8 Best things to do in Port Fairy, Victoria, Australia
It’s Time To Explore Port Fairy, Victoria
Nestled on Port Fairy Bay you’ll discover this namesake Victoria city that offers a full itinerary of fun! Ranging from the beach to historical lighthouses, spending a day or two exploring Port Fairy, Victoria, is never time wasted. Find out the eight top things to do in Port Fairy, as recommended by Warrnambool Retreat. With activities ranging in time and budget, there is truly something for everyone to discover in the magic of Port Fairy.
Discover The 8 Best Things To Do In Port Fairy, Victoria This Weekend
Source: https://portfairyaustralia.com.au/
1. Start With A Plate At The Farmer's Wife
At Warrnambool Retreat, we believe the best daytime adventures start with a hearty breakfast! Thankfully grabbing a hearty breakfast is one of the best things to do in Port Fairy, rain or shine. Discover why locals keep this Port Fairy gem a secret, and grab a plate or two! The Farmer's Wife has a large menu that offers options for everyone, and you’ll leave feeling full and motivated to explore this little town further. Dishes range from sweet to savory, with highlights including, Banana Bread French Toast, or the classic Farmer's Breakfast. You can even grab a muffin to go for a tasty snack later!
2. Travel Onto Griffith Island
Either walk or drive to Martin’s Point and begin to explore the nearby Griffith Island. One of the most popular things to do in Port Fairy, the island is also home to the historic namesake lighthouse and is a treasure trove for animal lovers. Port Fairy Griffith Island houses a small mob of swamp wallabies and a registered breeding colony of short-tailed shearwaters.
Visiting Port Fairy Griffith Island gives visitors a chance to walk along the Moyne River. Whether you stop at the Moyne River lookout or continue onwards to the island, it's a great stretch of the legs after driving long distances. For visitors proceeding to the island, please remember that dogs are not allowed due to the delicate ecosystems. The island is small enough that it will only be a half-day activity, leaving plenty of time to check off more of our below suggestions.
Source: https://portfairyaustralia.com.au/explore/griffiths-island/
3. Explore The Port Fairy Island Lighthouse
Originally built in 1859 by Scottish Stonemasons, this unique attraction is still operational today. Visitors will be impressed with the craftsmanship from three centuries ago. In the 1950s, a decision was made to remove the adjoining cottage with a collective focus on the landscape and surrounding gardens. By removing the cottage, the community displays a united mentality to align with preserving and prioritizing Griffith Island's eco-friendly agenda.
FUN FACT: Since being built, the lighthouse has used different sources of power for the beacon. Originally, vegetable oil with a match handled guiding ships into port, but slowly the lighthouse experimented with kerosene and gas. Today, it is fully operational with a wind-assisted generator and a solar power light.
4. Explore The Passage Of The Great Ocean Road
While Port Fairy has East Beach & Killarney Beach for picnics or family day trips, stopping off at The Passage is a treat for the senses. We recommend timing this activity in Port Fairy around sunset. You’ll see many local surfers grabbing their last rips of the day and also be gifted a stunning light show, weather permitting.
The Great Ocean Road is a historic Australian highway that also acts as a guide and navigation system. Driving through the section surrounding Port Fairy can also connect travelers to Aire Valley. With more resources every year being created to highlight and protect the breathtaking sights along the way, The Great Ocean Road has become a highlight of Australia.
Source: https://unsplash.com/
5. Find Zen At The Port Fairy Day Spa
If you want to rejuvenate and relax during your Port Fairy stay, consider blocking out the day with treatments at the Port Fairy Day Spa. One of the best things to do in Port Fairy for the mind, body, and soul, guests walk out completely recharged. The dedicated team services clients seven days a week offering services ranging from full packages (including lunch), saunas, body wraps, and full body massages, to individual facials, waxing, or hand and foot treatments.
FUN FACT: Shop online or in-person with the Port Fairy Day Spa online boutique. Feast your eyes on knitwear, swimsuits, giftware and exclusive online only promotions.
