Explore the amazing Shipwreck Coast around Warrnambool

Victoria's Great Ocean Road has been heralded as one of the most scenic drives in the world. That is no empty slogan: it is the simple truth. You simply have to see it to appreciate it. It is a long and sometimes winding road, so by the time you reach Warrnambool, you're ready for a few days of relaxation. You will get a break from driving and it will be relaxing, but you won't find yourself sitting around doing nothing. There's too much to see and do in Warrnambool for that.

Warrnambool is the largest city on the Great Ocean Road. A beautiful, dynamic city with a population of 33,000 (and growing), it offers travelers the opportunity to recharge their batteries and explore the amazing Shipwreck Coast section of the Victorian coast before making the return trip to Melbourne or moving on to South Australia. Usually, those who plan on making Warrnambool an overnight stopover end of spending more time there than they expected to.

Take a lesson from others and don't plan on just taking a "quick look" around Warrnambool before moving on. You will find that after you have seen one attraction, like whale watching for instance, it will make you want to see "just one more" and then another, and another and - well, you get the idea. A one or two night stay in Warrnambool just never seems like enough.

Whale watching sites aren't that unusual on the Great Ocean Road, so what singles out Warrnambool as better than the others? It's because southern right whales have taken up residence in Warrnambool and established a nursery just off the city shores. From the Logans Beach lookout, you can see these magnificent mammals of the sea in their natural habitat. They are so close to shore (less than 100 yards sometimes), you have the unique opportunity to see them in action without distracting them with your presence.

Whale watching may take up your morning, so you will want to find something to do in the afternoon of your "one day stopover" in Warrnambool. A local might suggest checking out the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. Once you get there, you will realise that an afternoon just isn't enough. The marvelously laid out re-creation of a 19th century port town and the historical information you will learn there can keep you enthralled for days.

If you only have an afternoon to spare, then make sure you take in the Great Circle Gallery and learn the history of the Shipwreck Coast. Keep a look out for the remarkable Loch Ard Peacock. When the Loch Ard sank, the peacock was still in its packing case and washed ashore the following morning. Except for a small chip in its beak, it is in perfect condition and is a haunting reminder of the dangers of the Shipwreck Coast, which has claimed over 180 sailing vessels.

You have only spent a single day in Warrnambool, but it has already been a highlight of your Great Ocean Road tour. If you can spare the time, you will definitely want to stay longer. Now that you know what's in store for you there (and there's much more, as well), contact a Warrnambool accommodation and plan on staying for as long as you can. In Warrnambool, there's no such thing as "too long."

Take a few days off, find accommodation in Warrnambool, things to do and other travel related information about the area on bookitnow.com.au. Or visit our Australia blog for more Australian holiday ideas.