HISTORY

Port Fairy is proud of its heritage. Over 50 buildings from our boom era have been classified by Australia’s National Trust. Most of these are still in use and visitors enjoy shopping and dining in some of Victoria’s oldest buildings.

A walk around town will take you past many of the residences and businesses of the early settlers.

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GRIFFITHS ISLAND

This is where Port Fairy began. A whaling station was established on the island early in the 19th century by Penny and Reiby and in 1835 it was purchased by John Griffiths.

Walk out to the Lighthouse. Fish along the river or walk all around the Island; great scenery and wildlife.

SHEARWATER COLONY

Port Fairy is home to a number of Shearwater Colonies, the largest is on Griffiths Island.

Each year, on 16th April the birds depart on a 15,000 km journey past Japan, Alaska, North America and New Zealand. They return to Port Fairy on 22nd September.

Walk onto Griffiths Island at dusk and see the Mutton Birds (Shearwater) returning home to feed their young - a sight not easily forgotten.

PORT FAIRY’S BUSY HISTORIC WHARF

For a time, Port Fairy was one of the busiest ports in the colony; second only to the Port of Melbourne. Today we still have a lively wharf. Walk around and see the boats unloading their catches of crayfish and abalone.

WHERE DID YOU CATCH THAT FISH ?

At Martin’s Point of course. This popular spot at the mouth of the Moyne River is the perfect place to catch Barracouta, Bream, Cod, Flathead, Garfish, Yellow Eye Mullet, Mulloway, Parrot Fish, Estuary Perch, Salmon, Snapper, Sweep, Trevally and Whiting.

The more adventurous fisherperson can also take a chartered cruise and, if you’re not successful, you can always stop in for fresh fish; just a short walk along the wharf.

PORT FAIRY’S EAST BEACH

The East Beach is considered to be one of the safest surf beaches on Victoria’s coast. Great for surfing and other water sports. The well supported Life Saving Club is located at East Beach. At Sandy Cove you can watch the keel boats racing on Port Fairy Bay from your armchair.

DAY TRIPS

Port Fairy is central to some of the most scenic and historic places in Victoria.

Portland, Victoria’s birthplace

The Southern Grampians

Visit a volcano; Tower Hill State Game Reserve (midway between Port Fairy and Warrnambool) is a haven for native flora and fauna. It last erupted only 7000 years ago.






At The Crags you’ll gain an understanding of why this is called the Shipwreck Coast. Only a few minutes drive from Port Fairy, the scenery here is breathtaking. Look out to Lady Julia Percy Island; steeped in indigenous history, its real name is Deen Mar.