great ocean road tour from warrnambool

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Great Ocean Road & Warrnambool Tour

The Great Ocean Road travelling to the seaside city of Warrnambool on a small luxury tour with your friendly local guide departing Geelong... read more.

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The Great Ocean Road travelling to the seaside city of Warrnambool on a small luxury tour with your friendly local guide departing Geelong. This is a three day/two night tour.

The journey begins as your local guide entertains you with local stories and history as you wind your way down the breath taking Great Ocean Road. Stopping along the way you will discover it’s past and experience it’s today. Sample the seafood at the local fishing towns. As you hug the cliffs check out the surfers taking on the Southern Ocean.

Soar the skies with 12 Apostles helicopter flight capturing the 12 Apostles from above. Capture the treachery of Australia’s rich maritime history on the Shipwreck Coast, see it all come to life projected onto a nine metre water wall at ‘Tales of the Shipwreck Coast at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. Experience rich dairy farming pastures and tantalize your tastebuds with local produce. Your journey ends in Warrnambool. Go on stay another day explore more of this beautiful region, relax at The Deep Blue Hot Spring Sanctuary or jump on one of our local tours before catching the train at Warrnambool to return to Geelong or Melbourne .

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Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.

The Great Ocean Road Collective

Your Guide to Warrnambool Whale Watching

Victoria’s southern coastline is known for its annual influx of spectacular marine species, including Humpbacks, Orcas, and Southern Right Whales . Each winter, these enormous sea mammals migrate to the shores of Warrnambool, a beautiful city along Australia’s Great Ocean Road. You definitely want to experience seeing these majestic animals up close in the wild. Here’s what you need to know.

Table of Contents

History of Whale Watching in Warrnambool

For hundreds of years, Southern Right Whales have visited the Bay of Warrnambool (also known as Lady Bay). During the summer months, the animals live in the cooler waters of the sub-Antarctic. Each winter, however, they migrate to the sheltered bays of Australia’s southern coast to calve. The shores of Warrnambool attract the females, where they give birth and raise their young. 

From the early 1800s, whaling was practiced commercially in Australia. This nearly caused the Southern Right Whale species to go extinct, losing about 75% of its population. Fortunately, whaling was made illegal in 1935 and the population has been recovering slowly ever since. Today, the total Australian whale population stands at 3,500 individuals. Thankfully, conservation efforts are proving effective. 

Since the mid-1950s, observing wildlife has become a popular activity for locals and visitors alike. These majestic animals can put on an incredible show, whether tail slapping, spy hopping, or fluke waving as they swim about the warm water of the coast. 

Warrnambool’s dramatic location on a plateau behind a steep bluff, overlooking the sheltered Lady Bay, makes it an excellent vantage point. Today, visitors can view wildlife from dedicated platforms, rocky cliffsides, or join a whale watching Warrnambool tour. Either way, this is not an opportunity to miss. 

The Best Time to See Whales in Warrnambool

The best time for whales watching Victoria is between June and September every year. During these months, the female Southern Right Whales head to the protected shores along the Great Ocean Road to give birth to their young. 

The best time of day to see Warrnambool whales is when the sun is shining. During the morning and mid-day, the animals often breach to sun themselves. Even if you visit the Warrnambool port during the offseason, it is still worth the visit for the beautiful coastline alone.

Read Next: Great Ocean Road Weather and The Best Time to Visit

Where to See Whales near Warrnambool

Wildlife can be spotted along the coast of the Great Ocean Road from Torquay to Port Fairy. Known as the ‘whale corridor’, this stretch is one of the only places in the world where whales swim within 100 metres of the shore . The best whale watch Victoria opportunities are found around Warrnambool, Portland, and Port Fairy.

Logan Beach Whale Watching Platform, Warrnambool

Address: Logans Beach Road, off Hopkins Point Road, Warrnambool

Arguably the best place for spotting these beautiful mammals is at Logan Beach Whale Nursery in Warrnambool. The protected shoreline offers the perfect refuge for the females to calve their young. Southern Right Whales give birth in many areas along Logans Beach coastline. However, the consistent number of females that return to the nursery year after year gives visitors the best chances of spotting whales at Warrnambool during the season. 

