No Aussie road trip is complete without a trip the pub (or several).

Warrnambool serves up its fair share of bars and pubs, from heritage country hotels to leafy beer gardens and slick cocktail bars. Whether you’re passing through or staying a while, we’ve compiled an ultimate guide on where to go for the best vibes, pints and pub grub.

In short

If you only visit one pub in Warrnambool, make it the Hotel Warrnambool for its rich history, charming decor and sophisticated pub fare.  

The Cally

Behind the traditional façade of this cosy pub, you’ll find a modern bar, bistro, and light-filled beer garden serving the usual suspects, from pizzas and burgers to classic pub fare and craft beers. Its midweek specials and regular live music gigs on Tuesdays, Saturdays and some Sundays make it a popular spot with both visitors and locals. Tuesday night is our pick: $30 steak night with beef sourced from the local Union Station Farm, and a rotating lineup of artists playing in the front bar (check their Facebook page for event updates). It also gets a tick for serving all-day coffee, and offers accommodation.

Address: 112-114 Fairy St, Warrnambool

Hotel Warrnambool

Hotel Warrnambool is an icon of the city, with a rich history spanning 100 years. The original site was home to the Grand Ozone Coffee Palace, a five-storey hotel opened in 1890; that building was destroyed by fire in 1929, and in 1931 the current hotel was constructed. Today, Hotel Warrnambool retains its old-world charm, and is a must-visit for lovers of history and architecture. Pop into the restaurant for elevated pub fare such as house made gnocchi and almond crumbed chicken breast, or relax in the beer garden with a traditional hand pump beer. If you’re interested in staying, there are several hotel rooms upstairs.

Address: Cnr Koroit And, Kepler St, Warrnambool

Rafferty’s Tavern

With a play area and kids eat free nights, Rafferty’s Tavern is a casual, family-friendly pub where parents can relax that bit more. The crowd-pleasing menu features pizzas, steaks, stir fries and classic pub meals alongside extensive kids’ and seniors’ menus. The chicken schnitzel with gravy is a no-brainer, as is Raff’s sticky date pudding for dessert. Come on a Friday night for the raffle; there’s also a sports bar and drive-through bottle shop on site.

Address: 1145 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool  

Seanchai Irish Pub

There really is an Irish pub in every city, and Warrnambool is no different. Everything you expect is here at Seanchai Irish Pub and that’s kind of what’s so great about it: a dark moody interior, live music on weekends, trivia nights and plenty of Guinness. They don’t serve their own food, but you can order pizzas from the bar and they’ll come straight to you from Bojangles across the road. If by any chance you want to change things up, they also have a curated cocktail list featuring classics and signature creations such as the Whiskey Ice Tea (Wild Turkey, mango liqueur, Mr Consistent sour mix, lemon and Pepsi).

Address: 62 Liebig St, Warrnambool

The Flying Horse Bar & Brewery

Located off the Princes Highway on your way into town, The Flying Horse is worth the stop. Pop in for a pint under the white-and-yellow striped umbrellas in the beer garden (there are over ten beers and ciders on tap), or settle in for a top-notch meal from Embers, their charcoal and wood-fired kitchen. Expect dishes the likes of skewers grilled over charcoal, wood-fired steaks, burgers and brisket, and classic pub fare. Look out for weekly specials and raffle nights; there’s also a kids’ play area with TV monitors, so parents can relax while keeping an eye on the kids.

Address: 10691 Princes Hwy, Warrnambool

The Dart & Marlin

Whether it’s romantic cocktails at the cosy bar or stone-baked pizzas in the leafy courtyard with your mates, The Dart & Marlin is known for relaxed, European-inspired vibes. Cocktails, vino and craft beer rule the drinks list (with a focus on Victorian natural wines), while pizzas feature gourmet toppings such as honey, eggplant and halloumi, and pear and guanciale. The handmade ricotta gnocchi is also a standout.

Address: 216 Timor St, Warrnambool

Frolic Lane

If you’re heading out for a cocktail in Warrnambool, the sleek and sophisticated Frolic Lane is the place to go. Step through the arched entrance into the opulent, high-ceilinged bar; or for a more intimate atmosphere, head downstairs to the speakeasy, a cellar with sandstone arches and low ceilings. While the vibes are sky-high, the mixologists and bartenders are making sure the drinks are up to scratch. Ask for a recommendation, or opt for a classic like a dry martini. They also serve food – small bites, charcuterie boards, pizzas – and the cocktail garden is dog-friendly.

Address: 95 Kepler Street, Warrnambool

The Whalers Hotel

The Whalers Hotel has been a stalwart fixture of Warrnambool since 1856, making it the oldest hotel in town. You can’t miss its white façade standing proudly on the corner of Timor and Liebig Streets; inside, you’ll find inviting, refurbished interiors, with a restaurant, bar, alfresco area and band room (check their website to see upcoming gigs). Treat yourself to one of their premium steaks using locally sourced beef, or graze on yummy tapas in the front bar with a glass of vino.

Address: 53 Liebig St, Warrnambool

Victoria Hotel Warrnambool

This proudly old-fashioned country pub has had several renovations and refurbs since its construction in 1905, but it retains its original charm and heritage façade. You’ll find all the classics on the bistro menu, from seafood baskets and fish and chips to chicken kiev, chicken parmigiana and a scotch fillet steak. If you’re keen to mingle with the locals, head to the friendly bar for a pint or two (wine, spirits and non-alcoholic options are also available).

Address: 90 Lava St, Warrnambool  

Saltwater Bistro

Step inside the Warrnambool RSL and take a seat facing the water at the Saltwater Bistro. This is the place to try old-school staples such as lamb’s fry and gravy, bangers and mash, and slow-cooked lamb shank; there’s also the usual burgers and parmas, and several vegetarian options. With reasonable prices, friendly service, and views of Lake Pertobe, we rate this spot for a relaxing weekend lunch.

Address: Cnr Merri Street &, Liebig St, Warrnambool

The Lawn Bar (Seasonal)

You know it’s summer when an outdoor bar pops up at a tennis club (the Warrnambool Lawn Tennis Club, to be exact). When you spot the white umbrellas and marquee, you know you’re in the right place; grab a chair and settle in, because you’ll want to linger over a cold beer or cocktail. With regular live music and on-site food trucks, the social atmosphere is unbeatable (visit their Facebook page for updates).

Address: 41 Pertobe Rd, Warrnambool