port Fairy; along the way, you might spot echidnas and rare hooded plovers. If you’re attempting this hike, pack water and snacks and allow enough time – there are also access points along the way if you decide to start or stop earlier.

Best for: Hikers

Make a splash in Hopkins River

Whether you’re a keen angler, paddler, or boater, make a beeline for the Hopkins River. Flowing from the Grampians into the Southern Ocean, the calm waters in Warrnambool are lined with jetties and boat ramps, offering easy access. Cast a line for bream, estuary perch, or mullet, hire a canoe for a morning paddle, or picnic at one of the riverside reserves. How’s the serenity.

Best for: Anglers and kayakers