Port Fairy

Overview

A unique fishing village located on the Shipwreck Coast, Port Fairy boasts a historic working fishing port, more than 70 National Trust registered buildings and other sites, rugged coastline and secluded swimming beaches. It features an array of tempting eating venues and specialty shops and is famous for the international Port Fairy Folk Festival held each March.

History

Port Fairy was inhabited by the Knarn Kolak Aborigines long before the arrival of Europeans. They lived a simple life beside the sea and their middens testify to the success of their fishing.

In the earliest years of the nineteenth century whalers and sealers worked along this stretch of rugged coastline. Seals were used for their leather and oil and whales were vital parts of the corset, perfume and soap industries.

The area developed rapidly and there were years when up to 20 vessels came to Port Fairy just to load the onions and potatoes for sale in Melbourne.
Today Port Fairy prospers on a combination of tourism and fishing. It still boasts one of Victoria's largest fishing fleets.

Places of interest

Port Fairy Wharves
Griffiths Island
Seacombe House
Motts Cottage
The Merrijig Inn
Historic churches and buidings
Botanic Gardens

Accommodation

Port Fairy offers a fantastic range of accommodation for all requirements – modest to luxury beach houses and apartments, motels and bed and breakfast lodgings. For further information please contact The Port Fairy and Region Visitor Information Centre on 03 5568 2682.

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