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The Coastal Edit: Where to Eat, Sip & Stay in Warrnambool
Windswept coastlines, artisan eats, wild beauty — Warrnambool’s got it all.
Where the Great Ocean Road exhales into rolling green hills and salty air, Warrnambool shimmers with wild beauty and a streak of surprise. Rugged cliffs tumble into turquoise foam, whales breach like local celebrities, and the wind always carries a whisper of the Southern Ocean. But beneath all that drama lies a town with true personality — one recently crowned the 2025 Victorian Top Tourism Town (population 5,000+), a well-deserved nod from the Victorian Tourism Industry Council.
Equal parts windswept and warm-hearted, it’s a coastal escape with edge, elegance, and just the right touch of mischief. With artisan bakeries, native gardens in poetic bloom, and a food scene that punches well above its postcode, Warrnambool is more than ready for its national spotlight. So, consider this your go-to guide for uncovering the very best of this dreamy Victorian town.
Eat & Drink
Lost Cat
It began with a missing cat named Larry and became one of the most quietly assured restaurants in Warrnambool. Lost Cat Dining moves with the ease of a well-kept secret — family-run, warmly lit, anchored by the kind of hospitality that feels effortless. Snapper crudo in white soy. Charred cabbage draped in cashew cream. A scotch fillet — blushing, buttery, unapologetically rich. Blistered rosemary focaccia that lands with theatre and scent. Then come the desserts: a rotating cast from indulgent banoffee pie to dense, velvety chocolate torte. Every plate tells a story of seasonality, precision, and place. A city-style bistro, but with its soul rooted in the coast.
69 Liebig Street, Warrnambool
Day Kitty
Day Kitty in Warrnambool is a sanctuary where vibrant, organic vegetarian cuisine is elevated into an art form. Each plate, whether a nourishing bowl brimming with seasonal bounty or a Mexican-inspired creation alive with bold flavours, feels like a celebration of nature’s finest gifts. Cold-pressed juices and delicate organic teas accompany the feast, turning every visit into a thoughtful ritual of health and indulgence. It quietly commands attention as a beacon of mindful, modern dining.
52B Kepler Street, Warrnambool
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Koko Avenue
Koko Avenue serves up specialty coffee that wakes you gently but surely. Mornings unfold with fluffy pancakes that practically sigh under syrup, acai bowls dressed like summer, and the Big Koko Breakfast, a generous plate with just enough edge to keep things interesting. The pastel-toned space hums with ease, sunlight stretching across tabletops, cutlery clinking softly.
Shop 13/1-49 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool
Wilba & Co.
Wilba & Co. understands mornings intimately. Padre Coffee brewed with intention, breakfast rolls that strike the perfect chord between comforting and clever, and pastries still warm from the oven, buttery and gone too soon. Lunch bowls arrive vibrant and layered, with gluten-free options that feel like the first choice, not an afterthought. Locals in East Warrnambool keep it close for good reason — sharp coffee, easy charm, and flavours that speak for themselves.
8 Nicholson Street, Warrnambool
Tendril Wine Store
Tendril Wine Store is Warrnambool’s playground for wine lovers who like a side of something tasty. Beyond the carefully curated bottles — local heroes and rare finds — you’ll discover snacks that elevate the experience: think confit duck crostini, truffle bites, and salty Spanish olives. The crew know their stuff and love matching flavours, turning a quick visit into a mini celebration. Grab a drink, grab a nibble, and soak up the warm, welcoming charm.
120 Fairy Street, Warrnambool
The Dart & Marlin
The Dart and Marlin feels like your best mate’s sun-dappled backyard party — lively, welcoming, and just a little bit cheeky. Housed in a 19th-century stone beauty, it’s all about wood-fired pizzas that crackle with flavour, craft beers that hit the spot, and local tunes filling the air. Pull up a chair, order the ricotta gnocchi (any of the handmade pasta on the menu, really) and the minty Greek lamb pizza, and soak in a place where good food, good music, and good company collide.
216 Timor Street, Warrnambool
Rough Diamond
Rough Diamond doesn’t just do coffee — it does swagger in a cup. For over nine years, this old-school cool spot on Koroit Street has been delivering consistently brilliant brekkies. Their toasted Turkish roll piled high with bacon, Swiss, and red-eye BBQ sauce is basically a mic drop every time. Falafel fans and smoked salmon devotees get equal love, too, and their chicken melt toastie is a go-to pick for lunchtime. Bold flavours meet cheeky charm here — proof a cafe can be polished, punchy, and never take itself too seriously.
Sitchu Tip: Don’t miss their date scones, freshly baked daily, and served warm with melting butter.
