At the western end of the Great Ocean Road, arguably the best coastal drive in the southern hemisphere, Warrnambool is a great place to explore and enjoy a variety of photogenic locations. And all within a few minutes walk or drive from the city centre.
If you like to photograph historical sites, the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and Museum is the best place to begin due to its close proximity to the centre of town. It really is a journey back in time. The pub, lighthouse, blacksmith shop, newspaper office, fire station, boats and wharf area, and stores, are all faithful replicas of what Warrnambool’s port area may have looked like in the 1870s.
Maritime Village
Photo: © Roger Neal
Adding to the sense of history, local residents wander the complex in period costumes and are happy to pose for photographs when asked – especially the pub’s barman. A must-see at night is the world class Shipwrecked sound and laser show which depicts the voyage and tragic sinking of the Loch Ard, plus the miraculous survival of only two passengers, Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael.
Down the hill is Lake Pertobe, which is a year-round family destination. The adventure playground and flying fox are perfect for keeping the children occupied for hours, whilst the lakes and ponds are linked by walking tracks and bridges and are an easy stroll for the adults. Ducks and water birds are everywhere and appear quite oblivious to humans encroaching on their territory.
Lake Pertobe Playground
Photo: © Roger Neal
Across the road is the Foreshore Promenade, which follows the surf beach of Lady Bay between the Breakwater to the west and Logan’s Beach – home of the famous Southern Right Whale Nursery – to the east. June to September is whale watching season and people gather here to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures.
The Breakwater is a great spot for photography in all weather conditions. The leeward side offers serene windless shots one day, and wild wind-swept seas and waves crashing against the ocean side the next. On some mornings you can see race horses being taken for a swim between the beach and boat ramp.
Lake Pertobe
Photo: © Roger Neal
The landmarks of Stingray Bay and Middle Island are located next door to the Breakwater. Unfortunately, it’s no longer possible to access Middle Island as it’s now a protected breeding ground for Little Penguins. Maremma dogs patrol the island 24 hours each day to protect the penguins from foxes and other predators.
About three minutes drive from Middle Island is the Thunder Point lookout – possibly the most aptly named point along this stretch of coast. Keep an eye on the weather conditions so that you don’t get caught in an unexpected shower, or have your photographic gear blown over the edge. Good images can be taken from the parking area or you can choose your own vantage point at various places along the cliff top walking track.
Thunder Point
Photo: © Roger Neal
Situated between Flagstaff Hill and the town centre is Cannon Hill, possibly the most viewed scene in Warrnambool. With views across Lake Pertobe to the Breakwater, wide panoramic views of more than 180o are possible from here. The classic light of early morning or late afternoon is the best times to be here, not only for the light, but also to avoid hordes of tourists.
Drive back to Warrnambool and take the Princes Highway toward Melbourne. About 10kms out of town turn left to Hopkins Falls. After heavy rains the falls are a spectacular sight. Take the easy, short walk along the track to the base of the falls where you’ll find the best shooting angles.
Hopkins Falls
Photo: © Roger Neal
Further information:
When to visit
August to May is the best months. However, if travelling with children, consider visiting during the first week of the July school holidays for the Fun for Kids festival, which coincides with the whale watching season.
Accommodation
Being a major tourist destination, Warrnambool has numerous motels, B&Bs and caravan parks. See South West Victoria On Line for details. http://www.warrnamboolcam.com/
Warrnambool Visitor Information Centre
The visitor centre is located in the Flagstaff Hill complex in Merri Street, Warrnambool. Open daily 9.00am-5pm except Christmas Day. Phone: 03 5559 4620 or 1800 637 725. vic@warrnambool.vic.gov.au http://www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au/
Tourism websites
Visit Warrnambool http://www.visitwarrnambool.com.au/
The Shipwreck Coast http://www.shipwreckcoast.com/
Camera Gear
Any well-specified compact or DSLR camera will be useful in this area. Consider taking a good mix of wide-angle and medium to long telephoto lenses, plus polarising and neutral density filters. For winter months, pack clear plastic bags to protect your camera and other gear in case of rain. And take a rain jacket.
Driving the coast raos id definately worth it as is Warnambool. Stayed a few nights about 6 years ago and had a great time. Wonderful article. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHi Selina,
ReplyDeleteIt's a great area to visit and Roger's article does the place justice.
I haven't visited the maritime museum as yet, so I'll have to for a peek next time.
Good to know you enjoyed your visit there.
Glad you enjoyed Roger's article.
Interesting story and nice pics, Roger. Your article has inspired me to put this area on my list of "must do".
ReplyDeleteDon't forget about Tower Hill, between Warrnambool and Killarney. An interesting geological feature, but also historically significant and an almost guaranteed place to spot Australian native wildlife in their natural surroundings. I always make a point of taking international visitors there when doing my semi-regular Ocean Road tour guide duty. Unfortunately, last time wew were there a couple of years ago, the previously excellent Parks Vic information centre has been turned almost entirely into a shop and while there's nothing wrong with the commercial operation at all, it's sad that the amount of information about the area, its history and geology has been reduced to an afterthought.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah..forgot to add...great article and pics ! As Darren said, it does the place justice.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for the praise and encouragement. Yes, Andrew, Tower Hill is definitely worth visiting too. Unfortunately, until about August 2010 the lake had virtually no water in it and I couldn't get an image to do the place justice. However some water covers about 20% of the lake now - check out my recent image at http://rogern.redbubble.com/sets/108562/works/5330219-1-the-lake-tower-hill-victoria-australia
ReplyDeleteA well presented article with lots of good advice and excellent images.
ReplyDelete