The platform is specially built in the sand dunes, offering exceptional views of the wildlife as well as the coastline. The long wooden platform is just a short distance from the car park. A ramp easily allows people of all abilities to access the platform. Not only is it free to visit, but access is also open at all times, so you can check it out at different times of the day. Keep in mind that there are no public restrooms at the platform. 

For the best sighting opportunities at Logans Beach, make time for multiple visits. Even if the animals are in the area, they may not always be visible from the beach. We suggest calling the Visitor Information Centre beforehand to confirm if they are active in the area.

For the best experience, plan ahead. Windy and wet conditions are not unheard of, so check the weather and bring your rain gear and a change of clothes just in case. Binoculars or a telescope can also enhance your viewing opportunities. You might even spot the males and young adults playing further at sea!

The Surf Life Saving Club, Port Fairy

Address: 4 Hughes Ave, Port Fairy VIC 3284, Australia

The town of Port Fairy is another great spot along the Ocean . Only a half-hour from Warrnambool, the quaint town with it’s famous lighthouse is home to one of the busiest fishing ports in Victoria. It is well worth a stop.

We recommend checking out the Surf Life Saving Club on East Beach during the winter months for a good viewing location.

Nuns Beach and Wade Street Viewing Platform, Portland

Wade Street Viewing Platform Address: Dutton Blu, 1 Wade St, Portland VIC 3305, Australia

Portland is another good spot for Victoria whale watching. The Southern Right Whale passes through the port on their migration south. Check out the Portland Visitor Centre – if the whale flag is raised and flying high, there’s a good chance you’ll see some in the area.

Some of our favourite spots for viewings are the cliffs above Nuns Beach and the Wade Street Viewing Platform which has free public binoculars.

Warrnambool Whale Watching Tours

One of the best ways to enjoy -the beauty of the Great Ocean Road is by joining a tour. Practice responsible tourism – choose a company that follows local and national laws. 

For whale watching tours Warrnambool, Boat Charters Warrnambool offers great options. You can join a 1-4 hour customized cruise in the bay or even go all the way to Port Fairy! Prices begin at 99$/person (min. 4 people).

If you’re looking for a shorter tour, Mulloka Cruises in Port Fairy is a great affordable option. They offer daily half-hour bay cruises around the Bay for only 15$/adult and 5$/child. Weather and number dependent, so call ahead!

For a multi-activity tour, check out the ‘Warrnambool Wanderer Tour’ from Warrnambool Tours . During the season, this tour includes a stop at the Logans Beach Nursery Platform, plus a visit to the Botanical Gardens, Thunder Point, and more. The tour cost is 75$/person.

Read Next: The Best List of Things to Do in Warrnambool Australia

Whether you’re simply looking for a pit-stop along the whale watching Great Ocean Road corridor, or you’re an avid wildlife lover, the Warrnambool Port is not to be missed. Explore the beach on your own or join a tour, either way, you’re sure to have a good time.

When will you go Warrnambool whale watching?

Warrnambool Wildlife Encounters

Wildlife park near great ocean road.

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

Fully Guided Tours

Native Australian Animals

Not Your Typical Zoo

Near the Great Ocean Road

Wildlife Park by Great Ocean Road

Warrnambool Wildlife Encounters is an intimate wildlife park sitting on the doorstep of the famous Great Ocean Road in Victoria. Book a tour for a fully guided experience through our wildlife park to meet our beautiful Native Australian animals. Our park is designed to be family friendly and packed with as much fun as possible! We have no hidden costs, making for a great value experience that you won’t forget! From cuddly koalas to slithery snakes we have tonnes of friendly Australian wildlife that you can see and meet.

Warrnambool Wildlife Encounters is #notyourtypicalzoo and we are educating the public on conservation in one of the most interactive animal experiences available in the south west. We pride ourselves on being the most interactive animal experience on the Great Ocean Road.

