YOU’RE WELCOME
I AM HUNGRY FOR TODAY.
In Port Fairy, on the Great Ocean Road, every day unfolds with simple pleasures: romance and whimsy, art and music, nature and nurturing. Beat to the rhythm of life of a perfect fishing village nestled on the edge of the Southern Ocean.
CRAFT YOUR STORY IN THE MAKING.
Inspire your imagination in our creative enclave. Mingle in a passionate community of local artists, artisans, musicians, crafters and makers. Soak up the energy of the iconic Port Fairy Folk Festival or meander through quaint galleries and quirky boutiques.
Celebrate your own creativity with like-minds against a backdrop of nature’s finest work.
OLD-WORLD CHARM AND NATURE AT YOUR FEET.
Walking or cycling is the best way to explore our superbly preserved 19th century village streetscapes. Unearth a watercolour vista on a harbour-side amble. Poke around a still-thriving fishing village rippling with old-world charm. Take a trail to the Southern Ocean, Moyne River, surf beaches, swimming spots or a lighthouse that feels a million miles away from care.
BE SURPRISED.
By foodie adventures into incredible regional produce. By hand-made treasures and local talent. By boats bobbing gently on the river, superb coffee, wide open streets and big, beaming smiles. By the sense of belonging you feel in a place you’ve never been.
CREATIVE + HERITAGE
I AM A MAKER, THINKER, DOER AND CREATOR.
Find your tribe in a passionately creative community inspired by nature. Follow the sound of fiddles to toe-tap with the crowd at the local pub. Express yourself – grab your sketchbook or your paintbox and join the arty types capturing the harbour scenery on paper. Nurture your creative heart with an art class or studio visit. Contemplate an inspiring calendar of music and art festivals stretching year-round.
I AM A TRIP BACK IN TIME ON A BRAND NEW DAY.
Where maritime mystery ripples through the sea and the river and into the streets. Tap into the past and imagine a simpler life centered on the harbour and bustling fishing fleet. Wander to Battery Hill to discover historic cannons or fossick through photos, relics and time-worn tales at the Historical Society Museum.
CULTURE HIGHLIGHTS
> The hardest thing about an enclave of talented artists is finding them. Grab the Port Fairy Art Walk Map and guide your own tour through a collage of galleries and working studios. | portfairyartmap.com
> Plan your stay around the iconic Port Fairy Folk Festival, a toetapping, thigh-slapping March weekend that has thousands thronging to enjoy a program bursting with talent old and new. | portfairyfolkfestival.com
> Lay your eyes on the oldest surviving self-righting lifeboat in the world at the Lifeboat Station, along with a collection of 19th century maritime rescue equipment. Book a guided tour through the Visitor Information Centre.
> Get to know our town. Take a stroll past charming fully restored buildings and stone cottages built by whalers and seamen. Grab a map at the Visitor Information Centre and head out on the Port Fairy Historic Town Walk.
> Wander on foot around windswept Griffiths Island where 19th century whalers toiled. The 1859 bluestone lighthouse still casts its warning light out across the ocean. Collect a brochure before following the interpretive walking trail. Or head a little further out of town and take a tour of Tower Hill Nature Reserve for a wildlife experience.
MOVE IT, MOVE IT
> For your own catch of the day, charter a fishing boat and cruise into the big blue yonder where the waters teem with snapper, bream, tuna, whiting and salmon, to name a few.
> Relax and loosen up. Tee off for a leisurely round at Port Fairy Golf Club where the fairways overlook the rugged coastline of the Southern Ocean.
| portfairygolf.com.au
> Challenge yourself to a section of the Port Fairy – Warrnambool Rail Trail. Or all 37km, if you’re up to it, making sure you stopover in Koroit for a coffee. Explore the rural countryside at your own pace: walking, cycling, jogging or full-on running.
> Head to Killarney to walk a secluded beach, clamber over shore rocks, surf ocean waves or try your hand at fishing. It’s a top spot for whiting, Australian salmon and flathead.
> Explore Budj Bim National Park’s Indigenous culture and volcanic landscapes. Stroll the scenic trails and admire stunning views of Lake Surprise.
> Wander to Mortlake, Australia’s olivine capital, to fossick for a beautiful peridot gemstone.
