29 Best Things to Do in Warrnambool with Kids

Things to Do in Warrnambool

1. Lake Pertobe Adventure playground

Warrnambool’s best playground is easily Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground. This 8-hectare adventure playground has it all! A huge sandpit, giant slides, flying foxes, a maze, rock structure with water play and you can even hire boats for paddling.

We also love the toddler play area and a super large modern slide, making this one of the best outdoor attractions in Warrnambool for kids.

There are picnic and BBQ facilities, too.

The Lake Pertobe precinct is also home to lawn tennis courts, mini golf, an athletics track and skatepark.

Lake Pertobe Adventure playground, Pertobe Road, Warrnambool

2. Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village

Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village is a maritime museum with Australia’s richest shipwreck collection and a reconstructed 1870s outdoor village overlooking Lady Bay.

Enjoy daily exhibits, engaging sound and light shows, and delicious treats at the tea rooms and lolly shop. 

Lady AB and I enjoy exploring the village’s shops and buildings, feeding the ducks and sampling the scones in the tea rooms.

Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village 89 Merri St, Warrnambool VIC 3280, Australia (03) 5559 4600 or Toll free: 1800 556 111

3. Flagstaff Hill Sound and Light Show

The Flagstaff Hill Sound and Light  Show is a night-time sound and laser show at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village that takes you on a journey of the village through projections onto a nine-metre high water wall.

Guests are seated undercover but it’s open to the elements so dress warmly. I don’t think it is really suitable for younger children due to the loud noises and late starting times (after sunset).

Flagstaff Hill Sound and Light Show, 89 Merri St, Warrnambool VIC 3280, Australia (03) 5559 4600 or Toll free: 1800 556 111

4. Deep Blue Geothermal Pools

Deep Blue Hot Springs is one of Warrnambool’s most talked-about experiences — and rightly so. 

The award-winning geothermal mineral sanctuary has 14 rock pools, sensory caves and waterfalls, with temperatures ranging from a bracing cold plunge up to 41°C. The glowing sensory caves and the rainforest waterfall cave are the highlights for kids.

Sessions are available daily for children aged 5 and over. Evening twilight sessions are reserved for guests aged 16 and over. Book ahead — sessions sell out, especially in school holidays.

If you want to make a night of it, Deep Blue Hotel sits right on the property with ocean views, an indoor heated pool, day spa, sauna and salt therapy — plus hotel guests get 10% off hot springs entry.

We’ve written a full parent’s guide to Deep Blue Hot Springs — everything you need to know before you book.

Read our Deep Blue Hot Springs review.

Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs Warrnambool, Worm Bay Road, Warrnambool VIC 3280, (03) 5559 2000, reservations@thedeepblue.com.au

5. Mini Golf By The Sea

Check out Mini Golf by the Sea, a super fun spot right by the Warrnambool foreshore and Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground.

With 18 creative holes and a massive Jumping Pillow, it’s the perfect place for a bit of friendly competition—and loads of laughs!

Mini Golf by the Sea, 47 Pertobe Road, Warrnambool, 03 5562 0644

6. Warrnambool Art Gallery

Take the kids to Warrnambool Art Gallery for a creative adventure!

Located on Liebig Street, this family-friendly gallery is open daily and features a mix of exciting exhibitions and events. It’s a great spot to introduce little ones to art, with plenty to spark their imagination and curiosity.

Warrnambool Art Gallery, 26 Liebig St, Warrnambool, (03) 5559 4949

7.Foreshore Playground and Promenade

Foreshore Playground and Promenade is a must-visit when in Warrnambool with kids.

Enjoy stunning views for a coastal walk, including a beachfront playground with modern equipment.

8. Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve

Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve is Victoria’s first national park and home to many native birds and wildlife. You’ll likely spot koalas, kangaroos, emus and much more on your visit.

Note that the visitor centre is currently being renovated. Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Cooperative runs guided tours of the reserve — highly recommended for families who want to understand the cultural significance of this ancient volcanic landscape. Free entry.

Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, 105 Lake View Rd, Tower Hill, 13 19 63

9. Warrnambool Botanic Gardens

Take a stroll through twenty acres of tranquil gardens at Warrnambool Botanic Gardens.

The nature-based play space provides a captivating outdoor environment designed to engage children in immersive and educational play amidst nature.

Free entry.

Warrnambool Botanic Gardens, 24 Bromfield St, Warrnambool, (03) 5559 4800

10. Allansford Cheese World

Warrnambool is big on dairy, and Allansford Cheese World is the perfect place to taste it for yourself!

This family-friendly spot has a cheese museum, free tastings, and a licensed restaurant. Plus, there’s a great selection of local wines—perfect for the parents while the kids enjoy the cheese!

Note it’s not currently open on weekends, so plan ahead. 

Allansford Cheese World, 5330 Great Ocean Rd, Allansford, (03) 5565 3127

11. Fletcher Jones Gardens

The FJ Gardens are a little slice of history and a great spot for a family stroll!

Originally a rubbish dump, they were transformed in 1948 by  clothing manufacturer Fletcher Jones into a beautiful green space with sculptures, waterfalls, and perfectly kept lawns. These days, it’s a peaceful spot to let the kids run around while you soak up the charm of this local favourite.

Fletcher Jones Gardens, Cnr Flaxman Street & Raglan Parade

12. Fletcher Jones Market

Right next door to the gardens, inside the iconic heritage-listed Fletcher Jones clothing factory, is one of the best vintage and antiques markets in regional Victoria.

With 60+ stallholders spread across two levels and over 2,000 square metres, each with their own curated collection, the variety here is extraordinary. Antique furniture, vintage clothing, records, rare books, coins, original artwork, Australian pottery, signs and collectables — you could spend hours in here. Kids love fossicking through the stalls and there’s always something unusual around the corner.

We’ve personally visited and it’s one of our favourite stops in Warrnambool. Check out our full Great Ocean Road vintage trail guide for more op shop and antique market recommendations in the region.

Fletcher Jones Market, 61-77 Flaxman Street, Warrnambool VIC 3280. +61 3 5562 9936. Open daily 10am–5pm.

13. Logan’s Beach foreshore walk

Take the kids on a scenic walk along Warrnambool’s coastline, starting at Logans Beach and winding around the Lady Bay foreshore to Thunder Point.

With stunning ocean views, fresh sea air, and plenty of spots to stop and explore, it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors as a family!

Logan’s Beach, Logans Beach Rd, Warrnambool 

14. Logan’s Beach Whale Watching Platform

From June to September, Logans Beach is the place to be for whale watching with kids!

Southern Right whales come right up to the shore, and you can spot them from a free viewing platform. It’s an unforgettable experience watching these gentle giants, especially knowing their numbers are bouncing back after years of conservation efforts.

15. Warrnambool Kart Club

Get ready for some high-speed fun at Warrnambool Kart Club!

On the last Sunday of each month, you can watch (or even join in) the action-packed kart races. Whether your kids dream of being racers or just love the thrill, it’s a great day out for the whole family.

Warrnambool Kart Club, Buckleys Rd, Allansford VIC 3277

16. More Warrnambool Beaches

Warrnambool is enveloped by a diverse coastline, providing a blend of sheltered swimming spots, open surf breaks, and exciting areas to explore. Find a post and spend a day building sandcastles and playing by the ocean.

17. Breakwater And Stingray Bay

Stingray Bay is a hidden gem for families! This sheltered cove at the entrance of the Merri River is perfect for exploring crystal-clear rock pools with the kids.

Wander along the Breakwater for stunning views of the harbour and city—it’s a great spot for a relaxed family adventure.

Stingray Bay, 61 Viaduct Rd, Warrnambool

18. Lighthouse Theatre

Keep an eye on Lighthouse Theatre for family-friendly shows and events! From kids’ performances to live entertainment the whole family can enjoy, it’s a great spot for a fun day or night out in Warrnambool.

