The 3 Closest Airports to warrnambool
The 3 Closest Airports to Warrnambool
Warrnambool, a vibrant city on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, relies on nearby airports for air travel connections. While it has its own airfield, options for scheduled passenger flights require travelling to other regional or major airports. Here’s a look at the three airports geographically closest to Warrnambool.
1. Warrnambool Airport (WMB)
This is the absolute closest airport facility to the city of Warrnambool itself. It primarily serves general aviation, charter flights, flight training, and vital services like air ambulance operations. It does not currently host scheduled commercial passenger flights.
- Distance to Warrnambool: Approx. 11 km (around 10-15 minutes drive)
- Address: Airport Rd, Mailors Flat VIC 3281
- Pros: Extremely close to Warrnambool city centre. Cons: No scheduled passenger airline services. Airlines: None (General Aviation, Charter, Air Ambulance Victoria). Car Rental: None available on site; arrange in Warrnambool town.
- Official Website: Warrnambool City Council – Airport Info (Check Council website for specifics)
- Phone: +61 3 5559 4800 (Warrnambool City Council – verify current contact for airport)
- Rating: Approx. 4.1 Stars (Google Maps – based on limited reviews, primarily reflects GA use)
2. Portland Airport (PTJ)
Located further west along the coast, Portland Airport is the nearest option to Warrnambool that typically offers some scheduled passenger services, primarily connecting to Melbourne (Essendon Airport usually). Services can be limited.
- Distance to Warrnambool: Approx. 85 km (around 1 hour drive)
- Address: 1545 Darts Rd, Cashmore VIC 3305
- Pros: Closest airport to Warrnambool with some scheduled passenger flights. Cons: Limited flight schedule and destinations; services subject to change. Airlines: Sharp Airlines (Check current schedule). Car Rental: Limited options, pre-booking highly recommended.
- Official Website: Glenelg Shire Council – Portland Airport
- Phone: +61 3 5522 2215 (Glenelg Shire – verify current contact for airport)
- Rating: Approx. 3.7 Stars (Google Maps)
3. Mount Gambier Airport (MGB)
Situated across the border in South Australia, Mount Gambier Airport is the next closest option. It offers more frequent services and connections to both Melbourne (Tullamarine) and Adelaide compared to Portland.
- Distance to Warrnambool: Approx. 190 km (around 2 hours drive)
- Address: Airport Rd, Wandilo SA 5291
- Pros: More scheduled flight options and destinations (Melbourne & Adelaide) than Portland. Cons: Significantly further drive than WMB/PTJ; located in a different state. Airlines: Regional Express (Rex), QantasLink (Check current schedules). Car Rental: Generally available from major providers (e.g., Avis, Budget, Hertz).
- Official Website: Mount Gambier Airport
- Phone: +61 8 8725 1112
- Rating: Approx. 4.0 Stars (Google Maps)
Conclusion
- The closest airport facility to Warrnambool is Warrnambool Airport (WMB), just minutes away, but it lacks scheduled passenger flights.
- The closest major airport with extensive domestic and international connections is Melbourne Airport (MEL / Tullamarine), which is approximately 265 km (around a 3-hour drive) from Warrnambool. While not one of the three geographically closest overall, it is the primary hub most travellers from Warrnambool use for significant air travel. Avalon Airport (AVV), near Geelong (approx. 190 km), is another closer option than Melbourne with domestic flights (mainly low-cost), often considered after Melbourne. Mount Gambier (MGB) is the closest airport with multiple daily services to capital cities.
Please note: Distances are approximate road travel distances. Airline services, car rental availability, and other details can change. Always check directly with the airport or service providers before planning your travel.