7 Great Day Trips Just Outside Warrnambool (All Easy Drives)
One of the best things about staying in Warrnambool is how many incredible places are just a short drive away. Within an hour or so you can explore charming coastal villages, wildlife reserves, waterfalls, great food stops and some of the most dramatic coastline in Australia.
If you're looking to venture a little further while staying at Warrnambool Retreat, here are seven fantastic day trips nearby.
1. Port Fairy - A Charming Coastal Village
Port Fairy Lighthouse, Griffiths Island, Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia
Just 25 minutes west of Warrnambool is the beautiful seaside town of Port Fairy.
Known for its historic cottages and relaxed coastal vibe, it’s a lovely place to wander for a few hours.
Things to do:
Walk around Griffiths Island Lighthouse
Browse the boutique shops
Enjoy lunch in the many pubs, cafes or bakeries
Visit East Beach for a swim
It’s one of the most picturesque towns along the Shipwreck Coast.
2. Tower Hill – Wildlife Inside a Volcano
Australian babies Emus and their father inside Tower Hill natural reserve in Warrnambool, Victoria.
Only about 15 minutes from town sits one of the region’s most unique natural attractions: Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve.
Tower Hill is a dormant volcano that’s now filled with lakes, bushland and native wildlife.
You’ll often see:
emus walking around the roads (careful with your picnic food they will sneak up on you!)
koalas sleeping in the gum trees
kangaroos grazing in the open grass
It’s an easy scenic drive and feels like a mini wildlife safari.
3. Timboon – Foodie Stop of the Region
How will you choose which amazing flavour to choose at Timboon Fine Ice Cream?
About 45 minutes from Warrnambool you’ll find the small but vibrant town of Timboon.
It’s become a bit of a foodie destination along the Great Ocean Road.
Highlights include:
whisky tasting at the Timboon Railway Shed Distillery
gourmet treats at the famous Timboon Fine Ice Cream
browsing local produce and cafés
Definitely come hungry.
4. Port Campbell – Gateway to the Twelve Apostles
The Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell National Park, Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia.
About an hour’s drive east of Warrnambool is the coastal village of Port Campbell.
This small seaside town is famous for being the gateway to the Shipwreck Coast.
While you’re there you can visit:
the world-famous Twelve Apostles
Loch Ard Gorge (steps to beach are currently closed at time of publishing)
scenic coastal lookouts along the Great Ocean Road
Even just sitting by the beach in Port Campbell with fish and chips is worth the drive
5. Cheeseworld – A Delicious Roadside Stop
Enjoy lunch at their on-site cafe which has coffee, light meals and local dairy available.
Just five minutes east of Warrnambool in Allansford you’ll find the iconic Cheeseworld.
Housed in an old dairy factory, this stop celebrates the region’s long dairy history.
Here you can:
taste local cheeses, grab some lunch and a milkshake!
browse gourmet products
learn about the history of the nearby Saputo cheese factory
It’s a quick but tasty stop along the way.
6. Warrnambool Wildlife Encounters – Get Close to Aussie Animals
Get up close and personal with all the native wildlife.
If you want a more hands-on wildlife experience, Warrnambool Wildlife Encounters offers guided animal encounters with native Australian wildlife.
Visitors can:
feed kangaroos
meet koalas
learn about conservation efforts
It’s a great experience for families and animal lovers. Make sure you book your spot ahead.
7. Yambuk Slide – The Giant Outdoor Playground
Bring a picnic, dangle a line in the lake and BBQ some snags, all within reach of toilet and parking facilities.
About 25 minutes west of Warrnambool near Yambuk you’ll find one of the region’s most unexpected attractions: the Yambuk Giant Slide.
This tall metal slide tower is a bit of a local legend and a fun stop for families travelling through the area, if you have some cardboard bring it along, otherwise there is also some usually left over to use.
Nearby you’ll also find:
peaceful coastal wetlands
fishing spots
quiet beaches
A Perfect Base for Exploring the Region
The best part about staying in Warrnambool is that so many great destinations are just a short drive away.
From charming coastal towns to wildlife reserves and foodie stops, there’s always something new to discover.
And after a day exploring the coast, Warrnambool Retreat is the perfect place to return, relax and plan tomorrow’s adventure.
Book your stay and make your adventure one to remember.