Your guide to the best Port Fairy accommodation

Jo Stewart Jo Stewart
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Charming inns, bell tent glamping, stylish holiday homes, heritage pub stays and cruisy caravan parks, there’s a wealth of Port Fairy accommodation options to choose from.

Any Great Ocean Road trip needs to include a visit to Port Fairy. Home to a wealth of well-preserved heritage buildings, this historic fishing village honours its past while also welcoming the new. When choosing where to stay, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Whether you’re splashing out on a celebratory weekend to remember or planning a budget family break by the sea, there are lots of Port Fairy accommodation options to suit you.

Hotels

1. Merrijig Inn

Best for: Food and wine lovers

A little microcosm of magic, the Merrijig Inn is one of those inviting places with a special aura of its own.

the exterior of Merrijig Inn in Port Fairy
The Merrijig Inn is said to be Victoria’s oldest inn. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Laying claim to being Victoria’s oldest inn, a stay in one of the charming suites or compact attic rooms (not recommended for tall folk) includes a smorgasbord breakfast of house-made delights.

a dining room with a fireplace at Merrijig Inn in Port Fairy
Keep warm by the fireplace. (Image: Visit Victoria)

No visit is complete without a tipple at the convivial front bar and dinner at Merrijin Kitchen – food is an important chapter of this hospitality legend’s story.

the entrance to Merrijig Inn, Port Fairy
Step into the Merrijig Kitchen next door. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Address: 1 Campbell St, Port Fairy

2. Seacombe House

Best for: History lovers

From motor inn suites to historic cottages and rooms in a heritage-listed guesthouse, Seacombe House has lots of different styles of accommodation to choose from.

the exterior of Seacombe House, Port Fairy
Stay in a heritage-listed guesthouse.

Like many other buildings in this storied town, Seacombe House is listed on the National Trust, so when you stay here you’ll be walking in the footsteps of the traders, sailors and merchants who earned a crust living or visiting Port Fairy in centuries gone by.

the living room interior of Seacombe House, Port Fairy
Seacombe House offers a cosy spot to unwind after a day of exploring.

Address: 22 Sackville Street, Port Fairy

3. The Victoria Apartments

Best for: Travellers who prefer self-catering holidays

If you love having all the creature comforts of home while you’re away, try Victoria Apartments. Book a 2-bedroom apartment or 3-bedroom townhouse here and you’ll enjoy access to a range of amenities that will make you feel right at home. Use the large, well-equipped kitchen to cook meals, do a load of washing in the laundry, relax in the spacious lounge room while watching movies on the flatscreen TV and park your wheels in a lock-up garage – these apartments have everything you need for a comfortable break.

Address: 48/50 Bank Street, Port Fairy

4. The Oak & Anchor Hotel

Best for: Couples and solo travellers looking to enjoy an adults-only break

Although this heritage-listed hotel dates back to the mid-1800s, you’ll bed down in supreme comfort. Choose from seven stylish suites (most with freestanding bathtubs and Euro-style walk-in showers) ranging from the ground-floor Anchor Suite all the way up to the luxurious Bridal Suite.

a Euro-style walk-in shower with tub at The Oak & Anchor Hotel, Port Fairy
The stylish suite boasts spacious, Euro-inspired bathrooms. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If you’re after an adults-only retreat, you’ll be pleased to know this boutique accommodation is just for grownups.

the bed at The Oak & Anchor Hotel, Port Fairy
Experience ultimate comfort and relaxation in the beautifully designed beds. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Address: 9 Bank Street, Port Fairy

5. Central Motel

Best for: Visitors who value convenience and affordability.

Located right in the centre of town just 25 metres or so from some of Port Fairy’s best restaurants and cafes, you can’t beat Central Motel for convenience. If you’re watching your pennies, this neat and tidy motel has all the basics covered at an affordable price point. Looking for accessible accommodation? There’s a ground-floor, wheelchair-friendly room perfect for travellers with special needs.

Address: 56 Sackville Street, Port Fairy

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6. YHA Port Fairy

Best for: Budget-conscious travellers who are happy sharing communal spaces

If you love meeting other people and staying in places with a more communal vibe, YHA Port Fairy is just the place for you. This warm and welcoming heritage accommodation has shared ‘co-living’ rooms with bunk beds, family rooms and private rooms as well as shared spaces like a self-catering kitchen, communal lounge room, laundry, pool table and outdoor courtyard with a barbecue. Perhaps the best part is you’re just one block away from some of Port’s Fairy best eats, including killer cocktails and pizza at Coffin Sally on Sackville Street.