We’re front and centre to all the action. Port Fairy is a perfect springboard for exploring the Bay of Islands Coastal Park, the Kanawinka Global Geopark and Hopkins Falls Reserve. Make the fun last – stay a few days and really get to know us.
Railway Place, Bank Street, Port Fairy
Ph: 03 5568 2682 or 1300 656 564 www.portfairyaustralia.com.au www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au
AUDLEY & HALL
An artisan chocolate maker, creating chocolates using the best ingredients sourced locally and internationally. An expert pastry chef and friendly staff provide world-class chocolates and desserts. Bold, bright, passionate and innovative, we deliver a unique and enjoyable experience to all our customers. Combining this with seasonal and unique flavours we create individual experiences for you. Our couverture chocolate is from Belgium.
A: 35 Bank St, Port Fairy
T: 03 5568 2374
E: info@audleyandhall.com.au audleyandhall.com.au
BENNING BOUTIQUE
Benning Boutique is synonymous with style, quality and service for the 35+ age group from casual through to event wear. We value and support Aust and NZ designers – Anthea Crawford, Sacha Drake, Megan Salmon, Loobies Story and Verge. Along with International brands Brax and Gerry Weber from Germany, Frank Lyman and Alison Sheri from Canada and Mansted from Denmark.
We offer free delivery and 10% off initial online order.
A: 30 Sackville St, Port Fairy (next to IGA)
T: 03 5222 2762
E: benningfashion@gmail.com benningfashion.com.au
BASALT WINES
Basalt vineyard is located only minutes from Warrnambool and Port Fairy, featuring awardwinning wines matched to seasonal local produce in the vibrant restaurant. A must do Great Ocean Road experience. Nearby Tower Hill Volcano features on the label.
Basalt Wines - “A laugh in every glass”.
Open Wednesday - Sunday.
A: 1131 Princes Hwy, Killarney
M: 0429 682 251
E: info@basaltwines.com.au
basaltwines.com.au
We provide a friendly warm atmosphere with great beer, delicious food, and warm hospitality. Serving all the favourites including fish & chips, scotch fillet, parmas and stir fries. We aim to be affordable whilst assuring high quality. Contact us if you have any dietary requirements.
We love live music and supporting musicians. Check our facebook/instagram feeds for upcoming shows.
A: 180 Commercial Rd, Koroit T: 03 5565 8510
E: dukeshotelkoroit@gmail.com dukeshotelkoroit.com.au
MERRIJIG KITCHEN FRONT & GARDEN BARS
Afternoon drinks in Summer must be done in our Garden Bar. Seasonal cocktails that make the most of our garden (boozy or booze free), a snappy little beer list… and bar snacks of our flavourful & rustic food, flowing from our little garden shed. Our Front Bar might be Port Fairy’ s smallest, but it’s a little gem & unique to our historic Inn.
Open Friday-Monday 3pm-6pm.
A: 1 Campbell St, Port Fairy
T: 03 5568 2324
E: info@merrijiginn.com merrijiginn.com
TIME AND TIDE
Perched in a cracking spot overlooking the Southern Ocean. Time and Tide is the perfect setting for diners to luxuriate and enjoy High Tea deliciousness with a view to die for! Elegant finger sandwiches, hot and cold savouries, an array of cakes and desserts, freshly baked scones with house made jam and cream, complimented with a glass of bubbles and tea or coffee. An experience not to be missed! Open weekends, bookings recommended. Open weekends, bookings recommended.
A: 21 Thistle Pl, Port Fairy
T: 03 5568 2134
E: timeandtidehightea@bigpond.com timeandtidehightea.com
Includes 6 spacious apartments
• king size beds • sleep up to five • modern decor
• fully equipped kitchens – cook your own meals
• flat screen TVs • reverse cycle air conditioning
14 four-star rated motel rooms
• queen size beds • electric blankets • off road parking • microwave, toaster, jug • reverse cycle air conditioning. Free and unlimited Wi-Fi
A: 47 Bank St, Port Fairy
T: 03 5568 1588
E: info@ashmontmotorinn.com.au ashmontmotorinn.com.au
GUM TREE CARAVAN PARK
Located only 300m off the Princes Highway, our park contains quality self-contained cabins to suit every budget, lawned caravan and camping sites, a great camp kitchen beside our adventure playground, off-leash dog area and pet friendly cabins and sites.
