Blog

Stay up to date with the latest happenings in and around Warrnambool and the Great Ocean Road.

Contact our onsite team for more inspiration on where to dine and things to do while staying at Best Western Olde Maritime.

Pack the car and hit the road, here’s everything to see, eat and do in and around Port Fairy and Warrnambool!

This is the ultimate Port Fairy & Warrnambool Guide. Everything to eat, drink, see and do in Victoria’s cutest and most eclectic country towns.

2021 Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Winners

We’re pleased to announce that we have been recognised with a 2020 Travelers' Choice Award, based on the consistently great reviews earned on Tripadvisor! It is a true source of pride for the entire team and we’d like to thank all of our past guests who took the time to complete a review on TripAdvisor!

The Great Ocean Road Must See Essentials

Limited time and looking to tick off a few Must Do's? The road trip essentials itinerary will give you a taste of a little of what makes the Great Ocean Road special.

The coast, the rainforest, a crater and some seriously good food. Trying to squeeze a lot into such a short time will definitely leave you wanting to return. get the timing right and you could be front row at one of the great festivals or events.

10 Warrnambool Walks to Explore

Bask in the glorious sun this weekend and walk along one of the many trails around Warrnambool’s natural wonders, heritage sites, parks and beaches. Check out Warrnambool’s top 10 to explore, suitable for all ages and levels of fitness and mobility.

Warrnambool's Best Beaches

Did you know there are over 20 beach adventures waiting for you in and around Warrnambool? Visit Warrnambool has listed them from east to west, so next time you visit Warrnambool we invite you to stay a little longer and go a little deeper.

COVID-Safe Activities for the School Holidays

There's loads for families to do in Warrnambool these winter school holidays! If you haven't made plans yet, checkout these activities and get down to Victoria's south coast!

Great Ocean Walk

The Great Ocean Walk in Victoria is a beautiful, rugged, raw, overwhelming and peaceful journey. The 110km walk traverses beaches, clifftops, rainforests and hinterland. It takes you deep into the Great Otways National Park and the Port Campbell National Park. Feel the exhilaration of being away from civilisation in some of Australia's most breathtaking locations only accessible by foot.

Holiday Here This Year

Recent bushfires have impacted communities across Australia. But a shared Aussie spirit has also brought people together. Many Australians rely on tourism to thrive. That’s why we’re asking Aussies to get out and see this beautiful country and explore what's on your doorstep. Take a drive up the coast, head inland, fly across this vast and beautiful land. It’s time to holiday here this year.

The Perfect Summer Holiday Spot for the Fam

If you’re looking for a Melbourne family getaway these Christmas school holidays, then Warrnambool is the perfect spot. Bec Lorrimer of @TripInAVan travels full time with her husband and young family. Here she tells us why her hometown is the perfect summer destination.

Top 5 Spring Adventures

Need some inspiration for the spring holidays? Warrnambool has it all. Safe beaches, playgrounds, history, nature, wildlife, street art, food and wine! With so much on offer here is our top 5 summer suggestions.

Our Apprentice Chef Turning Up The Heat At WorldSkills Competition

Warrnambool’s best young chefs, including Bryce McDonald our apprentice Chef at Clovelly Restaurant have crafted dishes they hope could open doors for them to cook on a national or even worldwide stage. The 10 apprentices presented a panel of Melbourne and local judges with Asian, traditional-Australian and European cuisine at a WorldSkills competition at South West TAFE.

Judges will announce all winners next Tuesday.

Good luck and great work.

Best Western Australasia Hotel Achievement Award 2019

We are incredibly humbled to receive the Best Western Australasia Hotel Achievement Award at the Gala and Awards Ceremony of the Best Western Annual Conference 2019.

We also collected the ‘Heroes of Hospitality’ Award for one of our staff, Karen Wood after working in our housekeeping department for over a decade.

7 Whale Watching Tips

Looking for some whale watching tips to boost your chance of sighting a whale in Warrnambool? Check out the top '7 Whale Watching Tips' and take your skills to the bay!

TripAdvisor Hall of Fame

We are so excited to announce that BW Olde Maritime has been awarded the Certificate of Excellence for 2019! In addition having achieved this for 6 consecutive years has put us in the prestigious Hall of Fame yet again.

It’s important to note that this award is for our entire team. All our staff past and present have contributed to this huge achievement. And of course, we sincerely thank all of the guests that have taken the time to review us on TripAdvisor or any other public review platform.

