Be in Your Fun Element
The winter blues don't exist in Warrnambool. Lock in dates to reconnect with your nearest and dearest and find out how a few days with Warrnambool as your home base keeps the whole family entertained.
DAY 1: Warrnambool via Colac and Timboon
Depart Melbourne and head towards Warrnambool, with time to stop along the way for local food and flavours.
Stopover in Colac
First stop is Colac, the gateway to the Otways and the western volcanic plains. This country town is known for its large freshwater lake and rich farming history. It’s also home to Hulm’s Bakery Colac, a popular spot for fresh sandwiches, pies and sweet treats—a good place to grab morning tea.
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Hulms Bakery Colac
66 Murray Street, Colac
Discover Timboon
Continue south to Timboon, a small town famous for its food and drink offerings. A visit to Timboon Fine Ice Cream is a must—made on site using local milk, this creamy treat comes in a range of seasonal and classic flavours. Nearby, Babche Wines offers small-batch, cool-climate wines. Tastings here give you a sense of the region’s unique terroir.
For those wanting to stretch their legs, Ride With Us hires bikes for the nearby Rail Trail—a gentle ride through bushland and farmland that links Timboon to the coast.
- Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail
Arrive in Warrnambool
By afternoon, arrive in Warrnambool and check into Logans Beach Apartments, your home base for the next three nights. These spacious, self-contained apartments sit near Logans Beach—the perfect spot for a peaceful coastal stay, close to whale watching and the beach.
For dinner, head to The Cally Hotel, a relaxed local pub serving hearty, crowd-pleasing meals in the centre of town.
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The Cally Hotel
112-114 Fairy St, Warrnambool
DAY 2: Maritime History, Nature and Hot Springs
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum & Village
Start the day at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, an open-air museum that brings Warrnambool’s shipwreck history to life. Explore the historic buildings, interactive exhibits and artefacts from vessels lost along the notorious Shipwreck Coast.
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Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
89 Merri Street, Warrnambool
Get into nature
For morning tea or coffee, stop at The Pavilion Café and Bar, perched above the beach with sweeping ocean views—a great place to watch the surf or spot passing whales in season.
Later, head to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, set inside an extinct volcanic crater. This reserve is home to kangaroos, emus, echidnas and birdlife, and features several walking tracks offering views over the crater’s lake and bushland.
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Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
105 Lake View Rd, Tower Hill
Deep Blue Hot Springs
In the afternoon, unwind at the Deep Blue Hot Springs, a popular wellness destination featuring outdoor geothermal pools fed by natural mineral water. The complex also offers salt therapy sessions for full-body relaxation.
In the evening, dine at Tides Café, Bar & Restaurant, conveniently located at the Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs. With its laid-back coastal feel and nourishing menu, Tides is a great choice any time of day.
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Deep Blue Hot Springs
Worm Bay Rd, Warrnambool
DAY 3: Coastal Views, Art and Whales
Start the day with coffee and culture
Begin with coffee or breakfast at Allee Espresso, a favourite local café with good coffee and a welcoming vibe.
Next, visit the Warrnambool Art Gallery (WAG), which houses a varied collection of Australian and international works. Exhibitions change regularly, so there’s always something new to discover.
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Allee Espresso
1 Dispensary Lane, Rear of 190 Timor Street, Warrnambool
It's a whale of a time
A visit to Warrnambool in winter or early spring isn’t complete without checking the Logans Beach Whale Viewing Platform. This raised platform overlooks a known Southern Right whale nursery—bring binoculars if you have them, or simply watch for the telltale signs of spouts offshore.
For dinner, head to Lady Bay Resort’s restaurant, offering ocean views and a menu focused on fresh, local ingredients.
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Logans Beach Whale Viewing Platform
11-13 Logans Beach Rd, Warrnambool
DAY 4: The 12 Apostles and the Shipwreck Coast
Take the scenic route
On the drive home, take the Great Ocean Road route to explore some of the region’s most famous coastal landmarks.
Stop at Port Campbell and stretch your legs at Loch Ard Gorge, where a newly upgraded lookout at the Blowhole provides a fresh viewpoint.
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Tom and Eva Lookout at Loch Ard Gorge
Great Ocean Road, Port Campbell
Port Campbell and surrounds
From here it’s only a short drive to the 12 Apostles, one of Australia’s most iconic natural attractions. Walk to the main viewing platforms for sweeping views of the limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean.
Before heading back to Melbourne, return to Port Campbell and stop in for lunch at Waves Café, Bar & Restaurant, a relaxed spot serving good coffee, fresh fish and local produce.
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12 Apostles Viewing Platform
Great Ocean Road, Princetown
