Get personal with the picturesque township of Port Fairy

As Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast comes to its final point, a world of wonder opens up.

As its enchanting name suggests, Port Fairy is an ethereal environment where creativity thrives. 

With a world famous music festival drawing in international acclaim across nearly four decades, uplifted by a united community front, Port Fairy is deeply entrenched in Australia’s music and arts scene. The kaleidoscopic connection to culture met with a rich maritime history makes Port Fairy a unicorn travel destination.

Explore the quaint seaside spot.

Plan your trips and discover more travel and lifestyle content here.

STAY

Port Fairy Beach House

Where: South Beach

Thinking of heading down Port Fairy as a large group? The Port Fairy Beach House is the prime property to take over. Previously known as Hearn’s Beach House, this architectural marvel sits at the very tip of the Southern Ocean. Boasting a luxurious five bedrooms, three bathrooms and its own private beach with a rock-pool, sandy dune area and an abundance of space, Port Fairy Beach House is a destination of its own.

Merrijig Inn

Where: 1 Campbell Street

Add to your historic exploration of Port Fairy by staying in Victoria’s oldest Inn. The Merrijig Inn is a central statement in accommodation, located next to the wharf and within close proximity of Port Fairy’s galleries, shopping, and beaches. These bespoke, rustic and charming rooms are designed for comfort, whilst the in-house Merrijig Kitchen warms from the inside with their bio-dynamic, organic menu and carefully crafted wine list. 

 

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Drift House

Where: 96 Gipps Street

This multi-award winning stay in the heart of Port Fairy features exceptional design. Drift House is a luxury lodging and dining room stay, housing six personalised private guest suites, spread over heritage buildings and contemporary extensions. Employing the highest standards of service, design and detail, including the use of innovative materials, salvaged timber and beautifully designed fixtures, Drift House is where luxury and modern melt together.  

EAT & DRINK

Bank St + Co

Where: 28 Bank Street

From Spain, Morocco, France, England, Indonesia, America, and Fiji, owners Ricky and Matt have filtered their travels and food experiences into one menu at Bank St + Co. The coffee and kitchen hotspot in the centre of town has you covered seven days a week from 6.30am until 3pm. It’s your spot for a strong coffee, a hearty burger, a smashed avo brunch, and a house made danish tart.

 

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Sidro Bar & Restaurant

Where: 9 Bank Street

Shimmy on down the road to The Oak & Anchor Hotel to find an elevated drink and dining experience. Whether you’re after something light, something larger or sip to celebrate, Sidro is your spot. You’ll find smalls like salmon gravlax, cucumber, creme fraiche and dill, or shaw river buffalo mozzarella, prosciutto, tomato alongside chef winners confit duck leg, pear and walnut salad, and lamb filo pie, parsnip, tzatziki, shredded brussel salad. Go upmarket with their handpicked drinks offering to elevate your evening!

Conlan’s Wine Store

Where: 34 Bank Street

Keeping on the Bank Street strip is another hospitality gem. Conlan’s Wine Store is the master of all hats. The cafe, restaurant, provedore, retail wine seller and gift shop offers a curated selection of handpicked bottles, products, preserves, condiments and artisan supplies. Encased with shelves displaying rows of bottles, Conlan’s has a stunning collection of vintages on offer, pairing perfectly with their lunch and dinner menu.

 

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SHOP

Ironbird Bookstore

Where: 44 Sackville Street

With the description of “Titles that are local, lyrical, and lovingly chosen”, you know that Ironbird Bookstore has a passion for paperback and hard cover imagination and education vehicles. Just like the bookstores you dream up, this cosy, readers’ haven is blissfully curated to take you on a journey before you open the cover.

The Paper Store Port Fairy

Where: 50A Sackville Street

Keeping in line with the paper theme of Sackville Street, The Paper Store is another appreciation of ink on sheet. From the typewriter, calligraphy, handwritten letters, journaling, notebooks, and fine stationery, The Paper Store keeps the personalised practice of writing alive.

 

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SEE

Glyph Gallery and Creative Space

Where: 38 Bank Street

In a community that prioritises creativity, Glyph Gallery and Creative Space was a welcome addition in 2022. Situated in the heart of town, this artist hub houses a retail gallery, artist studios, and workshop spaces, designed to nurture creative expression. With a monthly rotating exhibition program and a bustling workshop program, Glyph Gallery and Creative Space is a showcase of the diverse artistic South-West region.

 

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Port Fairy Museum and Archives Centre

Where: 30 Gipps Street

Discover Port Fairy’s maritime history through archives and collections curated by the Port Fairy Historical Society. From the settlers to the history and heritage of pioneering families, early industry, businesses, festivals, events and the built environment, The Port Fairy Museum and Archives Centre takes you into the tapestry of the seaside town. With rolling exhibitions and tours available, immerse yourself in the history on the Moyne River.

EXPLORE

Griffiths Island & Lighthouse

Where: Griffiths Island

Just a short drive from the Port Fairy centre on the Moyne River you’ll find Griffiths Island and its iconic light house. The 1859 Scottish stonemason built maritime masterpiece is a popular tourist stop, with its traditional white facade and red trim. Either head straight to the lighthouse via a 400 metre walk or take a picturesque lap around the island; a 1 hour circuit that will have you gasping at the gorgeous rocky coastline.

Budj Bim Cultural Landscape

Where: Budj Bim

Spend a day on country, just outside of the township, exploring the ancient and living culture of the Gunditjmara people in south-eastern Australia. Learn about their connection to the land, sea and waterways through tours, sites and stories, including taking a look inside the state-of-the-art Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre, indulging at Bush Tucker Café and discover cultural site, Budj Bim National Park, Kurtonitj, Lake Gorrie, Tae Rak, and Tyrendarre LPA.  

 

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Childers Cove

Where: Childers Cove Road, Mepunga

Discover the rugged beauty of Childers Cove. This dramatic twin inlet, framed by towering limestone cliffs on three sides, holds a poignant history, being the site where the wooden barque Children was wrecked after striking reefs of the shores shallows. The natural amphitheatre is grand, whilst the beach is secluded, low and flat, with large sea and surf. You’re surrounded by sandstone stacks and colourful sandstone/limestone cliffs, making Childers Cove one of natures most breath-taking locations. 

Port Fairy is packed with things to do and see. Wind down the Great Ocean Road to the picturesque port!