10 Reasons to Visit Warrnambool this Winter

We know that chilly days can be a real drag, but that’s no reason to meltdown your travel plans. Winter along the Great Ocean Road isn’t all grey skies and rainy days. Rainforests come to life, the ocean adds powerful drama to the coastline, fireplaces crackle and invite cosy evenings, and crowds dwindle. And of course, our giant flippered friends return to the southern shores for their annual babymoon.

Check out these top 10 reasons to visit Warrnambool.

10 Things to Tick Off Your Bucket List This Autumn

Having a bucket list reminds us of what’s really important. Thanks to Visit Warrnambool have done the work to compile the list. Here are the 10 Warrnambool based experiences that will make you feel alive! Make your next getaway one to remember by taking the Warrnambool Bucket List Challenge this Autumn.

Local Adventures With Warrnambool Tours

Take in the breathtaking beaches and coastal surrounds while discovering the history and local secrets and stories of our beautiful region. Choose from a variety of tour packages which offer the opportunity to explore our beautiful city and spectacular coastline. Pick up location is from Warrnambool Visitors Centre directly adjacent to our hotel.

Family Fun: On School Holidays?

If you’re looking for a Melbourne family getaway these Christmas school holidays, then Warrnambool is a brilliant choice. Let’s Go Mum’s Barbara Bryan tells us why they think Warrnambool is such a fantastic place to take the family on holidays this summer.

Top 5 Summer Adventures

Need some inspiration for the summer holidays? Warrnambool has it all. Safe beaches, playgrounds, history, nature, wildlife, street art, food and wine! With so much on offer here is our top 5 summer suggestions.

Six Reasons You Have to Visit Warrnambool

Did you read Australian Traveller's feature on Six reasons you have to visit Victoria’s friendliest seaside town: Warrnambool? Find out why our Clovelly Restaurant made the list!

TripAdvisor Hall of Fame

We have another big exciting announcement! Best Western Olde Maritime has been awarded the Certificate of Excellence for 2018! In addition having achieved this for five consecutive years has put us in the prestigious Hall of Fame. It’s important to note that this award is for our entire team. All our staff past and present have contributed to this huge achievement. And of course, we sincerely thank all of the guests that have taken the time to review us on TripAdvisor – or any other public review platform.

Certificate of Excellence

We're pleased to announce that Clovelly Restaurant has been recognised with a 2018 Certificate of Excellence, based on the consistently great reviews earned on TripAdvisor. It is a true source of pride for the entire team and we’d like to thank all of our past guests who took the time to complete a review on TripAdvisor!

TripAdvisor Guest Review

We're soo lucky to have the best staff. Thank you for going above and beyond to please our guests. "Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work." 

Guest Review Awards

Our guests have spoken! We're pleased to have earned a Booking.com 2017 Guest Review Award. A huge thank you to our guests reviews and the commitment and hard work of our incredible staff.

The Sound and Light Show

Have you checked out Shipwrecked? Be blown away by the acclaimed and fully upgraded Sound and Light Show experience. Embark on the journey that resulted in one of Australia's most infamous maritime disasters. Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village is adjacent to our hotel.

Best Western Member Achievement Award

Olde Maritime are thrilled to have been awarded the Member Achievement Award at the Best Western Hotels Australia 2017 Conference. A huge shout out to our incredible staff and guests for your ongoing support.

TripAdvisor Winners

We're thrilled to have received the 2017 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence ! It is a true source of pride for the entire team and we’d like to thank all of our past guests who took the time to complete a review on TripAdvisor.

Love from all the staff

Looking After Our Staff

The local paper Warrnambool Standard picked up on our little Facebook post. It has been so great to see all the positive feedback and the encouraging support from the community.

Spacious 2 Bedroom Apartment

Need extra space? Book our fully self-contained 2 Bedroom Apartment with all the extra space to kick off your shoes. Book direct to receive our best rate + free WiFi

Onsite Gym

Work it out in our onsite gym, the perfect space for a workout while you're away.

Introducing Our New Luxury Heritage Rooms

We're excited to introduce our newly renovated Heritage Queen Room and Heritage Family Mezzanine. Built in 1859, the Harbour Master Cottage (Heritage Room) was the home to Warrnambool's Harbour Master Captain Benjamin Francis Helpman. The Heritage Rooms have been beautifully renovated into modern rooms. The original timber beams and fireplace retains the heritage in the room, and the new bathrooms with stone contrast perfectly. Book now to experience our new Heritage Rooms today.

