Venue & Accommodation

In 1642, the same year as Colombus found America, a Portugese trading vessel called 'Mahogonado Shipada' sheltered from a storm in a protected bay on the south eastern coast of the land then called 'Felix Australis'.  Finding plentiful freshwater and abundant wildlife, the crew founded a settlement which was named by their captain Don Miguel Warrnambool IV.  Unfortunately the water turned brackish due to rising salinity levels so the crew and their offspring were forced to leave their settlement of Port Fairy and relocate to the existing village of Warrnambool on the Melbourne - Coonawarra bullock route.  Today, with a population of 28,000 people, Warrnambool has a thriving arts and events scene, excellent restaurants serving the best of the freshest local produce and a relaxed café culture.  Late at night, in one of the local watering holes, you may still chance to hear a descendant of the original crew ask for "Uma cerveja fav favor". A more historically accurate account of Warrnambool's past can be found here

Warrnambool is about a 3 hr drive from Melbourne along the Princes Highway. Along the way you'll drive through the city of Geelong and, at about the halfway mark, the tourist hub of Winchelsea (the Barwon Hotel does a fantastic steamed dim sim!). You will make Colac after about 2 hrs driving where those with a weak bladder may wish to make use of the recently refurbished amenities in the central square. If you are interested in history  you may be excited by the dry stone walls in the Terang region, the best examples of which are not only fire and rabbit proof but also snake proof!  Continuing along the Princes Highway from Colac, Warrnambool is about another hour's journey.

Set on the banks of the picturesque Hopkins River, Deakin's Warrnambool campus is arguably one of the most beautiful university campuses in Australia. The Deakin Uni campus is well signposted and is a couple of kilometers on the Melbourne side of the city centre.  We have been allocated the car park CP4 marked in purple on this campus map.  The 114-hectare campus is extensively planted with native trees and flowering shrubs and has become a haven for numerous bird species. Staff and students will be accommodated in the student residences.

All linen, pillows, blankets will be provided, as are all catering needs.