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Logan's Beach Whale Watching Platform

There's something magical about spotting whales along their migration path during whale season. Warrnambool has been visited by Southern Right Whales for hundreds of years. In particular, Logan's Beach is renowned as an ideal whale nursery location. For that reason, the city of Warrnambool has made the watching experience even easier with a dedicated space to view the ocean and point out passing whales. Bring your binoculars and pop down to Logan's Beach Whale Watching Platform to spot these magnificent creatures making their way along the coastline during migration season or nursing their calves. And, who knows, you might get lucky enough to see the beautiful baby whales, too.

Picnic at Hopkins Falls

If you're in the Warrnambool area, then a visit to Hopkins Falls is a must. Located deep in dairy country, Hopkins Falls features a wide cliff edge, rock pools, and a gushing waterfall, all surrounded by lush grassland. This makes it the perfect setting for a lovely picnic in nature. There are BBQ facilities on site, as well as picnic tables. But, if you have a picnic rug, there is plenty of space to lay out and enjoy the tranquillity of the rushing waterfall. If you come at the right time during the start of summer, you may see the short-finned eels on their migration path to and from the Coral Sea, an extraordinary event to witness.

Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village

The Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village is an outdoor museum that shares the story of hundreds of ships, crews and passengers who lost their lives on the Shipwrecked Coast during the 19th century. This museum remembers their stories and experiences that paved the way for the communication and resource operations that we have today. One highlight attraction of Flagstaff Hill is the sound and light show Tales of the Shipwrecked Coast, which takes guests on a journey through the ages, sharing dramatic stories and bringing the village to life with a state-of-the-art light projection show and immersive experience.  

Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve

The Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve is a breathtaking natural landscape that sits within a volcanic crater. When in Warrnambool, seeing these significant geological formations is a must. Explore the parkland through one of the many walking tracks, wander through the wetland area, and see the craters and extensive bushland that was once exploited by early settlers. Learn about the rich Indigenous history of this reserve and understand their connection to the land. Tower Hill Reserve has a range of walks, including boardwalks, leisurely walks, and more challenging hikes. While here, you can join a tour led by experienced guides and learn more about the reserve and the plants that grow here. Be sure to keep an eye out for native Australian wildlife like emus, kangaroos and koalas.

Visit an Art Gallery

Warrnambool has a variety of art galleries peppered throughout the town. While visiting, check out some of the galleries and immerse yourself in the world of art. Galleries display everything from traditional art to contemporary, pottery, glass, Indigenous art displays, woven art, and so much more. And, if you're visiting a privately owned gallery, you even have the opportunity to bring home any art that catches your eye. A visit to an art gallery can help you appreciate the passion, dedication and emotion that goes into each piece and appreciate the talent of these local and regional artists.

Warrnambool Breakwater

Stroll along the waters of the picturesque Warrnambool Breakwater, gaze into the ocean and enjoy the serenity. The breakwater was built over 100 years ago to protect the boats from the waves of the Southern Ocean. Today, it's a spot loved by locals and used for fishing. Bring your kids down to the breakwater and teach them the ropes of casting a line out and trying to catch a fish. It is a great spot to spend time listening to the waves crashing and learn the patience of fishing and how to reel one in. Not to mention, a good variety of fish live near the breakwater. While you're there, watch for cheeky seals and stingrays that are regular visitors to the area.

Warrnambool Botanic Gardens

The Warrnambool Botanic Gardens is a beautiful showcase of gorgeous flowers and stunning landscaped gardens. If you're in Warrnambool, stop by the botanical gardens for a stroll to see just how lovely they are. They are a wonderful place to come and unwind in nature, and if you bring a rug, there are plenty of open grassy spaces to lie down and read a book or cloud gaze. The gardens are home to a diverse range of flowers and trees, which are displayed in arrangements throughout the park. A few highlights of the gardens are the Moreton Bay Fig trees, lily pond and fernery.

Thunder Point Coastal Reserve

Looking for a nice spot to go for a walk? Then, the Thunder Point Coastal Walk is just what you're searching for. This is a popular spot for walking and hiking, and you'll understand why when you see it yourself. The walk runs through the reserve and is best done during low tide. That is because you'll be able to see and explore the rockpools and view the wildlife up close. Overall, the walk is 4.2 km there and back and takes under an hour to complete. Highlights of the walk are Thunder Point and Pickering Point Lookouts, which give visitors stunning views of the coast and ocean.  

Warrnambool Beaches

During the warmer months, there is no better way to enjoy the sun and cool off from the heat than with a day at the beach. It's fun for the whole family, and the Warrnambool area has no shortage of fantastic beaches for visitors to explore. Pack your beach bag and snacks and get out onto the sandy shores, making sandcastles, playing beach cricket, or just lounging on your towel. Dip into the sapphire blue waves, snorkel, practise surfing, paddleboard and swim. Some great beaches in the area that you can check out are Lady Bay and Logan's Beach.