Here is our guide to the best pubs and bars in Warrnambool.
With another long weekend coming in fast, Warrnambool is the place to be, especially with its captivating position, nestled into the rising contour of Victoria’s south-west coast amid green dairying country and overlooking the deep blue of the Southern Ocean. Here you’ll find shipwrecks and volcanoes, viewing spots to catch a glimpse of a fluking southern right whale, a vibrant arts and events scene, and of course the many spectacular beaches surrounding the bustling township.
While you’re in the neighbourhood be sure to check out their quality hospitality situation with these awesome pubs and bars.
Why not check out the best bars and pubs in Ballarat?
Caledonian Hotel (aka The Cally)
Address: 112-114 Fairy Street, Warrnambool Victoria 3280
Vibe: Vibrant, loud
Outdoor Area: Car park transforms into venue space
Dedicated Menu: Classic Pub Meals
Known to locals as ‘The Cally Hotel’, Caledonian Hotel is one of Warrnambool’s most lively pubs. With a huge focus on events, The Cally hosts live music every Tuesday, Saturday, and on the first and last Sunday of every month, regular craft beer nights and live sports screenings and a TAB. They also host banging car park parties, recently hosting events like the Warrnambool Coastal Jam. There’s even accommodation if you want to maximise your experience and as for food, you can enjoy traditional hearty pub fare as well as modern dishes, with daily meal specials throughout the week.
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The Dart and Marlin
Address: 216-218 Timor Street, Warrnambool
Vibe: Art chic
Outdoor Area: Street dining and beer garden
Dedicated Menu: Stonebaked Pizzas
The Dart and Marlin is not just a wine and cocktail kitchen, it’s a community. With live music and DJ sessions enveloping the atmosphere, The Dart Marlin is a space for great stonebaked pizzas, home-made pasta, fun cocktails, bar snacks, boutique wine and beers, and classy culinary.
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Flying Horse Bar and Brewery
Address: 10691 Princes Highway, Warrnambool
Vibe: Family Friendly
Outdoor Area: Two outdoor dining areas
Dedicated Menu: Classic pub meals
An all-rounder venue, Flying Horse Bar and Brewery is a space for all. With a lively bar, dedicated dining area, casual lounge, open fireplace, a Sports bar with TAB for the betting buds, a large indoor kids play area, multiple outdoor spots and a linked Bottlemart Drive-Thru Bottle-o, Flying Horse Bar and Brewery have you sorted for all eating and drinking experiences. Along with experienced and friendly staff, here it’s all about the beer with more than 10 beers and cider’s on tap including all of your favourites. This includes their own two award-winning beers.
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Rafferty’s Tavern
Address: 1145 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool
Vibe: Family focused
Outdoor Area: Outdoor deck
Dedicated Menu: Mix of classic pub and modern cuisine
Having undergone a makeover a few years back, Rafferty’s Tavern sits on a busy corner of the Warrnambool centre. Offering classic pub charm on their menu, including Parma Thursdays and Steak nights, Rafferty’s has a focus on the experience as much as the quality food. Gather for live televised sporting events, enjoy live music, kick back in the cocktail bar or comfortable beer garden and bring the kids to enjoy their play area.
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The Whaler’s Hotel
Address: 53 Liebig Street, Warrnambool
Vibe: Relaxed vibrance
Outdoor Area: Courtyard dining
Dedicated Menu: Classic Pub Favourites
The Whaler’s Hotel is so good our mates The Rubens even played there. This 1940’s pub building has stood the test of time, established as the Commercial Hotel, moving into Whaler territory in ‘67 and rebranding to its current form more recently. A focus on live music, sporting events and specialised menu nights, The Whaler’s Hotel is a local favourite.
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Simons Waterfront
Address: 80 Pertobe Road, Level 1 Warrnambool
Vibe: Coastal classy
Outdoor Dining: Balcony dining and dome experience
Dedicated Menu: Seasonal chef curated menu
If you’re after world-class views and delectable dining, Simons Waterfront is your place of choice. From seafood selections to monster burgers, Simons Waterfront has something for everyone. Whether you dine in the dome or oversee the waterfront waves, this spot is a must for out-of-towners.
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Warrnambool Laneway bar
Address: 80/82 Liebig St, Warrnambool
Vibe: Good summer vibes
Outdoor Area: Entire outdoor laneway
Dedicated Menu: Cocktails, beer, wine, spirits
This one’s entirely seasonal but well worth a visit if you’re visiting in the summertime. Running since 2013, Warrnambool’s original pop up bar is the place to go for after work drinks accompanied by acoustic musicians on Friday evenings, followed by a touch of disco and dance throughout the night. More recently they even introduced Sunday afternoon day parties, with bigger plans for future summers.
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Bundy’s Bar and Bites
Address: 67 Liebig St, Warrnambool
Vibe: Welcoming and cozy
Outdoor Area: Front seating
Dedicated Menu: Authentic Sri Lankan curries, pub classics
You’ll feel welcomed and at home at Bundy’s Bar and Bites. With a fully stocked bar, live music, vibrant cocktail menu and a delicious menu of bites, pub classics and Bundy’s famous curries, there’s something for absolutely everyone. They also provide a takeaway meal and alcohol delivery service in Warrnambool every evening so that’s a win.
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Frolic Lane
Address: 95 Kepler Street, Warrnambool
Vibe: Coastal classy
Outdoor Dining: Sheltered area
Dedicated Menu: Pizza, charcuterie and cocktails
Fast becoming the hotspot for fancy cocktails and good times, Frolic Lane is a premium spot for a catch up. They have an on-site wine specialist who has handpicked the best vino offering for the shelf, along with craft beers and a wicked selection of signature cocktails. Partner that with a pizza or charcuterie platter and you’re set for the night!
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The Hairy Goat
Address: 69 Liebig street, Warrnambool
Vibe: Casual classy
Outdoor Dining: N/A
Dedicated Menu: Tapas, Beer, Wine, Cocktails
A casual, relaxed and fun cocktail, tapas and whisky bar, with a twist, The Hairy Goat is a popular spot for locals. Built for sharing, their menu is all about the tapas, elevated with a signature cocktail. From your Spanish selections to burgers, The Hairy Goat has a bit of something for everyone.
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