Warrnambool

Where is it?

Right on the coast, just off the western end of the Great Ocean Road lies this former whaling station, now seaside town.

What is it like?

Approach from the east along the Greta Ocean Road for the best view of this small town. Viewed from the Princes Hwy to the west of the town is a grim outlook of motels and smoke bellowing industry. The town is lively enough with some half decent sights but nothing other than the possibility of whale watching to delay you in your journey along the coast.

What to see and do.

Whalers departing from Warrnambool contributed to the near demise of the Southern Right Whale, yet in the last ten years these majestic beasts have been returning to the waters just off Logans Beach to deliver and nurse their giant offspring. Visit between June and late September and view this marvellous sight from dry land if you are lucky.

Apart from that, there is the Maritime Village on Flagstaff Hill, a recreation of a 19th century port and the Warrnambool Art Gallery with a fine collection of Australian artists on display.
If you are breaking your journey between Melbourne and Adelaide, you could stretch your legs in the Botanic Gardens.

Eating, sleeping and drinking.

There is a fair choice of places to eat, head for Liebig Street at the heart of the towns shopping centre for the widest selection. This is also where to find the best pubs and bars including the ubiquitous 'Irish' bar.

For a bed again there is a moderate amount of choice on offer, all good but aimed principally at the backpacker, B&B end of the market. Hotel Warrnambool offers something a little more upmarket.