Port Fairy

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Introduction

Starting out as a tiny fishing village and whaling station in 1869, Port Fairy is now home to one of the busiest fishing ports in Victoria. Old World charm abounds in Port Fairy where wide streets are lined by nineteenth century cottages, great Norfolk pines and old stone churches. Many fine examples of the architecture of the 1800s remain intact

Sights and Activities

There are many fun things to do in Port Fairy. Laze on the beach, swim, brows the stores or get up and close with the seal colony and wild life.

• Shopping. Port Fairy is a wonderful location to peruse a wide range of boutique, antique, and art/craft shops with fine handiwork by local artiseans.
• Take a cruise out to the seal colony on Lady Julia Percy Island
• See abundant native wildlife at the Tower Hill State Game Reserve.
• In winter, take a whale watching tour or enjoy a summer bay cruise
• Surf or swim at East Beach
• Take a guided fishing trip
• Follow the Shipwreck Trail and discover the treacherous history of this coastline.
• Visit Griffiths Island Lighthouse and Rookery
• Relax, unwind and indulge yourself at Port Fairy Day Spa

Events and Festivals

• Moyneyana Festival December - January

• Port Fairy Folk Festival - Over Labour Day Weekend each March, Port Fairy is home to the world-famous Port Fairy Folk Festival. Drawing thousands of people from all parts of the world, this Folk Festival presents over 130 international and national artists across more than 20 venues. This four days festival features roots, celtic, folk, country, bluegrass, blues, jazz, rock, crossover and world music. Read about this and other Outdoor music festivals in Victoria (Australia).

• Shipwreck Coast Golf Classic - August

• Port Fairy Spring Music Festival is held in October each year in the town of Port Fairy, which lies just past Warrnambool. Read about this and other Outdoor music festivals in Victoria (Australia).

• Heritage Discovery Weekend - November

Getting There

By Train

Daily trains are available from Melbourne via Melbourne's country rail service V-Line.

By Car

Port Fairy is 290 kilometres west of Melbourne. Travel by car via the Princes Highway, or take the scenic route via the Great Ocean Road.

By Bus

Daily coach services are available from Melbourne. Transit South West runs a twice weekly bus service from Warnambool.

By Plane

Moyne Shire Council owns and operates a working airstrip on the outskirts of Port Fairy for the use of private charter planes. The airstrip is unsealed, 900 metres long, and for dry weather use only. As of 19 May 2009 the airstrip is currently closed.

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