Why Warrnambool might be the most underrated romantic escape in Regional Victoria
What makes a town a romantic destination?
When you hear:
“We didn’t do much… and it was perfect.”
……. that’s when a town can definitely call itself a romantic getaway.
If that is your vibe, then we can do chillaxing. Or if you belong to the other half of the population who are on the move, the town of Warrnambool has plenty to entertain you. Everyone’s idea of the best romantic getaway can be a little different. This town is your ideal couples escape, just the way it is, not because it has one big attraction, but because it is slow, intimate, beautiful, and easy to share. Now is the time to book the most romantic retreat in regional Victoria that caters for doing as little as possible in the best way, or to be your home base for you to explore from, and we've got the perfect place for you.
Celebrate your life together at The Landing Warrnambool
Warrnambool, made for couples
Warrnambool has that rare mix of scenic nature, cultural charm and slow-paced pleasures — seaside walks, wildlife encounters, delicious food, Spa retreats, the things that define a town as a romantic getaway. From cosy breakfasts to sunset strolls and delicious dinners, it’s easy to fill a weekend or midweek stay here with experiences that you can enjoy as a couple.
Let’s plan your weekend in Warrnambool
Mornings with all the good things
Warrnambool mornings are made for wandering. A slow breakfast in town is the perfect start — somewhere cosy, with great coffee, maybe Pavilion Cafe, where the view stretches across the water to the horizon or a favourite local spot like Allee Espresso, ToTo’s, and Bohemia.
Order your coffee at one of Warrnambool’s friendly cafe’s.
With plenty of places to walk off your brekkie, from the Foreshore Walk, Thunder Point to Stingray Bay or the Shade of the Botanical Gardens, a fine example of a William Guilfoyle garden. If you're a true nature lover, it’s an easy drive out to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve — an ancient volcanic crater, a geologist’s wonderland or the nature lover’s haven, with kangaroos and emus grazing nearby, koalas resting high in the trees, and swans nesting, along with walking trails that wind past lava tubes, lakes and wetlands.
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve - a natural wonderland.
Lunch with a glass of wine
Just a short drive towards Port Fairy is a great little cellar door called Basalt Wines. Hopefully, Patrick the dog, is there to welcome you. This could be a tasty lunch beside the vines with a glass of their local red, or you could easily settle in for the afternoon with a shared bottle consumed alongside a grazing platter, which will include a sampling from our region’s farmers and cheesemakers. It’s relaxed, best enjoyed with a friend, and don’t forget to grab at least one of their finest for later.
Shopping in your style
If you make it back into town while the shops are still open, you will be spoilt for choice. There are thoughtfully curated and quirky stores to browse through in Warrnambool that cater for everyone’s wants and needs. Here are a couple of the do-not-miss locations, no matter what your heart desires.
Boutique Gift Shops
Ink and Feathers - An eclectic collection of delights.
Relax and Entertain - Modern homewares to savour.
Boutique Dress Shops
Milk and Honey - Relaxed vibe with a smattering of homewares to boot.
Mix and Co - exceptional shopping showcasing the Best Australian Designers.
Jean Jail - If you're an online shopper, the home of this retailer and flagship store is here.
Op-Shops and Vintage
Op-shops - Hit up Google, as we have so many.
Vintage - Fletcher Jones Market - One of two large vintage markets. While you are there, take a wander outside and visit the 1940s garden created for the enjoyment of the staff of the FJ’s factory.
Fletcher Jones Markets - so many vintage finds.
One Night Is Never Enough
A romantic trip away in Warrnambool is best enjoyed over two or three nights, allowing you time to explore the town and truly appreciate the dining scene — whether you’re dining in or heading out.
Spend one evening out exploring Warrnambool’s best dining spots. There are plenty of great choices, with some excellent suggestions that include Myrtle by Dave, The Lost Cat, Hotel Warrnambool on the restaurant side, or a recent addition to the town, Lot 17. There are many other food options, but that’s for another story that is yet to come, or send me a message and I will reply with a copy of my best suggestions. On another night, do nothing, go nowhere and enjoy each other’s company with a glass of your favourite beverage. Plan a night in at your accommodation and make it easy - prepare a simple dinner with wine by the fire before putting on a classic movie from a time gone by, and pretend you're in a faraway land.
Romantic getaways need the ultimate accommodation
The Landing Warrnambool - your perfect escape
If you’re going to enjoy an escape together, you may as well do it properly — choose your accommodation wisely and make sure that it ticks all the boxes. That’s where The Landing Warrnambool is the must-stay. Every element of your stay has been designed for your enjoyment. From the baths, a fireside outdoor cinema, and deep soft furnishings, it’s time to pop the champagne, kick off your shoes, and soak up the space. This is the perfect destination for anniversaries, birthdays, or simply escaping everyday life together. To find the best rates that are commission-free, check The Landing’s webpage.
