The Best Warrnambool Cafes to Make a Pit Stop At

From cute coffee van setups to beachside brunch spots, these Warrnambool cafes are worth a look next time you’re in town.

If you’re driving the full length of the Great Ocean Road, it makes sense to plan pit stops in advance. The good news is that there are plenty of Warrnambool cafes to choose from regardless of whether you’re on the hunt for a strong macchiato in the morning, cake and chai in the afternoon or a long, lazy lunch by the water. Here are some to bookmark before you arrive.

1. Koko Avenue

pastries on display at Koko Avenue cafe, Warrnambool — Take your pick from the delicious pastries and sandwiches on offer.

Open seven days a week for all-day breakfast and lunch, Koko Avenue has fast become a firm favourite with locals. Serving Proud Mary coffee and beautifully plated pancakes, eggs, porridge and more, this café with a white and pastel aesthetic has a vibe that makes you want to return again and again. Don’t forget to look in the bakery cabinet where treats like almond croissants, scones, slices and cookies live.

Address: Shop 13/1-49 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool

2. Day Kitty

Your local go-to for vegetarian, organic and raw foods, at Day Kitty you’ll find healthy but delicious eats that are packed with goodness. Menu items range from colourful veggie and rice bowls to vitamin-packed cold-pressed juices, falafel wraps, rice paper rolls and more. Organic Fairtrade coffee is served here too. Day Kitty is also a good place to stock up on essentials to take home like free-range eggs, plant-based milks and vegan, organic chocolate.

Address: 52B Kepler St, Warrnambool

3. ToTo Town

a hand holding a cup of latte at ToTo Town, Warrnambool — Enjoy a coffee made with blends from Axil Coffee Roasters.

Located near Warrnambool Train Station in the historic Western Hotel building, this buzzy breakfast spot is almost always busy. Whether you want a strong flat white, iced latte or a filtered coffee made with speciality beans, this cafe that serves blends from Axil Coffee Roasters is a reliable favourite when it comes to hot and cold brews. Open for breakfast and lunch, you’ll find menu items like Turkish eggs and seasonal smoothie bowls on the menu. Love a glass of vino with lunch? ToTo Town is licensed and stocks a solid range of local and imported drops.

Address: 1/49 Kepler St, Warrnambool

4. Jude The Cafe

This cute cafe with white and blush-pink-tinged branding is hard to resist. Stop in for a hot chocolate, chai or long black made with Coffee Supreme beans. Take a peek in the cabinet and you’ll find fresh baguettes, savoury croissants and muffins. If you have dietary restrictions, this friendly place has gluten-free bread, muffins and brownies too. If you’re in a rush you can order ahead for pick-up too.

Address: 52A Kepler St, Warrnambool

5. Piccolo Coffee Roasters

the Piccolo Coffee Roasters in Warrnambool — Make a pit stop at Piccolo Coffee Roasters for a takeaway coffee.

Laying claim to being the first coffee roaster in south-west Victoria, this unassuming coffee spot located on a shopping strip often has plenty of people lined up outside. Stop by for a takeaway cup of java or find a table to tuck into a bacon and egg roll. Locals swear by the coffee here so if you’re after a souvenir or gift to take home, buy a bag of Breakwater blend coffee beans to remember Warrnambool by.

Address: 743 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool

6. Rough Diamond

a pastry on offer at Rough Diamond, Warrnambool — This popular Warrnambool cafe offers a delightful selection of pastries that complement its wonderful coffee.

If you’re after a filling breakfast sambo, oozy grilled cheese toastie or strong latte made with small batch beans from Melbourne’s Market Lane, make a beeline for this popular cafe . Located in a converted office space, this minimalist cafe has indoor and outdoor seating – look for the distinctive black-and-white coffee sign out the front.

Address: 203 Koroit St, Warrnambool

7. Bohemia Cafe & Bar

This cosy cafe is open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week. Set yourself up for the day with chilli scrambled eggs, buttermilk pancakes or brekky tacos or stop by for a burger or salad for lunch. Either way, this friendly place with a welcoming, friendly vibe will hit the spot.

Address: 127 Kepler St, Warrnambool

8. The Beach Kiosk Cafe

Open daily from 7am to 3pm, this dog-friendly, casual café is a great place for a bite to eat after a beach swim. If you’re on the go, grab a takeaway brew from the window then take a stroll around the Lake Pertobe area. When the sun is out, nab an outdoor table to enjoy fish and chips, a fresh fruit smoothie or an ice cream from the scoop station – simple pleasures this are heavenly on a warm, summery day.

