Port Fairy; a beautiful little coastal town located along the Great Ocean Road. This laid back spot is a great place to stop and stay a while if you’re road tripping from Melbourne to Mt Gambier or if you’re looking for a weekend trip from Geelong. Port Fairy has a real old-world feel and is full of quaint cafes, breath-taking coastal walks, vibey pubs and beautiful beaches. Home to the Port Fairy Folk Festival, expect to be greeted with a warm smile from all of the locals and regular vacation-goers.
1. Walk to the Lighthouse at Griffith Island
Soak up the breathtaking scenery on this cruisy walk to the lighthouse, suitable at any age! Spanning around 1.5km, if you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of local wildlife including wallabies and seals! The view is worth the trek and can be explored in any weather conditions. A Port Fairy must!
2. Swim the waters of Port Fairy
The beaches at Port Fairy are definitely something to write home about. They are grand, open and perfect for swimming. East Beach is home to the Port Fairy Moyneyana Open Water Swim that happens annually in late December as part of the Shipwreck Coast Series. Another great option is Pea Soup, a protected little cove, perfect for the kids. You can snorkel, swim, and explore the rock pools. If the sun’s out, pack a picnic, grab an umbrella, a bucket and spade – in the summertime you won’t want to leave.
3. Sink a beer with the Locals
The Port Fairy pub culture is much like its locals: laid-back, relaxed and happy-go-lucky. One of our favourites is The Star of the West. Dine-in for a delicious (and well-priced) lunch or dinner the whole family can enjoy.
4. Smash a pie from Cobbs Bakery
You’ll be greeted with a smile and you’ll leave with one too! The mouth-watering home-made pastries are famous for their crispy, fresh and warm deliciousness. Perfect for the drive home or a mid-morning treat!
5. Surf ‘The Passage’
If you’re into surfing then this is a Port Fairy must-do. You can expect reliable surf with an exposed reef and break point with its best swell circulating around mid-tide! If you’re looking for more Victorian surf spots, check these out.
6. Hear the cannons fired at Battery Hill
Take a trip down memory lane as locals recreate the competition of the 1800s. Traditionally, Geelong, North Melbourne, Port Fairy, Warnambool and Portland went head to head to see who could shoot their cannon balls the furthest. While the competition may be dead, the Port Fairy locals enjoy the re-enactment at Battery Hill every Sunday at 12pm.
7. Down a pizza at Coffin Sally
Located at 33 Sackville St in Port Fairy, locals and tourists alike have sung the praises of Coffin Sally on many occasions, in particular for its pizza. What once housed a coffin makers today produces reliably delicious food, a happening ambiance and a friendly crowd!
8. Get down at Port Fairy Folk Festival
Every year this popular four-day music festival attracts a local and travelled crowd who come to see the unique artists behind live music performances, interactive workshops and epic food trucks.
9. Play a round at Port Fairy Golf Links
Not only is this 18-hole natural links course listed in the Top 100 Australian Golf Courses, but it also has one of the best views over the Southern Ocean in Port Fairy. You don’t need to be a member to play, come as a visitor and tee off for nine of eighteen holes. After some more must-play golf courses? Check these out!
10. Sip on a vino at Basalt Wines
This winery and cellar door takes a unique and modern interpretation of biodynamic farming and replaces conventional methods with natural alternatives. This means they use composting and mulching as weed control, and recycle 100% of their waste into compost to put back minerals and nutrients into the soil to boost vine health. Pretty amazing if you ask us! Pop in for a wine tasting or tuck into some tapas alongside a delicious drop! Want to read more on wine in Victoria? We’ve got you covered.
Organise Your Trip:
NSW School Holidays | VIC School Holidays | School Holidays QLD | SA School Holidays | NZ School Holidays
