Looking for the best things to do in Warrnambool? If you’re lost in choosing the best things to do in Warrnambool this post will help you out.

Warrnambool is the largest coastal city in Victoria outside of Port Phillip Bay. It’s traditionally a summer destination as visitors often combine it with a road trip along the famous Great Ocean Road.

From outdoor enthusiasts to history buffs to foodies, Warrnambool has something for everyone.

This beautiful city has many tourist attractions that will keep visitors busy all through such as recreational facilities, museums, food venues, nature parks, and many more.

Warrnambool attractions and activities also incorporate outdoor activities such as swimming, surfing, paddle-boarding, mini-golf, horse riding on the beach, cycling tracks, and hiking

For your perfect trip, here is the list of the best things to do in Warrnambool.

Things to do in Warrnambool

1 Warrnambool Botanical Gardens

Take a stroll through the Botanical Garden in Warrnambool to soak in breathtaking views of the vibrant flora and lush vegetation.

Located in Civic Centre 25 Liebig Street Warrnambool Victoria. The site of these botanic gardens was selected in 1866, replacing an earlier site near the mouth of the Hopkins River. The early development of the gardens owes much to Charles Scoborio, curator, and Government botanist Ferdinand von Mueller.

Locals and visitors alike now enjoy his idea of a calm garden with panoramic views of well-kept landscapes embellished with different plant species, ponds, bridges, gazebos, and wildlife. It’s the ideal location for a family day trip or as a romantic setting for special occasions like a wedding reception.

2 Gateway Plaza

Gateway Plaza is the only fully enclosed shopping center in Warrnambool. Located at 154 Raglan Parade,  Warrnambool, Victoria.

The plaza comprises Kmart, Coles, Aldi, Best&Less, The Reject Shop, Chemist Warehouse, Australia Post and Tattslotto outlet, and a variety of fashion, food, and service retailers.

There is free, all-day parking which makes stopping for a break convenient and hassle-free.

3 Visit Lake Pertobe Motor Boats Hire

If you’re looking for much outdoor fun in the city of Warrnambool, then head over to the Lake Pertobe motor boats hire. Located at the Pertobe Road, Warrnambool, Victoria.

At Lake Pertobe Motor Boats, Warrnambool, they aim to give you a wonderful experience of fun and adventure.

Young children can steer with older people helping to guide the boat. Fun-hire boats that all the family can enjoy. This place has turned out to be a seasonal tourist center as people come back year after year to drive a little boat on the lake.

4 Logan Beach

Logan Beach is a place to go in Warrnambool during the Winter and Spring if you want to spot some of the Southern Right Whales making Lady Bay their home and nursing their young ones. Located at Logans Beach Road, off Hopkins Point Road, Warrnambool.

Almost every year between June and October, female Southern Right whales return to the waters of Warrnambool’s Logans Beach to calve. The whales often swim within a hundred meters of the shore. They can be viewed from a specially constructed platform in the dunes or from the beach.

The whales give birth and raise their calves in the waters along the southern edge of Australia, including along the Great Ocean Road and Warrnambool.

5 Simon’s Waterfront

Australia is known for its numerous beaches and the waterfront is common for visitors to indulge in. Located at the Pertobe Road, Warrnambool, Victoria.

Visit Simon’s Waterfront for the best steaks, seafood, and brunch dishes along with stunning coastal views. Along the Great Ocean Road, the magnificent restaurant is located atop the Warrnambool Surf Life Club.

Dine outdoors in their open-air eating area while taking in the expansive views of Lady Bay and the Southern Ocean. Also, they offer indoor eating in a welcoming, resort-like setting that is perfect for hosting events.

6 Thunder Point Coastal Reserve

One of the best things to do in Warrnambool is to visit the Thunder Point Coastal Reserve located off MacDonald Street, Warrnambool, Victoria.

Thunder Point Coastal Reserve is one of Warrnambool’s best places to catch the sunset. It offers panoramic vistas on its dramatic coast.

The reserve which lies a bit past MacDonald Street gives visitors plenty of room for their cars so they may take in the views of the shore while driving. Moreover, there is a lengthy wooden path that curves along the coast where many photos can be taken.

7 Warrnambool Greyhound Racing Club

Warrnambool Greyhound Racing Club brings you all of the racing action. Located at 331 Koroit Street, Warrnambool, Victoria.

Every Thursday night, the Club holds races, with the action getting underway at 6:00 p.m. The club boasts a family-friendly environment, includes a restaurant and bar, and free Wi-Fi, and is the ideal spot to gather with friends and enjoy a night at the races.

The Club hosts a lot of special events all year round. From December 27 to January 12, there is the Seaside Festival put on by the Warrnambool Greyhound Racing Club.

Bring your family and friends; there will be many kid-friendly activities at the races, such as jumping castles, plaster paintings, sporting events, and much more. Special dining packages are available for families across the festival.

8 The Warrnambool Art Gallery

One of the tops recommended things to do in Warrnambool is to visit the City art gallery. Located at 26 Liebig St, Warrnambool Victoria.