All less than 4km to the town centre. Free Wi-Fi. Powered sites from $33.
A: Toolong Rd, Port Fairy
T: 03 5568 1462
E: gumtreecp@gmail.com gumtreecaravanpark.com.au
NO. 1 WILLIAM ST
No.1 William St has been restored with care to retain its historical atmosphere and character while offering modern comforts.
The cottage and William St itself are recorded by the National Trust and are the located in Port Fairy’s historic precinct. Character and charm at the end of the Great Ocean Road.
Ideal for a romantic retreat or family holiday.… this self-contained cottage is all yours!
A: 1 William St, Port Fairy
M: 0419 598 263
E: bronwen@no1williamst.com.au no1williamst.com.au
OLD
MARKET INN (c .1870)
Just a short walking distance to everything the beautiful town offers, the recently renovated building maintains all its historic charm including high ceilings, double-hung sash windows, original baltic floors, cedar staircase and fireplaces. Each suite offers a unique experience and is completely self-contained and private; has three rooms that boast large bedrooms, luxurious living spaces, designer kitchens and beautiful bathrooms.
A: 51 William St, Port Fairy
M: 0493 673 116
E: hello@oldmarketinn.com.au oldmarketinn.com.au
BUDJ BIM CULTURAL LANDSCAPE TOURISM
Visit the Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre and learn how the Gunditjmara trapped, stored and harvested Kooyang (eel) dating back 6,600 years. Guided tours explore significant sites on the World Heritage listed Budj Bim Cultural Landscape. Discover age-old lava flows, life-filled waterways and the remains of over 300 Aboriginal stone houses, before a meal at the bush tucker café. Open Wed to Sun 9am-4pm. Tours operate Wed to Sun. Closed Mon & Tues.
T: 03 4504 2193
E: bookings@budjbim.com.au budjbim.com.au
BIKE HIRE
Looking to experience historic Port Fairy on two wheels? Get your adrenaline pumping and explore the town with our mountain bikes and e-bikes available for hire! Whether you want to spend 4 hours or the entire day immersing yourself in the beauty of Port Fairy, we’ve got you covered. Drop by the Port Fairy and Region Visitor Centre and get ready for an unforgettable cycling adventure. A unique way to discover the charming history and scenery of Port Fairy!
LOCAL PRODUCTS & SOUVENIRS
When visiting Port Fairy, it’s a must to grab a souvenir from the Visitor Information Centre Gift Shop. We have a wide range of high-quality gifts and souvenirs available, such as caps, hoodies, t-shirts, tea towels, coffee cups, water bottles, pens, postcards, local publications, and locally made products, including condiments, beer, wine, and spirits. Make sure to take a piece of Port Fairy back home with you!
PORT FAIRY GUIDED WALKING TOURS
Join the Port Fairy Visitor Information Centre’s expert guide on a leisurely Port Fairy Historic Walk through the wide, tree-lined streets and beautifully preserved streetscapes of Port Fairy. The tour will explore the town’s rich history, uncovering fascinating and often little-known stories about the characters and events that shaped Port Fairy’s early development.
Port Fairy & Region Visitor Information Centre
A: Railway Place, Bank Street, Port Fairy
T: 03 5568 2682
iamportfairy.com.au
Budj Bim
National Park 55km
PRINCES
Lady Julia Percy Island
Port Fa
Yambuk Toolong
GREA
GETTING HERE + GETTING ABOUT
HAMILTONHWY PRINCESFWY
GREATOCEAN ROAD PRINCESHWY
QUEENSCLIFF KENNET
IT’S EASIER THAN YOU THINK.
Drive. Around 3.5 hours from Melbourne via the Princes Highway (or 5.5 hours via the Great Ocean Road). From Adelaide, 6.5 hours.
Train. From Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station, take a train to Warrnambool then a coach to Port Fairy.
| ptv.vic.gov.au
Bus. Board a V/Line bus service at Warrnambool Train Station.
| ptv.vic.gov.au
Fly. Fly into Melbourne Airport or Avalon Airport. From Essendon Fields Airport (in Melbourne) catch a regional flight to Warrnambool, Portland or Port Fairy Airstrip (dry weather only).
| moyne.vic.gov.au/Our-Services/Port-Fairy-Airstrip
| melbourneairport.com.au
| avalonairport.com.au
| ef.com.au/airport
