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The best accommodation in Warrnambool

Jade Raykovski Jade Raykovski
While holiday parks abound in Warrnambool, there are also plenty of options for those seeking a little more comfort and style.

There’s a lot to love about the Great Ocean Road’s largest city: the stunning coastline, seaside trails, rich history, gourmet food and the fact there’s a stay for every kind of traveller, from budget road trippers to luxury-seeking vacationers. Whether you’re looking for peaceful retreats, beachside adventures or boutique digs, we’ve selected the best accommodation in Warrnambool for your next trip along Victoria’s spectacular south-west coast.

In Short

If you only stay at one accommodation in Warrnambool, make it Gallery Apartments. It’s a luxurious self-contained getaway with an outdoor pool that places you within walking distance to Warrnambool’s cafes and restaurants.

Hotels

Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs

Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs from above
Sweeping coastal vistas abound.

Looking for a dreamy wellness getaway where time slows right down? Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs will have you forgetting your email inbox even exists. Located near the foreshore, the hotel puts wellness front and centre, with an indoor bathhouse, day spa, and adjoining hot springs sanctuary (just make sure to book in advance, as hotel guests aren’t guaranteed entry).

The bright, modern rooms range from studios and spa suites to two- and three-bedroom apartments; some feature a sea view, and there are three dedicated all-abilities rooms. An on-site restaurant, room service, and free parking round out the amenities on offer. Our tip? Check out the packages on their website before you book, as there are often seasonal offers combining accommodation, dining and wellness.

Address: 1 Worm Bay Rd, Warrnambool VIC 3280  

Hotel Warrnambool

Hotel Warrnambool room interior
The boutique pub stay retains an old-world charm. (Credit: Hotel Warrnambool)

If you’re after a boutique pub stay in the heart of town, check into Hotel Warrnambool . The modern rooms retain an old-world charm, with many looking out of the arched latticed windows of the pub’s façade. Enjoy a meal at the on-site bistro serving up Mediterranean-style dishes, or relax in the beer garden with a pint. Just take note when booking that some rooms share a bathroom.

Address: 185 Koroit Street, Warrnambool VIC 3280

Quest Warrnambool

the interior of Quest Warrnambool
Quest Warrnambool is a trusted stay.

This modern, no-frills accommodation has everything you need for a comfortable stay: studios with kitchenettes, apartments with fully equipped kitchens plus open plan living/dining, a swimming pool, BBQ area, conference facilities and parking.

Guests are consistently impressed with the cleanliness and customer service, plus you’ll enjoy the convenience of being close to the town’s cafes, restaurants and shops. If you have any mobility issues, let them know in advance, as there’s no lift to the upper floors.

Address: 15-19 Liebig St, Warrnambool VIC 3280

Lady Bay Resort

Lady Bay Resort exterior view, Warrnambool
The waterfront resort treats guests to picturesque views.

Lady Bay Resort ticks all the boxes: self-contained apartments, studio rooms, restaurant, spa, swimming pool and gymnasium. It’s located near the foreshore, right by the Deep Blue Hot Springs, so you can just pop on over for a soak; you’ll need to drive into town, but luckily there’s plenty of parking here. Check out their couples package before booking – it includes two nights in a luxury spa apartment, cheese platter and sparkling, and passes to Flagstaff Hill.

Address: 2 Pertobe Rd, Warrnambool VIC 3280  

Eight Spence

Whilst technically a motel, we’re sneaking 8 Spence in for its surprisingly chic coastal rooms and affordability. Recently refurbished, the family-owned and operated accommodation features queen, king and family-friendly two-bedroom rooms, all including microwaves, kettles, toasters, mini fridges, and smart TVs. There’s a guest laundry, BBQ area and free parking, making your stay that much more convenient. It’s on the edge of town, meaning longer walks or drives to your destination, but with prices starting at $140 a night, it’s worth it.

