The Best Warrnambool Cafes to Make a Pit Stop At

From cute coffee van setups to beachside brunch spots, these Warrnambool cafes are worth a look next time you’re in town.

If you’re driving the full length of the Great Ocean Road, it makes sense to plan pit stops in advance. The good news is that there are plenty of Warrnambool cafes to choose from regardless of whether you’re on the hunt for a strong macchiato in the morning, cake and chai in the afternoon or a long, lazy lunch by the water. Here are some to bookmark before you arrive.

1. Koko Avenue

pastries on display at Koko Avenue cafe, Warrnambool

Take your pick from the delicious pastries and sandwiches on offer.

Open seven days a week for all-day breakfast and lunch, Koko Avenue has fast become a firm favourite with locals. Serving Proud Mary coffee and beautifully plated pancakes, eggs, porridge and more, this café with a white and pastel aesthetic has a vibe that makes you want to return again and again. Don’t forget to look in the bakery cabinet where treats like almond croissants, scones, slices and cookies live.

Address: Shop 13/1-49 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool

2. Day Kitty

Your local go-to for vegetarian, organic and raw foods, at Day Kitty you’ll find healthy but delicious eats that are packed with goodness. Menu items range from colourful veggie and rice bowls to vitamin-packed cold-pressed juices, falafel wraps, rice paper rolls and more. Organic Fairtrade coffee is served here too. Day Kitty is also a good place to stock up on essentials to take home like free-range eggs, plant-based milks and vegan, organic chocolate.

Address: 52B Kepler St, Warrnambool

3. ToTo Town

a hand holding a cup of latte at ToTo Town, Warrnambool

Enjoy a coffee made with blends from Axil Coffee Roasters.

Located near Warrnambool Train Station in the historic Western Hotel building, this buzzy breakfast spot is almost always busy. Whether you want a strong flat white, iced latte or a filtered coffee made with speciality beans, this cafe that serves blends from Axil Coffee Roasters is a reliable favourite when it comes to hot and cold brews. Open for breakfast and lunch, you’ll find menu items like Turkish eggs and seasonal smoothie bowls on the menu. Love a glass of vino with lunch? ToTo Town is licensed and stocks a solid range of local and imported drops.

Address: 1/49 Kepler St, Warrnambool

4. Jude The Cafe

This cute cafe with white and blush-pink-tinged branding is hard to resist. Stop in for a hot chocolate, chai or long black made with Coffee Supreme beans. Take a peek in the cabinet and you’ll find fresh baguettes, savoury croissants and muffins. If you have dietary restrictions, this friendly place has gluten-free bread, muffins and brownies too. If you’re in a rush you can order ahead for pick-up too.

Address: 52A Kepler St, Warrnambool

5. Piccolo Coffee Roasters

the Piccolo Coffee Roasters in Warrnambool

Make a pit stop at Piccolo Coffee Roasters for a takeaway coffee.

Laying claim to being the first coffee roaster in south-west Victoria, this unassuming coffee spot located on a shopping strip often has plenty of people lined up outside. Stop by for a takeaway cup of java or find a table to tuck into a bacon and egg roll. Locals swear by the coffee here so if you’re after a souvenir or gift to take home, buy a bag of Breakwater blend coffee beans to remember Warrnambool by.

Address: 743 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool

6. Rough Diamond

a pastry on offer at Rough Diamond, Warrnambool

This popular Warrnambool cafe offers a delightful selection of pastries that complement its wonderful coffee.

If you’re after a filling breakfast sambo, oozy grilled cheese toastie or strong latte made with small batch beans from Melbourne’s Market Lane, make a beeline for this popular cafe. Located in a converted office space, this minimalist cafe has indoor and outdoor seating – look for the distinctive black-and-white coffee sign out the front.

Address: 203 Koroit St, Warrnambool

7. Bohemia Cafe & Bar

This cosy cafe is open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week. Set yourself up for the day with chilli scrambled eggs, buttermilk pancakes or brekky tacos or stop by for a burger or salad for lunch. Either way, this friendly place with a welcoming, friendly vibe will hit the spot.

Address: 127 Kepler St, Warrnambool

8. The Beach Kiosk Cafe

Open daily from 7am to 3pm, this dog-friendly, casual café is a great place for a bite to eat after a beach swim. If you’re on the go, grab a takeaway brew from the window then take a stroll around the Lake Pertobe area. When the sun is out, nab an outdoor table to enjoy fish and chips, a fresh fruit smoothie or an ice cream from the scoop station – simple pleasures this are heavenly on a warm, summery day.

Address: 65 Pertobe Rd, Warrnambool

9. Pleasant Hill Coffee Van

You’ll find this gem of a vintage coffee van in the Fletcher Jones Gardens. This easy-going, family-friendly spot is the ideal place to relax outside in the fresh air on a sunny day. Order a cheese toastie and chocolate milkshake, kick back at one of the outdoor tables and watch your kids run around on the lawn. It’s easy to see why locals love this chilled-out coffee spot so much!

Address: 83 Flaxman St, Warrnambool

10. Allee Espresso

cafe staff busy preparing at Allee Espresso, Warrnambool

Stop by Allee Espresso for a warm brew to kickstart your day. (Image: Christian Barkla/ Hearken)

This little laneway espresso bar joined the scene in 2022 and is doing great things when it comes to sustainability. The 100% electric building is powered by rooftop solar and supplemented with certified green power. All the coffee and iced drink cups and lids are fully compostable too. Serving top-quality coffee by Melbourne roaster MAKER and a range of guest roasters, you’ll also find a small range of savoury and sweet bites here including pastries from local artisan bakery Jane Dough. Travelling with your pooches? You’ll be pleased to know there’s an outdoor, dog-friendly seating area here.

