10 Best Restaurants Warrnambool Has To Offer

If you get towards the end of the Great Ocean Road and are looking for restaurants, Warrnambool has plenty to choose from.

When you hit the end of the Great Ocean Road, the fun doesn’t stop. A regional city on the rise, Warrnambool has plenty of excellent eateries to discover. Have fun finding Malaysian hawker-style food down an alley, seafood feasts on the waterfront, cocktail bars serving top-notch pizza, fine dining restaurants bringing a hint of France to regional Victoria and more. When it comes to restaurants, Warrnambool has plenty to offer. Here are a few to bookmark before your visit:

1. Proudfoots by the River

Toast the conclusion of your Great Ocean Road journey by booking a table at this historic Warrnambool establishment.

the Proudfoots by the River restaurant in Warrnambool — Proudfoots by the River is idyllically set over the Hopkins River. (Image: Visit Victoria)

A heritage boathouse originally built back in 1900, Proudfoots is now a restaurant known for serving steak and seafood as well as dishes featuring native Australian ingredients like kangaroo bolognese and crocodile and prawn enchiladas.

plates of food on the table at Proudfoots by the River Warrnambool — Feast on a delicious modern menu with fresh local produce. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The incredible location overlooking the Hopkins River is the icing on the cake.

friends dining at Proudfoots by the River, Warrnambool — Elevate your dining by the river. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Address: 2 Simpson St, Warrnambool

2. Hairy Goat Tapas & Cocktails

Cocktails and tapas go hand-in-hand with good times at the Hairy Goat .

red leather couches at the vintage restaurant interior of Hairy Goat Tapas & Cocktails, Warrnambool — The red leather couches give off a vintage feel.

Martini fans will rejoice when they see the cocktail list, with 13 different martinis on offer running the gamut from a classic dry gin martini to an appletini made with apple vodka, schnapps, Midori and apple juice.

drinks on display at Hairy Goat Tapas & Cocktails, Warrnambool — Take your pick from the extensive drinks list.

Can’t decide what to order? Ask for the Tapas Board and you’ll receive a selection of tapas from the menu.

a spread of food on the table at Hairy Goat Tapas & Cocktails, Warrnambool — Any day at Hairy Goat Tapas & Cocktails is a guaranteed good time.

Address: 69 Liebig St, Warrnambool

3. Myrtle Bar & Kitchen

If you want to splash out on a special dinner, Myrtle Bar & Kitchen is a real treat. Meat lovers are well taken care of here with high-quality beef cuts taking pride of place on the menu, including 100% grass-fed eye fillet by Cape Grim and Ebony Black Angus scotch fillet from New South Wales. Not into steak? There’s also pork belly, regionally sourced market fish, free-range chicken and vegetarian options to choose from too. For a top-flight dining experience matched by elevated service, make a booking for dinner at Myrtle Bar & Kitchen.

the black and white exterior of Myrtle Bar & Kitchen, Warrnambool — You’re in for a special treat the moment you step into Myrtle Bar & Kitchen.

Address: 163 Timor St, Warrnambool

4. Salt

If you’re looking for a fine dining experience to cap off your Great Ocean Road trip, make a booking at Salt . And with just 40 seats, you’ll definitely need to make a booking if you’re visiting on the weekend or other busy periods.

a close-up of food on a plate at Salt, Warrnambool — French influences run through the food and wine menu at Salt.

From light and airy souffle to lobster thermidor and crème brulee, you’ll find a rich vein of French influences running through the food and wine menu here. If you prefer cocktails and beer, you won’t be disappointed here either.

a candle-lit dinner table setup at Salt, Warrnambool — Salt is a classic candle-lit speakeasy in Warrnambool.

Address: 73A Liebig St, Warrnambool

5. Frolic Lane

This fun cocktail bar also serves pizzas and bar food, making it a top spot for dinner and drinks. During winter, keep toasty by the fireplace. In summer, the cocktail garden is where you’ll want to be.

getting tap beer at at Frolic Lane - Warrnambool — Sip the night away with beers on tap at Frolic Lane. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Regardless of when you visit, you’ll need to sample at least one cocktail here whether it be a jalapeno-infused margarita or a left-of-centre fairy floss martini.

a bartender mixing up drinks at at Frolic Lane - Warrnambool — The bar staff can whip up your heart’s desire. (Image: Visit Victoria)

This venue also keeps things interesting with a rotating list of events like drag bingo and burlesque nights – check the website to book a ticket before you arrive.

a bartender preparing cocktails at at Frolic Lane - Warrnambool — Frolic Lane serves traditional cocktails with a twist. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Address: 95 Kepler St, Warrnambool

6. Clovelly Restaurant & Bar

You don’t need to be staying at the Best Western to dine at this welcoming hotel bistro and bar that serves draught beer as well as a huge range of international and local bottled beers and wines. On the menu, you’ll find simple, uncomplicated fare like seared scallops and grilled lamb backstrap as well as tried-and-true desserts like sticky date pudding and house-made tiramisu. If you’re travelling with kids, this family-friendly eatery has a solid menu just for kids too.