Address: 8 Spence St, Warrnambool VIC 3280

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Gallery Apartments

Gallery Apartments feels more like you’ve stepped into someone’s stylish, comfy home rather than a holiday apartment. The centrally located one- and two-bedroom apartments feature plush decor, fully equipped kitchens, living and dining areas, a smart TV and private courtyard. Relax by the outdoor pool and stroll to one of the many cafes and restaurants nearby. Booking a romantic getaway? Couples will love the deluxe spa suite, with its two-person spa bath in a full marble bathroom.

There’s also a studio apartment available (with on-street parking only), and if you have mobility issues avoid the double-storey apartments.

Address: 206 Lava St, Warrnambool

Airbnbs and holiday homes

Apartment 35

This luxurious one-bedroom retreat oozes Hampton vibes with its chic light interiors, outdoor patio and freestanding bathtub (which seals the deal for us!). A kitchen and BBQ means you can linger at the apartment, but if you decide to head out, you’ll be just a short stroll from Warrnambool’s cafes, bars and restaurants. There’s a car spot for you on the driveway, and the washer and dryer are handy for trips to the beach (which is only a few minutes away).

Address: 35 Banyan Street, Warrnambool VIC 3280  

Honey Flower House

Honey Flower House, Warrnambool
Sleep in elegance in a European-style holiday home.

The aptly-named Honey Flower House is decorated with warm, bright hues, and a skylight fills the bathroom with natural light, creating a cheerful holiday vibe. With two bedrooms, a full kitchen and European-style laundry, it’s great for couples and young families (host Monique has thoughtfully included children’s tableware, books and toys). It’s centrally located opposite the hospital, just a block away from the CBD.

Address: 256A Koroit Street, Warrnambool VIC 3280

Luxury coastal home in CBD

Luxury coastal home in CBD, Warrnambool
Retreat into this charming coastal home.

This two-bedroom home has been beautifully renovated with modern amenities, yet it retains charming touches such as brick-lined fireplaces and decorative wall panelling. It’s single-level with no stairs, so suitable for those with mobility issues. With two bathrooms (one including a freestanding tub), a full kitchen, washing machine, and outdoor BBQ, couples, friends or families with older children will be comfortable here. We suggest packing marshmallows, because you’ll love the firepit under fairy lights.

Address: Provided after booking

Serendipity

the interior of Serendipity Airbnb in Warrnambool
Floor-to-ceiling windows make way for panoramic ocean views.

Located across the Hopkins River bridge in Warrnambool, this four-bedroom architectural home does justice to the term ‘coastal haven’. All the essentials are covered in this child-friendly, pet-friendly stay (which features a fully enclosed backyard, children’s dinnerware, books and a travel crib, and allows for wheelchair accessibility). The standouts are the floor-to-ceiling windows, panoramic ocean views, chef’s kitchen with butler’s pantry and stunning courtyard. Three bathrooms and the sheer spaciousness of the place make managing groups a breeze.

Address: Riverview Terrace 30, Warrnambool VIC 3280

Camping and caravan parks

NRMA Warrnambool Riverside Holiday Park

mini golf at NRMA Warrnambool Riverside Holiday Park
Try your hand at mini golf.

Fun and relaxation go hand in hand at this tranquil holiday park positioned along the Hopkins River. Keep cool in the indoor or outdoor pools, try your hand at tennis or mini golf, let the kids burn energy on the playground and water slide, or simply cast a line into the river from the jetty.

Accommodation ranges from powered and ensuite sites to self-contained studios, family cabins and three-bedroom villas (many with private verandahs). Pets are welcome in the campsite and select cabins, and the essentials – amenities block, camp kitchen and BBQ area, plus kiosk – are all covered.

Address: 125 Jubilee Park Rd, Warrnambool  

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Surfside Holiday Park

Surfside Holiday Park, Warrnambool
The beachside accommodation is just a few steps away from Surfside Beach.

Nestled between Warrnambool’s foreshore, Surfside Beach and the popular Lake Pertobe Adventure playground, Surfside Holiday Park really is about location, location, location. The family-friendly park provides both unpowered and powered sites with the usual amenities, plus a range of fully contained cabins with options just 50 metres from the beach.

