The best Warrnambool caravan parks and camping spots

If you’re searching for an affordable place to enjoy a carefree beach break, there’s a Warrnambool caravan park or campground to suit your needs.

Looking to enjoy a beach break on a budget? Don’t overlook Warrnambool. This thriving city at the end of the Great Ocean Road has plenty of caravan and holiday parks to check into. From beach frontage to a peaceful haven by the river and a central spot near all the shops, cafes and restaurants, here are our picks of the best Warrnambool caravan parks and camping spots.

1. Surfside Holiday Park

an aerial view of Surfside Holiday Park, Warrnambool — Surfside Holiday Park offers direct beach access.

You can’t beat the location of this large, council-run holiday park . Just a short walk to the beach, Lake Pertobe and Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, you can easily get around on foot or bike after you’ve arrived and settled in.

Book a basic cottage or brand-new beach chalet or check in to a powered or unpowered site if you’re a happy camper or caravanner. All the basic amenities you need for a top beach break are here (barbecues, laundries and camp kitchen) and with the beach pretty much on your doorstep, fun in the sun is just a short stroll away.

Address: 120 Pertobe Rd, Warrnambool

2. Shipwreck Bay Holiday Park

the Shipwreck Bay Holiday Park in Warrnambool — The Shipwreck Bay Holiday Park is renowned for its prized waterside location. (Image: Road Tripping Faucetts)

Also run by the local council, this beach-facing holiday park is mostly only open during peak times like summer, Easter and the Labour Day long weekend. The perfect place to pitch a tent or set up your caravan, this holiday park has plenty of powered and unpowered sites, plus barbecues, bathrooms, laundries, picnic tables and open grassy areas to enjoy. With a prized beachside location, this park is popular so be sure to book your spot early.

Address: 42 Pertobe Rd, Warrnambool

3. Warrnambool Holiday Park and Motel

a superior ensuite cabin at Warrnambool Holiday Park & Motel — The superior ensuite cabin can fit up to six guests.

Whether you’re travelling solo or with a big group of family and friends, there are plenty of accommodation options at this holiday park that’s just off the Princes Highway. From a simple studio apartment to an economy ensuite cabin for four guests, and a premium apartment sleeping up to eight people, there’s plenty of room for everyone here.

A solar-heated swimming pool and indoor games room equipped with a TV, video games and billiards table means you’re covered for things to do during cooler weather too. If you’re into fishing (tuna season is big in these parts) this holiday park is a boat-friendly place to set up base camp since there’s free boat storage and bait and ice available for sale at reception.

Address: 83 Simpson St, Warrnambool

4. Discovery Parks – Warrnambool

You’ll be nice and close to the beach at this dog-friendly park . A great option if you’re travelling with kids and pets, this park has a pool, playground, movie room, pedal karts and a rotating line-up of fun activities like scavenger hunts and art workshops to keep the little ones entertained throughout your stay. Stay in a cosy cabin, book a powered site for your van or an unpowered site for your tent or swag – there are options to suit different budgets and holiday styles here.

Address: 25 Pertobe Rd, Warrnambool

5. BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks – Warrnambool

the outdoor deck at BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks Warrnambool — Fire up the grill for some barbecue on the expansive outdoor deck.

Just a 10-minute stroll from the city centre, this pet-friendly holiday park puts you in prime position to enjoy Warrnambool’s restaurants, bars, pubs and cafes. Stay in the comfort of a cabin, unit or suite, pitch a tent on a grassy site or set your caravan up on a shady, powered site.

No matter which accommodation you choose, you’ll enjoy access to the park’s facilities including a swimming pool, infrared sauna, tennis court, basketball court, games room and playground.

Address: 33 Lava St, Warrnambool

6. Warrnambool Holiday Village

Conveniently located right near a few supermarkets, you’ll be all set to enjoy a self-catered, budget break at this neat and tidy holiday village . Each cabin includes a full kitchen, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, while the shared kitchen and barbecue area are perfect for visitors booked into the powered caravan sites. If you love the convenience of staying in the centre of town, be sure to bookmark this holiday village.

Address: 81 Henna St, Warrnambool

7. NRMA Warrnambool Riverside Holiday Park

the outdoor pool at NRMA Warrnambool Riverside Holiday Park — Cool down in the outdoor pool.

Occupying a lovely spot on the Hopkins River, this peaceful holiday park has all the ingredients for a restorative break. An impressive range of facilities means you’ll never run out of things to do here.

Make a splash at the lagoon-style outdoor pool with a waterslide, swim some laps in the heated indoor pool, challenge yourself on the mini-golf course or find a summer read at the book exchange.

With accommodation options ranging from campsites to powered caravan sites, and cabins and villas to suit everyone from solo travellers to large families, you’ll be able to bed down here at a price point that suits your budget. Travelling with your pet? This park welcomes four-legged guests too.

Address: 125 Jubilee Park Rd, Warrnambool

Feed the family at the best restaurants in Warrnambool

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.

Our guide to the best Warrnambool caravan parks and camping spots