In the early 1850s, the original Flagstaff was erected on the same hill where the village is now situated, serving as a navigational aid and signal point between ship and shore. The Flagstaff also served as a vital communication tool, relaying important messages to vessels and alerting the townsfolk of shipping activities in the port. 

The southwest coast of Victoria was often the first port of call for ships en route to Melbourne and the east coast of Australia. Imagine the excitement of passengers and crew at sighting land after 20,000 kilometers and three harrowing months at sea. Also, imagine the devastation of being shipwrecked with your destination in your sights. This was to be the fate of over 170 ships that were wrecked along the 120 kilometers of coast from Apollo Bay to Portland, a stretch of shoreline now aptly named the Shipwreck Coast. 

As you stand atop Flagstaff Hill, the picturesque Lady Bay stretches before you. This seemingly tranquil bay gained a notorious reputation for being wildly unpredictable, claiming 26 recorded shipwrecks and strandings from 1842 to 1905. 

The Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village first opened in 1975 following three (3) years of planning by members of the local Warrnambool community. 

With modern technology that brings history to life, begin the day by exploring the museum and seeing several different artifacts from shipwrecks. The museum goes into a deeper exploration of what each part contributed to the body of ships and offers visual demonstrations of hulls and sails. 

As you explore Flagstaff Hill’s Great Circle Gallery you will find relics, cargo, and anchors from some of Victoria’s most infamous wrecks including the Loch Ard, Schomberg, Newfield, Children, Antares, La Bella, and Falls of Halladale. 

The museum will provide a map of the grounds as you move on to the next installation. 

Exiting the museum transports you back into the 1800s at the village gate. Over the past 40 years expanding over 10 hectares of historic crown land, has continued to expand with the addition of new buildings, vessels, and artifacts. Many hours of labor, funds, and objects have been donated by the local community, establishing Flagstaff Hill as not only a tourist attraction but also as a nationally significant repository of community cultural heritage.  

Featuring over 40 buildings, the maritime village reflects everything from traditional confectionary to dressmakers. The path winding through the village is wide enough to accommodate accessibility aids providing an inclusive space for all to wander. Enter bank buildings, candle makers, a schoolhouse, and a church to see how a community banded together amidst tragedy.

The buildings have been recreated using original and replicated materials. Some materials are salvaged cargo from shipwrecks, including slate roof tiles recovered from the Falls of Halladale. Most of the objects on display are original and from the period. 

Every 2nd Saturday of each month from October and May, witness volunteers demonstrating re-enactments of military activities surrounding the prestigious cannon. If your family wants to hear the canon fire, live drills happen at 1 p.m.

Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village also boasts two functioning lighthouses within the grounds. Explore the structures that the community heavily relied on by starting with the house of the lighthouse master before venturing upwards for a breathtaking view of the bay.

As night falls, step inside the village to experience dramatic stories of Australia’s rich maritime history, told vividly through the multimillion-dollar Sound and Light Show Experience. 

The new sound and light show combines three great stories. 

Audience members walk to the stage with a signature lantern. As you arrive, the stage is revealed to be the village wharf and will commence rain or shine. Guests are treated to visual and audio excellence while the history of the Flagstaff Hill Maritime community plays out across the water before their eyes. Remember that you should dress according to the weather. Book your experience here.

The Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum is entrusted with Australia’s most significant shipwreck artifact collection. Visitors will be thrilled to view the Minton Loch Ard Peacock, a treasure dating back to 1878. Currently valued at $4 million, the Minton Loch Ard Peacock washed ashore two days after the ship transporting it to Melbourne crashed into what today we call the Lord Ard Gorge cliffs. 

The Minton Lord Ard Peacock is one of the most unlikely pieces of cargo to have survived the shipwreck, and it is one of only nine (9) in the world. The peacock was destined for the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880. Thankfully, it was well packed, which in no doubt gave it adequate protection during the violent storm that battered the stricken Lord Ard. 

From Australia’s most dramatic shipwreck, it has now become Australia’s most valuable shipwreck artifact and is one of the very few objects on the Victorian State Heritage Register. 

You have the option to visit the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village Museum only during the day and/or by night to experience the Sound and Light Show. Prices are still in effect as of this writing, and all prices are in Australian Dollars.

By Day – Museum and Village Admission

Adults - $19.50

Concession - $15.50

Child (5 to 15 years) - $9.30

Infant (0 to 4 years) – FREE

Family - $50.00

By Night – Sound and Light Show Admission

Adults - $32.00

Concession - $29.00

Child (5 to 15 years) - $17.60

Infant (0 to 4 years) – FREE

Family – (2 adults and 2 children) - $81.80

Additional Child - $12.40

Day and Night Package (30% off your Day Entry when you purchase a night show)

Adults - $45.65

Concession - $39.85

Child (5 to 15 years) - $24.15

Infant (0 to 4 years) – FREE

Family – (2 adults and 2 children) - $116.80

• Pets including dogs, are not allowed on-site at any time. Only assistance dogs are permitted with supporting documents.

• Check on the weather before visiting, and don’t forget to bring appropriate clothing, especially during the colder season. 

• Cafes are available on-site which sells local pastries, bread, and some drinks and refreshments.

• We recommend that you visit during weekdays, and non-holidays to avoid the crowd.

• Don’t forget your camera for some souvenir photos.

• They also have a souvenir shop for other knick-knacks that you can buy.

89 Merri Street, Warrnambool VIC 

Website: https://www.flagstaffhill.com/

Contact: 03 5559 4600 | Email: flagstaffhill@warrnambool.vic.gov.au