Warrnambool

It is 265 km west from Melbourne, along the coast, and has a population of 31,000.

By plane

Warrnambool has an airport located approximately 15km north of the CBD, although there are no scheduled commercial flights. Mount Gambier is 2 hours drive away to the west and has scheduled flights, but the best choice is generally Melbourne that has many more services and facilities and is a 3 hour drive to the east.

By train

V/Line operates three daily train services from Melbourne to Warrnambool. The journey of 3 1/2 hours operates via Geelong, and trains have a buffet car on board serving snacks. As a long distance service with reserved seats you should book tickets with V/Line in advance. Go online, call or go to the station. However, you will usually be able to buy a ticket just before travel, and there are conductors on board who sell tickets. Tickets are $52 return from Melbourne if you travel in the off-peak hours, or $74.20 during peak hours.

By car

From Melbourne, Warrnambool can be reached on the Princes Highway and it takes approximately 3.5 hours. Another possible route is going along the Hamilton Highway, which takes approximately 3.5 hours as well. Alternatively, you can take the Great Ocean Road. This takes approximately 6.5 hours (without stopping), but is well worth it for the spectacular views.

By bus

V/Line runs a coach along the Great Ocean Road to Warrnambool three times a week, and daily bus services to Hamilton and Mount Gambier in South Australia.

By car

Warrnambool is reasonably easy to navigate by car. Metered parking in the city costs 70c per hour.

By bus

Transit South West operates 10 bus routes within the city of Warrnambool. Most routes run hourly, and the city terminus is a short walk from the railway station. Tickets are $2.00 for 2 hours, and $3.40 for a full day (half price concession/children's tickets).

• Flagstaff Hill Maritime MuseumA substantial museum, with a replica community and many exhibits. A nighttime show "Shipwrecked" tells the story of the wreck at Loch Ard gorge, projected onto a water fountain in the lake

• Lake Pertobe and Foreshore area

• Southern Right Whales at Logans Beach.There is a viewing platform, and whales can often be easily seen without binoculars.

• Tower Hillwildlife reserve

• Botanical gardens

  address: Botanic Road

Kermonds Hamburgers - 151 Lava Street. Original 1950s style hamburgers.

There is lots of accommodation, including motels and rental houses.

• Elm Tree Motel

  phone: +61 3 5562 4133
  address: 179 Kepler Street
  Airconditioning, electric blankets

• Comfort Inn Warrnambool

  address: Corner Timor and Kepler Street

• Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs Warrnambool

  phone: +61 3 5559 2000
  address: Worm Bay Road
  80 guestrooms, including Deluxe suites and Premium suites with spa baths.