Lighthouse Theatre, 185 Timor St, Warrnambool VIC 3280, (03) 5559 4999

19. Middle Island Maremma Project

Middle Island Maremma Project isn’t strictly a tourist attraction but it is one of Warrnambool’s most famous projects.

Look up the 2015 Australian family film Oddball — a funny, heartwarming movie loosely based on the real story of how two Maremma dogs were trained to protect Warrnambool’s Little Penguin colony from foxes. It’s a great way to get kids invested in the project and younger children especially will love spotting the connection between the film and the real place.

The children’s book Chooks in Dinner Suits tells the same story in a warm and funny way, perfect for younger readers. There are guided ‘Meet the Maremma’ tours offered in Summer at low tide which are run by the Warrnambool City Council.

Where to Eat in Warrnambool

Warrnambool still has a country town feel to it so don’t be surprised if you find that cafes and shops shut in the early afternoon on a Saturday and don’t open Sundays or public holidays.

20. Bundy’s Bar & Bites

Bundy’s has been serving traditional Sri Lankan food in Warrnambool for over 20 years — the Sri Lankan curries are legendary locally — alongside a full Australian menu of steaks, burgers, seafood and cocktails. 

We were hosted there and we think it’s best for families with older kids who are adventurous eaters, as the Sri Lankan cuisine are the real highlight – fragrantly spiced and generously proportioned.

Bundy’s Bar & Bites, 67 Liebig Street, Warrnambool VIC 3280. +61 3 5561 2214. Open daily from 4pm.

21. The Cally Hotel

A local pub in the heart of Warrnambool with a kids’ menu, beer garden, daily meal specials and live music on Tuesday and Saturday nights. The Cally sources its beef from local Union Station Farm and the weekly specials are excellent value — Tuesday steak night, Wednesday parma night and Thursday burger night. 

We were hosted here and it’s a reliable, family-friendly option for any night of the week. There’s even a small games room to keep kids entertained!

The Cally Hotel, 112–114 Fairy Street, Warrnambool VIC 3280. +61 3 5561 3932. Open daily 7:30am till late.

22. Wilba & Co

A bright, welcoming café in East Warrnambool serving great coffee, breakfast all day, fresh lunch bowls and house-baked treats. Wilba uses Padre Coffee and the menu has plenty of family friendly options as well as a kids menu. Open from 6am on weekdays and 7am on weekends — ideal for an early start before a big day of sightseeing. We were hosted here and it’s worth the short drive from the town centre.

Wilba & Co, 8 Nicholson Street, Warrnambool VIC 3280. Open Mon–Fri 6am–2pm, Sat–Sun 7am–1pm.

23. Tides Café, Bar and Restaurant

Set within Deep Blue Hotel on the waterfront, Tides is open to everyone — not just hotel guests. By day it’s a relaxed all-day café with buffet breakfast and wholesome daytime bites. By evening it shifts into a proper restaurant with a menu that leans into local produce and seasonal flavours — braised lamb, fresh seafood, handmade pasta and a five-course chef’s tasting menu for those who want something special.

Practical tip: If you’re visiting Deep Blue Hot Springs during the day you can add a lunch item from the daytime menu for $25 when you book a daytime hot springs session. A good way to make a full half-day of it without having to drive into town for food.

Book ahead for dinner — seating is limited and it fills up, particularly on weekends.

Tides Café, Bar and Restaurant, Worm Bay Road, Warrnambool VIC 3280. +61 3 5559 2000. Open daily 7am–7pm. Reservations recommended for dinner.

24. The Dart and Marlin

Warrnambool’s most celebrated restaurant is housed in an 1850s painter’s shop on the main strip. The Dart and Marlin does hand-stretched sourdough pizzas with a 48-hour prove, baked on stone in an Italian gas-fired oven, alongside handmade pastas, fresh seafood and share plates using locally sourced seasonal produce. The natural wine list champions regional Victorian winemakers. There’s a leafy courtyard and live music most weekends. Open Wednesday to Saturday from 4pm. Probably best for families with older kids and teens.

