Tucked away in Victoria’s stunning Shipwreck Coast is the charming coastal town of Warrnambool. With its picturesque landscapes, rich cultural history and buzzing foodie scene, this city is a destination that offers a plethora of activities and attractions for all visitors. Whether you're keen to get out into nature, enjoy the city’s art and culture scene, or if you’re simply seeking a relaxing coastal getaway, Warrnambool will be sure to tick all your boxes. It’s time to pack up your Hertz rental car and hit the road as we explore all that the rugged South West has to offer.
A City by the Sea
Warrnambool is Victoria's gateway to the Southern Ocean, rich in culture and history. Located at the western end of the Great Ocean Road, the town’s unmistakable cosmopolitan feel comes from having great seaside restaurants, cafés, galleries, and cultural attractions. After picking up your Hertz rental car, you’re only minutes away from the heart of town, where you’ll discover a city that oozes charm and warmth. Start your morning off with a delicious coffee and brunch at Bohemia Cafe and Bar, a local favourite, before making your way over to the Warrnambool Art Gallery. This small yet beautiful gallery certainly packs a punch, with over 2,000 artworks on display ranging from European colonial pieces to Indigenous and contemporary works. Outside the gallery, you’ll also find an impressive spread of street art and public art installations scattered throughout the town, a testament to the city’s up and coming art scene which continues to grow year-on-year. While you’re out and about, take some time to explore and appreciate the beauty and complexity of the town’s much-loved murals.
After spending some time enjoying the city’s art scene, head on over to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, one of the most popular visitor attractions in the area. Overlooking the turquoise waters of Lady Bay, this unique gallery invites visitors to explore the history of Warrnambool in a new and exciting way. As the holder of Victoria’s largest maritime shipwreck collection, this gallery holds plenty of stories, from merchant seamen to luxury passenger ships and tales of pirates, you’re bound to be entranced. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting in the evening, you might even catch the spectacular “Tales of the Shipwreck Coast” sound and light show, which shares a variety of dramatic tales from a bygone era.
After a morning of perusing the town’s stores and galleries, it’s time to make yourself at home at the Deep Blue Hotel and Hot Springs. Located right on the bay, this resort is the ideal location to rest and relax during your visit to Warrnambool. Treat yourself to the resort’s award-winning hot springs, rock pools and sensory caves for that extra touch of luxury. For dinner, you’re only minutes away from some of the town’s finest gastronomic delights. ‘The Cally’ is a favourite in town, combining a heritage exterior with a modern interior, and a seasonal menu showcasing a modern twist on classic pub fare. For a fine-dining experience, Clovelly Restaurant and Bar is a highly acclaimed venue in town serving up delicious local seafood, steaks, and internationally inspired mains.
Gateway to the Great Ocean Road
Warrnambool is perfectly located just a short distance from plenty of stunning natural wonders including the world-famous Great Ocean Road, which happens to pass right through the town. Those seeking adventures in the great outdoors will find themselves spoilt for choice, with so many fantastic options for walking, cycling and coastal activities to be found across the region. The absolute best way to experience all of it is in your Hertz rental car, where you’re free to explore and enjoy the sights at your own pace.
Just a ten-minute drive outside of town is Tower Hill, and the award-winning Tower Hill nature reserve, a must-see for wildlife lovers. This unique natural attraction is home to all your favourite Australian animals living in their natural habitat, and you’ll also have the option of joining a guided tour where you’ll learn about local Indigenous history and culture. Tower Hill itself is a dormant volcano, which can be admired from one of the many lookouts on the perimeter of the park.
One of the most popular road trips in the region, and arguably the state, is the Great Ocean Road, and no trip to Warrnambool is complete without a drive along this stunning stretch of coastline. Situated east of the city, the Bay of Islands Coastal Park is one of the more remarkable features you'll come across during your visit. The numerous limestone stacks tower above the ocean for more than 30 kilometres down the coastline, providing the perfect backdrop to the deep blues of the Southern Ocean. After just under an hour’s drive, you’ll reach the iconic Twelve Apostles, not to be missed on any trip to the Great Ocean Road.
Filled to the brim with seaside charm, Warrnambool is a friendly town that knows how to show visitors a good time. Whether you’re passing through along the Great Ocean Road or here to stay a while, the city’s stunning scenery and its relaxed approach to life is bound to be a calming respite and an enticing invitation for you to stay and explore just that little bit longer.
