7 Warrnambool Pubs to Try On Your Next Visit

Cap off your Great Ocean Road getaway by raising a glass at one of these Warrnambool pubs.

From timeless country boozers full of character to renovated heritage hotels serving elevated fare, there’s nothing like finishing your day with a meal and a pint while you’re on the road. When you inch towards the end of the Great Ocean Road, you’ll be rewarded with plenty of places that fit the bill. Instead of scrambling to find the best pub to suit your mood when you arrive, bookmark these Warrnambool pubs before you go.

1. The Cally Hotel

the Cally bar in Warrnambool — Settle into the Cally bar for hearty pub-style meals. (Image: Canterbury Creative)

This centrally located beauty located a five-minute stroll away from the train station offers pub meals, craft beer, cocktails on tap, barista coffee and accommodation all week long. The menu features meals ranging from old faithful pub standards like beer battered fish and chicken schnitzel, as well as veggie-packed side salads, pizzas and vegan burgers. Travelling with your best (furry) friend? Pooches are welcome to join you for a meal on the heated streetside seating.

Address: 112-114 Fairy St, Warrnambool

2. The Whalers Hotel

a calamari dish at The Whalers Hotel — The Whalers Hotel serves up much-loved pub grub such as fried calamari.

There’s always plenty happening at this longstanding historic pub with stained-glass windows. With a sports bar, dining room and stage, this pub attracts a diverse range of locals and visitors from near and far. You’ll see everyone from tradies having a feed while watching a game of AFL to couples settling in for dinner and groups of friends gathering to see one of the many live music acts that populate the gig calendar each year. Apart from all the usual pub fare, this hotel also serves local, sustainably farmed abalone. With a seniors and kids menu, this is a top spot to take all the family.

Address: 53 Liebig St, Warrnambool

3. The Flying Horse

Rump Surf ‘n’ Turf lunch and dinner special at The Flying Horse, Warrnambool — Order the Rump Surf ‘n’ Turf lunch and dinner special.

Located just off the Princes Highway, the Flying Horse is a solid dinner or lunch pitstop option while you’re on the road. With a restaurant, bar, kid’s playroom, drive-thru bottle shop and coffee shop (yes, drive-thru coffee) a visit to the Flying Horse can be as long or as short as you need. You can also order online and pick up meals from your car if you’re short on time and want to eat while on the road. Genius!

Address: 10691 Princes Hwy, Warrnambool

4. Rafferty’s Tavern

This family-friendly tavern with outdoor seating and a kid’s play area is a top place for families to enjoy a stress-free meal. Getting kids to sit through dinner can be tough, but dining somewhere with big-screen televisions, pool tables and a play area just for kids makes things a whole lot easier. Depending on when you visit, there might be prizes and games for kids too if you’re lucky. There are lots of plant-based meals on the bistro menu here, so vegans and vegetarians will be happy too.

Address: 1145 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool

5. Victoria Hotel

a dessert offering at Victoria Hotel, Warrnambool — Eaton mess, berries and passionfruit for dessert.

Established back in 1905, this old-school country pub has undergone renovations over the years but lost none of its charm. Behind the near-original heritage facade, you’ll find a good honest watering hole, bottle shop and bistro serving pub classics for lunch and dinner and easy-drinking beers and ciders on tap. If you’re on the hunt for affordable accommodation, you can bed down here too.

Address: 90 Lava St, Warrnambool VIC

6. Hotel Warrnambool

the heritage-style interior of Hotel Warrnambool — History buffs get together for a pint at the heritage-style Hotel Warrnambool.

This large heritage hotel is open 7 days a week and is well worth a visit if you’re a fan of history and architecture. With a long and storied history dating back more than 100 years, this grand old dame is an important Warrnambool landmark. Settle into the dining room to enjoy hearty pub meals like red wine braised beef cheek or head out to the beer garden to snack on fish tacos or woodfired pizza in the sun with an ice-cold ale. You can also stay upstairs in one of the neat and simple yet comfortable rooms.

Address: Cnr Koroit And, Kepler St, Warrnambool

7. Seanchai Irish Pub

a pool table inside Seanchai Irish Pub — Keep the good times rolling at the pool table.

Wherever you are in the world, it’s comforting to know that you’re never too far from an Irish pub. If you’re jonesing for a pint of Guinness while you’re in town, then head to Seanchai Irish Pub . Inside you’ll find all the hallmarks of traditional pub décor: Chesterfield-style leather couches and armchairs, a pool table, framed photos of years gone by, bookshelves filled with old tomes and the odd taxidermy animal too. If you love Irish pubs, start the night here with a pint or stop in for a whiskey nightcap after dinner.

Address: 62 Liebig St, Warrnambool

No matter your age and no matter your interests, Victoria’s coastal Bellarine region makes for a memorable getaway for the whole family.

Curving into Port Phillip Bay and extending south from Geelong, The Bellarine is a gorgeous coast-meets-country destination. It’s a captivating mix of beachside towns, rolling farms and vineyards, effortlessly cool eating and drinking spots and coastal vistas that seem to stretch beyond the horizon.