Warrnambool Wildlife Encounters Prices

Adults (16yrs+), children (2-16yrs), children under 2, companion card, senior / disability, family pass: 2 adults and 2 children under 16, family pass: 2 adults and 3 children under 16, cudgee wildlife park.

Warrnambool Wildlife Encounters is located in Cudgee, just outside of Warrnambool. With ringtail possums, adorable dingoes, gorgeous cockatoos, kooky kangaroos and much more! Our friendly staff are full of information and knowledge about our animals and are ready to teach you about the world of Australian species. Feed and pet animals like the koala and kangaroos for no additional cost!

Our park, formerly known as Cudgee Wildlife Park is now known as Warrnambool Wildlife Encounters. We have kept a lot of aspects from the previous park but focused on revamping the business to be a better experience for our customers.

Things to do in Warrnambool

Warrnambool Wildlife Encounters would have to be our number 1 pick for things to do in Warrnambool (we might be slightly biased on this one) but we also recommend the Deep Blue Hot Springs where you can swim in natural geothermal waters, Logans Beach which is known for being a great whale-watching opportunity and Flagstaff Hill, a seaside city full of interesting history.

Things to do on the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is a famous icon of Australia and thousands of international tourists and interstate travelers make the road-trip through Victoria’s gorgeous coastline every year. When heading from Melbourne be sure to stop in Torquay’s surfing beaches, the world-known Twelve Apostles, the ever-Instagrammable Loch Ard Gorge and stay the night in Warrnambool. The next day be sure to stop at our cozy Australian Wildlife Park; Warrnambool Wildlife Encounters!

Australian Wildlife Park Victoria

Located on the west end of the Great Ocean Road of Victoria, our wildlife park is a place where people can safely interact with well-looked after Australian animals. Packed with wildlife encounters, our fully guided tours take you through our little zoo to meet and greet our cute Aussie wildlife. We will teach you about the animals whilst you get to interact and even feed some of them! This family-friendly park is designed to be an intimate experience where people and animals can be in harmony. Be sure to book your spot through our online booking system and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Please note ; Nuts are one of the animals favourite treats and are used throughout the experience, as a visitor you do not get to handle the nuts but the chance of secondary contact is high. If you have severe nut allergies this experience may not be right for you.

Warrnambool Wildlife Encounters Location

21 Trotters Ln Cudgee, VIC, Australia 3265

About the Wildlife Park Owner

I was lucky enough to grow up on my family’s wildlife park which was surrounded by native animals, and I believe that the best way to encourage people to love and respect our wildlife is not by looking at them through wire but, where possible, to really get up close and personal, to touch, to feel, to smell; to interact with animals in a way that most people have not had the chance to do.

Located at the premises of former ‘Cudgee wildlife park’ Warrnambool Wildlife Encounters is a new take on the old family favourite. Keeping it in the family – former business Cudgee wildlife Park was run by my parents, and when they shut there doors 12 years ago I was determined that one day I would run my own wildlife park, so 4 years ago with the help of my partner we got to work on building a wildlife park with a difference, we are determined to give our guests an experience that you just cant get at other wildlife parks and its all wrapped up in a very family friendly admission cost.

These animals are my family and I want to share with people just how amazing our wildlife is, how fragile our ecosystem is and how important it is that we strive to protect it.

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Ultimate Great Ocean Road itinerary: Torquay to Warrnambool

Danny Baggs

Posted April 06, 2023

The Great Ocean Road is one of Victoria’s best road trips. Here is the best itinerary from start to finish, complete with amazing scenery and exciting attractions.

The Great Ocean Road is a 243-kilometre road along Victoria’s South-Western coast, famed as one of Australia’s best scenic drives. The Australian National Heritage listed touring route took over 10 years to build, largely by returned World War I soldiers, and is considered the longest memorial in the world. Making this road trip a part of your next holiday means that you’ll see iconic beaches, sparkling waterfalls, the magnificent 12 Apostles, and serene seaside towns.