Address: 65 Pertobe Rd, Warrnambool

9. Pleasant Hill Coffee Van

You’ll find this gem of a vintage coffee van in the Fletcher Jones Gardens. This easy-going, family-friendly spot is the ideal place to relax outside in the fresh air on a sunny day. Order a cheese toastie and chocolate milkshake, kick back at one of the outdoor tables and watch your kids run around on the lawn. It’s easy to see why locals love this chilled-out coffee spot so much!

Address: 83 Flaxman St, Warrnambool

10. Allee Espresso

cafe staff busy preparing at Allee Espresso, Warrnambool — Stop by Allee Espresso for a warm brew to kickstart your day. (Image: Christian Barkla/ Hearken)

This little laneway espresso bar joined the scene in 2022 and is doing great things when it comes to sustainability. The 100% electric building is powered by rooftop solar and supplemented with certified green power. All the coffee and iced drink cups and lids are fully compostable too. Serving top-quality coffee by Melbourne roaster MAKER and a range of guest roasters, you’ll also find a small range of savoury and sweet bites here including pastries from local artisan bakery Jane Dough. Travelling with your pooches? You’ll be pleased to know there’s an outdoor, dog-friendly seating area here.

Address: 1 Dispensary La, Warrnambool

11. Pavilion Cafe & Bar

al fresco seating at Pavilion Cafe & Bar — Enjoy brunch on the beachfront terrace. (Image: Josh Robenstone)

Floor-to-ceiling windows and a beachfront balcony make this cafe, bar and function space one of the best spots to have brunch with waterfront views. Visit early in the morning to fuel up with a breakfast burrito or maple-toasted granola or plan a special seafood lunch here complete with wine and cocktails. The lovely views of Lady Bay and the Southern Ocean make this cafe a top spot for a celebratory meal to mark the end of your trip.

Address: 50 Viaduct Road, Warrnambool

Discover the best restaurants in Warrnambool.

Video credit: Tourism Australia

From pink salt landscapes to oases fringed by forests of red gums, the lakes of this rural region are astounding.

You’re going to find peace and quiet when you take a road trip through the lakes of the Wimmera Mallee region. Whether it’s mirror-like pink salt lakes that look like an inland sea, or lakes fringed by forests of red gums that showcase Victoria’s arid beauty, there’s a lake for you out here somewhere.

1. Lake Tyrrell

Located in the dead heart of the Mallee, Victoria’s largest salt lake, Lake Tyrrell , is a landscape photographer’s dream – especially at sunrise and sunset when the pink salt flats look like a gigantic mirror. It’s easy to camp or park a caravan nearby, too, though the tiny town of Sea Lake is just south (with accommodation). In winter, shallow water covers the salt, creating surreal reflections of the sky.

2. Nhill Lake

There’s a permanent water source here, so there’s always plenty of water for water skiing, swimming and fishing (the trout and redfin fishing here is legendary). Located beside the pretty heritage town of Nhill with its main street of historic buildings, there’s options for eating and drinking right next door. There’s also a barbecue area with plenty of shady picnic spots and a boardwalk for walking around the lake.

3. Lake Bringalbert

Lake Bringalert is a great spot for aquatic adventures.

Located south-west of the pretty Mallee town of Kaniva, Lake Bringalbert epitomises the best of ‘outback’ Victoria. It’s ringed by red gums and red mallee and feels completely hidden from the world – you’ll barely ever see another person. There’s basic camping on its foreshore and Kaniva offers more accommodation options. It’s the perfect lake for swimming, kayaking and skiing, and the stars at night come without even a hint of city glow.

4. Lake Hindmarsh

If you’re a bird fan, you’ll love Lake Hindmarsh . Located north of Dimboola, Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake is like an inland sea full of pelicans, swans and numerous species of ducks – but it also teems with everything from spoonbills to parrots. Sunsets here will blow your mind – the lake is a mirror for the pinks and golds you’ll see on the horizon. There’s free camping spots along the foreshore if you’d like to really contemplate the magic of the lake.

5. Pink Lake

Also known as Loch Lel , the summer months offer up some seriously vivid pink water colour at this lake north of Dimboola. The pink varies throughout the year, but is best after rain (hence why summer is the time to visit).

There’s plenty of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles, but you’re as likely to spot big lace monitors, kangaroos and echidnas. Nearby, check out the uber-cute heritage town of Dimboola and its eclectic shops, and Little Desert National Park, full of walking trails through mallee heathland.

6. Lake Lascelles

On a hot summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a cooling dip, kayak or boat ride. You can camp by the lake , or at powered caravan sites – or the pretty town of Hopetoun offers numerous accommodation options a short walk away. At night you’ll see the lights of Hopetoun reflect off the lake. Fish for yellow belly, redfin or catfish, or try water-skiing. There’s also a great walking trail around the lake, where there’s more birds than you can count.

11 of the best Warrnambool cafes to try on your next visit