Warrnambool is a regional city located on the south-western coast of Victoria, Australia.
The word 'Warrnambool' originates from the local Indigenous Australians name for a 'nearby volcanic cone'. It is interpreted to mean many things including 'land between two rivers',' two swamps' or 'ample water'.
French explorer Nicholas Baudin recorded coastal landmarks in 1802. The area was frequented by whalers early in the 19th century. Matthew Flinders sailed the coast in the Investigator, and Lieutenant James Grant in the Lady Nelson also explored the area.
The first settlers arrived in the 1840s in the Lady Bay area, which was a natural harbour. The town was surveyed in 1846 and established soon after.
The industrial seaside resort of Warrnambool was another sealing and whaling town. You can find out about the history of the area in the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum. Another interesting place to visit is the Warrnambool Art Gallery.
Along the coast is a fabulous walk along the Mahogany Walking Trail, which takes you the 22km to Port Fairy. There are also some great beaches for both swimming and surfing. The best places for good surf include Levy's Bay, Logans Beach and Second Bay. If you fancy a swim go to Lady Bay
here are plenty of places to stay in the area, and plenty of places to eat. You can get to Warrnambool by train or on the V/Line buses.
PLEASE NOTE: The Victoria travel destinations outlined above are only a small selection from the tens of thousands of Australian travel information pages available on Australian Explorer. A comprehensive list of destinations for Victoria Holidays can be found on the main Victoria Holidays location guide.
