Warrnambool

Warrnambool is nestled into the rising contour of Victoria's south-west coast amid green dairying country and overlooking the deep blue of the Southern Ocean. The only city on the rugged Shipwreck Coast, Warrnambool has had a long and colourful history linked with the sea. Today much of this history is on show at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum. With original buildings, a lighthouse and recreated port complete with ships, the museum provides a fascinating insight into the nineteenth century life of the city. Warrnambool is known as Victoria's Southern Right Whale nursery. These giants return to Logan's Beach every May to October and can often be seen just 100 metres off the shore. Located on the wide sweep of Lady Bay, the city has marvellous beaches that attract crowds during warmer months. In the cooler parts of the year, the beach is a great place to stroll with interesting coastal features, including Pickering Point, Thunder Point and Point Ritchie around the mouths of the Merri and Hopkins rivers. Explore numerous coastal reserves and walking tracks with secluded beaches and rocky points, penguin colonies, and some good places for fishing and bird watching. The city has a thriving arts and events scene, excellent restaurants serving the best and freshest local produce and a relaxed café scene, most evident at the bottom end of Liebig Street. A few kilometres west of town is Tower Hill State Game Reserve, home to an ancient volcanic crater complete with lake and lava tongue. Discover a unique microcosm of botany and wildlife along the walking tracks here. Warrnambool is located 270 kilometres west of Melbourne. Travel by car via the Princes Highway or Great Ocean Road. Daily rail or coach services are available from Melbourne.