Make sure you prepare for the best by taking out  Emergency Roadside Assistance  or updating your existing subscription before you embark on the Great Ocean Road, so a flat battery or tyre doesn’t put a stop to your driving holiday. Tick the boxes on this essential road trip checklist before heading off too.   If you need a hire car for the journey, RACV Members get more with exclusive offers and discounts at SIXT . On the road, use the free arevo journey planner app to find the cheapest petrol station near you, or sign up to Chargefox to save 10% at all Chargefox ultra-rapid charging stations across Australia as an RACV Member.

The best Great Ocean Road trip itinerary

The Great Ocean Road starts in Torquay, just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne. Start your day off with a beach breakfast at Salty Dog Café overlooking Fisherman’s Beach, then head to the Australian National Surfing Museum to check out the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame, a century of surfboard evolution, and wacky surf culture artefacts.

Put your knowledge to use with a surfing lesson by booking into Torquay Surfing Academy or Go Ride A Wave. If you’re an experienced surfer already, pop down to Jan Juc or Bells Beach to ride some waves. Visit around the Easter weekend and you could even catch the incredible Rip Curl Pro competition, one of the most sought-after titles on the World Championship Tour. If you’re in more of a shopping mood, browse the Rip Curl and Quiksilver surf shops at Surf City Plaza : both popular brands were born in Torquay.

Seeing the evolution of surfboards at Torquay might inspire you to go for a surf yourself. Image: Visit Victoria

Stick around another day to try your hand at snorkelling at Point Danger Marine Sanctuary , stand-up paddleboarding, ocean kayaking or hydro foiling along Torquay’s coastline. Thrillseekers can book in for a sky dive or an adventure flight aboard vintage World War II planes with outdoor cockpits at Tiger Moth World . Prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground? Trek a section of the 44-kilometre Surf Coast Walk , split into 12 distinctive tracks between Torquay, Anglesea and Aireys Inlet.

Stay at the award-winning RACV Torquay Resort to start your holiday off right with stunning views of the coastline and a championship golf course.    More: Where to eat, drink, stay and play in Torquay

Bells Beach is one of the world's most famous surfing beaches. Image: Visit Victoria

Your first stop on the way to Lorne is the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery , a spectacular showroom where you can stock up on treats from the thousands of chocolates on display. Make sure to indulge in an artisan ice cream or a fresh pastry while you watch the talented chocolatiers at work through the giant viewing windows. Chocoholics can book into guided tasting discoveries or chocolate-making classes, or a decadent high tea.

Next up is Split Point Lookout at Aireys Inlet. The Split Point Lighthouse is the iconic lighthouse featured in the Australian children’s TV series Round the Twist , while the multiple viewing platforms along the lookout provides uninterrupted views of Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary , where you can snorkel at low tide. Grab a coffee fix from the Cottage Café next door to the lighthouse before you hit the road again.

Split Point Lighthouse featured in Round the Twist . Image: Visit Victoria

Further along the Great Ocean Road, you’ll pass under the iconic Memorial Arch at Eastern View. Don’t be fooled: this arch isn’t the starting point of the Great Ocean Road, but rather a memorial that commemorates its engineer, Major W.T.B. McCormack. In fact, the Great Ocean Road itself was built by 3,000 returned WWI soldiers as a memorial to all those who lost their lives in the war. It took 13 years to build and remains the longest war memorial in the world.

The Memorial Arch reminds travellers that the Great Ocean Road is actually a memorial. Image: Visit Victoria

As you pull into Lorne, don’t miss the Swingbridge Café for a light lunch. In good weather, you can hire paddle boats to explore the family-friendly river and estuary beach. Alternatively, Live Wire Park is just a short drive away and offers thrilling ziplines and high rope courses among the Otway Ranges canopies. If there’s still some light left in the day, finish it off with a walk at the scenic Teddy’s Lookout , where you may spot Australian native animals like koalas and kookaburras amid coast and river views. Then grab a classic feed of fresh coastal fish and chips from one of Lorne’s cosy restaurants before ending your day at the recently refurbished Lorne Hotel .