Wake up - it is a new day
But don’t get up. Your bed at The Landing is super comfy; you will have everything you need here to relax, have an indulgent bath, or watch a movie with a coffee in hand. If the clock has an AM on it, then you don’t need to be anywhere but at your accommodation. We have designed your stay so that you never want to leave. Many of the guests state that this is exactly what they did when they stayed.
Sometimes it rains
Rainy days in Warrnambool are no reason not to get out and about; this is the perfect opportunity, even with a change to your plans, to go out and explore. It may lead to the best memories of a trip. After a lazy morning, put your coat on and find that there’s plenty to do indoors that’s fun, cosy, and even a little adventurous. First, find a warm place for lunch. Pick a place with a view. The Pavilion Cafe and Bar, or Beach’s Cafe and Bar, look out over the ocean where you can watch the waves rolling in, especially good on a wild day. Both of these places create fantastic food, and don’t forget to check out the desserts. The Pavilion has a great selection of cakes. Yummmm.
Looking over the Lady Bay with a coffee at the Pavilion Cafe and Bar
Now to work out what floats your boat, are you after the chill-out kind of person or an up-and-go that doesn’t like to sit for too long? What is your archetype - museums and galleries or the winner takes-all style?
Activities for the active
Do you want to find out who is the most competitive? Head to The Bowl, Great Ocean Road Tenpin Bowl. If you have never played before, it is good to know that the worse you play, the more laughs you will have. On the way out, have a game of Fuseball; this will continue the fun and give you a few more reasons to laugh. It is time to celebrate a game well played with a glass of bubbles; luckily, there is the perfect wine bar located straight across the street, Grape and Barley. Maybe a cosy corner in a cool pub might better suit you. At the Hotel Warrnambool, with its eclectic decor, you will feel right at home, and if you are still in for more chances to prove yourself, finish your afternoon off with a game of pool. On a Sunday arvo, this place is a cool local hangout for music lovers with an ever-changing line-up of talent.
Hotel Warrnambool - The Sunday Session
Do little - learn lots
For a more relaxed afternoon, dive into Warrnambool’s culture. An architectural gem is the Warrnambool Library. Wander the shelves, find a beautiful coffee table book or two in the oversized book section, and wander up to the top floor. Tucked in the corner, there are seats with a secret view across the rooftops out to the southern ocean. Back downstairs, the library is also home to a great little cafe. The idea of drinking coffee and reading books in a house made for literature for some is the perfect combination. For history that is better in real life than in books, head to the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and wander through the many buildings and historical displays. To finish off your day with a smattering of art, it’s a toss-up between The F Project, a wonderful community art precinct with plenty of locally artisan-made treasures to peruse or to purchase, a great way to remember your weekend in Warrnambool or the other art institute, the Warrnambool Art Gallery, with a mix of local and national exhibitions.
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village - wander through history.
Sweet stops and salty air
Does a hard day exploring deserve a treat? A stop at Frost Bite Ice Cream feels almost essential. Locally made from local farm fresh milk, you can choose between having it on its own or upscale with an assortment of sweets. When the produce is this good, let it speak for itself. Leave the lollies for the kids, or maybe not.
Depending on the time of year and the length of the day, plan a walk before or after dinner. The ideal place for couples looking to unwind and stretch their legs is between Stingray Bay and Thunder Point. Take in one of our favourite experiences: It’s an easy, beautiful stretch — ocean on one side, rugged coastline on the other and a perfect spot to watch a spectacular sunset as the sun retires to the other side of the planet.
Stretch your legs on this idealic walk that starts at Stingray Bay
On the sofa or by the fire
Before you head back to The Landing, drop by Darriwell Farm and pick up something easy to cook or the makings of a great share platter, and enjoy all the comforts of this accommodation. When you choose great accommodation, you don’t need to go out to have the best time. Check out our guide on how to make your stay the ultimate retreat with our tips on how to upscale your stay.
Choose between the fire, movies, indoor and outdoor baths, and your night will be one to remember.
Darriwell Farm have a large selection of tasty treats
The ultimate morning
Warrnambool is home to the Deep Blue Hot Springs. The finest way to finish your escape is by booking a relaxing soak in these beautiful mineral pools. The water is sourced from deep underground and is naturally rich in minerals, making it the perfect place to unwind and switch off. Known for its calming properties, the mineral water helps soothe tired muscles, ease tension, and leave you feeling completely restored. You can even book in for breakfast — a perfect, indulgent way to end your getaway.
Spoil yourself at the Deep Blue Hot Springs
🏆 Bonus
Warrnambool was awarded Gold in the 2025 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards — a testament to its welcoming vibe and visitor appeal. warrnambool.com