Are there tours at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village?

Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended. They provide in-depth insights into the village’s maritime and cultural history. Advance bookings are essential as tours can fill up quickly.

Visit Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village

Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village is in the heart of Warrnambool on Merri Street and is an experience like no other. This is more than just a museum; it’s a living, breathing 19th-century maritime town with heritage buildings, interactive exhibits and a huge collection of shipwreck artefacts. The village is home to the famous Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum, where you can see the Loch Ard Peacock and hear the stories of the shipwrecks that shaped the region. Whether you’re a history lover, a family looking for a fun day out or a tourist wanting to discover the secrets of Warrnambool, Flagstaff Hill is an experience you’ll never forget.

History of Flagstaff Hill

Flagstaff Hill is the gateway to the maritime and cultural heritage of Victoria’s southwest coast. The village is named after the original Flagstaff Hill, a navigation point for ships entering Warrnambool Harbour. In the 19th century, this was a busy shipping port, with ships arriving and departing daily and loaded with goods. The Shipwreck Coast claimed many vessels and left a legacy of shipwrecks. The most famous of these is the wreck of the Loch Ard in 1878 when all but two passengers lost their lives. The only significant artefact to survive this tragedy is the Loch Ard Peacock, which is now on display in the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and is a reminder of the dangers of the sea for those who sailed these waters.
The village is a tribute to the pioneering spirit of the early settlers who established Warrnambool as a port town. It gives you a glimpse into 19th century life and how boat building and whaling were the lifeblood of the local economy. These industries not only grew the economy but shaped the community’s culture and society. Whaling with all its colour is brought to life through exhibits showing the tools and techniques of whaling and the broader impact on the region.https://wildlifetours.com.au/blog/great-ocean-road/history/

How to get to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village

Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village is at 89 Merri Street, Warrnambool and is close to major roads and public transport. It’s about a 3 hour drive from Melbourne along the Princes Highway so a great stop for those driving the Great Ocean Road. If you’re using public transport, V/Line trains run from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne to Warrnambool, and the village is a short walk or taxi ride from the station. The Great Ocean Road is a beautiful drive, so the journey to Flagstaff Hill is an experience in itself.

Plan Your Visit

Visit Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village with the Warrnambool Visitor Information Centre on Liebig Street. The village is open daily, and prices vary depending on the experiences and tours you book. If you’re attending the sound and light show or special events, bookings are essential as it gets very busy. You can book from a range of ticket options, including the popular Day – Museum and Village Admission, which gets you into all the exhibits and attractions. Whether you’re visiting from Port Fairy for the day or staying longer at a Warrnambool Retreat, there are heaps to see and do.
Discover Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village on our unforgettable Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne. Immerse yourself in history and scenic landscapes today!

Maritime Museum

The Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum is a treasure trove of maritime treasures, including shipwreck relics, navigational instruments and period furniture. One of the best exhibits is the Loch Ard Peacock, a stunning porcelain sculpture salvaged from the wreck of the Loch Ard in 1878. This prized piece, along with other exhibits, tells the story of the shipwreck coast and the fear of mariners who sailed these waters. The museum’s digital displays and interactive exhibits bring it all to life and are fun for all ages.

Live the Past: The Village Experience

The village at Flagstaff Hill is a recreated 19th-century maritime town with cobblestone streets, heritage buildings and costumed characters. Each building, from the boat builder’s workshop to the Port Medical Officer’s office, is furnished with authentic artefacts, including an arm sewing machine and boat hooks so you can touch the past. As you meander through the village, you’ll see blacksmiths at work, sailors spinning yarns, and shops full of goods from the era. This is an interactive experience that lets you step back in time and get a better understanding of the region’s maritime history.

Tours and Activities

Flagstaff Hill has a range of guided tours and activities to book. Our knowledgeable guides will take you through the village and share stories of the area’s maritime and cultural heritage including Aboriginal stories and the impact of the whaling industry on the local community. Workshops such as candle making, blacksmithing and maritime knot tying are hands on. For younger visitors activities for 0-4 years and 5-15 years make history fun and accessible. Bookings are essential for these popular tours.

Family Friendly

Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village is a great place for families with lots of fun and educational activities. The Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground is just a short walk away and is a great spot for kids to play and explore after visiting the village. Within the village itself kids can do interactive exhibits, treasure hunts and dress up in period costumes. With attractions for kids (5-15 years) and family friendly facilities including access for assistance dogs and amenities aplenty, Flagstaff Hill is a comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.

The Famous Sound and Light Show

The “Tales of the Shipwreck Coast” sound and light show is one of Flagstaff Hill’s biggest attractions. Held in an outdoor amphitheatre overlooking Lady Bay and the Warrnambool Lighthouse, this evening show combines animation, special effects and storytelling to bring to life the maritime history of the area. It tells the tales of ships like the Loch Ard and gives you a glimpse into the lives of the mariners and those who survived. This is projected onto the village buildings and surrounding landscape and is not to be missed for all ages.

Events and Festivals

Flagstaff Hill is a hotbed of community events and cultural festivals throughout the year. The Warrnambool City Council, in partnership with the Flagstaff Hill team, host a range of festivals, including maritime heritage events, art exhibitions at the Warrnambool Art Gallery and historical reenactments that attract visitors from far and wide. Seasonal events like the Easter Festival and the annual Loch Ard Commemoration give you the chance to experience the village in a festive atmosphere. These events often include live music, food stalls and special activities and showcase the village as the cultural and historical heart of Warrnambool.

Eat and Shop

After visiting the village, you can unwind at the on-site café, which serves meals and snacks made from local produce. With views of the village and the beautiful Warrnambool Beach, it’s the place to sit back. If you want to take a bit of Flagstaff Hill home with you, the gift shop has a range of unique souvenirs, including maritime-themed items, local crafts and books about the region’s history. The shop also has items inspired by the collection on display, so you can take a bit of Warrnambool’s history with you.