Hopkins Falls

Southern right whales can be seen between June and September, when they migrate to warmer waters from the sub-Antarctic. Check with the visitor's information centre for confirmed sightings. From the viewing platform whales can often be easily seen without binoculars. Southern right whales were hunted nearly to extinction until it was prohibited in 1935.

This rocky headland is at the mouth of the Hopkins river. It is a significant Aboriginal site and people lived and gathered here for thousands of years. Please respect the area and help to preserve it by staying on the paths. Southern right whales can be seen from here in winter and spring.

The WAG, owned and run by the Warrnambool City Council, has a collection of about 5000 artworks. In changing exhibitions it showcases contemporary art.

Tower Hill (traditional Aboriginal name: Koroitj) is an extinct volcano which erupted at least 34,000 years ago. There is evidence that the Gunditjmara, the traditional owners of the area, were living there at that time. Once European settlers arrived in the 1830s, nature degraded due to clearing of lands for farming and cattle. It was only in 1961, when large efforts were undertaken to restore flora and fauna to their former state. The wetlands in the 3-km-wide crater now offer great hikes. Emus and koalas are among the many wildlife that can be spotted there. Local guides offer tours at 11AM and 1PM from the visitor's centre.