The Shipwreck Bay Holiday Park is also part of Surfside, located just 500 metres down the road.

Address: 120 Pertobe Rd, Warrnambool

Discovery Parks – Warrnambool

Also located off Pertobe Road, not far from the hot springs and Lake Pertobe, Discovery Parks ticks all the boxes for families looking for a fun stay by the coast. With pedal karts, a playground, activity room, swimming pool and on-site activities, you’ll be hard-pressed to get the kids to leave (did we mention it’s also dog friendly?).

Powered sites include ensuite options, while self-contained cabins sleep 1-6 guests (including an accessible option with ramp access). A camp kitchen, kiosk, BBQs, and laundry round out the on-site amenities.

Address: 25 Pertobe Rd, Warrnambool

BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks – Warrnambool

the indoor pool at BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks – Warrnambool
Enjoy a refreshing swim in the indoor pool.

This centrally located holiday park is only ten minutes from the town centre. While the beach is a little further away, the park makes up for it with an indoor swimming pool, tennis court, and pirate-ship themed playground.

Pitch a tent or set up the caravan on a tree-hemmed powered or ensuite site, or book into one of the one-, two- or three-bedroom cabins. Pets are welcome (apart from select cabins), and make sure to check their website for deals before you book.

Address: 33 Lava St, Warrnambool

Warrnambool Holiday Village

The smaller, recently redeveloped Warrnambool Holiday Village offers a range of accommodation close to the town’s centre, from one-bedroom deluxe cabins to two-bedroom villas, complete with modern fittings and fixtures.

Camper and caravans will have their choice of unpowered or powered sites, with access to a camp kitchen and BBQ area (dogs are allowed in the campsite too, just not the cabins). Kids will adore the sandy playground area, featuring a new jumping pillow.

Address: 81 Henna St, Warrnambool

Warrnambool Holiday Park and Motel

Warrnambool Holiday Park and Motel game room, Warrnambool
Warrnambool Holiday Park and Motel features an indoor game room for the whole family.

Just a short stroll to the Hopkins River – and less than a minute’s drive to a boat launch – this friendly holiday park with free boat storage is the perfect base for those coming down to fish for the weekend.

Not into fishing? No problem. From a solar-heated swimming pool to a playground, jumping pillow and games room, there’s plenty more to entertain. All types of holiday goers are catered for here: choose from powered grass sites, ensuite sites, or studio cabins all the way through to family apartments. Communal facilities include electric BBQs, camp kitchen, and coin-operated laundry.

Address: 83 Simpson St, Warrnambool

Jade Raykovski
Jade Raykovski is a freelance travel writer from Melbourne, Australia whose wanderlust began from immersing herself in the fantasy worlds of her favourite books as a kid. She started off her career as a graphic designer, before making the switch to copywriter, and now – in what you could say is the role she was always destined for – travel writer. Along with Australian Traveller, her bylines include National Geographic, BBC Travel, Escape and NZ Herald. And while she loves writing about home, she'll never pass up the chance to sip a spritz in Italy.
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NRMA Warrnambool Riverside Holiday Park from above
Warrnambool

Our guide to the best Warrnambool caravan parks and camping spots

A trip to the beautiful regional city of Warrnambool doesn’t have to break the budget.

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Meet the makers shaping Ballarat’s new era of creativity

    Margaret Barca Margaret Barca
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    Makers, bakers, artists, chefs, crafters – Ballarat and its surrounds are overflowing with creative spirits. All dedicated to keeping traditional skills alive for a city that is humming with artful energy.

    Modern makers: a new generation of artists and artisans

    “Keeping craft alive is a noble cause,” says Jess Cameron-Wootten, a charming and passionate master leathercrafter and cordwainer, who handmakes traditional leather boots and shoes in Ballarat’s old Gun Cotton Goods Store.

