Quest Warrnambool is perfectly positioned in the midst of everything this coastal town in the Great Ocean Road region has to offer, and it’s mere minutes from the sands of McGennans Beach. Across the road from the Warrnambool Art Gallery and strolling distance from the eateries and bars of Liebig Street, our 42 spacious apartments make the ideal launchpad for exploring further afield as well.
High on the cliff above Warrnambool Bay, this diner has plenty of selling points: floor-to-ceiling windows that let you do some whale-spotting when the season is right; a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere; the scent of salty, sea air; and delicious meals that keep the locals coming back. Start your day with the wild rice porridge and golden syrup spiced pears.
A short drive east of Quest Warrnambool is the unexpectedly viral wombat mural known locally as ‘Gutsy’, created on the side of the Otway Road rail overpass by local artist Jimmi Buscombe. It’s only the beginning when it comes to open-air art in Warrnambool. Showcasing works by Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, this self-guided street art tour takes you through the little-known back streets of this charming town.
Chandeliers, cosy dining booths and a family-friendly vibe all come together to make Images the ideal choice for a meal in the heart of Warrnambool’s Liebig Street dining precinct. The kids’ menu reads like a Greatest Hits list (calamari, nuggets, bolognese, schnitzel), and you can charge your meal back to your room at Quest. Stick around for a Mars Bar mud cake for dessert.
Reaching skyward from foamy seas, the 12 Apostles are an hour’s drive from Quest Warrnambool. While only seven of the towering limestone stacks remain, you won’t be disappointed when you spot this famous landmark in real life. A tip: arrive at the viewing platform around 5:00pm (a little later in summer), and you’ll get a stunning view of the sunset with the Apostles in the foreground.
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve is home to emus, koalas, kangaroos and water birds. Located just outside Warrnambool, it is a site of significance for the Gunditjmara people, the traditional custodians of the land here. Run by Worn Gundidj, daily tours with an Aboriginal guide let visitors see native wildlife up close, learn traditional ways of life, and discover a range of bush foods and medicines.
Open-air rock pools, waterfalls and sensory caves dot this geothermal wellness wonderland. Book in for a two-hour session and let the natural mineral heat of the pools (or a little cold plunge therapy) infuse you with a level of calm that can only come fromMother Nature. Just five minutes drive from Quest Warrnambool, there are few better ways to spend an afternoon.