The best pubs and bars in Warrnambool
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27.12.2022

The best pubs and bars in Warrnambool

The Dart And Marlin
Words by Tammy Walters

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. 

Myrtle Bar and Kitchen

Address: 163 Timor Street, Warrnambool

Vibe: Classic Contemporary

Outdoor Area: Street Dining

Dedicated Menu: Smoky meats and cocktails

An eclectic mix of classic and contemporary cocktails, wines and beers, partnered with smoky meats, Myrtle Bar and Kitchen offer the best of the south west’s best produce. With Steak and Shiraz nights, Myrtle Bar and Kitchen know the way to the heart!

 

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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.

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, 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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Tilly Divine Kitchen & Bar

Address: 174 Liebig Street, Warrnambool

Vibe: Coastal fresh

Outdoor Area: Open dining area

Dedicated Menu: Brunch and tapas

Known as a favourite brunch and lunch spot thanks to their mouth-watering tapas and breakfast options (check out their pancake stacks!), Tilly Divine Kitchen and Bar is often overlooked as a casual drinks spot. But put it on your list as they are a fully licensed bar and have incredible cocktails on offer! Plus, the indoor dining setting and rainforest luscious!

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.

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.

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.