203 Koroit Street, Warrnambool
Frolic Lane
Step through the sandstone arches and into Frolic Lane, a sultry, multi-level pleasure palace that flirts with speakeasy charm and garden-party whimsy. Equal parts velvet-lined cocktail den and fire-warmed courtyard, it’s where Warrnambool goes to let its hair down. The drinks are theatrical (liquid nitrogen, anyone?), the bites lean luxe picnic (charcuterie, hand-stretched pizza), and the vibes? Immaculate. Whether you’re here for drag bingo, a quiet Negroni, or a full-blown knees-up, Frolic Lane delivers with mischievous flair.
95 Kepler Street, Warrnambool
ToTo Town
ToTo Town may be small in size, but it packs a brunch punch that would rattle any big-city postcode. The Turkish-leaning menu is all sizzle and spice (hello, chilli butter eggs and housemade hummus), the service walks the perfect line between chill and clued-in, and yes, excellent coffee flows. The interiors? Think burnished timber, golden hour glow, and a room full of regulars who clearly know what’s good.
Unit 1/49 Kepler Street, Warrnambool
Ilma Cakes & Co
Ilma Cakes & Co. is the sweet-talking showstopper of Fairy Street, a sugar-dusted wonderland where croissants flake just right and loaded cookies come with cult followings. The kind of cafe that knows how to do a proper vanilla slice and a proper flat white (thanks to Industry Beans coffee), Ilma serves up edible joy from 8am on weekdays and from 9am Saturdays. Custom cakes are next-level — think Russian honey cake and Persian love cake — with flavours and flair that’ll make your next party blush. One word: cruffins. Another word: go.
115A Fairy Street, Warrnambool
Explore
Deep Blue Hot Springs
Deep Blue Hot Springs in Warrnambool is where your stress takes an express ticket outta town. Dive into 18 steamy, mineral-rich pools, sensory caves, and waterfalls that feel like a warm hug from the earth. As night falls, the pools light up like a secret garden party under the stars — pure magic. This is the ultimate Great Ocean Road chill zone, from the bubbly springs to tranquil reflection bays. Pair it with a stay at the Deep Blue Hotel and consider your relaxation officially sorted. Get in, glow up, and soak it all in.
Worm Bay Road, Warrnambool
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village in Warrnambool is a captivating step back in time, where history is alive in every cobblestone and timber frame. Against the stunning backdrop of Lady Bay, wander through a recreated 19th-century port town, meet costumed locals, and marvel at maritime treasures like the Loch Ard Peacock. Climb the 1858 lighthouse for sweeping ocean views, then stay after dark for the spellbinding ‘Tales of the Shipwreck Coast’ sound and light show — a dramatic tribute to the region’s legendary shipwreck stories that will leave you breathless and utterly enchanted.
89 Merri Street, Warrnambool
Warrnambool Botanic Gardens
Warrnambool Botanic Gardens is a lush, 20-acre sanctuary designed by William Guilfoyle, the genius behind Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens. Meander along winding paths past a tranquil lily pond, historic band rotunda, and enchanting fernery. The gardens invite picnics, peaceful strolls, and playful discovery for all ages — a vibrant green heartbeat just minutes from the city centre. It’s a place to breathe deep, capture golden-hour light, and soak in nature’s quiet splendour. A true Warrnambool gem where history and greenery entwine with effortless charm.
24 Bromfield Street, Warrnambool
Beach Days
Warrnambool’s coastline is a moodboard of wild cliffs, hidden coves, and soul-stirring views. Start the day floating in the glassy waters of Stingray Bay, a sheltered arc of sand tucked behind the historic breakwater. Wander west to Thunder Point, where craggy sandstone outcrops meet cinematic ocean spray — best caught golden at sunset. For lazy swims and long sandy strolls, Lady Bay is your go-to, while the nearby Bay of Islands unfurls with drama: jagged limestone stacks rising defiantly from the surf. Whether you’re here for stillness, spectacle or salt-slicked joy, this coastal pocket delivers in every shade of magic.
Warrnambool Wildlife Encounters
Warrnambool Wildlife Encounters offers an up-close experience with kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and dingoes just minutes from the Great Ocean Road. This intimate park brings conservation stories to life, inviting families and wildlife lovers to connect deeply with Australia’s iconic animals. Guided sessions reveal fascinating insights, from hand-feeding kangaroos to exploring local ecosystems. Located at Cudgee, it’s an essential stop for those seeking an authentic Aussie wildlife adventure surrounded by nature’s beauty.
21 Trotters Lane, Cudgee
See a show at the Lighthouse Theatre
Lighthouse Theatre is Warrnambool’s beating cultural heart — a restored 1891 Town Hall turned world-class performance space, where heritage grandeur meets state-of-the-art design. From indie icons like Meg Washington to crowd favourites like Pete Murray, the stage plays host to a dynamic program spanning live music, ballet, theatre, and comedy. Plush red seats, soaring glass walls and pitch-perfect acoustics set the scene for unforgettable nights out.
