guide book

Despite it being small, Port Fairy and surrounds has so much to offer.  Not only is it the start of the Great Ocean Road and situated along the Shipwreck Coast, it plays a significant part in Indigenous history.  Many of the natural formations and national parks in this area are important places of spiritual, .... of the Eastern Maar people. The Gunditjmara and Eastern Maar people are the native title holders of these areas.

The following guide provides a snapshot of how you can fill your days in Port Fairy.  If you are like us, somedays you will just want to rest and slow down, but on those days you are looking for something to do, take a look at the options below.

Some other great resources to help you plan your visit:
visitgreatoceanroad.org.au
visitwarrnambool.com.au
portfairyaustralia.com.au
iamportland.com.au

visit

bUDJ bIM NATIONAL PARK

THE CRAGS

The wider Budj Bim Heritage Landscape dates back thousands of years and shows evidence of large, settled communities systematically farming and smoking eels for food and trade.

The Heritage Landscape area is considered one of Victoria’s earliest and largest Indigenous aquaculture ventures, and has recently been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List recognised solely for its Aboriginal cultural values.

Find out more here

The Crags is a stunning coastal lookout with a view of Lady Julia Percy Island (Deen Maar).  It is an important archaeological site and is part of the traditional homelands of the indigenous Peek Wurrung speakers.  

12 km from Port Fairy, near the Yambuk Estuary, the coastline is 

GRIFFITH ISLAND

LADY JULIA PERCY ISLAND

Griffith Island is also known as Yoluuk in the Peek Whurrong language (one of the languages of the Gundjmara and Maar Nations people).

Here you'll find the Port Fairy lighthouse, secret beaches, beautiful walks, the Shearwater (mutton bird) colony, wallabies and more.

You can walk Griffith Island any time of the day, but it is a beautiful way to unwind and enjoy the cooling sea breezes in the early evening. Perfect for photographers, with many photographic opportunities (the Port Fairy lighthouse is one of the most photographed landmarks of the area). If you wish to see the Shearwaters on the island, check the mating, nesting and migration dates here.

We highly recommend going at least two times, so you can experience the walk in both directions. Make sure you take your swimmers in warm weather so you can enjoy the secluded beaches on offer too.  Even in peak season, these are quiet.

Known as Deen Maar to the traditional owners, this Island sits 22km to the south-west of Port Fairy.  The island is an offshore volcano and is home to the largest seal colony in the southern hemisphere.

You can view it from The Crags or Yambuk Lake, or can take a chartered sightseeing tour of the island for a closer look.  Access to the island is restricted due to the desolation of the vegetation from early human exploitation.

It forms part of the Indigenous Protected Area that spans Yambuk Estuary and the Crags - the first one of its kind in Victoria.

tower hill

YAMBUK LAKES

An inactive volcano a 20 min drive from Port Fairy, Tower Hill is now a nature reserve. 

You can take guided walks with the local indigenous people the Worn Gundidj and learn about the history and the cultural significance of the site.  Or you can walk the area unguided on the many paths available.  And, if the weather isn't the best, a slow drive through can give you a taste of what is on offer here.

You are almost guaranteed to see some native fauna, including koalas, emus or kangaroos.

There's more to learn here

Yambuk (Dean Maar in Peek Whurrong) is an important site in the history of the Gundjmara and Maar Nations people.

Perfect for historians, nature lovers and families, Yambuk Lake is small, but impactful. The estuary and wetlands are listed under the Directory of Important Wetlands for the flora and fauna value. It is home to the threatened Lewin's Rail and the endangered Orange Bellied Parrot and a breeding place for the threatened Dwarf Glaxias.  You can walk around the lakes to explore these areas.

Small and big kids alike will enjoy the big slide that sits beside the lakes.  A spot of fishing (by boat) or on the lakes edge will also keep you entertained.

