Exploring the Most Beautiful Towns in Victoria

Port Fairy: A Hidden Coastal Treasure on the Great Ocean Road

Port Fairy is a picturesque coastal town abundant in history and natural wonders, offering a remarkable combination of vintage appeal and community spirit—perfect for a serene getaway from urban life. Known for its whale trail sightings, nearby volcanoes, and an annual folk festival, one of Port Fairy’s main attractions is its rich historical background.

Founded in the early 1800s, the town was instrumental in the development of the greater Shipwreck Coast area. In the 1850s, its port was among the busiest in Australia, with vessels laden with wool, wheat, and gold making their way back to England. Just across the bridge from the harbor, Battery Hill features cannons and fortifications established in 1887 to safeguard Port Fairy from the anticipated threat of Russian warships.

A number of Port Fairy’s structures have been preserved by the National Trust, allowing visitors to delve into the town’s intriguing history. Dine at the historic country pub The Stump, which holds the title of Victoria’s oldest continuously licensed pub (since 1844), for an authentic taste of local heritage.

Renowned for its stunning beaches, Port Fairy is home to the long East Beach (5.8 km) and the smaller South Beach—affectionately known as Pea Soup—which are both perfect for swimming, picnics, or simply soaking in the breathtaking coastal scenery.

The Port Fairy Lighthouse (or Griffiths Island Lighthouse), proudly located at the mouth of the Moyne River, provides sweeping views of the coastline along a 2.9 km walk around the Griffiths Island circuit. As a recognized nature reserve, it hosts a colony of shearwaters (mutton birds) and is a favored site for birdwatching and leisurely scenic strolls.

With its charming heritage structures and magnificent ocean vistas, it’s easy to see why Port Fairy is often described as a hidden gem at the end of the Great Ocean Road. Though it’s technically 39 km from where the Great Ocean Road officially ends at Allansford, the extra drive is definitely worthwhile.