The Warrnambool Art Gallery was founded by Joseph Archibald in 1886, making it the third museum in Victoria and the fifth-oldest museum in Australia.

The gallery was occupied by the city council beginning in 1910 and remained there until 1963 when the structure was turned into government offices.

The gallery’s present and permanent location was constructed next to Civic Green in 1986. Visitors can take in the intriguing collection of 5,000 works of art that spans more than 130 years of history through its many events and exhibitions.

9 Visit Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground

At Warrnambool, Lake Pertobe is the center of outdoor recreation. The Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground is a modern playground on its banks that is suited for both young children and older children. This expansive playground is the ideal spot to let your children run wild while you participate or take a break.

There are a few bridges close to the playground that allow you to traverse the lake and access some of the lake’s smaller islands. The bridges, which include a bouncy suspension bridge, are great for older children to run and play on.

10 Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village

Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village is a maritime museum featuring the largest collection of shipwrecks in Australia and a recreation of an outdoor community from the 1870s with views over Lady Bay. Located at 89 Merri Street Warrnambool Victoria.

The museum sits on Flagstaff Hill and incorporates several buildings dating to the 19th century, including the lighthouse and garrison.

Visitors will enjoy exploring the village’s shops and buildings, feeding the ducks, and sampling the scones in the tea rooms.

11 Flagstaff Hill Sound and Light Show

The Flagstaff Hill Sound and Light Show is a nighttime sound and laser show at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village that transports spectators to the village through projections onto a nine-meter-high water wall.

Guests are seated undercover but it’s open to the elements so dress warmly.  The loud noises and late start times make me doubt that it is appropriate for smaller children (after sunset).

12 Fletcher Jones Market

Antique seekers will enjoy a thrilling weekend at Fletcher Jones Market looking for hidden gems.  It is situated in a heritage garden that you can explore after shopping. The structure includes two floors where you can peruse a big selection of antiques, vintage books, retro apparel, and many more.

There is new merchandise arriving daily so each day is a fresh start for bargain-hunting.   A visit to this well-known market in Warrnambool will offer a distinctive shopping experience.

13 Lighthouse Theatre Warrnambool

The most recent renovation to Warrnambool Town Hall’s main theater was the Lighthouse Theater, which was done by William Ross Architects. Located at the Deakin University, Warrnambool City Centre, 185 Timor Street Warrnambool Victoria.

The theater has endured numerous revisions and delays since its original conception and construction in 1891, giving it a major place in the town’s history of arts and culture.

Today, it is a mecca for the performing arts and theater aficionados. It presents current plays performed in 21st-century theaters and provides a range of training courses to aid people in becoming masters of the contemporary performing arts.

14 Deep Blue Hot Springs Warrnambool

The Deep Blue Hot Springs Warrnambool is an open-air sanctuary with enhanced geothermal bathing experiences that uses the natural geothermal waters as its source. Located at Worm Bay Road, Warrnambool Victoria.

As you slowly make your way around a variety of thermal pools, let your thoughts drift to a healing condition while your body soaks up the health-restoring minerals and heat of the naturally drawn water from the earth.

Enjoy a quiet moment of introspection by basking over basalt stones or lounging in the reflection pool’s shallows.

15 Fun4Kids Festival

One of the best things to do in Warrnambool for kids is to attend the annual fun4kids festival.

Fun4Kids Festival is a huge yearly week-long event designed for kids aged 2-12 years held every year over the winter school holidays in July.

In the center of Warrnambool, a 2.5-acre indoor facility houses over 80 live events as well as a staggering variety of kid-friendly activities.

16 Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve

The Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve is Victoria’s first national park that is known for housing a variety of natural wildlife and birds. On your trip, you’re likely to see koalas, kangaroos, emus, and many more animals.

Native American arts and crafts can be found at the visitor center, which is run by the Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Cooperative.

17 Mini Golf by the Sea

Mini golf is an enjoyable sport for players of all athletic and skill levels. Located at  47 Pertobe Road, Warrnambool, Victoria.

You can play a round of mini-golf for as long as you like, whether you prefer a fast-paced, competitive game or a leisurely walk across the course.

You can soak in breathtaking shoreline views while playing mini golf at Mini Golf by the Sea. The Jumping Pillow is a great place to unwind after a competitive game of mini-golf.

18 Little Penguin Sanctuary

Middle Island is located not far from Warrnambool’s coastline. This little island has gained notoriety thanks to a number of movies and documentaries, which highlight the island’s current use as a haven for baby penguins.

Because of the island’s proximity to the mainland and ease of access during low tides, the small penguins have been threatened by predators.

The island’s little penguin population had only approximately 10 breeding pairs left in 2005, thus in 2006 a project to train a group of Maremma Sheepdogs to guard the little penguins were begun. The number of tiny penguins on the island had doubled by 2016.

The little penguin sanctuary has become a well-liked tourist destination. Tourists flock to this penguin island to enjoy themselves with the sociable penguins and take some eye-catching selfies.

Best time to visit Warrnambool

According to tourist statistics, January, February, and March, as well as September through December, are the best months to visit Warrnambool.