Best 3.5 Star Property

We are so excited to announce that BW Olde Maritime has been voted the as the best 3.5 Star property across Best Western Australasia! 

Happy Hour at Clovelly

Come join us for happy hour every Friday from 5-7pm at Clovelly.

Congratulations to our winner

A huge congratulations to our ‪#‎OldeMaritimeGetaway‬ selfie competition Yvonne Ryan! It was lovely to meet you Yvonne and to hear about your outstanding humanitarian efforts in donating and delivering supplies to a kids orphanage in Bali - we hope to see you again soon!

Thank you to all who participated, we'll be running another competition soon so don't forget to enter for your chance to win!

The Family Mezzanine

The spacious, renovated versatile split level space gives you the freedom to create your own unique experience – any way you want!

Fresh Breakfast Options

We're serving up an extensive gourmet breakfast menu. Room service or dine in available daily from our onsite restaurant Clovelly.

< View menu >

Rest, Relax and Unwind

Need a little rest and relaxation? Why not stay in our Deluxe Spa Room, perfect for unwinding after a long day. Let us take care of you with room service or dine in available daily from our onsite restaurant and bar

< Book Now >

Oddbal Movie Premiere

Night at the premiere of Oddball - the movie in Warrnambool, Shane Jacobson addressed the crowd in attendance reinforcing the fantastic community we have and the town pride we show! This movie is fantastic and our time to shine. So thank you to Roadshow Films for giving Warrnambool the opportunity. Also a big props to the Middle Island - Maremma Penguin Project their story and work is inspirational. We are all very proud! 

Ranked #1 in Warrnambool on TripAdvisor

We're so proud to be ranked #1 in all of Warrnambool on TripAdvisor! Thank you to all of our wonderful guests who have left reviews on TripAdvisor as well as our fantastic staff, we couldn't have done it with out you! Raj

We're Plating up a Delicious Menu!

Come and experience a pleasant dining experience at Clovelly offering a modern Australian menu ranging from old favourites to fine dining!

< View menu >

What’s on at The Lighthouse Theatre Warrnambool

Check out what’s on at the Lighthouse Theatre Warrnambool for top productions in music, comedy, dance, drama and much more. Olde Maritime is only a 5 min stroll to the Lighthouse Theatre, call us for our latest dinner, room and show package offers.

< More info >

Oddball Official Trailer

The true story about an eccentric chicken farmer (Shane Jacobson) who, with the help of his granddaughter, trains his mischievous dog Oddball to protect a wild penguin sanctuary from fox attacks and in the process tries to reunite his family and save their seaside town Warrnambool. In cinemas September 17 2015.

The Whales are Here

The first official sighting at Logan's Beach happened last week. Be sure to see them this season at their favourite playground Logan's Beach, Warrnambool's main whale viewing platform. Just a short drive from Best Western Olde Maritime.
 

TGIF at Clovelly!

Come join us for happy hour every Friday from 5-7pm at Clovelly.

<More info >

TripAdvisor - Certificate of Excellence Winner!

We have won the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for 2015! It is a true source of pride for the entire team at Olde Maritime and we’d like to thank all of our past guests who took the time to complete a review on TripAdvisor. There is no greater seal of approval than being recognised by one’s customers. With the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence based on customer reviews, the accolade is a remarkable vote of confidence to our business and our continued commitment to excellence.

A Huge Thank You 

To all of our brilliant staff members across all departments! You all done a fantastic job during the May races, thank you for making this years event such a success. We couldn't have done it without you.
From Raj and Bronwyn

See What's on at Warrnambool Bowls Club

See What's On at Warrnambool Bowls Club for a range of entertainment options including Barefoot Bowls, bingo, karaoke and Keno. We are located only a short 5 min walk to Warrnambool Bowls Club.

< More info >

Rated Excellent By 150 Travellers!

Best Western Olde Maritime has been rated 'excellent' by 150 travellers on TripAdvisor! Thank you to all of our guests who have left us 'excellent' reviews. We love to hear all your feedback so please continue to tell us what you think and how we can improve.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

From all the team

Owner Raj Patel Interviewed by The Standard 

Raj Patel - Owner of Best Western Olde Maritime was interviewed by The Standard. To read the full article click on the link below.

< Read the full article >

Our Top 3 Must Do in Warrnambool

Take a tour of our top 3 must do at this amazing destination, Warrnambool. Join the conversation by sharing your top 3 Must Do In Warrnambool.

< Read more >