More: How Live Wire Park became Australia’s most sustainable adventure park

Teddy's Lookout offers spectacular views. Image: Visit Victoria

There’s walks and waterfalls aplenty on today’s itinerary as you wind your way down to the Great Ocean Road’s midpoint, Apollo Bay. Your first stop is the Sheoak Picnic Area just a ten-minute drive out from Lorne. From Sheoak, you can choose from six different trails that showcase cascading waterfalls, coastal vistas, old timber tramways and moss-capped cliffs: Henderson Falls (3km return), Phantom Falls (8.6km return), Sheoak Falls (5.2km return), Kalimna Falls (8.4km return) and Castle Rock (5km return). The Sheoak Picnic Area has gas barbeques, toilets and a picnic shelter if you’d like to break for lunch before tackling a second trail.

Sheoak Falls Picnic Area leads to multiple waterfalls. Image: Visit Victoria

Enjoy the scenic coastline as you drive an hour down the Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay. Stop at Marriner's Lookout for a panoramic view of the town in all its coastal and hinterland glory before you hit the beach to soak up some sun. Apollo Bay kicks off the Great Ocean Walk, which stretches all the way to the Twelve Apostles for over 100km and takes about 8 days to complete, but you can walk a small section of it yourself to get a taste for the real thing.

Apollo Bay is renowned for its seafood, and numerous commercial fishing boats bring their daily catches into its harbour. To make the most of the town, book dinner at a restaurant that focuses on fresh, seasonal seafood. Try Chris’s Restaurant at Beacon Point for South European and Middle Eastern style seafood, La Bimba for a South American take, or Casolingo for a quality Italian iteration. End the evening in luxury at Chocolate Gannets or Seafarers Getaway for a quality night’s rest.

Apollo Bay is renowned for its fresh seafood. Image: Visit Victoria

Make sure to bring an esky and stock up on dinner supplies before you leave Apollo Bay, because where you’re heading there aren’t many restaurants or cafes. First on the list today is a guided seal kayak tour by Apollo Bay Surf & Kayak, departing from the nearby town of Marengo. You’ll paddle out to the Australian fur seal colony’s haul-out in the Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary , where you can watch over 150 inquisitive seals swim, bark and play together. If you’re lucky, they might even come right up to your kayaks!

Australian fur seals might swim up to your kayaks at Marengo. Image: Visit Victoria

After Marengo, the Great Ocean Road moves away from the coastline and plunges into the deep rainforests of the Great Otway National Park. Experience this majestic ecosystem up close with a stop at Maits Rest , a gentle rainforest boardwalk through tree-fern gullies and giant 300-year-old Myrtle Beech trees. It’s an easy 30-minute return walk from the car park, and you might glimpse koalas, swamp wallabies, grey kangaroos, ring-tailed possums, long-nosed potoroos or carnivorous Otway Black Snails.

At night, Maits Rest comes alive with glow worms. Image: Visit Victoria

A few minutes down the Great Ocean Road from Maits Rest, turn off onto Lighthouse Road to get to Cape Otway Lightstation . This large heritage precinct features mainland Australia’s oldest and most significant surviving lighthouse, built in 1848 to guide migrants through Bass Strait and the ‘Shipwreck Coast’, which claimed hundreds of lives before the Cape Otway ‘Beacon of Hope’ Lighthouse was built. There is also an original Telegraph Station , built in 1859 to lay a submarine telegraph cable between Tasmania and mainland Australia. When the cable failed within six months, the Telegraph Station became Lloyd’s Signal Station , which telegraphed Melbourne the details of all vessels passing Cape Otway.

Nearby is an original World War II radar bunker , which was built by the Royal Australian Air Force to detect and intercept German and Japanese activity after several Australian and US ships were blown up by mines off Cape Otway. Operators in radar bunkers like this one all over Australia and the Pacific Islands used new radiolocation technology to identify hostile aircraft, ships and submarines, then sent the data by wireless telegraphy to the top-secret Air Defence Headquarters in Melbourne so that aircraft could be dispatched to investigate and engage.

If you visit between May and October, Cape Otway is a perfect vantage point for whale watching . 25 species of whales migrate past the Lightstation each year, including Humpback Whales, Blue Whales, Southern Right Whales, and Killer Whales (Orcas).

