Warrnambool
The town of Warrnambool is situated at the western end of the famous Great Ocean Road and it is the centre of the “Shipwreck Coast”, bearing its name from over 80 ships that sank just off the coast in their attempt to land. It is not surprising that the local Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum pays tribute to the history of marine activities ranging from the early settlers to sealing, whaling, exploration, immigration and themes of early Aboriginal history in the area. The town is also home to an impressive art gallery featuring not only local artwork, but European and avant-garde collections. The Fletcher Jones Gardens is a spectacularly landscaped park in front of the former Fletcher Jones textile factory. About 15 km north east of the town are the impressive Hopkins Falls which are particularly spectacular following heavy winter rains. In spring, thousands of baby eels migrate upstream and make for a most unusual sight.