Address: 8 Cox Street, Port Fairy

Guesthouses and Airbnbs

7. Cherry Plum Cottages

Best for: People seeking a secluded break in the countryside.

This collection of cute, self-contained cottages surrounded by greenery is the ideal spot to get away from it all.

the living room interior at Cherry Plum Cottages
This rustic abode is designed with a cosy interior.

Take a wander through the gardens (don’t forget to say hi to the alpacas), prepare dinner on the barbecue and sit on the veranda in the morning and listen to the birdlife with a cup of tea in hand – this is the perfect place to enjoy living life in the slow lane.

breakfast by the garden at Cherry Plum Cottages
Spend early mornings in quiet contemplation.

Address: 37 Albert Road, Port Fairy

8. Sweet Tide O Moyne

Best for: Groups, families and pet owners.

If you want to plan a private break with your nearest and dearest, look no further than this well-appointed holiday house.

the outdoor deck at Sweet Tide O Moyne, Port Fairy
This charming beach-style cottage is just steps from East Beach.

Sleeping up to nine guests, this comfy home right by East Beach has all the mod cons needed for an independent, self-catered break.

a painting mounted on the wall with a vase below at Sweet Tide O Moyne, Port Fairy
The walls are adorned with paintings of the beach.

Use the Nespresso machine to make your morning coffee, cook up a banging lunch in the kitchen and use the barbecue to prepare dinner each night while everyone gathers around the firepit.  Board games, books and a travel cot make this holiday house perfect for a family getaway.

a close-up shot of the bed at Sweet Tide O Moyne, Port Fairy
This chic accommodation is a holiday haven for families.

Address: 1 Moyne Court, Port Fairy

9. Clonmara Country House & Cottages

Best for: Couples and small groups looking for a quiet and cosy country retreat full of charm.

Soak up the serenity at this historic country house and cottages located just outside the historic town centre. If you value the classic ‘cottage-core’ aesthetic and love wandering in country-style gardens, you will be in your element here. A top spot for a quiet, gentle break where you can truly relax, Clonmara Country House & Cottages is the type of place to enjoy lazy afternoons reading a paperback in the shade and cosy nights drinking wine by the warmth of the gas log fire. Bliss!

the Clonmara Country House & Cottages in Port Fairy
Settle into a cosy country retreat.

Address: 106 Princes Hwy, Port Fairy

Camping Grounds

10. Port Fairy Glamping

Best for: Couples and friends looking for a whimsical weekend away.

If you love the idea of camping but don’t want to truly rough it, enjoy the best of both worlds with Port Fairy Glamping. Forget struggling to pitch a tent, this local outfit will set up a romantic bell tent in a grassy area of one of Port Fairy’s caravan parks for you.

Inside you’ll find plush bedding, towels, lamps, rugs and cushions to ensure you’ll enjoy a comfy stay. An outdoor table setting means you’re set to enjoy sundowners and snacks after a day exploring Port Fairy’s historic buildings and windswept beaches.

a Port Fairy Glamping tent
Spend a whimsical weekend in a Port Fairy Glamping tent.

Caravan Parks

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11. Gardens Caravan Park

Best for: Visitors who value access to the river, beach and town centre.

When it comes to convenience, this caravan park’s location can’t be beaten. Sitting on the banks of the Moyne River, it’s just 600 metres from the centre of town and also right near East Beach and the botanic gardens.

the Gardens Caravan Park at sunrise
Gardens Caravan Park is spread along the banks of the Moyne River.

Check in to a cabin to enjoy some creature comforts or roll into a powered or unpowered site if you’re travelling with a motorhome or caravan.

two women walking along the Tower Hill Reserve, Port Fairy
Be at one with nature as you walk along through the coastal landscape.

Address: 111 Griffiths St, Port Fairy

12. Southcombe Caravan Park

Best for: Beach lovers and families

If being near the beach is your number one priority this family-friendly caravan park near Southcombe Beach is a winner.

a boat sailing at Southcombe Caravan Park
Go fishing by the river near Southcombe Beach.

Stay in a one-, two- or three-bedroom villa or set up your tent, motorhome or van on one of the powered or unpowered sites. Stroll into town for dinner or use the free barbecues or camp kitchen to whip up dinner each night – the choice is yours.

a girl lying on a blanket while reading a book
Or lie on a blanket with a book in hand.

Address: James St, Port Fairy

13. Big4 Port Fairy Holiday Park

Best for: Families and groups

Sure, there’s plenty to do in Port Fairy but this modern holiday park has heaps of amenities to discover too. Big kids and little kids alike will love navigating the mini golf course while the indoor heated swimming pool provides an option for wet weather days.

a group of travellers gathering outside a caravan at Big4 Port Fairy Holiday Park
This modern holiday park is an ideal retreat for those travelling in groups.

