Port Fairy and the Shipwreck Coast

Port Fairy has a rich history. One of the original trading ports and whaling stations on Victoria's rugged southern coast, Port Fairy is now a tourism destination at the centre the Great Ocean Road and Shipwreck Coast.

In addition to exploring the wide range of natural wonders and historic sites, guests in our Port Fairy accommodation can browse the many fascinating shops and galleries, and indulge in the inviting cafés and restaurants that Port Fairy has to offer.

Things to see and do in Port Fairy

There are many activities to entertain visitors in Port Fairy, so take a stroll and leave the car at the Central Motel in the secure car park and go for a wander.

• Take a walk to the Moyne River to see Port Fairy's fishing fleets and the many pleasure craft in the harbour
• Watch the local fishing boats unload their catch at Fisherman’s Wharf
• Most Saturday mornings you'll find an Open Air Market on the Village Green with fresh local produce to sample
• The Port Fairy Visitors Centre has a walking tour map and information on 30 historic sites to see in the area
• A visit to the Port Fairy Historical Museum will provide an insightful glimpse into the early days of Port Fairy
• Take a picnic or have a barbecue along the riverside or foreshore where there is a playground for the children
• Dine on delicious local fare at the world class restaurants and cafés
• There's always swimming at East Beach with surfing and surf lessons available
• Search the beach at the east end of town for the missing wreck of the Mahogany Ship
• Take a cruise out to see the impressive seal colony on Lady Julia Percy Island, charter a fishing boat with an experienced local fisherman and try your hand at fishing for tuna, shark etc. Contact Russell at Port Fairy Boat Charter for details.
• Fish from the river, bay or surf casting
• Explore Griffiths Island where, during their September to May nesting season, you will get a spectacular view of thousands of muttonbirds flying in at dusk to feed their young
• Rent a bike or take the walking track to the point of Griffiths Island to see the historic Port Fairy Lighthouse, which has been guiding boats into Port Fairy since 1859

Port Fairy Activities

For golf enthusiasts the Port Fairy Golf Course is consistently ranked among the top 25 Best Public Access Courses in Australia. You'll understand why when you see the spectacular views of the Southern Ocean as the course winds through unspoiled sand dunes.

The Tower Hill State Game Reserve, Victoria's first National Park, is only 14 km from Port Fairy and has many walking tracks and barbeque facilities for visitors. There is abundant wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, emus and many bird species. Try the bush food available at the Natural History Centre from the Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Cooperative.

Bicyclists will be thrilled with the 37 km Port Fairy-Warrnambool Rail Trail that will extend from the Moyne River in Port Fairy through Koroit to Warrnambool. It is due to open early in 2010. Bikes can be rented in Port Fairy.

Art Lovers can spend a day on an Art Walk, visiting the many studios and galleries of local painters, printmakers, textile designers, glass artists and sculptors in Port Fairy.

Port Fairy Festivals and Events Calendar

Port Fairy is also the home of the many festivals including the internationally renowned Port Fairy Folk Festival held each year in March. The Moyneyana Festival provides summer fun for the whole family from 24th December to the end of January. Autumn brings the Koroit Irish Festival and Woody's Murray to Moyne Team Cycle Relay Event. There's the Winter Weekends in Port Fairy - one in June, July and August. then in September it's the Ex Libris Port Fairy Book Fair. October brings the Port Fairy Spring Music Festival and on it goes. So book your Central Motel accommodation in Port Fairy now!

Come stay with us at the Central Motel and experience for yourself why Port Fairy was voted number 5 of the top 100 towns by Australian Traveller magazine.