Address: 1 Dispensary La, Warrnambool

11. Pavilion Cafe & Bar

al fresco seating at Pavilion Cafe & Bar

Enjoy brunch on the beachfront terrace. (Image: Josh Robenstone)

Floor-to-ceiling windows and a beachfront balcony make this cafe, bar and function space one of the best spots to have brunch with waterfront views. Visit early in the morning to fuel up with a breakfast burrito or maple-toasted granola or plan a special seafood lunch here complete with wine and cocktails. The lovely views of Lady Bay and the Southern Ocean make this cafe a top spot for a celebratory meal to mark the end of your trip.

Address: 50 Viaduct Road, Warrnambool

Discover the best restaurants in Warrnambool.

Cap off your Great Ocean Road getaway by raising a glass at one of these Warrnambool pubs.

From timeless country boozers full of character to renovated heritage hotels serving elevated fare, there’s nothing like finishing your day with a meal and a pint while you’re on the road. When you inch towards the end of the Great Ocean Road, you’ll be rewarded with plenty of places that fit the bill. Instead of scrambling to find the best pub to suit your mood when you arrive, bookmark these Warrnambool pubs before you go.

1. The Cally Hotel

Settle into the Cally bar for hearty pub-style meals. (Image: Canterbury Creative)

This centrally located beauty located a five-minute stroll away from the train station offers pub meals, craft beer, cocktails on tap, barista coffee and accommodation all week long. The menu features meals ranging from old faithful pub standards like beer battered fish and chicken schnitzel, as well as veggie-packed side salads, pizzas and vegan burgers. Travelling with your best (furry) friend? Pooches are welcome to join you for a meal on the heated streetside seating.

Address: 112-114 Fairy St, Warrnambool

2. The Whalers Hotel

The Whalers Hotel serves up much-loved pub grub such as fried calamari.

There’s always plenty happening at this longstanding historic pub with stained-glass windows. With a sports bar, dining room and stage, this pub attracts a diverse range of locals and visitors from near and far. You’ll see everyone from tradies having a feed while watching a game of AFL to couples settling in for dinner and groups of friends gathering to see one of the many live music acts that populate the gig calendar each year. Apart from all the usual pub fare, this hotel also serves local, sustainably farmed abalone. With a seniors and kids menu, this is a top spot to take all the family.

Address: 53 Liebig St, Warrnambool

3. The Flying Horse

Rump Surf ‘n’ Turf lunch and dinner special at The Flying Horse, Warrnambool

Order the Rump Surf ‘n’ Turf lunch and dinner special.

Located just off the Princes Highway, the Flying Horse is a solid dinner or lunch pitstop option while you’re on the road. With a restaurant, bar, kid’s playroom, drive-thru bottle shop and coffee shop (yes, drive-thru coffee) a visit to the Flying Horse can be as long or as short as you need. You can also order online and pick up meals from your car if you’re short on time and want to eat while on the road. Genius!

Address: 10691 Princes Hwy, Warrnambool

4. Rafferty’s Tavern

This family-friendly tavern with outdoor seating and a kid’s play area is a top place for families to enjoy a stress-free meal. Getting kids to sit through dinner can be tough, but dining somewhere with big-screen televisions, pool tables and a play area just for kids makes things a whole lot easier. Depending on when you visit, there might be prizes and games for kids too if you’re lucky. There are lots of plant-based meals on the bistro menu here, so vegans and vegetarians will be happy too.

Address: 1145 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool

5. Victoria Hotel

a dessert offering at Victoria Hotel, Warrnambool

Eaton mess, berries and passionfruit for dessert.

Established back in 1905, this old-school country pub has undergone renovations over the years but lost none of its charm. Behind the near-original heritage facade, you’ll find a good honest watering hole, bottle shop and bistro serving pub classics for lunch and dinner and easy-drinking beers and ciders on tap. If you’re on the hunt for affordable accommodation, you can bed down here too.

Address: 90 Lava St, Warrnambool VIC

6. Hotel Warrnambool

the heritage-style interior of Hotel Warrnambool

History buffs get together for a pint at the heritage-style Hotel Warrnambool.

This large heritage hotel is open 7 days a week and is well worth a visit if you’re a fan of history and architecture. With a long and storied history dating back more than 100 years, this grand old dame is an important Warrnambool landmark. Settle into the dining room to enjoy hearty pub meals like red wine braised beef cheek or head out to the beer garden to snack on fish tacos or woodfired pizza in the sun with an ice-cold ale. You can also stay upstairs in one of the neat and simple yet comfortable rooms.

Address: Cnr Koroit And, Kepler St, Warrnambool

7. Seanchai Irish Pub

Keep the good times rolling at the pool table.

Wherever you are in the world, it’s comforting to know that you’re never too far from an Irish pub. If you’re jonesing for a pint of Guinness while you’re in town, then head to Seanchai Irish Pub. Inside you’ll find all the hallmarks of traditional pub décor: Chesterfield-style leather couches and armchairs, a pool table, framed photos of years gone by, bookshelves filled with old tomes and the odd taxidermy animal too. If you love Irish pubs, start the night here with a pint or stop in for a whiskey nightcap after dinner.

Address: 62 Liebig St, Warrnambool

11 of the best Warrnambool cafes to try on your next visit