HW Davis, editor, 1891.

Likening Warrnambool’s climate to that of Nice, this early guide for tourists extols the virtues of the Victorian port as a ‘paradise of peace and plenty’. Readers were directed to take refreshments at a coffee palace before retiring to one of the town’s family hotels. From there they could hire a horse-drawn carriage to view the picturesque sights of coast and country, or experience the curative powers of the sea baths. Warrnambool was only six hours from Melbourne by rail and a first-class return ticket could be had for £2. Alternatively, holidaymakers could make the 16-hour trip by steamer for a mere 10 shillings.