Things To Do In Port Fairy

Where is Port Fairy?

Port Fairy is located in South West Victoria, Australia. Port Fairy is at the far end of the Great Ocean Road and is a must for all travellers coming to Victoria. Port Fairy oozes history with its nineteenth century stone cottages, charm, community and creativity; and, is also known for the magnificent Port Fairy beaches. It is a popular family holiday destination, girls weekend away or romantic escape for couples.

Great Ocean Road Trip – How to get to Port Fairy

If you are doing a Great Ocean Road trip, then you may decide to make several Great Ocean Road stops; the duration of your trip will be dependent on how long you have for your holiday. Below is a list of the approximate duration for those travelling to Port Fairy.

• Port Fairy to Melbourne (direct) – 3 and a half hours; or, Melbourne to Port Fairy via Ballarat – 3 hours 45 minutes
• Port Fairy to Apollo Bay – 2 hours and 45 minutes
• Port Fairy to Robe – 3 hours and 15 minutes
• Port Fairy to Adelaide – 6 hours and 20 minutes

Things to do in Port Fairy and Port Fairy Beaches

The hub of Port Fairy is based around the Fiddler’s Green, which intersects the main streets for shopping, cafes and restaurants. The ‘Village Green’ is a popular meeting point, a great spot for a picnic, for kids to run around and for enjoying the performances or live music that take the stage.

Port Fairy Beaches

Port Fairy beaches boasts having some of the most magnificent Victorian beaches. Port Fairy beaches are great for long walks, surfing, SUP, kayaking, swimming and beach cricket!

Port Fairy Surf Life Saving Club patrols East Beach throughout the Summer and peak periods and they operate a fantastic Nippers program which holiday makers often register their children into.

Port Fairy Surf School is a great option for learning to surf and stand-up paddle board; they also offer snorkel safaris and kayak adventures. Daktari Sports runs the SurfGroms program is available for booking in Port Fairy and Warrnambool.

East Beach

East Beach is popular for surfers, stand-up paddle boarders, kayaks and the popular Port Fairy Surf Life Saving Club. During the Summer months, the beaches are buzzing with tourists who are lapping up the beautiful waters. East Beach extends to the east and many locals and tourists alike, enjoy the long beach walks to start their day. To the west, is a picturesque stretch of beach with the Port Fairy Lighthouse on Griffiths Island to admire.

Pea Soup Port Fairy (South Beach)

A little further west is South Beach, otherwise known as Pea Soup. This lovely little protected beach is very popular for families to swim, paddle, float and snorkel; however, this beach is not patrolled.

Port Fairy Attractions

Port Fairy Lighthouse and Griffiths Island

Griffiths Island is a beautiful way to enjoy a quiet part of Port Fairy, take in some unique views and find some small sandy beaches to splash and paddle in – these, however, are not patrolled, so care must be taken. The views are stunning and the walk is easy and very enjoyable. The track leading directly to the Lighthouse is wheelchair accessible, however, a full lap of the island unfortunately, is not possible.

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Port Fairy Wharf

The Port Fairy Wharf is an absolute gem and you must take yourself down to have a look. Wander along the boardwalk, admire the boats and lovely accommodation options, go fishing, take a boat trip out along the Moyne River past the Lighthouse or simply ‘stop and smell the roses’. At the Griffiths Island end of the Wharf, there is a great playground for the kids to enjoy, public toilets and plenty of space for a picnic.

Port Fairy Tours

Off the water, you can join Historic Town or Wharf Walking Tours, which depart from the Visitor Information Centre. If you are an Art lover, follow and explore the local Art Map, which is a collection of galleries and studios open to the public.

Port Fairy Geo Tours is an eco-tourism company offering tours in this unique volcanic hinterland on the Southern Ocean coast of The Great Ocean Road. Port Fairy is home to regular markets, with the Farmer’s Market and the Community House Markets, both being very popular.

You can hire bikes from the Port Fairy Information Centre in Bank St, for 4 hours or a full day. Enjoy exploring the streets, or if you are up for a bigger challenge, take yourself on the Port Fairy-Warrnambool Rail Trail, which takes you through the Irish inspired town of Koroit.