    Ballarat was recognised in 2019 as a UNESCO Creative City of Craft and Folk Art, and today it’s a place where craft traditions converge with contemporary needs. Nothing quite captures this convergence as a visit to Wootten , the workshop and store of Jess Cameron-Wootten and his partner Krystina Menegazzo.

    heritage buildings in Ballarat
    Ballarat’s streets are lined with heritage buildings. (Image: Matt Dunne)

    Jess’s father was an artisan bootmaker, or cordwainer. Now Jess and Krys and their small team of artisans continue the tradition, but with a modern spin. The company’s boots and shoes, made completely from scratch, are renowned for their quality and longevity. Wootten also craft shoes, bags, belts, leather aprons, wallets and more.

    Cosy beanies, gloves, alpaca socks, “unbreakable” shoelaces and various other goods – many from local craftspeople and small-scale makers – fill the shop’s shelves. “We’re always happy to support a mate,” says Jess. “People love to see the workshop and where things are made. Our clients care about quality and sustainability,” Krys comments. The company slogan ‘Made for generations’ says it all.

    Ruby Pilven’s ceramics at Ross Creek Gallery
    Ruby Pilven’s ceramics at Ross Creek Gallery. (Image: Tara Moore)

    For Ruby Pilven, craft is also in the DNA – both her parents were potters and with her latest porcelain ceramics, Ruby’s young daughter has been helping add colour to the glazes. “I grew up watching my parents in the workshop – I’ve always been doing ceramics,” she says, although her Visual Arts degree was in printmaking. That printmaking training comes through particularly in the rich layering of pattern. Her audacious colour, unexpected shapes and sudden pops of 12-carat gold are contemporary, quirky – and joyful.

    You can see Ruby’s handcrafted ceramics, and work by other local and regional artists, at Ross Creek Gallery , a light-filled space surrounded by serene bushland, across from the mudbrick house her parents built in the 1980s. A 10-minute drive from Ballarat, it’s a tangible link to the region’s well-established craft traditions.

    How Ballarat is preserving the past

    artisans making crafts at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Ballarat
    The Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades holds workshops to preserve crafts and skills.

    While tradition is ongoing, there’s a danger that many of these specific type of skills and knowledge are fading as an older generation passes on. Step forward the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades .

    The seven purpose-built studios occupy a fabulous modern building adjacent to Sovereign Hill, with state-of-the-art facilities, enormous windows and landscape views across to Warrenheip and Wadawurrung Country.

    artisanal works at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Ballarat
    Check out artisanal works at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades.

    Practising artisans run hands-on workshops. Fancy making your own medieval armour? Or trying your hand at blacksmithing, spinning wool, plaiting leather, weaving cane or craft a knife? Book a class and learn how. “It’s about creating awareness and also sharing knowledge and skills before they are lost,” explains Deborah Klein, the centre manager.

    A city steeped in food and flavours

    Chef José Fernandez preparing American streetfood at Pancho
    Chef José Fernandez creates vibrant South American street food at Pancho. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

    One skill that hasn’t been lost is that of cooking. Ballarat’s burgeoning gastronomy scene runs the gamut from an artisan bakery (the atmospheric 1816 Bakehouse) to cool coffee shops, speakeasy cocktail bars and distilleries to fine-dining venues. But I’m still surprised to find Pancho , José Fernandez’s South American street food restaurant, serving fried cheese tequeños, fiery fish tacos, Argentinian grilled chicken.

    The room is as lively as the food – a whirl of colour filled with gifted and thrifted paintings, photos, tchotchkes (trinkets), plants. There’s a Mexican abuela aesthetic going on here. Even before the music and mezcal kick in, it’s fun. Heads up on the drinks menu – an authentic selection of mezcal, tequila, South American wines and Mexican cerveza.

    a cocktail at Itinerant Spirits, Ballarat
    Enjoy a cocktail at Itinerant Spirits. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

    The spirit is willing, so after lunch we head towards the gold rush-era Ballarat train station and across the line to the old 1860s Goods Shed for Itinerant Spirits . At one end, a massive German copper still looms behind a wall of glass. The fit-out embraces deep olive-green tones, original bluestone walls, steamer trunks as coffee tables, heritage timber floors, oversized lamp shades and cognac-hued modernist leather seating.