Stay onsite overnight in heritage accommodation built for Cape Otway’s Lightkeepers in 1959, with solid sandstone walls and old-world charm. There’s limited mobile reception, encouraging you to rest and recharge. Book the Lighthouse Lodge for large groups, Lightkeeper’s Cottage for smaller groups, and Lightstation Studio for couples.

Cape Otway Lightstation has saved hundreds of lives. Image: Visit Victoria

Port Campbell

Today you’ll tour the much-anticipated Twelve Apostles and other breathtaking rock formations along the coast between Cape Otway and Port Campbell. The Twelve Apostles is considered the jewel of the Great Ocean Road and is one of Australia’s most popular tourist attractions. A 45-minute walking path provides brilliant views of the seven limestone stacks still standing. Visit at sunrise to see the massive formations change from dark shadows to brilliant yellow under the full sun.

Only about 1km down from the Twelve Apostles is Gibson Steps , where you can descend the 70m vertical cliffs to the beach and see the giant limestone stacks Gog and Magog up close. The 86 stone steps were carved into the cliff by local settler Hugh Gibson, who worked on the traditional Kirrae Whurrong people’s route.

The Twelve Apostles is the jewel of the Great Ocean Road. Image: Visit Victoria

After Gibson Steps, stop at Loch Ard Gorge and The Razorback , both of which can be accessed from the same carpark. The Razorback is a giant limestone stack erupting from the sea, almost impossibly thin, tall and long from the Southern Ocean’s forces of wind and water. You may notice a cave forming in the Razorback’s cliff face, which may one day transform into a blowhole or archway. The nearby Loch Ard Gorge is named after the famous 1878 shipwreck, which spawned one of the world’s most famous shipwreck stories. After the Loch Ard ran into Mutton Bird Island and broke apart, everyone on board perished except for two teenagers, Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael, who were swept into the only safe gorge on the coast: Loch Ard Gorge. You can descend into Loch Ard Gorge yourself and see where Tom and Eva sheltered overnight before seeking rescue and walk to the cemetery where their less fortunate shipmates were buried.

Loch Ard Gorge is named after a famous shipwreck. Image: Visit Victoria

Once you reach the small seaside town of Port Campbell , consider a swim at the family-friendly beach. It’s the only sheltered inlet between Apollo Bay and Warrnambool, making it one of the few swimmable beaches along the Shipwreck Coast. The 4km Port Campbell Discovery Walk is another great option, taking 1-2 hours to complete and rewarding trekkers with views of Loch Ard, Sentinel Rock, the Twelve Apostles, and Port Campbell itself.

When you’re tuckered out, tuck into authentic Italian at Nico’s Pizza and Pasta just off the foreshore, or book into Forage on the Foreshore to experience a meal with all its ingredients produced, grown or foraged along the Great Ocean Road. Stay at Port O’Call Motel on the town’s main street for restful all-white rooms surrounded by a beautiful garden.

Everything at Forage on the Foreshore is taken from the Great Ocean Road. Image: Visit Victoria

Warrnambool

On your way to Warrnambool today, there are several more gorgeous viewpoints and rock formations to explore along the Great Ocean Road. First up is The Arch , a massive natural rock arch shaped by thousands of years of waves crashing against the limestone. The walkway down to its viewing platform provides a lovely view back to the Twelve Apostles.

London Bridge is your next stop – and unlike the real London Bridge in England, it actually fell down! This rock stack was once a natural double-span bridge that tourists could walk on from the mainland, but in 1990 its middle collapsed, leaving two visitors stranded on its remaining offshore arch! Luckily, they were rescued without injury by a police helicopter a few hours later. Now, you can stay safe on the upper and lower viewing platforms.

This London Bridge really did fall down. Image: Visit Victoria

After London Bridge is The Grotto , arguably one of the Great Ocean Road’s most interesting and beautiful spots. This geological gem is a unique sinkhole, cave and archway all in one that can be accessed at low tide via steep wooden steps winding around a cliff face. From the sinkhole, you can look through the archway onto calm limestone rock pools and the rough ocean behind them.