Find out more here

take a drive to koroit

Visit warrnambool

Close to Tower Hill, this quaint Irish settlement is thriving with antique and gift stores, art gallery, book shop, post office, bank, milk bars, IGA supermarket, gourmet food, beauty salon, bakery/cafes and more.

Koroit is also home to the Irish Festival in April each year. But you can visit anytime of year.  We recommend visiting:

• Noodledoof brewery
• IGA (much bigger than the local Port Fairy one
• The Koroit Hotel (Mickey Bourke's)

Find out more here.

A 25 minute drive to Warrnambool will afford you a bigger town experience, with more shopping, restaurants, beachside activities for you to enjoy.  We recommend:

• The Warrnambool Breakwater and surrounds
• Deep Blue Hot Springs
• The Fresh Market Warrnambool
• Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground

eat

Port Fairy offers a range of eating places from casual to high end.  We recommend you check their opening hours and booking requirements, as these have changed significantly since COVID. The following are our recommendations only.

dining

Merrijig Inn - the oldest Inn in Victoria, with a gorgeous menu that will have you coming back.  It's perfect for a couple or two couples to enjoy an indulgent night out.

Conlan's Wine Store - great food and selections of wine.

Blakes ​is another fine dining option.

Oak and Anchor now have Sidro Lounge, Bar & Restaurant

TAKE AWAY

Alexo Pizza and Bistro has an interesting mix of Pizza and Thai food. The best bit is you can order over the phone and have it delivered to your door.

Rebeccas pre-made meals, baguettes are a great lunch alternative.  They also do click and collect and offer a range of ice-reams and sweet treats.
​
IGA have a wonderful deli with delicious quiches, pies, lasagne and salads.  Worth a look for a easy to prep lunch.​

BRUNCH

Bank Street & Co has a diverse brunch menu.  We especially like the avocado and sweet potato toast or the granola.

drinks

Merrijig Inn - the beer garden is open Spring to Summer and is a gorgeous way to end the day, or start your evening.   Even better it is a hop, skip and jump from the front door.

family friendly

Oak and Anchor outdoor green has music playing in the Summer and space for the kids.

The Star serves the classic pub meal - you just can't go wrong.

do

bike

boat

Take your bike and tour the town, or if you are up for a challenge, attempt the Rail Trail that links Port Fairy and Koroit to Warrnambool.  The total trail is 37.5km and passes through open farming land providing some rugged terrain.  You can find out more here

You can hire extra bikes from the Tourist Information Centres in Warrnambool and Port Fairy.

There are a number of boat trips you can take from the jetty:
Whale tours
Lady Julia Percy Island tours

​

hike

hang out

Tower Hill
Rail trail
Griffith Island​

King George Square sits in front of the townhouse and provides a perfect place to gather.  Our kids have played many a British Bulldog, Soccer, Finska or Volleyball.  You might even just enjoy the space to have a picnic or a drink at sunset.  We have croquet, finska and other sporting items in the garage for you to make the most of.

horse around

surf or swim

During the Summer months, the horse and carriage is available on Gipps Street for a fee.  A great way to see the town, or keep the kids entertained.

If you'd prefer to be in control of your own horse, you can book into Rundells Mahogany Trail Rides.

Shop

Port has some lovely boutique shops for you to explore along Sackville and Bank Streets.  And, if you happen to be in town on the weekend, the Port Fairy Community Market is a great way to grab some fresh food, plants or arts and crafts.

For beginner surfers:
Learn to Surf
East Beach

For experienced surfers:
The Passage - At the eastern end of Pea Soup is a short, right hand point break called The Passage, which lies right in front of the car park. Off the second beach are two reef breaks: a left called Garbos and a right called Gooloos.

Swimming for young families:
Pea Soup - sits on the south side of Port Fairy, along Ocean Drive.

Swimming for all:
​East Beach - 5.8km of beach, East Beach is the most popular beach.  The Surf Life Saving Club is situated here with patrolling life savers at peak times.