The regional Victorian town of Warrnambool has long been known for being a historic centre of wool production. And while that reputation remains, Warrnambool’s food - from its growing caffeine scene to its fresh food and dairy - is quickly becoming another reason to visit this Great Ocean Road-adjacent town. Here are eight reasons to take your taste buds on a tour of Warrnambool.
1. The Fresh Market
Opened four years ago, serves as both a place for locals and visitors alike to pick up fresh, local produce and get involved in the community. The market is held twice a month and features a local musician performing to create a relaxed vibe. Owner and manager Tania Ferris says the market has quickly become a popular tourist spot, too.
“We call ourselves the market by the sea and we have this beautiful range of produce that ranges from the sea to the land; we’ve got a strong dairy and beef industry, plus seafood, but there was no one place that was really capturing that,” she says. “So what we thought we would do was bring it together.”
We call ourselves the market by the sea and we have this beautiful range of produce that ranges from the sea to the land
Some stallholder highlights include its “number one selling item”, the sourdough from Portland Bakehouse and bakery stall , which Ferris says consistently sells out on market days.
2. Increasing cultural diversity
In recent years, a slew of Indian, Malaysian and Sri Lankan restaurants have opened across Warrnambool, as more people from culturally diverse backgrounds have moved to the seaside town.
“It’s not just about the pub meal now,” Ferris explains. “It’s really starting to change the cultural palettes [and] there’s a lot more choice now.”
Burgers on the grill at Kermonds. Source: Ainsley's Market Menu
3. Kermond’s Hamburgers
This local institution opened almost 70 years ago and has become a firm favourite, thanks in part to its hamburger patty recipe remaining the same since 1949. What started as a caravan on the Warrnambool foreshore is now Warrnambool’s favourite hamburger, with a revealing that 80 per cent named Kermond’s as their first choice for a burger. Ferris says generations of local families have worked at Kermond’s, including her husband and son.
4. Picnic by the beach
Located right next to the Great Ocean Road and overlooking the Southern Ocean, there are plenty of picnic spots to tuck into some local goodies. Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and - don’t let the name put you off - Granny’s Grave Beach both have spectacular views and plenty of spots to enjoy a picnic from.
If trees and colourful flowers are more to your preference over sand and seaside, then check out Warrnambool Botanic Garden - it was established in the 1880s and is home to a lilypond and lots of shaded areas provided by tree canopy.
The Pavilion cafe has seaside views. Source: The Pavilion
5. Pavilion Café
Opened nine years ago by Melbournian Jon Watson, this beach-side cafe has become a favourite hang-out for locals to meet and tuck into a rotating menu that highlights the cultural backgrounds of its kitchen staff. The opened nine years ago and while it does serve the traditional favourites like fish and chips, Watson says there are plenty of opportunities to try something new.
“We have a melting pot of nationalities in the kitchen, so we draw quite heavily from some of their expertise. You can’t beat a massaman curry that’s made by [our] Malaysian chef. We make the most of who we have in the kitchen and what they can make,” he says.
“It’s been embraced by the locals; they call it ‘their place’ and they’re quite proud to bring visitors from out of town here. We’re very lucky.”
6. Piccolo Coffee
When asked to nominate a top spot for coffee in Warrnambool, Ferris doesn’t hesitate to name Piccolo Coffee.
This cafe and coffee roaster ethically sources its beans from Colombia, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Burundi and Kenya and so far makes four blends, which have become the brew of choice for cafes across western Victoria.
7. Seafood
What do visitors want to tuck into when they visit Warrnambool?
“Seafood!” Ferris says. “People travel along the Great Ocean Road and they want to eat what’s locally caught.”
And there’s a lot that’s locally caught to choose from. Southern Rock Lobster - also known as Warrnambool Red’s - are a local specialty. King George whiting, snapper, salmon, red fin and bluefin tuna are also in abundance, plus there’s the Portland Bay Bugs, which are caught from Portland - about an hour’s drive away. If you don’t want to catch it yourself, then head to local fishmonger, for catch of the day.
8. Lana’s Garden
It’s not often that people will travel dozens or hundreds of kilometres to pick up some fruit preserves it’s standard practise for some for , a local producer whose products revolve around rhubarb.
“It’s rhubarb with a twist and it’s all gluten free,” Ferris says.
Rhubarb and chilli salsa, rhubarb and fig jam, rhubarb coulis and rhubarb vinegar are some of the local favourites to look forward to.
Ainsley Harriott traverses The Fresh Market in Warrnambool during episode 2 of the brand-new season of Ainsley's Australian Market Menu. Catch it at 7:30pm Thursday 17 October on SBS, catch up on SBS Food at 7:30pm Sundays, or stream on SBS On Demand (or below). Visit the for recipes, the episode guide and more.
Lana's Garden produces a range of gluten-free and vegan-friendly rhubarb products. Source: Ainsley's Market Menu