Make sure to also stop at the Bay of Islands Coastal Park on your way to Warrnambool. The 32km-long coastal reserve has several beautiful lookouts to choose from, including the Bay of Martyrs , the Bay of Islands , Three Mile Beach , and Childers Cove .

The Grotto is a well worth a stop on the way to Warrnambool. Image: Visit Victoria

The Great Ocean Road officially ends in Allansford just outside Warrnambool , where it becomes Princes Highway. Warrnambool is famed for its ocean wildlife, particularly the Southern Right Whales that calve just off Logan’s Beach to protect their young from the aggressive males that patrol further out. Spot them from June to September at Logan’s Beach Whale Watching Platform .

Grab gourmet burgers from the trendy bistro Simon’s Waterfront Restaurant , then creative cocktails and Spanish-style share plates from The Hairy Goat Tapas and Cocktail Bar before retiring for the night at the restful Deep Blue Hotel .

Warrnambool lies at the end of the Great Ocean Road. Image: Visit Victoria

Back to Melbourne

The next morning, head downstairs to the award-winning Hot Springs Sanctuary for some geothermal mineral bathing. Paddle between cleansing waterfalls, aromatherapy pools, sensory caves and open-air rock pools to soak in the therapeutic waters. The onsite Nourish Dome Café is great for stocking up with a healthy brunch before you leave.

In the afternoon, drive over to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village . This living museum tells the stories of hundreds of ships sunk along the notorious Shipwreck Coast and hosts Australia’s most significant shipwreck artefact collection, including the $4 million Loch Ard Peacock. After the sobering maritime museum, you’ll step into the replica village of Flagstaff Hill, treading the cobblestoned streets and exploring more than 40 19th-century buildings while interacting with in-character volunteers that describe what life was like for the coast’s first European settlers.

Enjoy the therapeutic waters off the Deep Blue Springs. Image: Visit Victoria

Finally, visit the Warrnambool Library and Learning Centre , which is one of Victoria’s best libraries . If something at Flagstaff piqued your interest, you can research Warrnambool’s local history materials here, or simply curl up with a magazine in front of ocean views. This library reopened in late 2022 after a $20.25 million upgrade and is worth the visit to see what the future of Australian libraries looks like.

When you’re ready to head back, Melbourne is about a 5 hour drive via the end of the Great Ocean Road, or 3 hours and 15 minutes using the most direct route. If you're keen to get home via the most efficient route possible, use the free  arevo journey planner app .

RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance provides help when you need it most. Discover more →

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Winter Whale Watching

From May to September, our winter is a whale’s summer, and the giants of the deep journey from the Antarctic for their annual babymoon, breeding, birthing and raising their calves in our backyard. Along the Whale Trail through Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland, also known as the ‘whale corridor’ you’ll spot Southern Right, Humpback, Blue and the occasional Orca. Here is all you need to know before you jump in the car for this must-do winter road trip.

Top 5 whale watching spots

Cape Otway Lightstation for the perfect vantage point

WARRNAMBOOL

Logan's Beach Whale Viewing Platform

Wade Street Viewing Platform or Portland Harbour

CAPE BRIDGETWATER

The Blowholes, the Great South West Walk or the Petrified Forest

Did you see a whale?

Log your whale sighting and keep track of other sightings as they happen across the Great Ocean Road region.

5 Whale Watching Tips

Here are our top tried and tested tips to spot yourself a whale this winter!

The Whale Trail Itinerary

Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland - three whale watching destinations. Check out carefully selected experiences along the way that have been woven together by passionate locals into this must-do winter road trip.

Download The Map

The whale trail at a glance, download your own PDF map to quickly see where the best whale spotting locations are - and how much there is to see and do along the way! Be sure to view the full itinerary for all of the juicy details and insider tips.

Warrnambool - Port Fairy - Portland

A winter whale trail weekend.

Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland are the main vantage points on the Winter Whale Trail - and the only places is the world where you can watch whales nursing their babies just 100m from the shore.

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Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.