Warrnambool
If you’re planning a trip to Warrnambool, located on Victoria’s stunning Great Ocean Road coastline, you’re in for a treat. This relaxed coastal town is packed with outdoor adventures, creative spaces and plenty of spots where the kids can run, explore and discover.
One of the town’s most spectacular draws is whale watching. Between June and September, kids may be able to spot southern right whales and their calves just offshore, from lookouts such as Logans Whale Watching Platform.
For more great views of the ocean, head to lookouts like Hopkins River Lookout, Warrnambool Beach Lookout and Warrnambool Pier where you can take in the magnificent scenery.
Around town, keep an eye out for colouful street art, both murals and sculptures pop up in unexpected places and make for a fun treasure hunt as you explore. Creative kids may also enjoy a visit to the Warrnambool Art Gallery, which often runs Gallery Kids programs and child focussed activities.
Warrnambool is also a town built for kids with many playgrounds scattered around town as well as green spaces for picnics. For a fantastic nature play space where kids can climb, balance and explore, a visit to Warrnambool Botanic Gardens might be on the itinerary. For a full day of fun, you could head to Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground. This is a favourite for kids with climbing structure, slides and flying foxes and plenty of grassed areas for a picnic or to kick a ball around. There are also BBQ facilities for a relaxed family lunch, plus the chance to hire a motor boat for a gentle ride on the water.
If your kids love walking, try the trails around Merri Island, or take a stroll along the Warrnambool Foreshore Promenade. For even more natural beauty, have a look at Moyjil (Point Ritchie) and take in the views over the river mouth of the Hopkins River, or watch the sunset over the ocean.
For wildlife lovers, Middle Island was once home to a colony of little penguins, a highlight for visitors and locals alike. While you can no longer visit the island, you can still spot penguins in the area during guided tours and evening viewing sessions from the shore. The penguins are a charming reminder of the area’s natural heritage and the importance of protecting local wildlife.
Warrnambool also has an unusual claim to fame: the movie Oddball was based on a Maremma dog that worked for a local chicken farmer named Allan Marsh (aka Swampy) played by Shane Jacobson. The story is about Oddball being taken onto Middle Island in order to guard the penguins and keep them safe from foxes. Knowing some of the background about this determined duo who became world famous after the movie, adds a delightful twist to family visits, as kids can connect a real-life hero to the heartwarming film.
With its combination of coastal beauty, wildlife encounters, interactive outdoor spaces, and vibrant local culture, Warrnambool is a destination that captures the best of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road region. Whether you’re watching whales, strolling along the water, exploring murals, or spotting penguins, Warrnambool is an ideal place for families seeking both excitement and relaxation.
