Warrnambool Archives - INSPIRING MAX

Maremarra dogs are guardians. They love to protect. In Warrnambool they spend the summer on Middle Island protecting the Little Penguins from foxes during their breeding season. Known as the Maremma Penguin project it was a world first. And A huge success.

Flagstaff Hill is also the home of old retired Maremma dogs. They were so cute. The dogs are a great surprise in amongst all the history of the museum. Their purpose apart from supporting the dogs is to help educate tourists of the Little Penguins.

This journey is brought to life in the Australian movie Oddball. It tells the story of how a local chicken farmer, Swampy Marsh eventually persuaded the local council to allow his dog to help. His Maremma guarded his chickens from foxes so he was convinced that Oddball could use these skills to save the Little Penguins. It is a very funny movie.

On the hill overlooking Warrnambool we found this very informative tourist attraction. Flagstaff Hill as it is commonly known is divided into sections. The maritime museum specialising in shipwrecks from the local area. The original lighthouses of the area and Warrnambool Garrison. As well as the village containing 40 buildings based on life in the 19th century port and town.

This area of Australia is called the shipwreck coast in honour of the number of ship that have come to grief on our rugged shoreline. The maritime museum is heritage listed and contains Victoria’s largest maritime and ship wreck collection. Exhibits include stories of survival and salvaged goods many with major historical significance. The prize of the museum is the Loch Ard Peacock. A rare and beautiful statue washed up after the Loch Ard was shipwrecked in 1878. Amazingly it was undamaged. I was mesmorized by her beauty.

The outside village was full of surprises. It is a true replica of that moment in time. Personally, I have never seen so many genuine pieces in one area. The stories of how they came across their display pieces was also fascinating.

At the top of the hill are the two original lighthouses built in1858. They were relocated to their current positions when the fort was built. I love that you could climb into them as well as go through the light house keepers house.