6. Support & Shop Local
If you are looking for things to do in Port Fairy to pass a few hours, why not check out the independent retailers and antique shops? Port Fairy is considered a shopping mecca with retailers like Mason & Francis, who sell clothing from brands like Elk, Birdie Cashmere, and Ella Sanders pinnacle examples. Our team loves to visit the owner of the Byaduk General Store, Robyn, who will guide your browsing amongst her eclectic antiques, clothing, homewares, and other exciting finds. The Byaduk General Store is also a historical building and remains an impressive nod towards the past.
Shopping in Port Fairy makes it easy to get ahead on upcoming birthday or anniversary gifts. For an alternative to bespoke retailers, time your trip with the monthly Port Fairy Farmers Market, scheduled on the 1st and 3rd Saturday monthly. The Farmers Market is a place for anyone to shop local produce, wine, and cheese. We guarantee you'll bring back a souvenir for the fridge.
7. Book A Ticket To The Port Fairy Museum
The main thing to do in Port Fairy is to enjoy the restored 1800s architecture. Doing a walk through the downtown square will highlight a couple of the buildings classified by the National Trust. In total, Port Fairy has over fifty buildings that have been restored and are still operational from the 1800s.
The Port Fairy Museum is a previous courthouse and home to The Port Fairy Historical Society. Founded in 1963, the society continues to lead by example to preserve and promote Port Fairy's history and heritage. The Port Fairy Museum website will provide a detailed historic buildings walk tour that tourists can do independently. For visitors of the museum, tours must be pre-booked and cost 20$ per adult—children are free.
8. Don’t Go Without Seeing The Crags
Only a twelve-minute drive from downtown Port Fairy, The Crags and Deen Maar is quickly becoming an unmissable thing to do in Port Fairy. The Crags Coastal Reserve can be a full-day adventure with breathtaking panoramic views and one-of-a-kind limestone outcrops and ledges. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, or enthusiastic about exploring more of Victoria’s nature trails, this is a fantastic experience! While visiting The Crags, you'll also view a Silver Gull breeding site, plus hold an aerial overview of the Deen Mar or Dhinmar (Lady Julia Percy) Island.
Deen Mar is Australia’s only underwater volcano, and naturally, this makes the composed mainly of volcanic rock. From The Crags, only the volcanic peak is visible out of the water; but the island's most famous citizens, the fur seals are on full display. Deen Mar hosts the largest Australian population of fur seals, as well as rare bird species like the Little Penguin, Diving Petrel, White Fronted Chats, Fairy Prion, and Australian Pipit.
It's Time To Fuel And Go! Travel From Melbourne To Port Fairy This Weekend!
If you are arriving from Melbourne, traveling to Port Fairy is a piece of cake. Using the M1 and Hamilton Hwy/B140, traveling from Melbourne to Port Fairy only takes three and a half hours. Warrnambool Retreat luxury accommodation is 25mins before Port Fairy and allows guests to sleep soundly, waking rested to seize a day full of exploring!
Writing this list is enough to make our team crave going back and finding more exciting things to do in Port Fairy! Honorable mentions that are not included: a round of golf at The Port Fairy Golf Club, booking a tour of the Bay of Islands, exploring East Beach or Killarney Beach, and many more. For any questions or concerns, The Port Fairy and Region Visitor Information Centre is open 9 am- 5 pm, seven days a week.
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Merri lounge - bright and inviting, the perfect spot to relax after a long day of exploring Port Fairy.
The Magic Continues At Warrnambool Retreat
We can’t wait to welcome you to Warrnambool Retreat and provide luxury accommodation before you explore Port Fairy. Centrally located in the heart of Warrnambool, driving to Port Fairy is a scenic twenty-minute drive.
Both options - Merri or Henna - surround guests with curated styling that highlights the simple pleasures in life. We believe in finding the magic of every day, from luxurious clean lines and linens, to deep freestanding bathtubs, and indoor fireplaces. For guests looking to entertain, both Merri and Henna include an open courtyard complete with moody festoon lights.
We can’t wait to welcome you - book your next Victoria holiday today!