Among its many highlights is a plethora of family-friendly activities to suit all ages and all interests. Here’s your guide to the ultimate Bellarine getaway guaranteed to keep every generation happy.

1. Tuckerberry Hill Farm

There may be no better way to spend an early morning than by foraging and feasting on your own bounty of berries. At Tuckerberry Hill Farm , you can pick blueberries, strawberries and stone fruit from November through March. Take them home or enjoy on the farm’s sun-dappled grounds.

Tuckerberry also has a regular market selling farm-fresh produce, plus an inviting on-site cafe doing light lunches, drinks, home-baked treats and condiments – many of which incorporate the farm’s own harvest.

2. The Oxley Estate

A memorable holiday starts with a memorable place to stay, and The Oxley Estate delivers. Situated in the relaxed coastal town of Portarlington, the sprawling site offers thoughtfully styled rooms and activities that’ll keep both parents and kids entertained.

Wander the fragrant rose gardens, olive grove and fruit-laden orchards. Meet the resident alpacas, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens and ducks. Challenge your crew to a round of giant chess or mini golf. Or cool off in the shimmering saltwater pool after a busy day of exploring.

Different room types cater to different groups, with the largest able to comfortably sleep eight.

3. Oneday Estate

Oneday Estate is a must-visit. The winery lets you try small-batch, estate-grown shiraz, pinot noir and riesling. It’s also a vibrant and character-filled Sunday lunch spot.

The on-site eatery and bar hosts weekly Sunday Sessions accompanied by tunes from local musicians, a buzzy atmosphere and flavour-packed food and drink. Order a round of delicious woodfired pizzas with toppings to suit all tastes, alongside a glass of Oneday’s signature wine.

The restaurant is also a sight to behold, an eclectic stone-and-timber hall crafted from recycled materials and 100-year-old relics repurposed from the surrounding region.

4. BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon

BIG4 holiday parks are renowned for their all-ages appeal, and BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon in the coastal enclave of Queenscliff is no different. The pool and gym are a given, but there’s also a playground, pickleball and basketball courts, a jumbo-sized jump pad, an interactive games arena and an indoor games room equipped with toys, activities and entertainment.

The diverse range of accommodation spans compact studios designed for three guests, all the way up to expansive beach houses accommodating up to 10, providing comfort and flexibility to suit every size of family.

5. Bellarine Railway

If your entourage includes any locomotive enthusiasts, book a journey aboard the Bellarine Railway . The more than 100-year-old steam train transports you to a bygone era and takes you through the rolling farmland and windswept coastal landscapes that make The Bellarine so beautiful.

The Swan Bay Express is an easy 45-minute ride perfect for younger passengers (and even allows dogs on board), or you could opt for a themed trip. There are seasonal events like the Polar Express (a festive favourite in the lead-up to Christmas), along with the Blues Train (a high-energy experience of live music and dancing) and the Q Train (a roving fine-dining feast celebrating regional produce).

6. The Dunes

waiter holding desserts at The Dunes, the bellarine — Save room for dessert. (Image: Visit Vic)

The Dunes offers the perfect balance of polished and playful, a breezy beachside bar and restaurant that appeals to adults and kids alike.

Feast on moreish snacks, share plates and mains from the Italian-inspired menu, or a selection of San Marzano-topped pizzas fresh from the wood-fired oven. Pair your meal with a classic cocktail, an ice-cold beer or a glass from the generous drinks menu, which brims with local drops. Little ones are well catered for with a line-up of kid-approved meals for breakfast and lunch.

If you’re simply swinging by en route to the family-friendly beach, grab a bite at The Dunes’ beachside kiosk before strolling down for a paddle or surf.

7. Sea All Dolphin Swims

dolphins playing in The Bellarine — Spot the locals with Sea All Dolphin Swims. (Image: Visit Vic)

The sparkling waters around The Bellarine are home to dolphins, fur seals, little penguins, humpback and southern right whales, plus a flurry of seabirds. Sea All Dolphin Swims lets you see some of these magnificent animals up close aboard one of their small-group vessels.

Head out on a sightseeing tour and spot local wildlife darting around the boat, or dive right in with a swim adventure tour. You’ll be swimming alongside dolphins and seals in their natural habitat – a bucket-list experience you won’t forget fast.

Swimming and snorkelling gear is provided, and guides are trained to ensure a gentle, eco-friendly encounter for both swimmers and sea creatures.

8. Jack Rabbit

aerial of jack rabbit winery and vineyard — Everyone has a menu to enjoy at Jack Rabbit. (Image: Visit Vic)

Jack Rabbit is a one-stop dining destination, with a casual cafe and refined restaurant in one place.

If your mood leans laid-back, the House of Jack Rabbit is a lovely spot for brunch, lunch or dinner. The cafe serves a produce-driven all-day menu filled with seasonal mains, generous sharing platters and a playful kids menu to suit even the pickiest of eaters.

If you’re after something more elevated, Jack Rabbit Restaurant does plates that change with the seasons and incorporate plenty of local produce. Even younger guests are well catered to, with a considered yet familiar kids’ menu that’s just as vibrant as the grown-up one.

To start planning your trip or for more inspiration, head to visitgeelongbellarine.com.au

7 Warrnambool pubs to try on your next visit