Port Fairy Market

The Port Fairy Market season is very popular. Regular Farmer’s Markets bring locals and visitors together to support local growers and businesses. You will always find great fresh produce, handmade jewellery, preserves, children’s clothing and plants; as well as a range of lunch time offerings and coffee!

Port Fairy Cinema

The Port Fairy Cinema, or the Port Fairy Film Society as it is known by to locals, is open during peak seasons and differing hours outside of busy periods. You are best to check their website to see when films are being screened.

Port Fairy Day Spa

The Port Fairy Day Spa offers a range of services and is very popular, particularly during peak seasons. You should definitely book in early, to avoid disappointment. The Port Fairy Day Spa also has a boutique store if you care to do a spot of shopping.

Port Fairy Folk Festival

You won’t read anything about Port Fairy, without there being the mention of the music festival – Port Fairy Folk Festival. Tourists come from all walks of life and all directions to enjoy fabulous music which line the streets and a great festive feel over the March Long Weekend.

Port Fairy Festival Tickets into the main stage events and accommodation, sell out quickly for this event, so you must get in early to avoid disappointment.

Shopping

Port Fairy has a great range of shops to peruse and buy from. There are some lovely boutique clothing stores, gift ware, surf shops, as well as a number of op-shops. There is shopping to suit everyone in Port Fairy.

Port Fairy Golf Club

The Port Fairy Golf Club is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular in Victoria, offering 18-holes and remarkable views of the Southern Ocean. It is any wonder that it is becoming one of Australia’s most played golfing destinations.

Port Fairy Fishing

Fishing in and around Port Fairy is very popular activity all year round. Keen fisher’s head out by boat, however, you can also fish from the wharf or on the waters edge. It’s a great family friendly activity to do when visiting Port Fairy.

Port Fairy Cafes and Restaurants

Your dining options in Port Fairy are endless! Port Fairy restaurants and cafes are well regarded and people travel from the surrounding areas to dine in. Port Fairy boasts lovely cafes to eat-in or take-away, great restaurants to enjoy a sophisticated meal out, bars and pubs and higher end dining. Popular places to eat out include:

• Bank St + Co.
• The Farmer’s Wife
• Conlan’s Wine Store
• The Wharf Hotel
• Merrijig Kitchen
• Gregory’s
• Blakes Port Fairy
• Lemon Grass
• Coffin Sally

Port Fairy Pizza and Port Fairy Fish and Chips

For the best pizza in South West Victoria head to Coffin Sally. It has a super cool atmosphere and the food is amazing! The menu is extensive, the service if friendly and it is a place that you want to continue to go back to.

There is nothing quite like getting take away fish and chips from a beach side shop and eating it amongst the seagulls – you can do this from East Beach Takeaway. Alternatively if you are looking for something a little nicer, try the Wharf Hotel on the pier, where you can eat in or find a table outside by the Moyne River.

Accommodation in Port Fairy Victoria

Port Fairy accommodation options are everywhere! From self contained apartments, to Port Fairy caravan parks, hotels, motels, Port Fairy holiday rentals and Port Fairy Airbnb. Over recent years Port Fairy Airbnb and Port Fairy holiday rentals, have been a great way for holiday makers to enjoy a home away from home, holiday.

By the time you’ve finished your holiday in Port Fairy, you’ll be stopping by for Port Fairy real estate brochures!

Go here for our full Port Fairy accommodation guide.

Planning your Port Fairy Holiday

Port Fairy Hospital Serivce and Port Fairy Medical Clinic

Holiday in Port Fairy with ease knowing that you have access to medical facilities/services such as the Port Fairy Hospital service and Port Fairy Medical Clinic. Alternatively, it is just a short drive from Port Fairy to Warrnambool (just 25 minutes), where they have bigger medical centres.

Port Fairy IGA

The Port Fairy IGA is centrally located and in the main street. You can get all of your every day essentials from the Port Fairy IGA, for your Port Fairy get away. They have a deli, fresh fruit and vegetables and also have a liquor store attached.

Port Fairy Weather Forecast

Port Fairy is known for it’s unpredictable weather; however, Port Fairy is remarkable all year round. Regardless, you should check the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) Port Fairy before you leave home, to ensure you have packed appropriately.

Port Fairy can have some gloriously sunny days and be very chilly at night. It can also be 10 degrees cooler than anywhere else in the area. Whatever you do, always pack a jumper to throw on at night!