Nirranda

Travel Guide
Bay of Islands Coastal Park showing rocky coastline
Bay of Islands Coastal Park featuring rocky coastline
Nirranda
Bay of Islands Coastal Park showing rocky coastline and a beach
Photo by Lauren Abela
Relax in the rural setting of this township on the Great Ocean Road and see where some of the region’s acclaimed dairy products are made.

Nirranda is a cozy hamlet nestled into western Victoria’s mosaic of farming pastures. Bordered by the Great Ocean RoadOpens in a new window, the town is the perfect place to appreciate the popular coastal touring route’s unsung pastoral beauty. It is thought that the name Nirranda was derived from the local Aboriginal word for “moon.” Explore the region’s idyllic lowlands and admire the fertile plains where dairy cattle graze to produce the main ingredient for some of western Victoria’s fantastic cheeses.

These pasture-fed cows produce milk that is supplied to leading dairy producers in the western Victorian plains. Nirranda’s farming history goes back to the late 1860s, when the first European settlement was recorded. The neighboring localities of Nirranda East and Nirranda South soon followed.

Today, you can see the foundations of the small community in the collection of public amenities along the roadside. Check out Nirranda’s former Catholic Church, which is a modern monument constructed in 1959. Meet locals training or competing at the Nirranda Football and Netball Club. Stretch your legs at the Recreation Reserve or find out if there’s a community event on at the Public Hall.

Continue your Nirranda road trip to visit the native woodlands at the Doug Fenwick Reserve. Keep going towards the coast to see the rugged cliffs that plunge into the ocean from the foreshore. A network of country roads will lead you to secret coves and stunning coastal views across the Mepunga Coastal Reserve.

While in the area, be sure to check out the Great Ocean Road’s magnificent array of attractions. Explore the Shipwreck Coast and visit Childers Cove, the Bay of Islands and the Twelve ApostlesOpens in a new window. Visit neighboring Peterborough, a laid-back, family-friendly destination, or sample delicious regional cheeses in Timboon. Go on a zip-line tour through the treetops in the Great Otway National ParkOpens in a new window.

Nirranda is located in western Victoria. It is a 3-hour drive west from MelbourneOpens in a new window and a 30-minute drive east from WarrnamboolOpens in a new window. Stay in one of Nirranda’s cozy cottages or indulge at the town’s Edwardian farmstead retreat.

Butterfly Farm
Butterfly Farm
3.5 out of 5
3155 Great Ocean Road, Nirranda, VIC
The price is S$139 per night from 2 Dec to 3 Dec
S$139
includes taxes & fees
2 Dec - 3 Dec
Stay at this 3.5-star B&B in Nirranda. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Flaxman Beach and Flaxmans Hill Beach are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (241 reviews)
Great place to stay
"Such a wonderful welcome from Karen. Beautiful room and property overall. Great breakfast and a lovely chat with Karen and John over breakfast. Accommodated our early breakfast request. Overall a great place to stay. Would definitely recommend"

Reviewed on 19 Nov,2024

Butterfly Farm
Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs
Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs
4.5 out of 5
Worm Bay Road, Warrnambool, VIC
The price is S$136 per night from 8 Dec to 9 Dec
S$136
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Warrnambool. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and hot springs on site. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Good like expected"

Reviewed on 25 Nov,2024

Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs
Mid City Warrnambool
Mid City Warrnambool
4 out of 5
525 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool, VIC
The price is S$134 per night from 5 Dec to 6 Dec
S$134
includes taxes & fees
5 Dec - 6 Dec
Stay at this 4-star motel in Warrnambool. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Nice place"

Reviewed on 21 Nov,2024

Mid City Warrnambool
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Loch Ard Motor Inn
Loch Ard Motor Inn
3.5 out of 5
18 Lord Street, Port Campbell, VIC
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Port Campbell. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (854 reviews)
"Right on the main street so convenient for shops/bars, etc. Check-in was smooth although Room 1 is right next to the office so there was a bit of audible conversations in the morning."

Reviewed on 18 Nov,2024

Loch Ard Motor Inn
Quest Warrnambool
Quest Warrnambool
4.5 out of 5
15-19 Liebig Street, Warrnambool, VIC
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Warrnambool. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (719 reviews)
"Excellent property in an active, stimulating city. Our 1 bedroom apartment had everything we needed and was very comfortable, especially after a busy day touring the region. Staff members were friendly and extremely helpful. Wish we could have stayed longer."

Reviewed on 11 Nov,2024

Quest Warrnambool
Apartments 521
Apartments 521
3 out of 5
521 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool, VIC
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Warrnambool. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Warrnambool Shopping Centre and Warrnambool ...
9/10 Wonderful! (116 reviews)
"Our stay here was very comfortable. It had everything we needed. Access to laundry facilities was a definite plus. Only downfall was the stairs to bedroom could use a handrail."

Reviewed on 1 Oct,2024

Apartments 521
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of Nirranda

5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1
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4 - Good
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3 - Okay
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2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Nirranda is a very small hamlet on the Great Ocean Road. The Butterfly Farm is in the middle of the countryside set back from the road, very quiet and peaceful. Karen and John are the perfect hosts.