3 Days

Discover the western end of the Great Ocean Road in all its winter glory. Spot migrating whales, discover blowholes, petrified forests, taste the local brews, fill your basket at the fresh market, bath in geothermal hot springs and finish the day cosied up by an open fire listening to some live music.

Arrive in Warrnambool the city by the sea.

Winter is whale season! So your first spot must be Logans Beach Whale Viewing Platform, each year from June to September the giants of the deep migrate to our region for their annual babymoon and Logans beach is one of the best places to spot them.

Once you’ve braved the wild coastline it’s time to reflect on your day soaking under the stars with a twilight session at the Deep Blue Hot Springs. The water arrives at the surface at between 38 and 48 degrees and is known to promote physical and emotional rest, relaxation, healing and well-being.

Enjoy dinner in your comfy robe at the deep blue nourish dome.

Get up early and walk along the promenade to the Warrnambool Breakwater

Grab breakfast at the Pavilion Bar and Café and soak up the views.

Jump in the car and checkout Hopkins Falls the 90-metre-wide falls plummet 12 meters into the Hopkins River. Don’t forget your camera, and don’t forget to grab that booster coffee before you head out from Rough Diamond Cafe.

It’s time for lunch, and Tilly Divine Kitchen & Bar is your place to get cosy! Once you’ve fuelled up, it’s time to rug up and discover Warrnambool’s self-guided Street Art Tour. Follow the numbers from 1 to 26, through hidden laneways and unexpected spaces to find the art and soul of Warrnambool.

Grab some dinner at The Dart & Marlin, then finish the day with a glass of red and some live music at the Hotel Warrnambool.

Travelling to Koroit

Grab some tasty breakfast before you leave at Simon’s Waterfront before travelling to Koroit stopping at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve for a scenic walk or bush tucker tour, keep your eyes peeled for the local wildlife. Stroll through the Koroit’s Irish village before tasting the local drop with lunch at Noodledoof Brewing and Co.

Continue to the charming seaside village of Port Fairy, where you can spend the afternoon strolling the boutique shops, tasting the local delights in its cosy cafes, before taking an afternoon stroll out to Griffiths Island to take in the iconic lighthouse.

Cosy up with some tapas for dinner at the Oak and Anchor Restaurant then top off your night with a cocktail by the fire at Merrijig bar.

You’ve come this far why not extend your stay

Portland is an adventure seekers paradise and a whale spotting secret, pack your jacket and boots and get ready to be wowed. You can take a day trip from your base in Warrnambool, or stay further west in Portland.

Accommodation: Quest Apartments Portland, Holiday Lifestyle Henty Bay, Quality Hotel Bentinck

Activities: Check to see if the yellow flag is flying outside the Portland Visitor Information Centre – if so, that means a whale has been spotted! Head over to Wade Street viewing platform to see if you can spot the whale(s) for yourself. Then it’s time for some history over at the Maritime Discovery Centre, the kids will love seeing the 14-metre sperm whale skeleton!

Enjoy your visit!