Port Fairy

Port Fairy Victoria is small fishing village about 20 minutes from Warrnambool on the Great Ocean Road. Port Fairy has broad streets, old stone churches and inns, tall trees planted in the 1800's as well as an interesting collection of galleries, restaurants and shops. Port Fairy mixes the old and new with over 50 buildings classified by the National Trust for protection. Spend a day discovering charming, fully restored public buildings and cottages built by whalers and seamen.

Fishing boats ply an active trade in Port Fairy bringing a daily catch from the Great Southern Ocean. Port Fairy has a protected harbour at the entrance of the Moyne River where you'll see commercial fishing boats, private yachts and charter boats that can take you fishing and whale watching or on a cruise out to the seal colony on Lady Julia Percy Island. You'll see fishermen unloading a bountiful harvest of crayfish and abalone at the dockside where you might be able to pick up a deal for your dinner.

Things to Do in Port Fairy

Mark your travel calendar for the Labour Day weekend (March) because the Port Fairy Folk Festival is one of the Great Ocean Road's celebrated events. There will be a mix of international and Australian artists performing. You'll need to book accommodation in advance or consider booking a camping/festival package staying at The Southcombe Caravan Park, which is next to the festival grounds, has camping which is only available to Folk Festival ticket holders.

Labour Day long weekend in March each year. The festival has run continuously since 1977. The other major celebration in the town is the Moyneyana festival, held over summer from Christmas eve to 26 January.

Mostly, people come to Port Fairy to relax and enjoy the fine food and wine offered at one of the many great pubs, cafes and restaurants. Play a round of golf at the highly rated Port Fairy Golf Club on Woodbine Road. Spend their days exploring Port Fairy's boutique, antique, art and craft shops filled with products from local artists. Or just hand out on the beach and enjoy a swim or surf.

Driving to Port Fairy

Port Fairy is between Portland (50 minutes to the west) and Warrnambool (20 minutes to the east) using the A1/Princes Highway. Port Fairy is about 370 Kilometres from Melbourne if you take the scenic and slower Great Ocean Road route through Apollo Bay and Lorne. Or you can take the quicker inland route using the A1/Princes Highway going through Colac to Melbourne. The Great Ocean Road route will add at least 2 hours driving time to your journey, but it is one of Australia's most spectacular touring routes passing icons like the Tweleve Apostles. Most people driving from Melbourne would drive out on the Great Ocean Road and back along the inland Princes Highway.

Map of Port Fairy

Port Fairy Accommodation

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  Central Motel - Port Fairy

  Great accommodation ideally located in the heart of Port Fairy. Central Motel is close to shops, restaurants, pubs, galleries, Port fairy visitor information, public transport, beaches and many other attractions. Just park the car and relax. 19 units (one with disabled facilities), off street parking, all Queen size beds, direct dial phones, remote TV's, ironing facilities and cots available, garden and BBQ free, interconnecting rooms available. Perfect Great Ocean Road accommodation.

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