Best Things To Do In Warrnambool | Australian Traveller

If steering your own mini motorboat around a lake, pedalling along a beach promenade or blissing out in geothermal hot springs sounds like heaven, then read on to learn about the top things to do in Warrnambool.

While it may not get as much attention as some of the more touristy stops along the way, this coastal city at the end of the Great Ocean Road is well worth checking out. No matter if you’re into nature, sports, arts, history, food and wine—or all of the above—you won’t run out of things to do in Warrnambool. Here are ten of the best to add to your trip list.

1. Slip into some hot springs

The westernmost stop on the Great Victorian Bathing Trail, Deep Blue Hot Springs is the ideal spot to wind down after a long drive along the Great Ocean Road.

an old lady dipping in Deep Blue Hot Springs, Warrnambool — Wind down after a long drive at Deep Blue Hot Springs. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Slip into a mineral bath and let the geothermal waters relieve your tired muscles, chill out in a sensory cave enhanced with trippy colour therapy lights and find bliss under the waterfall in the rainforest pool – this place warrants a repeat visit!

a couple in a sensory cave at Deep Blue Hot Springs, Warrnambool — Chill out in a sensory cave. (Image: Visit Victoria)

2. Pick up a paintbrush at the Warrnambool School of Art

Unleash your inner Frida Kahlo by booking in to attend a workshop at the Warrnambool School of Art. From contemporary watercolour painting to hard-edge acrylics and mosaics, there are classes and workshops covering a wide range of artistic styles here, all taught by passionate, experienced artists with plenty of insights to share.

3. Kick back in the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens

On a warm summer’s day, the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens is a peaceful spot to beat the heat. Set up a picnic rug under one of the massive Moreton Bay Figs to enjoy a shady, alfresco lunch or sit by the peaceful pond to watch the ducks. Designed by renowned landscape architect William Guilfoyle (designer of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens) this lovely spot has been a fixture in Warrnambool since the 1800s and still delights people of all ages, centuries later.

an aerial view of the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens — Warrnambool Botanic Gardens is a peaceful spot to beat the heat.

4. Get on your bike

If you love getting out and about on two wheels, then you’ll be pleased to know that Warrnambool has some ripper cycling trails to explore. Hire a bike from Café Cycles Company, then ride your day away on some of the city’s trails. If you’ve got plenty of time and energy to burn, then complete a return journey on the scenic Warrnambool to Port Fairy Rail Trail (it will take you most of the day, so start early).

a little girl biking on the scenic Warrnambool — Explore the scenic trails on a bike from Café Cycles Company.

Prefer an easier, quicker ride? The 7.5km Foreshore Promenade stretching from Breakwater to Logans Beach has showstopping ocean views, which you’ll have to share with walkers, joggers and other cyclists on this popular route.

a woman soaking up the ocean breeze at Logan's Beach, Warrnambool — Stop by Logan’s Beach for a quick rest. (Image: Visit Victoria)

5. Hunt for antiques at Fletcher Jones Market

If you love nothing more than digging through crates of vinyl records and coveting Australian pottery from the 70s, be sure to visit Fletcher Jones Market when you’re in town. Home to thousands of vintage and retro items, this huge indoor antiques and collectables market covers 3,000 square metres of floor space so be prepared to spend some time fossicking through many stalls jam-packed with memorabilia from years gone by. The gardens here are impressive too.

6. Step back in time at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village

If you have ever wanted to learn more about the history of the Shipwreck Coast, this is the place for you. A maritime museum and village which arguably holds Australia’s most significant shipwreck artefact collection, Flagstaff Hill is a sprawling outdoor monument to the hardy people who made a living here more than a century ago.

boats docked at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village — Learn more about the history of the Shipwreck Coast at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Visit the Blacksmith’s forge, climb the spiral staircase of the lighthouse, check out the 80-pound cannon and marvel at a super rare, highly valued Minton peacock statue salvaged from a shipwreck many years ago.

two people standing outside the the lighthouse at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village lighthouse — Climb the lighthouse’s spiral staircase. (Image: Tourism Australia)

7. Let loose on the Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground

Fun for all the family can be found at this large, council-run outdoor adventure park . The ideal spot to spend a fun day in the outdoors without breaking the bank, there are plenty of things for kids to get stuck into here including a huge slide, flying fox and a maze. You can even hire mini motorboats to take out on the lake. Plenty of picnic tables, shady areas and barbecues means you can bring your own lunch and snacks to enjoy throughout the day too.

8. Catch a show at the Lighthouse Theatre

If you’re looking for something to do at night, check out the Lighthouse Theatre’s program. Throughout the year you’ll find everything from plays to musicals, stand-up comedy performances, tribute acts and more at this heritage theatre that has been revamped in recent years but has lost none of its charm.

the Lighthouse Theatre in Warrnambool — Pop by the Lighthouse Theatre to catch a musical.

