Warrnambool

Overview

Warrnambool is the largest city between Geelong and Victorian/South Australian border and is home to 32,000 people. Nestled in the heart of the rugged Great Ocean Road region and surrounded by lush hinterland and rural landscapes, Warrnambool offers a delightful combination for any visitor.

Warrnambool means spectacular stretches of coastline with fantastic beaches an sparking water, beautiful parks and gardens, long stretches of seaside walking and bike trails, visiting whales, notorious shipwrecks, unique volcanoes, great food, exhilarating sports and a thriving elegant city centre.

History

The name Warrnambool is said to be derived from the Aboriginal name for a nearby mountain range, meaning 'water between two rivers'.

Historical evidence indicates Warrnambool’s maritime links extend back to the Portuguese in the 1500s. Later, during colonial expansion of the 1800s, the treacherous coast earned an infamous reputation as a ships’ graveyard with hundreds of ships lost, No wonder it has the title 'The Shipwreck Coast'.

Cannon Hill was so named because of the cannons placed there in the mid-1850s. The idea was to defend the harbour and town from the enemy of the time, the Russians, who were at war with Britain and France. Naturally, Cannon Hill has a great view over the harbour, one of the finest in the city.

Places of interest

Sites of various shipwrecks
Historic Wollaston Bridge
Lady Bay Lighthouse Precinct
Botanic Gardens William Guilfoyle-designed (1879)
Merri River wetlands
Shelly Beach (a rugged ocean beach)
Warrnambool Racing Club

Accommodation

From stylish apartments, beachside caravan parks, cosy B&Bs and welcoming backpackers hostels right through to superior motel accommodation, Warrnambool has it all.

Let our professional and experienced staff from Warrnambool Visitor Information Centre help you secure accommodation.
Website: www.visitwarrnambool.com.au
Email: vic@warrnambool.vic.gov.au
Phone: 1800 637 725 or +61 3 5559 4620
Address: Flagstaff Hill, 89 Merri Street, Warrnambool, Victoria, 3280

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