The Dart and Marlin, 216–218 Timor Street, Warrnambool VIC 3280. +61 3 5562 8659. Open Wed–Sat from 4pm.

25. Proudfoot’s by the River

Proudfoot’s Boathouse is a heritage boathouse built in 1885 at the mouth of the Hopkins River.

The dining room serves enormous meals of classic pub grub with gorgeous views.

Proudfoot’s, 2 Simpson St Warrnambool, Victoria 5561 5055

26. Bohemia

Bohemia Cafe & Bar is a relaxed cafe with a fairly standard cafe menu.

Prime seating is by the bay window where we try the decent pancakes and a classic avo smash.

Bohemia Cafe & Bar 127 Kepler Street, Warrnambool 03 5562 7533

27. Pavilion Cafe and Bar

Pavilion Cafe offers great coffee and spectacular views over Lady Bay, the Southern Ocean and Middle Islands. In the early hours of the morning you might spot race horses training on the beach. It’s also the perfect starting point for a long stroll along the promenade.

Pavilion Cafe, 50 Viaduct Rd, Warrnambool, VIC 3280

28. Day Kitty

A cafe focusing on healthy fare with a great variety of vegetarian/vegan options. They also sell house-made ice-cream (including cones), cold-press juices and smoothies, a range of coffees and teas.

Day Kitty, 52B Kepler St, Warrnambool, (03) 5561 6921

29. Elements Restaurant and Bar

Elements Restaurant & Bar (located at the centre of town on Raglan Parade) is open at dinner times and offers great food including popular Hot Stone steaks, Burgers and Parmas.

Best of all, they have a great indoor play area for the kids.

Elements Restaurant and Bar, 525 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool, (03) 5562 3866

Where to Stay in Warrnambool

Flagstaff Hill Lighthouse Lodge

Lighthouse Lodge is the former lighthouse keeper’s lodge at the base of the Lady Bay Lighthouses.

The fully renovated accommodation retains the heritage aspects of the house with interesting historical artefacts and pictures along with modern conveniences such as free wifi, BBQ, large screen TVs and heating/cooling systems.

The lodge consists of three Queen/King rooms with a shared lounge/kitchen/outdoor area, or you can book the whole lodge exclusively. Each room has its own ensuite with shower, TV and DVD player and ipod docking station working desk.

It is walking distance to the front entrance of Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and visitors get discounted entry into the Flagstaff Hill and the Shipwrecked Sound and Light Show.

Rates are available on a per room basis, or you can book the whole lodge!

Flagstaff Hill Lighthouse Lodge, 89 Merri St, Warrnambool VIC 3280, Australia (03) 5559 4600 or Toll free: 1800 556 111

Logan’s Beach Apartments

Logan’s Beach Apartments offers great family accommodation in a location that’s hard to beat – just 400 metres from the Logan’s Beach whale watching platform and a short drive to the town centre.

If you’re visiting between June and September, it’s the perfect base for spotting Southern Right Whales. You can be at the viewing platform in minutes, which makes early morning whale watching with kids easy rather than a logistical scramble.

On arrival you’ll be greeted by ‘Sandy’ and Logan’ the illuminated whale sculpture sat the entrance, complete with lights and music!

The Beach House is the standout for larger families — a former day spa converted into a luxury five-bedroom, three-bathroom property sleeping up to 10 guests, with two lounge rooms, two dining areas and a large alfresco area. Elements sleeps up to six across three bedrooms and two bathrooms and is a great mid-size option. Greenviews is a two-bedroom apartment perfect for smaller families. 

Facilities include free WiFi, a games and recreation room with books, toys, table tennis and even a free arcade game, gymnasium, BBQ, laundry, secure parking and EV charging. Pets welcome at Greenviews on request.

Logan’s Beach Apartments, 7 Logan’s Beach Road, Warrnambool VIC 3280. +61 433 093 033. Book via Booking.com.

Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs

Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs is Warrnambool’s icon for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. With an idealistic coastal location, guests rest comfortably in hotel rooms adorned in soft seaside tones and with many boasting ocean or partial ocean views to admire the surrounding beaches, walking tracks and coastal attractions. 

Each room offers additional comforts for the modern day traveller with in-room movies and entertainment.   The Deep Blue provides the perfect setting to enjoy a comfortable night’s stay or for those with a little more time a visit to the Indoor Bath house, Swimming Pool, Day spa, Sauna, Salt Therapy and more.

Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs, Worm Bay Road, Warrnambool, +61 3 5559 2000, reservations@thedeepblue.com.au

Lava House

Lava House is a self-contained holiday home in central Warrnambool just a short walk from cafés, restaurants and the main shopping area. The property has three bedrooms and one bathroom, and includes free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and heating.

There’s a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, garden space and free private parking for guests. It’s a relaxed base for families or groups who want to explore Warrnambool’s beaches, attractions and local dining without needing to drive.

Lava House, 95 Lava Street, Warrnambool

Honey Flower House

Honey & Flower House is a self-contained holiday home in central Warrnambool, very close to the hospital, train station and a short stroll to local cafés, shops and beaches. The property has two bedrooms and one bathroom, with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and heating throughout.

Inside you’ll find a fully equipped kitchen, a living room with a large smart TV, laundry facilities and off-street parking for guests.

It’s a relaxed choice for families or small groups who want a comfortable base with easy access to Warrnambool’s town centre and nearby walks.

Honey Flower House, 256A Koroit Street, Warrnambool

For more accommodation options in Warrnambool, I recommend checking out CozyCozy, a website that allows you to compare prices of accommodation across multiple online booking sites.

Where to Stop When Driving to Warrnambool

There are two major highway routes to get to Warrnambool – along the Princes Hwy or along the winding coastal Great Ocean Road.

You can also book a 2-day Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne to see all the major sites and stop at popular spots along the way.

If you take the coastal route you can stop in Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell. 

If you take the faster inland route you can stop at Winchelsea, Camperdown and Colac.

Cafe La Hoot Winchelsea

The perfect pit stop for travellers on the Princes Highway. It’s next to the Barwon River, a playground, BBQ area, public toilet block and public pool. The cafe is actually within an old house and the main room is perfect for children, with high chairs, lots of toys and a hand-carved wooden rocking boxing kangaroo!

Café La Hoot 1 Willis St, Winchelsea +61 407 528 999

Pombo Mart, Pomborneit North

A converted 1892 dairy factory on the Princes Highway between Colac and Camperdown packed with antiques, collectables and a café. A good excuse to stretch the legs and fossick for something unusual. Open Thursday to Monday.

Pombo Mart, 2846 Princes Highway, Pomborneit North VIC 3260. +61 479 167 962.

Murray Street Market, Colac

One of the best multi-stallholder markets in regional Victoria — 90+ mini-stores under one roof, each stallholder curating their own collection of new and preloved goods. There’s a small café inside, and it’s the kind of place you plan to spend 20 minutes in and come out an hour later.

Murray Street Market, 249–251 Murray Street, Colac VIC 3250. +61 452 255 017. 

Read our full Great Ocean Road vintage trail guide for more on Pombo Mart, Murray Street Market and other op shops in the region.

Tips for Visiting Warrnambool with Kids

• Before your trip, check local event calendars for family-friendly activities and events. Warrnambool often hosts events suitable for kids, adding extra excitement to your visit.
• If you’re interested in whale watching at Logan’s Beach, plan your visit between June and September when Southern Right Whales frequent the area.
• Warrnambool’s weather can be changeable, especially near the coast. To make the most of Warrnambool tourist attractions, pack layers and be prepared for varying temperatures.
• Stop by the Warrnambool Visitor Information Centre for maps, brochures, and additional tips. The friendly staff can provide insights into current attractions and family-friendly activities.

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