There’s even a purpose-built cycling track. This holiday park’s three-bedroom cabins sleep up to eight people making it a top spot for a group getaway or intergenerational holiday.

Address: 115 Princes Hwy, Port Fairy

14. Gum Tree Caravan Park

Best for: People travelling with pets

There’s no need to leave your four-legged friends at home as they’re welcome to stay at this dog-friendly caravan park. Guests are well taken care of here with a range of items for hire, including baby chairs, cots, bikes, surfboards and wetsuits.

Address: 8 Amble Lane (off Toolong Rd) Port Fairy

15. Port Fairy Holiday Park

Best for: Visitors who love active breaks

If you like staying active during your holidays, then this holiday park’s facilities are sure to impress.

the caravan site at Port Fairy Holiday Park
Port Fairy Holiday Park is perfect for campers and caravanners.

There’s an indoor heated swimming pool, a full-sized tennis court, a playground and a giant jumping pillow for the little ones.

a deep-soaking tub inside a safari tent at Port Fairy Holiday Park
The outdoor tub is the perfect way to end the day.

There are also lots of different accommodation styles ranging from safari tents with deep-soaking, clawfoot baths, deluxe villas and cabins, holiday units and powered and unpowered sites for campers and caravanners.

the safari tent at Port Fairy Holiday Park
Seek comfort in a safari tent.

Address: 139 Princes Hwy, Port Fairy

Discover the best things to do in Port Fairy.

Jo Stewart
Jo Stewart is a freelance features writer who pens stories about nature, pop culture, music, art, design and more from her home in the Macedon Ranges of Victoria. When not writing, you can find her trawling through vinyl records and vintage fashion at op shops, antique stores and garage sales.
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8 towns in Victoria’s Heartland that will delight your tastebuds

(Image: Visit Victoria)

    Jade Raykovski Jade Raykovski
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    Get out of the city and close to nature in Victoria’s Heartland, one of Australia’s finest food-producing regions. 

    This fertile area is abundant in natural beauty, rich volcanic soils, mineral-rich waters, artisan producers and farm fresh produce. In towns spanning the Central Goldfields, Macedon Ranges and surrounds, just a short drive or easy train ride from Melbourne, you can taste a plethora of incredible food and world-class wine in these best of Victoria’s Heartland food regions. 

    1. Daylesford

    Lake House Restaurant, Daylesford
    Dine on the multi-course fare served at the elegant and light-filled Lake House Restaurant. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

    Warm and inviting, fans of Japanese cuisine should make a beeline for Kadota. Settle in for Japanese flavours, in cocktail glasses and on the plate, that have been carefully produced using seasonal local ingredients.

    For those who love a farm-to-table moment, Sault is the place to be. Fresh ingredients – directly from the restaurant’s kitchen gardens, or from regional organic farms and producers – are crafted into a delicious seasonal menu by Chef Hat-awarded Head Chef Jack Powlay.

    Boasting gorgeous water views from its location on the banks of Lake Daylesford, Boathouse Restaurant is perfect for an elevated dining experience.

    For a special treat, a visit to the two-chef-hatted restaurant at the Lake House is a must. Savour beautiful views and a seasonal menu championing small-scale local suppliers and their own farm just 10 minutes away. 

    2. Hepburn Springs

    If you're exploring Victoria food regions to visit, Surly Goat is one restaurant you won’t want to miss.
    Tuck into hearty, farm-fresh flavours. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Taking cues from its Swiss-Italian roots and the area’s produce, the picturesque Lavandula Farm houses a seasonal trattoria, rustic wine bar, and a new deli and larder inside the original Shepherd’s Flat Post Office. 

    For another dining destination immersed in the area’s history, visit The Hepburn Pavilion café at Hepburn Bathhouse. Brunch, lunch, scones and house-made cakes are served under the vaulted ceiling of this Edwardian heritage-listed building. 

    And while The Surly Goat may have a farm-like ring to it, it’s in fact a homely restaurant that takes seasonality seriously. Chef David Willcocks heads up an ever-changing set menu celebrating local and small-scale regenerative producers. 

    3. Trentham

    Add Sisko Chocolate to your list of Victoria food regions to visit for a sweet stop along the way.
    Satisfy your sweet cravings with handcrafted treats. (Image: Sisko Chocolate)

    No trip to an Aussie regional town is complete without a stop at the pub. Pig & Whistle Hotel sits surrounded by farmland. Soak it in from the locally beloved beer garden. Here, pub classics include a parmigiana with an Irish twist.  

