Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.portfairytowarrnamboolrailtrail.com
)
Divided into three stages, the newly opened 38km-long
cycling track follows the old railway line that links Warrnambool's breakwater to Port
Fairy (via Koroit and Tower Hill). Map downloadable from website.
HORSE RIDING
Rundell's Mahogany Trail Rides
( 0408 589 546;
www.rundellshorseriding.com.au
; 1½hr beach rides $60)
Get to know Warrnambool's
quiet beach spots by horseback.
Absolute Outdoors
( 03-5521 7646;
www.absoluteoutdoors.com.au
; surfing lessons from $40)
Runs surfing, kayaking and
rock-climbing adventures.
SURFING, KAYAKING
Southern Coast Charters
( 03-5598 3112;
www.southerncoastcharters.com.au
)
Go fishing or whale watching on one of these
charters.
WHALE WATCHING
THE MAHOGANY SHIP
The Mahogany Ship is said to be a Portuguese vessel that ran aground off Warrnambool in the 1500s - there have
been alleged sightings of the elusive wreck sitting high in the dunes dating back to 1846. Portuguese naval charts
from the 16th century, known as the Dieppe Maps, are said to depict parts of Australia's southern coastline, in-
cluding Armstrong Bay 6km west of Warrnambool, and this has further fuelled the Mahogany Ship legend. Al-
ternative theories claim that the Mahogany Ship was an even earlier Chinese junk. For 150 years people have
been trying to find the remains of the Mahogany Ship - some say it's buried deep in the dunes or was swallowed
by the sea. There's no direct evidence that the ship ever existed, but every decade or so it all rises to the surface
again at the locally held Mahogany Ship Symposium.
Sleeping
Warrnambool Beach Backpackers
( 03-5562 4874;
www.beachbackpackers.com.au
; 17 Stanley St; dm/d from $26/80; )
A short stroll to
the beach, this hostel has all backpackers' needs, with huge living area, kitschy Aussie-
themed bar, internet access, kitchen and free pick-up service. Its rooms are clean and good
value, and it hires surfboards and bikes. Vanpackers pay $12 per person to stay here.
HOSTEL
$
Victoria Hotel
PUB
$
