The best walks you can go on in Warrnambool without using your car

If you start looking up trails around Warrnambool, you’ll immediately be hit with some of the most stunning landscapes you’ve ever seen — rugged coastlines, sandstone mountains, rolling green hills. But if you look closer, a lot of the top results are an hour’s drive away.

If you don’t have a car, it might feel like your options are limited — but the truth is, there’s no shortage of accessible, beautiful walking routes in or near Warrnambool’s CBD. 

Let’s go.

Foreshore Promenade

Foreshore Promenade is an all-rounder. It hits the sweet spot of being scenic, lined with snack options, and convenient from the CBD. The 5km paved path stretches along the coastline, making it an easy and accessible option whether you’re walking, cycling, or skating. You’ll pass beaches, rocky outcrops, and lookout points — plus plenty of spots to grab a coffee or a bite to eat. This trail runs from Warrnambool Breakwater to Logans Beach, the best spot for whale watching. Start your walk at Pavilion Café for brunch with an ocean view, or treat yourself to a Timboon ice cream at the kiosk below.

Lake Pertobe

If you're looking for a spot to go with the whole family, Lake Pertobe is your guy. This trail just south of the CBD connects directly to the Foreshore Promenade (honestly, a lot of the walks join up, so you can make them longer if you want).

Vibe-wise, it's a realm of its own. Lake Pertobe is a mix of wetlands and open parkland, plus one of the region’s top-ranked playgrounds. There are several walking tracks including a 1.6km circuit suitable for all ages and mobility aids, rentable boats, and, as of March 7th, the park's famous wobbly bridge has re-opened.

Thunder Point

Maybe the point of your walk isn’t actually the walk itself — it’s the chance to get a good photo.

If that’s the case, I’m not here to judge — I’m literally just here to tell you to go to Thunder Point. 

The short coastal walk to the lookout is stunning in any light, but golden hour is so good that Warrnambool's official website boldly declares it the best sunset in town.

From the car park, you'll find a 4.2km out-and-back walking track. You can head to the lookout at Pickering or explore the tide pools at Shelly Beach. You can visit Thunder Point either as a detour from the Foreshore Promenade or as a destination itself. It's located a little far from the CBD — about 36 minutes on foot or 26 minutes by transit from Warrnambool Library — but this distance means that it tends to be less crowded. This is more of a bring-your-own snack vibe.

Tower Hill

Getting there takes a little extra effort without a car, but it's absolutely worth it. You have options: travel the 13 km Warrnambool-Port Fairy Rail Trail on foot or bike if you're feeling high-energy, or simply catch the 8 bus from Warrnambool to the Tower Hill stop.

There are a few different trails, but if you want something short and rewarding, the Peak Climb (30 min return) gives you an amazing panoramic view over the entire crater. The Journey To The Last Volcano will run you closer to an hour at moderate difficulty.

The Worn Gundidj Visitor Centre sometimes has coffee and snacks, but it's not always open, so I'd bring a picnic.

Warrnambool Botanical Gardens

Wander through Warrnambool Botanical Gardens and you'll find yourself surrounded by gorgeous native plants, a picturesque lily pond, and charming historic structures from the 19th century. Don't be startled if you hear rustling overhead — look up and you'll likely spot a colony of Flying Foxes hanging out in the trees!

These grounds are actually sort of a sister to the Melbourne Botanical Gardens: the Warrnambool Council commissioned William Guilfoyle, then Director of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens, so they share a similar sweeping, curving design. 

The walk is only about 1.5 km, but it’s right next to the Russell Creek trail where you can keep exploring. If you’re feeling like a treat, make a quick stop at the Pig and Pie for some baked goods.

_{All images by the author.}