Your weekend in Warrnambool
Wondering the best way to spend a weekend in Warrnambool?
We have you covered. In this post, we list all the best things to do in Warrnambool to help you with your travel planning.
First of all when you arrive and check into Warrnambool Retreat we know it will be hard to leave! We have created our spaces for maximum relaxation, comfort and escape. From our deep freestanding baths with locally made bath salts, to our open fireplaces and record players. Sometimes staying in is the new going out!
But, if you do want to explore, below are some of our favs:
Book yourself into The Deep Blue Hot Springs
If you’re coming to Warrnambool to unwind, then you need to add the Deep Blue Hot Springs to your itinerary.
The natural geothermal waters here are mineral-rich, and the wellness area includes caverns, waterfalls, and rock pools. Star attractions include the aroma pool, the bubbling springs, the foot spa, and the rainforest and sensory caves, as well as 15 open-air rock pools.
All use naturally heated geothermal water which comes from 850 metres below the ground. Day sessions last for two hours, or you can book a twilight slot and stay for three. Perfect after a day of sightseeing.
Walk the Warrnambool foreshore
A stroll along the coast, from the Breakwater to Thunder Point (and further to Shelley Beach) is always enjoyable, and free!
The Promenade stretches from the Warrnambool Breakwater and Thunder Point to Logans Beach Whale Nursery.
At 5.7 kilometres long it’s a decent length but there are plenty of places to stop and rest, and you can even grab a coffee and something to eat along the way at either The Pavilion or The Kiosk.
The walk takes you past Middle Island a breeding ground for Little Penguins, and the setting of an incredible true story about the town’s efforts to save the Warrnambool penguins. You can meet the Maremma dogs and hear the whole story on this tour.
The promenade is particularly stunning at sunset. It’s suitable for all forms of wheeled transport including bikes, rollerblades, wheelchairs, and prams. Be aware there are are steps at the Stingray Bay end, headed over the wooden bridge.
Cocktails & Pizza at Frolic Lane
Inspired by the good times and a love for all things cocktail and wine – Frolic Lane in its exceptional inner-city location (and easy 10min walk from Warrnambool Retreat - so leave the car at home.
Step inside to experience good, old-fashioned hospitality and let our world-class bartenders create the perfect libation. The sky-high ceilings and grand archways of the Wine Bar shine opulence from the floor up, and the private rooms offer the perfect backdrop to your party.
The magnificent food menu compliments the extensive range of wine and cocktails perfectly, featuring local and imported cheese and cured meats as well as hand-stretched pizza, hot from the deck.
In addition to the indoor, our stylish and elegant outdoor cocktail garden, resplendent with the flames of the open fire is designed for bespoke events and guest entertainment. Actually I would have to say the outside cocktail garden is my fav spot!
Address: 95 Kepler St, Warrnambool VIC 3280
Hours: Open Wed-Fri 4pm till late, Sat & Sun 2pm till late (Closed Mon & Tues)
Phone: (03) 5562 4878
Fletcher Jones Market Warrnambool
The Fletcher Jones Market, situated in the heritage-listed former Fletcher Jones factory, has been part of the Warrnambool landscape for over a decade. Over that time, it has become a regular stopping spot for a browse by locals and visitors alike.
Its factory was a major employer in Warrnambool and the company was known for its progressive approach to employer/employee relations.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the beautiful Fletcher Jones Gardens. They were built by David Fletcher Jones as part of a program to look after the welfare of his workers. The factory is closed now but the gardens remain open and it’s well worth popping by for a look.
There is also the Pleasant Hill Coffee Van situated there, who also do an amazing toasted sanga!
They’re kept in excellent condition with colourful flower beds, manicured lawns, sculptures, and plenty of bench seats.
Inside the factory is a vintage market where you can find unique one-off items you can’t find anywhere else. The Fletcher Jones Market is spread over two levels with over 40 stallholders selling antiques and collectibles, old books, records, vintage clothing, and anything else you can think of!
Enter through the garden and learn about the history of this iconic clothing company.
Address: 61-77 Flaxman Street, Warrnambool
Hours: 7 Days - 10am-5pm
Entry: Free
Explore Tower Hill
A trip to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve won’t disappoint. Only a short 15-minute drive from Warrnambool Retreats door, Tower Hill sits inside a spectacular dormant volcano.
It is home to an array of Australian wildlife including emus, kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, echidnas, reptiles, and birds. You are pretty much guaranteed to see some form of wildlife, emus hangout around the car park and picnic areas (be careful they do like to steal picnic food!), there is an abundance of koalas, and kangaroos like to come out to graze in the late afternoon.
There are a number of walking tracks, some harder than others, so something for every ability.
If you want to make a day of it there are electric barbecues, picnic tables, and toilets, as well as the Worn Gundidj Visitor Centre that sells food and coffee. (At time of writing it was closed for renovations so please check before you arrive)
Tours are available from the centre, run by experienced local guides you will learn about the transformation of Tower Hill from a desolate wasteland to the abundant wildlife reserve it is today.
Image: Visit Great Ocean Road
Address: Entrance Road Tower Hill (turn off the Princess Highway)
Hours: Always Open (Visitor centre closed for upgrades)
Entry: Free
Experience Authentic Thai Street Food at the new ThaiMor
Warrnambool isn’t short of Thai restaurants but its newest, Thaimor Street Food, is very welcome and a little different.
It’s cosy, charming, has some food and drinks you don’t often get on Thai menus here and staff are lovely.
The house made drinks are an authentic treat and the food is delicious with generous serves. The service goes above and beyond. Be sure you visit.
These are just a few things that you can do in a couple of days in and around Warrnambool.
There are so many more amazing sights, cafes and restaurants to visit and try. I think I’ll have to do a second (or third) post to cover them all!
Once the adventures are done, return to Warrnambool Retreat to soak in our deep baths and chat through your adventures, and I am sure you will start planning the next!
Being centrally located, Henna and Merri are the perfect base to either take a leisurely walk into town or a short drive to the beach.
Our courtyards the perfect spot for a frosty drink after a day of adventures. Image: Kirk Richards