Warrnambool Whalers Hotel Wins Award
Warrnambool – once a top live music town, is now winning live music awards
Warnambool was once one of regional Victoria’s most important live music towns – not just because it is adjacent to the Port Fairy Folk Festival, but because it was a vital stop on any act’s touring circuit.
When Warrnambool born & bred venue booker for The Total & Last Chance in Melbourne, Max Donohue, took over booking at The Whalers in July 2024, the venue quickly came back to life, King Stingray the first band to play at the newly renovated venue.
Tones and I, Ross Wilson, The Whitlams, Smith Street Band and The Black Sorrows are among others to take to the stage since.
The newly-revamped venue was named the winner at the Australian Hotels Association awards on Monday May 19, 2025.
Its worth noting also that Max participated in one of Music Victoria’s key previous programs – The Live Music Professionals Program. The long term value of these kinds of programs in regional areas can never be overstated.
Regional live music venues are vital to the lifeblood of Australian live music and The ALMBC congratulates Max and the Whalers.