Warrnambool

Renowned for its stunning coastal location, and annual whale watching opportunities Warrnambool is also one of Victoria’s most historic maritime areas. Popular with tourists throughout the year, Warrnambool has a thriving cultural and culinary scene.

Warrnambool is in the Warrnambool City Council area.

Location information

Climate

In summer (January), Warrnambool's average minimum temperature is 13.3 degrees, and the average maximum is 22.3. In winter (July) average temperatures range from a minimum of 6.2 to a maximum of 13.3. The town's average annual rainfall is 741.9mm.

Population

28,150 (Source: ABS Census 2006).

Cultural diversity

Around 12 percent of people living in Warrnambool were born outside Australia.

Migrants have settled in Warrnambool from:

  • England (1.8%)
  • New Zealand (0.8%)
  • Scotland (0.4%)
  • Netherlands (0.4%)
  • Ireland (0.2%)

Around six percent of people living in Warrnambool speak a language other than English at home.

Languages spoken in Warrnambool include:

  • Arabic (0.2%)
  • Mandarin (0.2%)
  • Italian (0.2%)
  • Dutch (0.1%)
  • Greek (0.1%)

Finding a job

Key industries and employers

The top five industries by employment in Warrnambool are:

Industry School education Hospitals Cafes, restaurants & takeaway food stores Dairy product manufacturing Supermarket & grocery stores
% 5.2 5.0 4.9 3.4 3.0

Local skill shortages

Skill shortages in Warrnambool occur in the following occupations:

  • Bakers
  • Carpenters
  • Chefs
  • Metal fitters
  • Metal machinists
  • Motor mechanics
  • Pastry cooks
  • Plumbers
  • Structural steel and welding tradespeople

Job search links

To see jobs currently available in Warrnambool, visit:

Lifestyle information

Housing and accommodation

In the year to April 2008, the median price of houses sold in Warrnambool was $275,000.

In December 2007, the median rent for a two-bedroom flat in Warrnambool was $180 per week, and the median rent for a three-bedroom house was $248 per week.

For information about local hotels, motels and caravan parks, visit the Great Ocean Road accommodation directory.

To find a local real estate agent, visit the REIV agent directory, type 'Warrnambool' into the search box, select 'suburb' and then press 'search'.

Healthcare

South West Healthcare and St John of God Hospital are the main health services in Warrnambool. For information about healthcare providers in the Warrnambool area, please visit the Victorian Better Health Channel's health services directory.

More information on Victoria's healthcare system can be found in the Health & Medical section.

Schools

For information on schools in Warrnambool, visit the Schools Online website and search for ‘Warrnambool’. More information on Victoria's education system can be found in the Education & Childcare section.

Travel

Distance and travel time

Warrnambool is 263km south west of Melbourne. You can travel from Warrnambool to Melbourne by:

  • car (3 hours)
  • train (3 hours 15 minutes)

Nearby towns are:

Public transport

Buses operate around Warrnambool, and between the town and surrounding areas. For specific routes and timetables, please visit the regional bus information on VicLink and select from the drop down list.

Places of worship

For information about where you can practice your faith, please visit your religion's Australian website. To find it, visit Google, type in the name of your religion, and select 'pages from Australia'.

Sport and recreation

For more information about sport and recreation in Warrnambool, please visit the Warrnambool City Council website.

Warrnambool attractions

  • Learn more about Victoria's infamous 'Shipwreck Coast' at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum
  • See the giant southern right whales from June to September
  • Fish in the surf, in the river or in the local estuaries
  • Delight in the colour of the Botanic and Fletcher Jones gardens
  • See wildlife in nature at the Tower Hill State Game reserve
  • Wunta Food and Wine Fiesta (January)
  • Warrnambool Racing Carnival (May)
  • Agricultural Show (October)

Also See

Last updated: 22 January 2009

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State Government of Victoria