Warrnambool Breakwater

Warrnambool Breakwater is a historic harbour structure extending into Lady Bay, with views across the harbour, Warrnambool, the Southern Ocean and towards Middle Island. Visitors can walk along the breakwater, watch the fishing boats, look for marine life or try fishing from the sheltered harbour side.

A plan for the breakwater was approved in 1874, when Warrnambool was a thriving deep-sea port handling more cargo than the Port of Melbourne. Huge concrete blocks weighing approximately 32 tonnes were transported to the site on a specially constructed railway, and the breakwater was completed in 1890.

The structure is approximately nine metres wide and incorporates a raised parapet with an upper walkway. Visitors can walk outward on either the upper or lower level and return using the other level. Remnants of the construction railway, which was removed in 1962, can still be seen.

Walk: Short out-and-back walk along the breakwater
Difficulty: Easy in calm weather, but exposed to wind and waves
Surface: Concrete breakwater with a sealed approach
Start/Finish: Warrnambool Breakwater car park at the end of Viaduct Road

Features include:

Upper and lower walking levels
Views across Lady Bay, the harbour, Warrnambool and the Southern Ocean
Fishing from the sheltered harbour side or exposed ocean side
Opportunities to see seals, stingrays and seabirds
Remnants of the railway used during construction
Connections to the Foreshore Promenade, Stingray Bay and Thunder Point walking tracks
A working harbour used by commercial and recreational fishing vessels

Nearby facilities include:

Car parking at the base of the breakwater
Public toilets and outdoor showers on Viaduct Road
A nearby cafe
Boat-launching facilities
Access to the sealed Foreshore Promenade

The breakwater is part of a working port. Keep clear of fishing and boating operations, supervise children closely and remain behind barriers. Strong winds, slippery surfaces and large waves can make the breakwater dangerous. Do not walk onto it when waves are washing over the structure or when access is closed.

The lower level provides the easiest access, although visitors using wheelchairs or mobility aids should assess current surface and weather conditions before proceeding.

Park at the Breakwater Car Park, end of Viaduct Road, Warrnambool.

Fishing:

The sheltered Lady Bay side is suitable for fishing with smaller rods, while anglers use surf rods on the exposed ocean side. Children should remain under close adult supervision beside the water.

Access for Dogs:

Dogs are permitted on the breakwater and connecting foreshore walking tracks but must remain on a leash.

Dogs are prohibited at the nearby Merri River mouth south of Stanley Street Bridge, including Middle Island, and within the Merri River Wetlands between Viaduct Road and MacDonald Street.

Location

Viaduct Road, Warrnambool 3280 View Map