    the Itinerant Spirits Distillery & Cocktail Bar, Ballarat
    The distillery operates from an old goods shed. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

    Gallivanter Gin, Vansetter Vodka and Wayfarer Whiskey – the key spirits distilled – star at the bar. The spirits are crafted using grains from the Wimmera Mallee region, and native botanicals foraged in the Grampians. Seasonal cocktails are inspired by local people and places (I loved The Headland, inspired by Sovereign Hill and flavoured with old-fashioned raspberry drops). Sample the spirits, and join a cocktail masterclass or a distillery tour. It’s a seductive setting – you’ll likely find yourself ordering a charcuterie platter or pizza as the evening progresses.

    The Ballarat stay combining history and luxury

    one of the rooms at Hotel Vera, Ballarat
    The rooms at Hotel Vera have a contemporary style. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

    New lives for old buildings keeps history alive. Vera, Ballarat’s boutique five-star hotel, has taken it to the next level: it’s a palimpsest, a subtle layering of early 1900s and 1930s Art Deco architecture with a sleek new wing. There are seven spacious suites, each a dramatically different colour, with designer chairs, blissful bathrooms. High-end pottery and hand-picked artworks imbue the spaces with personality.

    Vera’s intimate, award-winning restaurant, Babae, is subtly theatrical with sheer drapes and gallery lighting, its bespoke timber furniture and brass-edged marble bench setting the stage for food with a sharp regional focus. “We have goat’s cheese from a local supplier, handmade granola from local Vegas & Rose, truffles from nearby Black Cat Truffles, fresh food from our garden, and regional wines,” says joint owner David Cook-Doulton.

    Celebrating the local makers, bakers, growers and producers, and the master chefs who work their magic is all part of the rich tapestry that links Ballarat’s history to its vibrant present.

    A traveller’s checklist

    Getting there

    It’s 90 minutes from Melbourne, either on the Western Freeway, or hop on a V/Line train from Southern Cross Station.

    Staying there

    Hotel Vera is a centrally located Art Deco boutique hotel. Consider Hotel Provincial , which feels like a sleek country house, but with its own restaurant, Lola.

    a contemporary room at Hotel Provincial, Ballarat
    Hotel Provincial has country house vibes.

    Eating there

    dining at Mr Jones, Ballarat
    The table is set at Mr Jones. (Image: Tony Evans/ Visit Victoria)

    Culinary whiz Damien Jones helms Chef’s Hat winner Mr Jones Dining with quiet assurance. His modern Asian food is deceptively simple with deep, intense flavours. Low-key, laid-back ambience, lovely staff, thoughtful wine list.

    Cocktails are definitely a thing in Ballarat. Reynard (fox in French) is foxy indeed, a clubby space with top-notch cocktails and small bites. Grainery Lane is extravagantly OTT with its massive 1880s bar, myriad chandeliers, brass gin still, Asian-inspired food and lavish cocktails.

    dining at Grainery Lane, Ballarat
    Dining at Grainery Lane.

    Playing there

    a laneway filled with artworks in Ballarat
    An artful laneway in the city. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

    Check out local design legend Travis Price’s wall murals in Hop Lane with its colourful canopy of brollies, or in Main Street. The Art Gallery of Ballarat’s off-site Backspace Gallery showcases early-career artists in a stylish, contemporary space. First Nations-owned and run Perridak Arts connects people to place, bringing together art and crafts in this gallery/shop.

    a woman admiring artworks at Perridak Arts Gallery
    Perridak Arts is a First Nations-run gallery. (Image: Tony Evans)

    The wineries of the Pyrenees are close at hand with their welcoming cellar doors and robust reds. Join a behind-the-scenes tour at the Centre for Gold Rush Collections .

    Dalwhinnie Wines in the Pyrenees
    Dalwhinnie Wines in the Pyrenees.

    Don’t forget the giant bluestone Kryal Castle , ‘the land of adventure’, for a little medieval magic, and not just for the kids: get ready for Highland-style feasting, jousting, even overnight stays.