10 best things to do in Warrnambool, VIC
Living on an island, Australians simply love the coast and a coastal cruise. One of the best Aussie road trips on offer is along the Princes Highway which follows the coastline from Adelaide to Sydney. Touring this road may be an indirect and lengthy route between these major cities but, by avoiding it, you’d miss out on the scenic sights of the Great Ocean Road and the relaxed coastal town of Warrnambool. The ‘bool’, as it’s affectionately known, is a vibrant regional centre mixed with the atmosphere of a relaxed country town. It’s a must for your Great Ocean Road itinerary with so much to see and do. The team at Discovery Parks – Warrnambool have put together a list of sights and tastes for the ultimate local ‘bool’ list.
1. Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village
This tourist attraction is the home of Oddball the Maremma dog who famously appeared in the Aussie film “Oddball”. The maritime village and museum has an impressive sound a light show that details the history of the area from early settlers, to whales, to the well-known Loch Ard Shipwreck.
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
2. Cheese World
Drive just over 15 minutes from the park to Allansford and you’ll be in cheddar heaven. This cellar door is home of the Cracker Barrel Cheese and you must try it as part of their free tastings. They also have a café and are well known for Sungold Milkshakes so make sure you order this.
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
3. Tower Hill Reserve
Is a nature reserve inside a dormant volcano. It is a popular place for nature walks, wildlife watching and picnics – a good spot to eat the cheese you purchased from Cheese World! The visitor centre also runs daily tours or you can take a self-guided walk.
Image Credit: Visit Victoria
4. Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground
A short 500 metre walk from the park is an 8-hectare playground facility. The kids will be entertained with giant slides, mini golf and boat rides on the lake. The area also has heaps of walking tracks around the lake including the promenade beach front walk that starts at the Breakwater and heads out to the Whale viewing platform.
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
5. Gourmet Food Trail (Great Ocean Road)
Enjoying a drive along the Great Ocean Road and smelling the fresh sea air sure can make you hungry. Take some rests stops along the long windy road and sample some (or lots!) of the local produce, ranging from ice cream to fudge and strawberries to whisky – there are plenty of options along this food trail to fill everyone’s stomach.
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
6. Whale Watching
A seasonal tourist attraction, the whales arrive between June and October and can been seen from the viewing platform in the sand dunes at Logan’s Beach. The most interesting part, they are all female Southern Right whales who have come to these waters to have their babies.
7. Premier Speedway
This venue was purpose built for Sprintcar Racing. If you’re a rev head, come celebrate the Australia Day Weekend in Warrnambool to see the Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic. This event attracts professional international race teams and sells out fast. Make sure you book your tickets and stay at our park early so you don’t miss out.
8. Port Fairy Folk Festival
This music event is held on the March long weekend in Port Fairy. Over four days you can enjoy a range of local and international music artists as well as family-entertainment, craft stalls and other festivities. It’s a 30-minute drive to the festival’s location from our park or, you can jump on a shuttle bus that runs from Warrnambool town centre.
9. The Irish Township of Koroit
A small town about a 20-minute drive from our park that is known to grow the best local potatoes. They grow well due to the volcanic soil from Tower Hill. Every year the town holds an Irish Festival over a weekend in late April. The event celebrates the town’s Irish decent and settlement with live music concerts, market stalls and food.
10. Hopkins Falls
Another short drive from our park is an impressive 90-metre wide waterfall which plunges 12-metres over basalt rocks. The falls are beautiful at any time of year, but they are especially best after it has been raining and in winter.
Ready to book a getaway in your backyard?
Come get comfortable in a cosy cabin, pitch your tent under the stars or, drive your caravan straight onto a powered site at Discovery Parks – Warrnambool.
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