185 Timor Street, Warrnambool
Whale Watching at Logans Beach
Each winter, Logan’s Beach in Warrnambool transforms into a front-row seat to one of nature’s most awe-inspiring performances. From the accessible viewing platform, you can spy Southern Right Whales breaching, spyhopping, and nursing their calves — often just metres from the shore. Running from June through September, the season offers moments of breathtaking stillness and wonder, where the sea comes alive in the most maternal way. Rug up, bring binoculars, and prepare to be humbled by the ocean’s gentle giants.
Logans Beach, Warrnambool
Hopkins Falls
Just 15 minutes from Warrnambool, Hopkins Falls delivers a breathtaking spectacle — 11 metres of cascading water stretched across one of Victoria’s widest waterfalls. Set against rolling green pastures, this basalt beauty is at its most powerful in winter and spring. Come early summer, you might just spot baby eels leaping upstream in a magical migration. With picnic tables, viewing platforms and fresh country air, it’s a scenic detour that always hits the sweet spot.
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve is where the land tells stories older than time. Cradled in the basin of an ancient dormant volcano just outside Warrnambool, this lush ecological sanctuary is wild in all the right ways. Emus strut freely, koalas doze in gum trees, and kangaroos graze under wide southern skies. Wander crater lakes and stepped wetland trails where nature has reclaimed its rhythm, thanks to decades of community-led revegetation. Learn the deep stories of Eastern Maar Country with Worn Gundidj guides, and feel the pulse of history beneath your feet. It’s grounding, glorious, and an utterly unforgettable Warrnambool experience.
Accommodation
Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs
Where the Southern Ocean kisses the shore and the steam rises in dreamy spirals, Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs delivers the kind of coastal exhale that stays with you. With 15 open-air geothermal rock pools, a sensory cave, cold plunge and a swanky indoor bathhouse, it’s a soak sanctuary par excellence — especially when twilight sets in and the pools glow under the stars. Add plush, sea-view rooms, a luxe day spa, and an on-site bar and restaurant for grazing and spritzing, and you’ve got Warrnambool’s wellness crown jewel. Come for the hot springs, stay for the elevated salty serenity.
1 Worm Bay Road, Warrnambool
Book your stay with Deep Blue Hotel
Book your stay with Booking.com
The Landing
Set on the peaceful banks of the Merri River, The Landing is a quietly radiant escape crafted for lovers of luxe simplicity and soulful stillness. Where vintage industrial bones meet soft linens, twin clawfoot baths catch the sunset’s blush, and the open-air cinema flickers beside a crackling fire. Wander down to the river flats with a glass of wine, sink into the velvet couch, or wake to golden sunrises that feel like a whispered promise. A sanctuary where every detail invites you to pause, breathe, and bask in the moment.
Book your stay with The Landing
Stone Keepers Run
Stone Keepers Run is the ultimate riverside escape, where historic bluestone charm meets luxe comfort. With space for 14 and dreamy en-suites, it’s the perfect playground for kayaking, fishing, or simply soaking up that legendary Hopkins River vibe. Heritage meets heaven; a sign that it’s time to gather your crew and unwind in style.
Book your stay with Stone Keepers Run
Henna
Henna is the sultry coastal stay of your design dreams, where retro velvet meets freestanding bath indulgence and a fire crackles just so in the background. This two-bedroom Warrnambool stay is all natural light and slow-living allure, from king-sized sleep-ins to sips of Flockhart Sticky Chai on repeat. The vibe? A vinyl soundtrack, plush textures, and a courtyard strung with festoons made for twilight tea (or wine, let’s be honest). It’s giving ‘how did I live without this?’ energy — and with the coast just minutes away, it’s the staycation fantasy you deserve.
Book your stay with Warrnambool Retreats
The Bushfield Villa
Tucked in the hills just beyond Warrnambool, Bushfield Villa is an adults-only dreamscape: light-filled, peachy-toned and effortlessly Mediterranean in mood. This one-bedroom sanctuary is made for slow mornings and golden hours, with a vineyard view, visiting highland cows, and an alfresco bathtub that demands a long soak (preferably with something bubbly in hand). Inside, dappled light dances across the curated interiors: crisp linens, open-plan living, and a bath-and-shower setup worthy of a boutique stay.
Port Cottage
Port Cottage is the sort of place that coaxes deep exhales and dials down the pace. One of Port Campbell’s original beach houses, it’s been lovingly restored into a soulful sanctuary full of character and quiet luxury, brimming with shipwreck lore and vintage records, and a peacock-blue bedroom inspired by salvaged history. Wake to birdsong and the thunder of waves, then wander to the beach or linger under the pergola with a Timboon whisky. With no TV, a bath to soak in, and stories stitched into every timber beam, this coastal bolthole is a dreamy slow-living escape.
Book your stay with Port Stays
Book your stay with Booking.com
From whale season wonders to geothermal soaks and historic tales, Warrnambool proves it’s more than just a stop on the Great Ocean Road — it’s an award-winning destination in its own right. Hit the road and let the wild west woo you. For more epic road trip inspiration, explore our guide to Victoria’s top routes, plus our curated list of the best stays along the Great Ocean Road.
