Explore Warrnambool, Australia

Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia was once a sealing and whaling station but today is the major regional commercial center of southwest Australia.

The town of Warrnambool can boast a wonderful coastal outlook, fantastic surf beaches and migrating whales just sailing past.

Complete with historic buildings, tree-lined streets, waterways and a substantial student population attending the Warrnambool campus of Deakin University Warrnambool is a great place to stop and spend some time.

Whilst in Warrnambool you can find any information on the area from the Warrnambool library at 25 Liebig Street. The library also offers free internet and is open, 9.30 -5pm Mon - Tues, 9.30 am - 6pm Wed - Fri, 10 am -noon Sat.

Or you could visit the Warrnambool visitor information center (www.visitwarrnambool.com.au) located at Merri Street. Open 9am - 5pm.

Attractions

Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village (www.flagstaffhill.com)

The Flagstaff Maritime Village is a recreation of a colonial village that has been modeled on an early Australian coastal port.

Here you can see a cannon and fortification that was built to withstand the perceived threat of Russian invasion in 1887.

During the evening here there is a hi-tech sound and laser show, Shipwrecked.

Located at Merri Street the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village is open daily 9am -5pm.

Tel: 1800 556 111

The Warrnambool Art Gallery

This art gallery is well worth visiting. There is a permanent Australian collection from artists such as Arthur Boyd, James Gleeson and Tom Roberts.

Situated on 165 Timor Street admission is free. Open 10am- 5pm Mon - Fri, noon - 5pm Sat & Sun.

Tel: 03 5564 7832

Beaches

There are some excellent beaches at Warrnambool such as the sheltered Lady Bay, which is the main swimming beach. This beach has fortifications at the breakwater at the western end.

For the best surf then go to Logan's Beach, Levy's beach or Second Bay.

Easyrider (www.easyridersurfshcool.com.au) offers surfing lessons from $40 and seakayaking from $45.

Whale Watching

Warrnambool is famed for being a winter center for whale watching.

From July to September southern right whales come to the waters off of Logan's Beach to mated and nurse their calves.

You can watch the whales from a whale-watching platform at Logan's Beach. It is advisable to bring a pair of binoculars unless of course you are blessed with 20/20 vision.

Of course one of the better ways to see the whales is to take a tour. Dive in Charters (www.diveincharters.com.au, Tel: 0419 349 058) run tours to whale watch as well as trips to the seal colony on Lady Julia Percy island.

Walking Trails

There are a few walking trails in and around Warrnambool including the Heritage trail (3km) and the short thunder Point trail that shows off the best of the areas scenery.

Accommodation

The Warrnambool Beach backpackers (www.beachpackers.com.au)

This former museum with its clock-tower façade is close to the sea. It offers a large living area, bar, kitchen and free internet.

You can book a great self-contained family room here.

If you stay at the Warrnambool Beach Backpackers you will also have free access to canoes and mountain bikes.

Address: 17 Stanley Street

Tel: 03 5562 4874

Atwood Motor Inn (www.atwoodmotorinn.com.au)

You will find the Atwood Motor Inn located in a quiet street that is just north of the center.

The small but attractive double rooms are well priced and there are also spa suites available.

Address: 8 Spence Street

Tel: 03 5562 7144

Girt By Sea (www.banyanplace.com.au)

Tastefully refurbished Girt By Sea is an 1856 sandstone home.

There are a variety of rooms to choose from here some boasting brass beds, plasma TVs, massage chairs and private garden decks.

The bathrooms are beautiful. Large with red Baltic pine floors and antique vanities.

If you stay here you can enjoy some time in the large bright lounge and in the morning fill-up on a great breakfast.

Address: 52 Banyan Street

Tel: 0418 261 969

Logans Beach Retreat (www.logansbeach.com.au)

Logans Beach Retreat is a luxury spa retreat that offers two self-contained apartments.

The spa baths are romantically situated and great value. When staying here you also receive free use of the gym and discounts on any of the spa treatments.

Address: 7 Logans Beach Road

Tel: 03 5561 3750

Surfside Holiday Park (www.surfsidepark.com.au)

Surfside Holiday Park is a caravan park that lies between the town center and the beach close to Lake Pertobe. There are several caravan parks to choose from but as far as location is concerned this one cannot be beaten.

Address: Pertobe Road

Tel: 03 5559 4700

Eating and Drinking

Fishtales Café

This café is cheerful and caters for all. Whether you want fish, a good old burger or a vegetarian choice this is the place to come. Enjoy time out the back in its sunny courtyard.

Address: 63 Liebig Street

Tel: 03 5561 2957

Bojangles

Bojangles is a licensed pizza restaurant that also offers steaks and great pasta dishes.

Address: 61 Liebig Street

Tel: 03 5562 8751

Pippies By The Bay

Pippies By the Bay sits on top of Flagstaff Hill and therefore certainly wins the prize for the eatery with the best view.

Sit and enjoy breakfast or lunch whilst taking in fantastic panoramic views of the ocean.

In the evenings this restaurant serves wonderful seafood and Italian cuisine

Address: Flagstaff Hill

Tel: 03 5559 4600

Hotel Warrnambool

Many view the Hotel Warrnambool as the most welcoming pub in town. Dating back to 1894 the hotel is an earthy, cavernous building with exposed mud bricks and railway sleepers.

Come to the Hotel Warrnambool for rest and recreation in slouchy lounges, play billiards, laze in the beer garden and enjoy live music on Thursday nights and Sundays.

The pub grub here is great and there are 11 different beers on tap.

Address: cnr Koroit and Kepler Street

Tel: 03 5562 2377

Source: Australia - The Lonely Planet