Address: 116 Merri St, Warrnambool

7. Madala 134

Offering eat-in, takeaway and delivery, this unassuming Thai restaurant is a local favourite. All the greats of Thai cuisine are on the menu, from spicy clear soups like Tom Yum, to fragrant coconut dishes like Massaman Curry and rice noodle dishes like Pad Thai and Pad See Ew. If you’re craving something spicy but can’t be bothered leaving your accommodation, take the easy way out and order online from Madala 134.

Address: 134 Liebig St, Warrnambool

8. The Dart & Marlin

The home of stone-baked pizza and natural wine in Warrnambool this moody place is a top spot for a boozy dinner.

the restaurant exterior of The Dart & Marlin, Warrnambool — Make a pitstop at The Dart & Marlin.

There are nine or so hand-stretched thin crust pizzas to choose from (gluten-free pizza bases and vegan cheese are both available) as well as a strong drinks list covering everything from classic cocktails to inventive mocktails.

When it comes to ales, independent Victorian breweries are well-represented here, as are smaller, unheralded winemakers creating genuinely interesting drops.

a close-up of a dish at The Dart & Marlin, Warrnambool — The Dart & Marlin reels you in with its excellent fare.

Address: 216 Timor St, Warrnambool

9. Simon’s Waterfront

A coastal break calls for seafood and wine with waterfront views. If this sounds like your idea of heaven, book a table for lunch or dinner at Simon’s Waterfront . From Lakes Entrance fried calamari to prawn tacos, seafood features strongly on the menu. The signature dish here is the seafood chowder served in a locally made Cobb loaf – a retro classic that’s become a real crowd-pleaser. Try and book a table by the window to enjoy one of the best views in town.

Address: 1/80 Pertobe Rd, Warrnambool

10. Penang Alley

Penang Alley is proof that some of the best eats can be found in unlikely places. Found down an alleyway, this hole-in-the-wall eatery serves hawker-style Malaysian fare. Pick up some takeaway or sit on the patio in the sunshine to feast on spicy, coconutty Nasi Lemak or a sour, tangy Penang Asam Laksa. Don’t forget to leave room for some Kopi Peng (chilled Malaysian coffee made with condensed milk) or Kuih Ketayap (pandan and coconut pancakes) too.

Address: Liebig St, Warrnambool

Discover the best things to do in Warrnambool

More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.

Perhaps best known as a road trip stop between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury Wodonga offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene that make it well worth its own journey.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River and surrounded by famed wine and gold rush regions, this riverside town packs a broad punch. Discover how best to spend your days on the border.

Exploring the Murray River

1. The Crossing Place Trail

woman looking at sculpture along Crossing Place Trail loop — Admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists.

Head to the original crossing places of the Murray River since 1848 – at the junctions of Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek. Today, these crossings are still used by cars and cattle, but the five-kilometre Crossing Place Trail loop connects the two bridges for bike riders and walkers.

Wander through gum trees, and maybe even spot local platypus and birdlife. Stop along the way to admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists, see evidence of a scar tree and learn about the importance of this billabong environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2. Canoe The Murray

two people kayaking along the murray river at Noreuil Park — Hire canoes or kayaks and get out on the river.

What better way to get a feel for the Murray River than by getting out on its waters? Hire canoes or kayaks from Canoe the Murray , then explore solo or join one of the offered tours. Get up early for a Sunrise and coffee tour, watch the sun dip below the water on a sunset tour or choose one of several daytime trips.

Stand-up paddleboard hire and other water sports, fishing and swimming are also available to river explorers.

3. Noreuil Park Foreshore

aerial of Noreuil Park albury wodonga — Cool off at Noreuil Park Foreshore. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Just outside Albury’s CBD, the riverside Noreuil Park becomes a hub of activity as the weather heats up. Set up on picnic tables under shady trees, use the public barbecues (or pop into the nearby cafe) and cool off with a float down the river.

4. Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works

Mungabareena Reserve albury wodonga — Spend time at Mungabareena Reserve. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

Delve into nature and culture at the beautiful Mungabareena Reserve . Recognised by state law as a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’, it was once a historical meeting point for trade and journeys to Mount Bogong for the local Wiradjuri people and still holds deep significance.

It’s another popular spot for fishing, swimming and picnics, while the nearby Water Works area is a great place for spotting wildlife. Try your luck seeing platypuses, wood ducks or rainbow bee-eaters.

Adventuring on Lake Hume

1. Walk the dam wall

parent and child look at the view from the damn wall walk at lake hume — Enjoy the view from the dam wall. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

The majestic Lake Hume – a massive man-made reservoir on the Murray River – was once the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.

A great way to get acquainted is by walking along the dam wall, taking in views of outflows, electricity turbines and the transmission plant from above. Not to mention vistas of the lake and the Murray. It’s a particularly gorgeous spot for sunsets and sunrises.

A wide sealed walkway gives easy access to the wall, and informative signs and displays along the way educate on the dam’s construction.

2. The High Country Rail Trail

This 44-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline. Stop along the way at the historic town of Tallangatta, relocated to its current position in the 1950s after its original location was flooded. Cross the lake over the bright red Sandy Creek Bridge. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or go for a swim at Ebden, Ludlow’s or Huon Reserve.

3. Water sports

two people watching SUP boarders and a boat our on the water at lake hume — Dive into water sports on Lake Hume.

Lake Hume is a popular local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Drop a line or dive right into the clear waters.

Sip and Savour

1. Dux Albury

two people sitting at counter drinking wine inside Dux Albury — Sit down to delicious meals and wine at Dux.

Those looking for a high-end dining experience need to book a table at Dux Albury in the heart of Albury Wodonga. Sit down for curated wine lists, cocktails and share plates. Think starters like burrata with beetroot, chervil, caper berry and sherry, mains like Wagyu sirloin with Café De Paris, red wine and caramelised onions and all manner of fresh seafood.

2. Murray Towns Brewing Co.

people being served lunch at Murray Brewing Co. — Recharge at Murray Brewing Co.

Perched on the banks of the river, Murray Towns Brewing Co . has come a long way since two mates started experimenting in their backyard chook shed. With all beer brewed onsite and a sun-drenched beer garden to drink them in, it’s a perfect stop along a bike ride or walk.

3. Temperance and General

Step into Albury’s original laneway bar, Temperance and General . Set inside a historic building, but offering a modern vibe, the bar is locally famous for its cocktail list. Stop in before or after dinner for a creative tipple.

4. BeanStation Cafe

two people drinking coffee at Bean Station albury wodonga — Dine on a modern Australian menu.

Dine on a modern Australian menu , inside the historic Wodonga train station building, dating back to 1873. Pop over in the morning and line up with the locals for great coffee and all-day brekkie, or head over after midday to swap the beans for local wines and Aussie boutique beers.

5. River Deck Cafe

waiter holding two dishes at Riverdeck Cafe albury wodonga — Soak in views and good food at Riverdeck Cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another dining destination next to the Murray, the award-winning River Deck Cafe provides a large deck covered in dappled sunlight that makes for the ideal long lunch spot. Here, menus focus on natural, native and local ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers across Albury Wodonga and surrounds.

Museums, murals and more

1. Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail

Gain a sense of Albury Wodonga’s vibrant arts community while wandering the Public Art Trail. Works range from sculptures and murals to wrapped infrastructure. Be sure to check the council map before you head out, so you don’t miss a thing.

2. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)

couple admiring the art at Murray Art Gallery — Stop into one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

MAMA forms the heart of art and culture in Albury Wodonga, some may say the entire Murray region. In fact, it’s one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. What makes it so lauded? The museum has earned a reputation for curating innovative, original exhibitions from some of the best contemporary Australian and international artists.

3. HotHouse Theatre

Originally built in 1928 as the Butter Factory Theatre, HotHouse Theatre has been a home of performance since 1997. Stop by to see the best of new Australian theatre. Continue to explore unique architecture on the Historic Building Walking Tour of Albury, the perfect way to round out your stay.

Start planning your Albury Wodonga getaway at visitalburywodonga.com.

10 restaurants to try on your next trip to Warrnambool