From cute coffee van setups to beachside brunch spots, these Warrnambool cafes are worth a look next time you’re in town.

If you’re driving the full length of the Great Ocean Road, it makes sense to plan pit stops in advance. The good news is that there are plenty of Warrnambool cafes to choose from regardless of whether you’re on the hunt for a strong macchiato in the morning, cake and chai in the afternoon or a long, lazy lunch by the water. Here are some to bookmark before you arrive.

1. Koko Avenue

Open seven days a week for all-day breakfast and lunch, Koko Avenue has fast become a firm favourite with locals. Serving Proud Mary coffee and beautifully plated pancakes, eggs, porridge and more, this café with a white and pastel aesthetic has a vibe that makes you want to return again and again. Don’t forget to look in the bakery cabinet where treats like almond croissants, scones, slices and cookies live.

Address: Shop 13/1-49 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool

2. Day Kitty

Your local go-to for vegetarian, organic and raw foods, at Day Kitty you’ll find healthy but delicious eats that are packed with goodness. Menu items range from colourful veggie and rice bowls to vitamin-packed cold-pressed juices, falafel wraps, rice paper rolls and more. Organic Fairtrade coffee is served here too. Day Kitty is also a good place to stock up on essentials to take home like free-range eggs, plant-based milks and vegan, organic chocolate.

Address: 52B Kepler St, Warrnambool

3. ToTo Town

Located near Warrnambool Train Station in the historic Western Hotel building, this buzzy breakfast spot is almost always busy.  Whether you want a strong flat white, iced latte or a filtered coffee made with speciality beans, this cafe that serves blends from Axil Coffee Roasters is a reliable favourite when it comes to hot and cold brews. Open for breakfast and lunch, you’ll find menu items like Turkish eggs and seasonal smoothie bowls on the menu. Love a glass of vino with lunch? ToTo Town is licensed and stocks a solid range of local and imported drops.

Address: 1/49 Kepler St, Warrnambool

4. Jude The Cafe

This cute cafe with white and blush-pink-tinged branding is hard to resist. Stop in for a hot chocolate, chai or long black made with Coffee Supreme beans. Take a peek in the cabinet and you’ll find fresh baguettes, savoury croissants and muffins. If you have dietary restrictions, this friendly place has gluten-free bread, muffins and brownies too. If you’re in a rush you can order ahead for pick-up too.

Address: 52A Kepler St, Warrnambool

5. Piccolo Coffee Roasters

Laying claim to being the first coffee roaster in south-west Victoria, this unassuming coffee spot located on a shopping strip often has plenty of people lined up outside. Stop by for a takeaway cup of java or find a table to tuck into a bacon and egg roll. Locals swear by the coffee here so if you’re after a souvenir or gift to take home, buy a bag of Breakwater blend coffee beans to remember Warrnambool by.

Address: 743 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool

6. Rough Diamond

If you’re after a filling breakfast sambo, oozy grilled cheese toastie or strong latte made with small batch beans from Melbourne’s Market Lane, make a beeline for this popular cafe. Located in a converted office space, this minimalist cafe has indoor and outdoor seating – look for the distinctive black-and-white coffee sign out the front.

Address: 203 Koroit St, Warrnambool

7. Bohemia Cafe & Bar

This cosy cafe is open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week. Set yourself up for the day with chilli scrambled eggs, buttermilk pancakes or brekky tacos or stop by for a burger or salad for lunch. Either way, this friendly place with a welcoming, friendly vibe will hit the spot.

Address: 127 Kepler St, Warrnambool

8. The Beach Kiosk Cafe

Open daily from 7am to 3pm, this dog-friendly, casual café is a great place for a bite to eat after a beach swim. If you’re on the go, grab a takeaway brew from the window then take a stroll around the Lake Pertobe area. When the sun is out, nab an outdoor table to enjoy fish and chips, a fresh fruit smoothie or an ice cream from the scoop station – simple pleasures this are heavenly on a warm, summery day.

Address: 65 Pertobe Rd, Warrnambool

9. Pleasant Hill Coffee Van

You’ll find this gem of a vintage coffee van in the Fletcher Jones Gardens. This easy-going, family-friendly spot is the ideal place to relax outside in the fresh air on a sunny day. Order a cheese toastie and chocolate milkshake, kick back at one of the outdoor tables and watch your kids run around on the lawn. It’s easy to see why locals love this chilled-out coffee spot so much!

Address: 83 Flaxman St, Warrnambool

10. Allee Espresso

This little laneway espresso bar joined the scene in 2022 and is doing great things when it comes to sustainability. The 100% electric building is powered by rooftop solar and supplemented with certified green power. All the coffee and iced drink cups and lids are fully compostable too. Serving top-quality coffee by Melbourne roaster MAKER and a range of guest roasters, you’ll also find a small range of savoury and sweet bites here including pastries from local artisan bakery Jane Dough. Travelling with your pooches? You’ll be pleased to know there’s an outdoor, dog-friendly seating area here.

Address: 1 Dispensary La, Warrnambool 

11. Pavilion Cafe & Bar

Floor-to-ceiling windows and a beachfront balcony make this cafe, bar and function space one of the best spots to have brunch with waterfront views. Visit early in the morning to fuel up with a breakfast burrito or maple-toasted granola or plan a special seafood lunch here complete with wine and cocktails. The lovely views of Lady Bay and the Southern Ocean make this cafe a top spot for a celebratory meal to mark the end of your trip.

Address: 50 Viaduct Road, Warrnambool

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