Port Fairy

Uncover history in every corner of this charming fishing village at the end of the Great Ocean Road. The last destination on Victoria's famed Shipwreck Coast, Port Fairy boasts wide streets lined with 19-century cottages, great Norfolk pines and old stone churches. When you visit Port Fairy you are a visitor on the lands of the Eastern Maar People.

Join in the fun of the Port Fairy Folk Festival and buzzing local art scene, get active in the water, and see native animals in the wild, from southern right whales, seals and dolphins to wallabies, kangaroos and emus.

Along the coast

Take a walk down to the local port – one of the busiest fishing ports in Victoria – and watch as the fishers unload their catch of crayfish and abalone. From the wharf you can head out to sea on a guided fishing trip or take a cruise out to the seal colony on Lady Julia Percy Island. Keep an eye out for breaching southern right whales off Port Fairy's coast during the winter months, when the whales come in to mate and calve.

Try something new in the water during the summer months. Join a surfing class or get the lowdown on stand up paddle boarding, one of the fastest growing water sports in the country.

Slow it down with a round at Port Fairy's links golf course, ranked number 31 on AusGolf magazine's top 100 Australian courses. Test your skills on the famous par 5 at hole 12 and revel in the stunning ocean views.

Sight, sound and flavour

Port Fairy is a town in love with the arts. Peruse the diverse array of boutiques, antique stores, and art and craft shops scattered throughout the town. Get swept up in the excitement of the Port Fairy Folk Festival, one of Australia's largest music festivals, held each year in March. Or you can relax and enjoy the fine food and wine on offer at one of the many great pubs, cafes and restaurants. For a sample of the best of the region's produce, pop in to the renowned Merrigig Kitchen Inn or nearby Basalt Vineyard cellar door.

Heritage walks

With many fine examples of 1800s architecture and more than 50 buildings classified by the National Trust, Port Fairy is the perfect holiday spot for history buffs. Follow one of the historic walking trails and discover charming, fully restored white-washed cottages built by whalers and seamen beside Georgian-style merchants' homes and grand public buildings. Learn about the local maritime history on the Port Fairy Maritime and Shipwreck Heritage Walk.