Unlike America where name-brand hotels seemingly appear every few miles along most Interstate highways, travelers heading west from Melbourne quickly discover few if any recognizable hotel brand names. As we searched for accommodations as part of our overnight road trip along the Great Ocean Road, our choices were limited, and the website descriptions were not particularly helpful. The decision came down to several hotels within a mile or two of the coastline and ones that appeared to have decent queen-size or king-size beds.
The Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs met our minimum requirements and more. Its location along the Merri River gave us quick access to walkways by the ocean. The hotel rooms were nicely appointed with a sliding glass door that offered views of the area. The bed was comfortable.
An unexpected bonus was the very popular Deep Blue Hot Springs attached to the hotel.
Welcome to Warrnambool
Located on the southwest coast of Victoria, Australia, Warrnambool is a pleasant choice for a relaxing spa weekend or as the end or beginning point of a trip along the Great Ocean Road (see our story).
The ocean nature walk along Warrnambool’s Merri River offers a stunning coastal experience. Starting from the Breakwater, it covers the Merri Marine Sanctuary, featuring diverse landscapes from soft white sands to weathered cliffs. Visitors can enjoy ocean views, observe wildlife and explore unique marine habitats. The path winds through coastal vegetation, providing access to beaches and lookout points.
Capturing the vibe of an English coastal town, Warrnambool’s downtown has a diverse range of pubs, cafes and restaurants including Mexican, Asian and Sri Lankan. The town has plenty of large shopping centers and grocery stores for those staying overnight.
Rooms with a View
The hotel offers over 80 guest rooms including ocean view suites and penthouse apartments. The sliding glass opens up so you can enjoy the ocean air. There’s air conditioning and an overhead fan, free WiFi, flat screen TV, iron and ironing board, refrigerator and mini-bar.
As we were about a week into our trip, we particularly appreciated the laundry facilities with a washer and dryer for a modest fee.
Hot Pools for Cool Nights
The award-winning Deep Blue Hot Springs Warrnambool offers a unique geothermal bathing experience in an open-air sanctuary. The Springs features a variety of rock pools, sensory caves, a cold plunge pool and cleansing waterfalls. The mineral-rich water, sourced from a half-mile underground, ranges from 95 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit and is believed to have therapeutic benefits.
Sessions are at 7:30-9:30 am, 10am-noon, 1-3pm, 3:30-5:30pm and a twilight session from 6-9pm. When we visited, there were plenty of couples enjoying the pool and groups of friends relaxing at the end of a work day.
SheBuysTravel Tip: There is a strict capacity limit, so definitely book in advance especially for the popular twilight session.
Enjoy the Pool and Hotel Spa
Separate from the Deep Blue Hot Springs, the Deep Blue Hotel features a large heated indoor swimming pool. Near the pool is the Deep Blue Bath House & Day Spa with another pool, sauna and spa treatments.
With a Hot Springs, a Pool and a Bathhouse & Day Spa, it can be confusing for first-time visitors. When emailing or calling from outside of the town, make sure the staff understands the spa experience that interests you most.
Limited Dining Options
Guests can dine at the on-site Tides Cafe & Bar, which offers a relaxed, casual dining atmosphere for most of the day (hours vary based on the season) and a breakfast buffet.
The Basics
Check-in time is 3 pm. Check-out time is noon. The cancellation policy varies depending on the time of year.
The Deep Blue Hotel Warrnambool is at:
Worm Bay Road
Warrnambool, Victoria 3280
+61 3 5559 2000
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