hero media

The best accommodation in Warrnambool

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

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

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 

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

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.
View profile and articles

How a $1 deal saved Bendigo’s historic tramways

The passionate community that saved Bendigo Tramways has kept the story of this city alive for generations.

It was an absolute steal: a fleet of 23 trams for just $1. But such a fortunate purchase didn’t happen easily. It was 1972 when the Bendigo Trust handed over a single buck for the city’s historic collection of battery, steam and electric trams, which had transported locals since 1890.

inside the historic Bendigo Tram
Bendigo Tramways is a historic transport line turned tourist service. (Image: Bendigo Heritage)

The city’s tram network had been declared defunct since 1970 due to post-war shortages in materials to upkeep the trams and declining passenger numbers as motor vehicles were increasing. However, determined locals would not hear of their beloved trams being sold off around the world.

The Bendigo Trust was enlisted to preserve this heritage, by converting the trams into a tourist service. The Victorian government approved a trial, however news spread that the Australian Electric Tramways Museum in Adelaide had acquired one of the streetcars for its collection.

a tram heading to Quarry Hill in 1957
A tram on its way to Quarry Hill in 1957. (Image: Bendigo Heritage)

An impassioned group rallied together to make this physically impossible. Breaking into the tram sheds, they welded iron pipes to the rails, removed carbon brushes from the motors, and formed a blockade at the depot. The community response was extraordinary, and a $1 deal was sealed.

A new chapter for the city’s fleet

the old Tramways Depot and Workshop
The old Tramways Depot and Workshop is one of the stops on the hop-on, hop-off service. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Today, Bendigo Tramways welcomes some 40,000 passengers annually, operating as a hop-on, hop-off touring service aboard the restored trams. Fifteen of the now 45-strong fleet are dubbed ‘Talking Trams’ because of the taped commentary that is played along the route. The trams loop between Central Deborah Gold Mine and the Bendigo Joss House Temple, which has been a place of Chinese worship since 1871, via other sites including the old Tramways Depot and Workshop.

a Gold Mine Bendigo Tram
The fleet comprises 45 trams that have been restored. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robert Blackburn)

Keeping things interesting, throughout the year visitors can step aboard different themed trams. Tram No. 302 becomes the Yarn Bomb Tram, decorated both inside and out with colourful crochet by an anonymous group of locals.

During the festive season, Tram No. 15 operates as a tinsel-festooned Santa Tram, and the big man himself hides out somewhere along the route for excited children to find. And on selected dates, the adults-only Groove Tram runs nighttime tours of the city, accompanied by local musicians playing live tunes and a pop-up bar.

the historic post office turned visitor centre in Bendigo
Visitors can hop on and off to see the city’s sites such as the historic post office turned visitor centre. (Image: Tourism Australia)

As well as preserving the city’s history, however, the continuation of the tram service has kept the skills of tram building and craftsmanship alive in a practical sense. Bendigo’s Heritage Rail Workshop is world-renowned for restoring heritage trams and repurposing vehicles in creative ways.

Locally, for example, Tram No. 918 was transformed into the Dja Dja Wurrung Tram with original Aboriginal artworks by emerging artist Natasha Carter, with special commentary and music that shares the stories and traditions of Bendigo’s first people. You can’t put a price on preserving history. Nonetheless, it was a dollar very well spent.