9. Get to know the local art scene

There’s much more to Warrnambool than beaches and maritime history; there’s a thriving arts scene too. If you love art, then be sure to hit the galleries while you’re visiting.

a couple standing outside Warrnambool Art Gallery — Step into Warrnambool Art Gallery to immerse in its thriving art scene. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Warrnambool Art Gallery (or ‘the WAG’) is open seven days a week and houses an impressive collection of paintings and works on paper by influential Australian artists like Cressida Campbell, Clarice Beckett and Joy Hester.

Meanwhile, the F Project is a volunteer-run arts organisation that runs exhibitions throughout the year and does great work fostering local creative talent to flourish. Staffed by volunteers, the gallery and shop are open to visitors Wednesday to Sunday.

a couple at the entrance of Warrnambool Art Gallery — Warrnambool Art Gallery houses an impressive collection of paintings. (Image: Visit Victoria)

10. Explore the Shipwreck Coast aboard a boat

Keen to get out on the water? Book a tour with Mako Ocean Adventures to explore the local marine parks along the coast. Many parts of the Shipwreck Coast are only visible by boat, so a trip with Mako Ocean Adventures will enable you to see some of the spectacular rock formations and caves you can’t see from land. Time your visit right and you might spot some dolphins or migrating humpback whales too!

11. Spend the morning at the markets

Held on the first and third Sunday of the month, the Fresh Market is a lovely spot to grab a morning coffee. Wandering around the stalls you’ll find everything from just-baked sourdough to locally-made jams and preserves for sale, as well as candles, flowers, paintings, seafood and more. Local markets like these really support regional artisans, producers and makers to stay in business, so why not grab some treats to gift to friends or enjoy once you’re home?

Discover the best things to do on the Great Ocean Road.

There’s no shortage of exceptional eateries in regional Victoria. From casual classics to finely tuned fine diners, here’s our pick of the plentiful bunch.

Le Foyer Brasserie, Bendigo

French plate at Le Foyer Brassiere, Bendigo — Le Foyer serves upscale French fare.

From the owners behind Bendigo’s beloved The Woodhouse comes this newly opened elegant French bistro. It’s all about welcoming warmth at this city fine diner, after all Le Foyer , translates to ‘the hearth’ in French. A place to linger in the chic, Parisian-style salon, the menu unfurls in the classics, from beef bourguignon to steak frites and mille-feuille.

Riverbank Moama, Murray River

If you’re journeying on or beside the Murray, it’s only fitting that you dine by its banks. This nature-nestled restaurant by the river is idyllic for a long, sun-filled lunch. The menu is an unfussy playlist of the hits served with a seasonal spin – and the mood is as gently flowing as the nearby water.

Felix, Geelong

Soft brown banquettes, walnut hues and a terrazzo bar welcomes with relaxed French bistro vibes at Geelong’s Felix . But really, it’s the collage of simple, seasonal flavours that make this restaurant an easy-going favourite. Come for brunch or dinner; vegans are welcomed with a dedicated menu.

The Perch, Lavers Hill

A laid-back classic of the Great Ocean Road, The Perch at Lavers Hill welcomes those taking a pause from the serpentine drive. Lunch in the warm-wood dining room is accompanied by vineyard vistas and fleeting cameos from native birds.

The Shared Table, Ballarat

If you go for the ‘Dine without Decision’ option at this beloved eatery , you’re free from the tyranny of food envy with a chef-selected procession of dishes that highlight the bounty of the Midwest region. Think mochi gnocchi with pumpkin and XO or Western Plains pork cotoletta.

Barragunda Dining, Mornington Peninsula

This fine diner , which opened in early 2025, has been lauded as one of the region’s most ambitious and significant openings in recent years. Set on a 400-hectare, cliffside Cape Schanck property that delivers the kitchen with a cornucopia of produce, it’s elegant and honest paddock-to-plate dining at its most refined.

Mount William Station, Grampians

Whether you’re staying at this luxe historic station or just swinging in for dinner with friends, the shared table vibe here is country hospitality at its most welcoming and elevated. Seasonal and local produce guides chef Dean Sibthorp’s hand for plates finessed with the mountain-fresh flavour of the Grampians.

Emerald City, Yarra Valley

You’re certainly not in Kansas anymore when you slip behind the emerald curtain from Cavanagh’s Whiskey and Alehouse to the diminutive Emerald City . Allusions to the fraudulent wizard and Dorothy aside, this acutely intimate four-seat diner is a curated experience worthy of a road trip. As you may imagine, bookings are essential.

du Fermier, Trentham

Annie Smithers’ intimate, farmhouse-y French fine diner is not at all new, but it is every bit iconic. It’s long attracted food-lovers to its charming dining room for a set menu that undulates with the seasons. If you’re a gourmand to your core, book into one of Annie’s delightfully informal masterclasses.

Messmates Dining, Gippsland

This Warragul diner’s menu is a well-arranged collection of delicious, farm-forward morsels crafted, quite simply, to delight. Dishes such as French onion dip scooped onto nigella seed crackers and fresh-made pasta tossed with a black pepper and butter emulsion are all about balanced, enjoyable flavours paired with good wine.

10 of the best things to do in Warrnambool