float.
welcome to the great ocean road.
“The light of past discovery draws me forward. It’s shining light guides me to the glory of exploration.” SIR FRANCIS DRAKE
where to find things.
Hello Map Port Fairy Griffith’s Island Must Eats of Port Fairy Cape Bridgewater Petrified Forest Must Stays of Port Fairy Twelve Apostles
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d e a r r e a d e r,
Today, many of us are too often sitting down at solid desks in front of harsh-blue-light emitting screens and, much like some of our houseplants, definitely not getting enough sunlight. So we’re for those who are struggling to find an excuse to take a break and experience those quiet, simple moments (we’re looking at you workaholics) outdoors with your friends or family. We’re inspired by stories and history of the outside. We’re fascinated by how things work and why they do. We’re hoping to reawaken that curious child within.
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a k e y. most of the time, we list a positive or summary here.
a suggestion of something to bring.
something seasonal or to look out for.
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A1 C193
portland
PORT FAIR
towns destination main road road name
the great ocean road.
warrnambool B100
RY
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p o r t f a i r y.
PORT FAIRY
38.3810°S | 142.2293°E
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Not quite a day trip from Melbourne is the quiet, coastal town of Port Fairy. A perfect getaway for city dwellers and homebodies, and a central hub for our journey. Definitely an excellent place to stop along the Great Ocean Road. Port Fairy is a beautiful, dreamy town; home to Victoria’s largest number of listed heritage buildings outside Melbourne, each one with an enchanting history and appearance. This coastal town is abundant with unforgettable walks, coastal views, wildlife, delicious food and local produce, and four pubs (despite their population being only 3,000). Each one is different. Trust us.
can pretty much walk everywhere.
plenty of places to bike, fish, boat or kayak.
many seasonal activities.
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Residing on the Moyne River, the Griffith’s Island Walk is an easy adventure, dotted with humble wildflowers, stark basalt rocks and the most beautiful white-washed lighthouse that was constructed in 1859 using local bluestone. Along the walk, one might witness curious black wallabies and the occasional seal or echidna. Towards the end of September until April, the landscape is home to the plover colonies who perform their annual migration from the northern hemisphere. It is one of the most beautiful summer sights watching them dive into their beloved burrows at dusk. The whole island is magical in the evenings.
1.2km to lighthouse or 3.1km loop. comfortable shoes, camera.
hub for many animals.
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g r i f f i t h ’s island.
38.3921°S | 142.2470°E
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must eats. Coffin Sally - Pizza. Pizza. Pizza. •
Great Wines
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Local Produce
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Down-to-Earth Staff
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Urban, authentic feel
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Best gourmet pizza with unique toppings such as potato, pear and their slight yet justified obsession for napoli
East Beach Fish & Chips - Enough Said •
A summer night essential
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Great prices
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Best fish and chips in all of Port Fairy
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A local secret
Merrijig Inn - That Perfect Dinner-Date •
Oldest inn in Victoria
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Sun-soaked garden bar for summer days
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Roaring fire all winter
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Pays tribute to local and regional artisan producers and farmers
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Seasonal Menu
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Best. Food. In. Town.
Audley & Hall Artisan Chocolate - Say No More •
Best coffee in town
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Great for gifts
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Locally source produce and all made onsite
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Incredibly unique flavours
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Bonfire Hot Chocolate is an experience and a half
Poco - Artisan Ice Cream •
Housed in a little cottage off Bank and Sackville St
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Fresh and al naturale ingredients
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All homemade by the lovely Thea
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Perfect for a summer night treat
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Often a queue, most popular in summer
All of these Port Fairy food spots are recommended by locals.
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cape b r i d g e w a t e r.
