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Things To Do
Step back in time
Port Fairy is proud of its heritage. Over 50 buildings from our boom era have been classified by Australia's National Trust. Most of these are still in use and visitors enjoy shopping and dining in some of Victoria's oldest buildings.
This is where Port Fairy began. A whaling station was established on the island early in the 19th century by Penny and Reiby and in 1835 it was purchased by John Griffiths.
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Visit Port Fairy's Busy Historic Wharf
For a time, Port Fairy was one of the busiest ports in the colony; second only to the Port of Melbourne. Today we still have a lively wharf. Walk around and see the boats unloading their catches of crayfish and abalone.
Catch a fish at Martin's Point
This popular spot at the mouth of the Moyne River is the perfect place to catch Barracouta, Bream, Cod, Flathead, Garfish, Yellow Eye Mullet, Mulloway, Parrot Fish, Estuary Perch, Salmon, Snapper, Sweep, Trevally and Whiting. The more adventurous fisherperson can also take a chartered cruise and, if you're not successful, you can always stop in for fresh fish; just a short walk along the wharf.
Port Fairy's East Beach
The East Beach is considered to be one of the safest surf beaches on Victoria's coast. Great for surfing and other water sports. The well supported Life Saving Club is located at East Beach.
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Port Fairy Golf Course
Consistently ranked within the '25 Best Public Access Courses in Australia' this classic links style course winds its way through unspoilt sand dunes and provides spectacular views of the Southern Ocean.
Griffiths Island
Walk out to the Lighthouse. Fish along the river or walk all around the Island; great scenery and wildlife. You might even see rock wallabies or seals on your way. Port Fairy is home to a number of Shearwater Colonies, the largest is on Griffiths Island. Each year, on 16th April the birds depart on a 15,000 km journey past Japan, Alaska, North America and New Zealand. They return to Port Fairy on 22nd September. Walk onto Griffiths Island at dusk and see the Mutton Birds (Shearwater) returning home to feed their young - a sight not easily forgotten.
Horse Riding on the Beach
Port Fairy Markets
Port Fairy Market's are held 3 Saturdays a month on the Village Green. The Farmer's Market offers a variety of local produce from organic veggies to home-made preserves. The Craft Market offers a great range of crafts, jewellery, plants and delicious local produce.
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QUICK TRIPS
Port Fairy is central to some of the most scenic and historic places in Victoria.
Visit a volcano; Tower Hill State Game Reserve
15 km approx 15 minutes
(midway between Port Fairy and Warrnambool) is a haven for native flora and fauna. It last erupted only 7000 years ago.
While at Tower Hill, watch for emus, kangaroos, koalas and echnidas.
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The Crags
15 km, approx 15 minutes
At The Crags you'll gain an understanding of why this is called the Shipwreck Coast. Only a few minutes drive from Port Fairy, the scenery here is breathtaking. Look out to Lady Julia Percy Island; steeped in indigenous history. The Koori name is Deen Mar.
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum, Warrnambool
This 1800s port village (model) offers a collection of items salvaged from local shipwrecks.
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Loch Ard Gorge and the Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Port Campbell National Park
100 km approx 1 1/2 hours
The Port Campbell National Park is less than 2 hours drive from Port Fairy. Famous for the 12 Apostles (pictured here) and shipwrecks (The Loch Ard Gorge), the parks diverse coastline contains limestone stacks and arches, coastal cliffs, dunes, wetlands and woodlands.
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