Port Fairy

Port Fairy

Discover history in every corner of this charming old fishing village on Victoria's Great Ocean Road. Port Fairy's wide streets are lined by nineteenth century cottages, great Norfolk pines, old stone churches, boarding houses and inns. Many fine examples of the architecture of the 1800s remain intact, and more than 50 buildings are classified by the National Trust.

Follow one of the town's historic walking trails and discover charming, fully restored white washed cottages built by whalers and seamen beside Georgian-style merchants' homes and grand public buildings.

The world-famous Port Fairy Folk Festival takes over the town over the Labour Day weekend each March, drawing thousands of people from all parts of the globe.

At the local port, one of the busiest fishing ports in Victoria, fishermen unload their catch of crayfish and abalone at the dockside, cruising boats and racing yachts dock and anglers try their luck.

From the wharf you can head out to sea on a guided fishing trip or a whale watching tour in winter. Another option is to sit back and enjoy a four-hour cruise to Lady Julia Percy Island, home to one of the largest seal colonies in southern Australia. It is estimated that there are four different breeds and between 15,000 and 20,000 seals on the small island.

There's also a range of boutique, antique, art and craft shops to peruse, local artists to see at work and museums to explore. Or you can relax and enjoy the fine food and wine on offer at one of the many great pubs, cafs and restaurants in town.

Port Fairy is 290 kilometres west of Melbourne. Travel by car via the Princes Highway, or take the scenic route via the Great Ocean Road. Daily rail and coach services are available from Melbourne.

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Griffiths Island

  • Visit Port Fairy’s historic lighthouse built in 1859 using local bluestone.
  • Search for remains of the lighthouse keeper’s cottage which was demolished during the 1950’s.
  • From late September to mid April visit the Island at dusk to watch the short-tailed shearwaters, or muttonbirds, return to their burrows to feed their chicks. Truly unforgettable!
  • Keep an eye out for the gorgeous swamp wallabies and other wildlife

Historic Port Fairy

  • Take an historic walk around the township and be amazed by the buildings built in the 1800’s
  • Visit the History Centre (30 Gipps Street) and view the collection of shipping relics and displays.
  • Wander around Battery Hill and stay for the cannon firing every Sunday in January.

Historic Port Fairy

  • Head to the Wharf on the Moyne River and experience what was once Australia’s second busiest port.
  • Watch the fisherman unload their catches
  • Take a bay cruise, fishing trip or Lady Julia Percy Island tour
  • Induldge in some fish and chips and watch the yachts drift out to sea.
  • Bring your fishing rod and try your luck!

South Beach

  • Put your togs on and laze around at popular swimming spot ‘Pea Soup’ Beach
  • Look for sea life in the vast amount of rock pools
  • Enjoy the picturesque rugged coastline.
  • Bring your snorkel and flippers and explore the ocean bottom

East Beach

  • Take a long walk on the beautiful sandy beaches while viewing the breathtaking shore line from Port Fairy Bay to Killarney.
  • Hire a surfboard or take a surfing lesson
  • Enjoy the safety of a patrolled beach in summer months

Belfast Aquatic Centre

  • Take a dip in Port Fairy’s new heated pool
  • Join one of the many water activities provided for people of all ages
  • Learn how to swim under the guidance of a qualified swimming instructor

Golf Course

  • Hire some clubs or bring your own and experience “the best value golf in the world – without question” (Golf Australia 2003).
  • Enjoy the spectacular ocean views from this Natural Links Course consistently ranked within the 25 best public access courses in Australia.

Lady Julia Percy Island

  • Take a boat trip from the wharf to Lady Julia Percy Island, Australia’s only submarine volcano.
  • Wonder at the sheer vertical cliffs which old lava flows created.
  • Watch the Southern Hemisphere’s largest colony of fur seals at play.
  • In winter watch for migrating Southern Right whales passing by.

The Crags

  • Take a look at this spectacular coastal reserve with amazing limestone cliff formations.
  • Spot Lady Julia Percy Island offshore.
  • Watch for the abundant wildlife

Tower Hill

  • Visit this volcanic crater just 14km east of Port Fairy
  • Take a guided tour around Victoria’s first National Park and enjoy the cultural activities
  • Keep your eyes peeled for koalas, emus, kangaroos and magnificent bird life

Port Fairy Day Spa

  • Relax and treat yourself to a well deserved massage
  • Indulge in one of the Day Spa’s many treatments such as facial or manicure.

Restaurants and Shopping

  • Enjoy Port Fairy’s many boutiques and specialty shopping
  • Take time out to discover why Port Fairy is renowned as a spectacular dining destination.

 


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