    For a more refined experienced, dine at du Fermier, where chef and owner Annie Smithers crafts a weekly menu of French farmhouse-style dishes, often sourcing ingredients from her nearby farm in Lyonville. 

    And if you have a sweet tooth, don’t leave town without a cheeky stop at Sisko Chocolate Studio, where owner Christina Tantsis has built a chocolate-lovers wonderland inside a stunning architectural space. Her handcrafted creations use couverture from Valrhona, a certified B Corporation, and the hot chocolates are positively sinful. 

    4. Woodend

    Kuzu Izakaya in woodend, daylesford
    Taste incredible Japanese cuisine at Kuzu Izakaya.

    Taste local drops in town at the family-owned Woodend Cellar and Bar – complemented by tapas and artisan platters featuring sourdough from the local bakery – or at 600 Above, a wine bar with a sunny courtyard and cosy fireplace serving small and large plates.  

    Nearby, Kuzu Izakaya is the go-to place for Japanese dining. Chef Eriko Pannam has crafted a moreish menu of creative and traditional dishes; think miso cream scallops and everyone’s favourite, Japanese fried chicken. 

    Mount Macedon Winery is another must-visit for wine connoisseurs. Enjoy a glass and wood-fired pizza on the deck, or opt for fine dining at their Cellar Door Restaurant.

    5. Kyneton

    Piper Street in Kyneton is overflowing with top-notch eateries. Take Prato, specialising in traditional Greek dishes and pinsa (a lighter, crispier version of traditional pizza); or the upscale Midnight Starling, where chef Steve Rogers serves French classics inside a historic building with bluestone cellar. 

    A little further down, The Piper Street Wine Company is a European restaurant and wine bar inside a gorgeous heritage building. Their evolving menu highlights one European country or region at a time, so there’s always something new to discover. Further along, Fook Shing delivers a flavour-packed Southeast Asian menu using local and regional Victorian produce.

    6. Castlemaine

    Blue cheese from Long Paddock Cheese.
    Discover rich, creamy cheeses crafted by a certified cow’s milk artisan cheesemaker. (Image: Long Paddock Cheese)

    Cafes, bars and restaurants have taken up residence inside this former Gold Rush town’s historic buildings. At The Mill Castlemaine – an 1870s woollen mill turned creative hub – you’ll find Long Paddock Cheese, a small-scale artisan cheesemaker that uses certified-organic cow’s milk from a nearby family-owned farm; and Das Kaffeehaus, a Viennese cafe serving traditional Austrian food with coffee from their small batch roastery. 

    Meanwhile, inside the Midland Hotel you’ll find the chef-hatted Bar Midland, founded by locals Loudon Cooper and Alexander Marano. Their monthly set menu celebrates Victorian producers who focus on sustainable land management, and often utilises indigenous food, introduced wild animals and weeds.

    7. Lancefield & Romsey

    A flatlay of food from Lost Watering Hole.
    Savour beautifully plated dishes in a relaxed setting. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Art meets food and wine at Mount Monument, located just outside of Romsey. The beautiful vineyard is home to a sculpture park, cellar door and restaurant with a menu shaped by the Macedon Ranges’ rich seasonal produce.  

    In town, The 1860 Romsey has reimagined a 160-year-old hotel. Here, country pub charm meets modern bistro, with a menu that supports local at every opportunity (their Central Victorian Oakdale Black Angus steak is a winner).  

    A few minutes’ drive north, the Lost Watering Hole in Lancefield is a family-friendly brewery and restaurant crafting 100% naturally brewed beers. Their unusual names – No Dodo, Flightless, Big Roo – make sense once you learn Lancefield is the location of one of the richest deposits of megafauna fossils in Australia.

    8. Harcourt

    Lovely pastries from Hartcourt Produce & General Store.
    Treat yourself to buttery, house-made Danish pastries. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Harcourt is famous for its apple orchards and cider production, and there’s no better place to visit than The Little Red Apple. At this roadside store, you can stock up on fresh crisp apples, ciders, vinegars, juices, and other gourmet products. 

    To taste more local delights, pop into the Harcourt Produce & General Store, renowned for their house-made danishes, or stop at Sutton Grange Winery where winemaker Chris Smales crafts wines using their organically grown estate fruit. Open on Sundays, it’s an idyllic spot to slow down over wine, pizzas and share plates. 

    Start planning your next outdoor adventure at victoriasheartland.com.au.