Lady Bay
Main town beach
The sheltered main beach. Patrolled summer, gentle waves, family-friendly. Walking distance from CBD. Multiple access points and beach amenities.
Warrnambool beaches
Lady Bay and Logans Beach
The patrolled main beach for swimming, the famous Logans Beach for whales, plus quieter coves at Stingray Bay and the Pertobe family reserve.
The setting
Two famous beaches plus the family alternatives
Warrnambool's coast splits into two distinct experiences. Lady Bay is the central town beach — sheltered, patrolled in summer, family-friendly. Logans Beach on the eastern edge is exposed and dramatic, with the famous whale-viewing platform on the cliff above (free, June–October calving season). Both are within a 10-minute drive of the city centre; most travellers visit both during a stay.
Beyond these two anchors, Pertobe Reserve offers protected family swimming with playground and BBQ facilities, while Stingray Bay and Levy's Beach provide quieter alternatives for travellers wanting more space. Warrnambool's beaches collectively offer more variety than any other Great Ocean Road town.
Beaches in detail
Logans Beach
Eastern edge · Whale nursery
The famous whale-viewing beach. Cliff-top platform free year-round, prime calving season June–October. Beach below is exposed; not for swimming.
Pertobe Reserve
Family reserve
Foreshore reserve at the western end of Lady Bay. Playground, BBQs, picnic areas, sheltered swimming. Family standout.
Stingray Bay
Quieter alternative
Smaller, quieter beach popular with locals. Walk-down access. Not patrolled. Better for solitude than swimming with kids.
Levy's Beach
Surf break
Local surf break. Rideable waves on south swell. Intermediate level. Less crowded than Bells.
Hopkins River mouth
Calmer family option
Where the Hopkins River meets the ocean. Calm sheltered swimming for very young children. Walk-from-town access.
Frequently asked
Warrnambool beaches FAQs
- What's the best beach in Warrnambool?
- Lady Bay for swimming — patrolled in summer, gentle waves, family-friendly with full foreshore facilities. Logans Beach for the whale viewing platform (June–October). Pertobe Beach for sheltered family swimming. Stingray Bay for a quieter alternative. The town has more beach options than smaller Great Ocean Road towns.
- Is Lady Bay safe for swimming?
- Yes — patrolled in summer (typically late November to Easter, 10am–5pm). The bay's geometry provides partial shelter from the heaviest swells. Sand-bottom, gentle waves, suitable for all swimming abilities. Multiple beach-access points along the foreshore.
- Can you swim at Logans Beach?
- Generally not recommended. Logans Beach is more exposed than Lady Bay and not patrolled. The cliff above is the famous whale-viewing platform, but the beach itself isn't a swimming destination. Use Lady Bay or Pertobe for swimming.
- Are dogs allowed on Warrnambool beaches?
- Yes, with restrictions. Designated dog-friendly zones at Lady Bay outside summer patrol hours, and at specific stretches year-round. Always check current Warrnambool City Council signage. The Pertobe Reserve has additional dog-friendly walking areas.
- Can you surf at Warrnambool?
- Yes. Logans Beach has rideable waves on smaller days. Levy's Beach is more consistent. Local surf shops hire boards. The water is cool year-round (12–18°C); wetsuits essential outside high summer.
- Where can you whale watch in Warrnambool?
- Logans Beach Whale Nursery, on the eastern edge of town. Free public viewing platform on the cliff above the beach. Southern right whales calve in the shallows June to October. See our full whale watching guide.
- What's Pertobe Reserve?
- A foreshore reserve at the western end of Lady Bay with playground, BBQ areas, picnic facilities, and protected swimming. Family-focused. Walking distance from town centre. Free.