38.3810°S | 142.2293°E
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The once volcanic island of Cape Bridgewater is a 20 minute drive from Portland. The bay is home to 4kms of wide sandy beach and includes the beautiful Bridgewater Bay Cafe and picnic spots. It’s patrolled by the local surf lifesaving club from the first week in December through to Easter on weekends and public holidays from 10am to 5pm. The cape is home to the highest cliff top on the Victorian coastline, Stony Hill. It was once a volcano and is now dotted with remains of mysterious limestone caves which can be found along the Great South West Walk towards the Petrified Forest and Blowholes. A short walk along this trail will lead you to Seals by Sea Tours; a popular, fun and educational adventure for everyone. One gets to experience the most adorable seal colony of playful Australian and New Zealand fur seals. Along the trip you may also be frequented by dolphins, blue whales, killer whales, penguins and fish all in a 45 minute cruise.
coastal views at every glance.
comfortable shoes, bathers, a camera.
seals, whales, birds, dolphins, penguins and fish.
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If you still can’t get enough of the stunning Bridgewater landscape, a 15 minute drive from the beloved town of Portland, (or a short detour along Blowholes Road) is The Blowholes Lookout and walk alongside the Petrified Forest. This spot is full with panoramic ocean outlooks and a stunning sweep of Discovery Bay and it’s pure white sand dunes. The forest was formed when a group of Moonah trees were buried under drifting sand, forming an outer shell of sandstone as a result of the moisture from the rotting trees. The winds have further eroded these structures leaving intriguing petrified remains that could be any astronomer’s playground. From the blowholes carpark, a 6km walk along the cliff will lead you to the seal colony viewing platform. If you’re visiting in June to October, whales are making their way from Antarctica to the warmer waters of the Indian Ocean. Keep an eye out for spouts or blows particularly along the horizon.
8.5km walk around the cape. comfortable shoes, camera, imagination.
best on cloudier days as there isn’t much shade.
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petrified f o r e s t.
38.3921°S | 142.2470°E
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must stays. Ivy Bank - $214 per night, 4.6 stars •
Corner of Sackville and Bank St
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In the heart of Port Fairy
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3 Bedrooms (two doubles and a bunk bed) plus 1 fold out bed
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2 Bathrooms
Currough Cottage - $130 per night, 4.8 stars •
5 minute walk into town
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1 bedroom (one double)
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Authentic bluestone cottage built in the 1840s
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Large bathroom with spa
Clonmara Stone Cottage - $120 per night, 4.9 stars •
4 acres of beautiful gardens and paddocks
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1.5km from town
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1 Bedroom (one double)
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Unlimited Wi-Fi
Aldersyde Cottage - $140 per night, 4.6 stars
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4 bedrooms (up to 10 guests)
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2 Bathrooms + spa
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Pet Friendly
Quaint Cottage - $170 per night, 4.7 stars •
In the heart of Port Fairy
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Renovated 1850s cottage
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2 Bedrooms (one queen, two singles)
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2 Bathrooms
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Small pet friendly (contact owner)
Restus on South - $200+ per night, 4.9 stars •
Luxurious modern beach house
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4 Bedrooms (one king, two queens, two sets of bunks)
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2 Bedrooms (one queen, two singles)
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Unlimited Wi-Fi
Yates Hill Farm - $120 per night, 4.8 stars •
The cutest rustic cottage located on one of the oldest dairy farms in the district
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2 minutes drive from town
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1 Bedroom (one double)
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Pet friendly + 2 goats onsite
All of these Port Fairy dwellings can be found at http://tiny.cc/eio5nz
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twelve apostles.
3 8 . 6 6 2 1 ° S | 1 4 3 .1 0 5 1 ° E
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The Port Campbell National Park is home to the marvellous limestone monuments known as the Twelve Apostles, located 6km west of Princetown. Be sure to visit at sunrise or sunset for a magical painted landscape, little penguins returning to shore can also be spotted after dusk from the main lookout. There is also pram and wheelchair access for the 600m – 1km walk. The walk overlooks the Loch Ard Gorge, a beautiful secluded swimming destination away from the waves. It provides shade, quiet and beautiful walks. The beach is unpatrolled, so keep an eye out for little ones. The trails offer a wide range of adventure and history through stories.
2.2km walk, about an hour. comfortable shoes, camera.
can be particularly busy in summer.
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“It doesn’t matter how many times you leave, it will always hurt to come back and remember what you once had and who you once were. Then it will hurt just as much to leave again, and so it goes over and over again. Once you’ve started to leave, you will run your whole life.” C H A R LOT T E E R I KS S O N