Plan your trip to Warrnambool this summer and participate in some of the best activities the town has to offer
Now that the summer season has arrived, it’s time to take a journey and experience some of the best activities and events in the southwest.
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It’s time to get into summer action and explore the variety of different activities, events and sightings you can experience across Warrnambool.
The holiday period is expected to get very busy and businesses have prepared for the town to fill with visitors from all over Victoria.
Your summer schedule will be booked out by all the options the town has to offer.
Here are the top activities and events you can attend on your trip away to the southwest.
Warrnambool Family Carnival
Located on Pertobe Rd, The Warrnambool Family Carnival is a key place for a fun day out.
Children can enjoy all the carnival rides, prize-winning games, food vans and delicious sweets.
The Carnival runs from Boxing Day until January 26 next year, so families have all school holidays to head along.
Woodford Cup
A great way for visitors to finish off the year in Warrnambool is making their way to the Woodford Cup, which is set to go ahead on New Year’s Eve.
Gates open at midday, where guests will be welcomed to scenic views of the racecourse and can pop a bottle of champagne to prepare for the new year that awaits.
The big day will provide live entertainment, food, fashion and children’s activities, with a country casual and full catered experience to suit anyone’s preferences.
Spend the final day of the year punting, socialising with friends and showing off your creative stylish outfit.
Mini Golf by the Sea
Running for over 35 years, Mini Golf by the Sea on Pertobe Rd has 18 courses that will keep you entertained as time goes by.
Visitors can test their skills and can try and win a Hole in One certificate and get their name up on the ‘World’s Best Scores’ board located behind reception.
Mini Golf by the Sea is open seven days from 10am to 5pm on weekends and 11am to 5pm on weekdays, with hours extending over the summer break.
After-hour bookings are also available for larger groups, so visitors can gather all their friends to make the most of their summertime.
Flagstaff Hill
The Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village is located just beyond the 12 Apostles on The Great Ocean Road in Warrnambool.
The Village involves stories of over hundreds of ships, their crews and passengers who perished on the Shipwrecked Coast in the 19th century.
Flagstaff Hill tour guides can take you through the entire museum to explore many of the features the village is best known for.
The village also holds the Sound and Light Show and New Year’s Eve on the Hill with firework displays, which is expected to be packed with thousands of people on the evening, according to Warrnambool City Council tourism manager Paul Thompson.
Mayor Debbie Arnott said: “As always, Flagstaff Hill NYE is a fun, safe, family-friendly event and the perfect location to set up a picnic on the green, listen to live music and enjoy loads of family entertainment”.
Christmas Neon Light Trail
Gather a group of friends and participate in The Christmas Neon lights Trail, where you will take a trip around town to discover all the unique light features.
In conjunction with Warrnambool’s festive season installations, this series of lights is curated by artist Carla O’Brien.
The event runs from November 25 until December 31, so locals and visitors have the whole lead up to Christmas to do some Christmas light hunting.
Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Race
One of the most iconic sporting events in Victoria, the Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic is the second-oldest one-day cycling event in the world.
It is also the longest cycling event in the Southern Hemisphere.
Cheer on all the hard working athletes who have kept the event alive at the finish line of Raglan Parade, witnessing the action of the amazing race.
The event will be held on Saturday February 4 and Sunday February 5 2023.
Oktoberfest in Warrnambool
After being postponed in October, the Warrnambool Oktoberfest is set to make its return in February.
Get your costume ready because the event will be coming back to the Shipwreck Bay Holiday Park to entertain all guests.
Experience some of the great German specials including Bretzel Biz‘s famous pretzels and Bavarian Bangers’ delicious bratwurst.
Oktoberfest will run from 2pm to 10pm on February 18 next year.
Warrnambool Tri Club UPR Hopkins Mini Tri Series
A great way to spend a summers night would be to join the Warrnambool Tri Club, located at Blue Hole.
Running on dates January 5, 12, and 19 next year, the series involves a 200 meter swim, a 7km ride and a 2km run.
A productive way to start off your new year with challenges and obstacles.
Register now so you don’t miss out.
South West Conveyancing Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic
A must-attend event, with the Yanks back, is the 50th South West Conveyancing Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic.
The event is held across January 27, 28, and 29 on Princes Highway in Allansford.
Be sure to make your way over to the bar and then sit back to enjoy the Great Ocean Rd‘s popular racing event.
Gates open at 3pm, with the sprint on track at 5.00pm.
Summer Night Markets
The summer night markets are coming to Warrnambool this season once again, featuring unique stalls, foods, wine and live entertainment.
Across Pertobe Rd will be a variety of different activities and items to discover on your trip around through the marquees.
A fantastic opportunity to browse the products of designers, makers, collectors and taste delectable foods and local beverages, and for everyone try local produce while socialising with the people around them.
On Friday evenings in January from 4.30pm to 8.30pm, people can explore Warrnambool under a different light.
The markets will be held on December 30, January 6, 13, 20 and 27.
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Warrnambool sale and auction results, week ending September 15
There were nine properties sold in Warrnambool last week, with 23 new listings in the region. See the latest auction and sales results.